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From The Rev. Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe
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Seed, Soil, and Word
It’s hard for me to grasp the meaning of this week’s Gospel reading because it presents an image so different from the image of farming I observed while living in Iowa. The farmers in the state of Iowa think they grow more corn than any other state, although the farmers in Illinois would dispute that. Be that as it may, corn is very important to the economy of both states. This is not the corn you and I eat. It is nothing like the sweet, delicately-flavored fresh Brentwood corn in our local supermarkets. This corn is dried and stored in huge HarveStore structures to fatten cattle so their steaks, roasts and other cuts will be rich and flavorful for us to eat. This corn is engineered for quantity and quality, for maximum profit. To the farmers it’s an expensive and scarce commodity. It is never just scattered and certainly not allowed to grow by chance. Soil is carefully prepared, seeds planted to exact specifications, fields cultivated to specific standards. Harvest demands the highest possible yield.
On the other hand, in this Gospel reading seed is sown abundantly, extravagantly, not out of scarcity, but almost recklessly. Seed lands not only on good soil where it yields an abundant harvest, but also where there is no soil or inadequate soil with no yield to harvest. What is this seed? Jesus is very clear: this seed is God’s Word. So this is a parable about God’s abundance, God’s extravagance. How does this Gospel reading help us to understand the stewardship theme at St Paul’s this past year, “Grace, Gratitude, and Generosity”? I wonder how God’s extravagant abundance plays out in your own life in relationship with our community and with our church.
Join us this weekend as we contemplate God’s extravagant abundance.
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Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
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Clergy Coverage for Emergencies and Hospital
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When Father Andrew is on vacation, clergy coverage for emergencies will be handled as follows:
During the Parish Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 – 4:30 except for lunch 11:30 -1:00) call the main office number 760.320.7488. Any other time, call 760.323.4028. This is a Parish Office number that is forwarded to the Priest on Call. Usually, this would be Fr. Andrew. During Father Andrew’s absence, it will be covered by Fr. Fred from St. Anthony’s. Calling this number does not guarantee that one of the priests will pick up the phone when you call, but it is the number that will get you the surest and quickest response. If you get a message, please leave the date, your name, and a contact phone number.
Hospital – If you are planning to go to the hospital for some reason, please call the Parish Office to let us know. If you have an emergency and end up in the hospital, let us know or have a friend let us know. Our clergy try to visit people who are in the hospital, but often only find out after they are at home.
Hospital Visits – If you are admitted to the hospital and would like a clergy visit or wish to receive Holy Communion during your hospital stay, please contact the church office at 760.320.7488, ext. 0, or have a family member or friend call on your behalf. Privacy laws prohibit the hospital from notifying us directly regarding patient admissions. Please relay this information to your family members so they understand to contact us directly in case of a hospitalization.
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PLEASE NOTE!!!
“Thursdays at 7: will not be held during July and August.
“Thursdays at 7” will begin again in September, after Labor Day.
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
Beginning July 10th in the Library, The Rev. Rick Tinsley will lead a 4-week study of “The Liturgy: Practicing the Presence of God.” We’ll discuss the details of The Liturgy: Where does it come from? Why do we do it that way? What does it mean? By better understanding the history, structure and meaning of Liturgy, we can enhance our worship experience. As we practice God’s presence using the Liturgy, we will become more aware of God’s presence as we go about our lives, sharing the Abundant Life, and serving Christ in others. Mark your calendars!
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 Beginning August 7, and continuing through the month, we’ll look at “The Sunday Dance With The Three-Legged Stool” learning how the Scripture Readings (First Lesson, Psalm, Second Reading and the Gospel) are chosen; and how those choices influence our worship, preaching, hymn selection, church music, prayers, and a whole lot more. The Rev. Dr. David Abernethy-Deppe, along with Nathan Ensign, Director of Music, will lead our discussions on how this all comes together for our Sunday worship services. Join us at 9:15 am in the Library . . . and bring a friend!
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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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Just ONE Extra Item!
 In your grocery cart is what we ask of our parishioners to get in the habit of purchasing for the Desert SOS Dessert Ministry of St. Paul in the Desert. While accomplishing your weekly grocery shopping, buy ONE extra item. This ONE extra item would assist us in providing dessert for the children, their parents, plus the rest of the 90+ clients, of Roy’s Desert Resource Center. Dessert (box of cookies, doughnuts, fruit, cheese or any other special treat) is provided every Monday evening by St. Paul volunteer servers and providers. These same 8 parishioners, week after week, from their own pockets, make sure that the St. Paul’s Dessert Ministry provides for these special people who look forward to this once a week treat, especially the children. Parishioners can bring items to church on the weekend or deliver desserts before 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Place the perishable desserts in the Parish Hall refrigerator (labeled clearly “SOS”). Contact Hap for more information at 760.323.5726.
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Well In The Desert
Now Serves Lunch at St. Paul’s on Wednesdays
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The Well in the Desert has moved its meal service at St. Paul’s from Fridays to Wednesdays. In order to support the retail businesses in our neighborhood, we requested a change in the day of our meal service. Now a hot meal is served at St. Paul’s from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday.
The Well needs volunteers to carry out their services and they need financial support to provide them. You can call (760) 327-8577 to volunteer. If you want to contribute to the Well, just write “Well” in the memo portion of your check.
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Thank You to the St. Paul Parishoners Who Have Given
 The population of men, women and children being cared for at Roy’s Resource Center has increased 30% this year. These clients are in need of the basic necessities of life. The SOS Fund needs YOUR support to continue to help our homeless friends who are trying to break the cycle of homelessness. Each month $300.00 comes from the fund to provide undergarments, socks and other necessities. If you are interested in supporting this outreach ministry, drop a check in the collection plate. Make the check payable to: St. Paul’s, and in the memo area, write: SOS Fund.
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Pew Shepherds: Do you sit in a usual place when you worship? Are you aware of the other people around you? You may be a Pew Shepherd! Pew Shepherds get to know the people around them. If one is absent or has an impending trip to the hospital, the Pew Shepherd inquires after them and let’s them know that someone is thinking of them, praying for them. The Pew Shepherd also let’s the clergy know of the situation.
Communion Access: At the Communion Rail, one may stand or kneel. One may roll a wheel chair up to the rail. If one is unable to get to the Communion Rail, please advise the Ushers and the Presider will bring Communion to you. If you require a Gluten Free bread, they are available on the west side (right side) of the Rail. Simply ask the priest.
Open Hands: As a sign of our openness to receiving all that God has in store for us at Communion, some approach the Communion Rail with their hands in some position that suggests openness.
Special Prayers: On most Sundays, we invite anyone who desires a prayer or blessing to come stand at the Communion Rail following the confession. If you desire a prayer or blessing, please think a bout it before you come forward, so you can share it with the priest quickly. This is not a time for conversation or significantly involved explanations. The priest will then offer a prayer on behalf of the whole congregation.
Offerings of Food: We invite contributions of food for the Well in the Desert each week. The gifts are placed in the baskets at the entrance and offered with all our gifts at the Altar. They are taken to the Well following the 10:30 service.
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A Holy Communion Service
Wednesday, July 13th at 10:00 a.m. at Windsor Court presided over by Fr. Fred Myers. Fr. Fred always welcomes assistance at Communion.
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Coffee Hour
 The host for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour for July 10th is Rosanna Langley.
The 2011 coffee hour sign-up sheets are posted on the north wall at Hogarth Hall. Find an empty slot and fill it with your name. For more information, call Ray Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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End-of-the-Quarter Statements Mailed
 The end-of-the-quarter statements have been mailed to the parishioners who have pledged. Please look over these statements carefully and if you have any questions, please contact Valerie, Pledge Secretary, at valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org. Valerie will return from vacation on July 18th.
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Camp Stevens Baja Trip
This trip is scheduled from Sept. 17th to the 24th. The Sea of Cortez boat trip has been arranged by Camp Stevens. Four spaces are available. There is additional information in the flyer located on the Parish Hall entry table. You may also e-mail Peter Bergstom at Peter@campstevens.org.
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Thank you to all the parishioners who have signed up for altar flowers and flowers for the narthex in 2011. In doing so, our altar and narthex has been in bloom with the beauty that Woody Miller masterfully creates for us each week. There is still room available for flowers for the altar and narthex for July 24th, and August 7th and 14th. Are one of those dates special to you? Is there someone you would like to pay tribute too? Or would you like to make your church more beautiful? If so, please sign up in the Parish Hall. Thank you.
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Acknowledgements for gifts received for May and June, 2011 may be viewed by clicking here.
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The St. Paul Columbarium Niches are over 60% sold out. If you are interested in a specific niche, please do not wait to purchase it or reserve it. Deposits are required for all niche reservations. Please contact Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe, at 760.320.7488, ext. 224 for further information.
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The Bishop’s Appeal
The Bishop’s Appeal supports the mission of the diocese through gifts that are used for support of our ongoing programs and ministries: congregational support and development, leadership development, pastoral care, ministry development, and Christian formation. 100% of your gift goes to supporting our ministries. To make a gift, to the secure website at http://www.edsd.org or mail to: Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.
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Report Sexual Misconduct
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, please be reminded that our diocese values the tenet of our baptismal covenant to “respect the dignity of every human being.” Part of the way we live into that is to train people in the prevention of sexual misconduct. Another part that goes hand-in-hand with training is reporting incidences of sexual misconduct. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, takes reports seriously and investigates them thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced sexual misconduct of any kind, please contact Bishop Mathes immediately: bishopmathes@edsd.org, 619-481-5450.
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NEWCOMERS
Are you receiving the latest mailings and the Abundant Lite weekly newsletter? If not, then we probably don’t have your correct mailing and/or email addresses. We want to make sure that you receive the invites to join us in a series of Newcomer events that we believe you will find to be informative and enjoyable. Please fill out the form in the pew pocket and place it in the plate, give it to an usher, or send your contact information by email to: valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org
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Bullies Not Welcome Here
At St. Paul in the Desert we want to welcome all worshipers to a place that is free of violence and bullying.
Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable.
“It Gets Better” is a series of video messages to encourage Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender youth and let them know that they are loved as they are.
“A Blessing for Those Who Are Bullied” was written by the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, a Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
It is not enough to say “NO” to bullies. It is important to stand up for people and to provide resources for those who have been the targets.
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