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From Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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And so they began to complain…. It has been amazing to me how quickly folk begin to complain when someone whom everyone knows, makes good; reminds me abit of the complaining about Michael Phelps, prior to the 2012 Olympics, not being a good role model and not training hard enough. I think at the heart of the matter is jealously. In the process, the one who has stepped out makes what appears to be an invitation to be open to new possibilities, Michael Phelps, in spite of the naysayers, has become the most medaled athlete in Olympic history. The invitation is extended, to think outside the box; to look at things in a different paradigm. The progression through the sixth chapter of John’s gospel, is an amazing invitation to go beyond the accepted norm. Jesus begins to challenge the accepted way of thinking about what God is doing with and for us. The powers that be, Imperial Rome and the local Temple leadership see the sayings of this Jesus as a threat to their power base.
The conflict between what has been and the possibility of what might be, is always unnerving; because, it calls into question our perceptions of reality. What has been taught through the centuries about the Messiah who is to come is called into question. There seems to be a heavy dose of works theology at play.( i.e. you have to earn salvation.) How can anything, particularly salvation be freely given? There is a heavy price to be paid for this grace so freely given, it will be Jesus’ life because the powers and principalities have other plans, other priorities.
Come to the feast this Sunday, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him!”(Psalm 34:8)
Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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John 6:35, 41-51
Jesus said to the people, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, `I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
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A Service in Loving Memory
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Jeffrey John Hampson
December 27, 1949 – July 27, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
10:00 a.m.
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert
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New Program at St. Paul’s by the Older Adult Forum…
“Building Community & Socialization”
3rd Friday Breakfast 9am-10am
Come join us the 3rd Friday of each month to enjoy a great program and have a bite to eat. Our first event will be Friday, September 21st at 9am in the Parish Hall.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
August
Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power and How They Can Be Restored, Marcus Borg’s new book, is the focus of our August Sundays at 9:15 Faith Formation classes led by Victoria Hatch. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com in paperback or Kindle edition. It’s one of Borg’s better books . . . and that’s saying a lot.
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“Thursdays At 7”
There will be no “Thursdays at 7” meetings in July and August
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“Tuesdays at 7”
Movie Nights in July & August
On Tuesdays at 7 in the Library, the Faith Formation Team thought it would be fun to watch a movie together, enjoy popcorn, chocolates, or …, then share thoughts about the film, and discuss its ethical or life implications, if any. Here are three selections for July. We would like your suggestions for August!
8/14 “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” hosted by David Abernethy-Deppe
8/21 “Of Gods and Men” hosted by David Abernethy-Deppe
8/28 “Fried Green Tomatoes” hosted by Jerry DiNoto
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Keeping the Doors Open at Ahli Hospital in Gaza
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Ahli Hospital has operated since 1882 and continues caring for desperately poor Gazans, even though the United Nations Relief and Works Agency has halted funding. Ahli is operated by the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, an independent, non-political 501c3 which helps sustain the diocese’s many humanitarian programs. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Visit http://www.afedj.org to learn about or contribute to their important work which sustains the Christian community.
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Sign Up for Flowers,
Coffee Hour and
Desert SOS
To make is easier for parishioners to sign-up for Flowers, Coffee Hours, and the Desert SOS Dessert Ministry, the sign-up sheets are in binders that are on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. The 2012 binders are filling fast, so if you have a special date that you want to commemorate, be sure to sign up early.
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Calling all St. Paul’s Campers!
Please meet with Bonnie in the chapel on Sunday the 12th, at noon, so we can plan our menu for Friday dinner at the Idyllwild campground. Space is still available to go to cool Idyllwild and camp in tents on August 16th-17th for our 8th annual trip. Individuals, as well as families, are invited to join us. Dogs are permitted. We’ll do our spectacular BBQ dinner by sharing salads, deserts, etc., on Friday, the 17th. Call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949 to make a reservation. Come and enjoy the cool mountain air!
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Picture Directories
If you had your picture taken for the directory, there is one reserved for you and it is available in the Narthex.
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Holy Communion Service for
Local Care Facilities
Holy Communion will be hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the second Wednesday of each month at Windsor Court. For September, this will occur on September 12th at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
Holy Communion will be hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Premier Health Care. For August, this will occur on
August 28th at 11:00 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
. . . meets every Wednesday from 10 am – 1 pm in the Parish Hall. This peace-filled stitching circle gives members fulfillment and spiritual sustenance in creating prayer shawls to comfort those in need of prayer. For more details contact Valerie Ferguson at 760.799.5927, Barbara Hawkins Villani at 760.322.3987, or Audrey Spencermorris at 760.835.5506.
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Coffee Hour
Our hosts after the 8:00 service are Vestry members Jerry DiNoto and Ryan Uhlenkott and after the 10:30 service is Vestry member George Holliday. Coffee Hour hosts are still needed for several services this summer. To sign up to host a Coffee Hour, please use the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. If you have questions, please contact Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725
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Volunteers from St. Paul’s continue to serve dessert to between 70 and 100 homeless men, women and children at Roy’s every Monday evening. The desserts consist of baked goods and other goodies (store-bought or homemade) from our parishioners. As well, we deliver each month sox and undies purchased from our SOS Fund or placed in the SOS basket on Sunday. which is funded by special donations from parishioners. All of these efforts are deeply appreciated by these people who are earnestly striving to get back into the main stream.
If you would like to participate in this program, you can:
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Sign up to Volunteer
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Write a check to St. Pauls (marked for SOS Fund)
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Bring new white socks and/or large underwear for the Basket
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Place baked goods in the center section of the Fridge (again, marked For SOS)
Please call Hap Blaisdell at 760-323-5726 for additional information and ideas.
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Report Sexual Misconduct.
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, please remember 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 and to encourage all to report any misconduct. All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced sexual misconduct of any kind, please contact the Rev. Canon Suzann V. Holding immediately: sholding@edsd.org
or 619-481-5452.
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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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