The Abundant Lite – February 7, 2013

From the Rector

Weighed Down With Sleep

In this season of church time, we have been looking at one revelation after another about Jesus. From his angel-trumpeted birth, to his Spirit-filling baptism, to his multiplication of joy at a wedding, to his ownership of God’s message for the world, and finally to his glory upon the mountaintop. We have been exposed to different facets of Jesus’ fullness. This is the season after the Epiphany, when we discover the life and character of Jesus.

There is a lot going on. There is a great deal to learn about Jesus. And that challenge sometimes wears me out. Peter, James, and John were worn out, too. Although they were chosen to accompany Jesus on this “mountain top” experience, they don’t appear to have been in top shape. The story is actually very understanding of them: Although they “were weighed down with sleep,” they managed to stay awake enough to glimpse Jesus’ glory, the change in appearance which pointed to his connection to God and the confirmation of his authority.

God does not wait for them to be at their best before they are witnesses. Even laden with sleep, not at their best, they can begin to see the glory of God reflected in Jesus. They don’t know it, but they are practicing to support Jesus. These close followers of Jesus are practicing for the time when they will support him in prayer. He will ask their prayers as he struggles with his vocation – just before he is betrayed.

The process of discovering and supporting Jesus is daunting for us, too. We have to learn and practice what is natural for Jesus – maintaining a connection with God. I wonder if the moments when we are “weighed down with sleep” – when we are not at our best or when we feel our ability to control the circumstances around us slip away – are not some of those moments when we might be very close to getting a glimpse of Jesus’ glory. When we have worn ourselves out by our customary approaches, we may be surprised by an unexpected “voice” that comes from God.

Join us this week as we follow Jesus and learn from him; ready for an unexpected voice.

Fr. Andrew

Featured Scripture

     Luke 9:28-36

About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”–not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Art Installation

The ‘Windsails‘ in the narthex were inspired by a visit to Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, off the north east coast of Britain where St Aidan founded a monastery in 635 AD in the Celtic pattern of Iona. As we progress through Lent, so the Windsails will be moved each week, getting closer to the altar for Easter. Wendy Rudd is an amateur British artist who worships in an Anglican Church and a friend of Gordon Etheridge who arranged for them to come to St. Paul’s. As they are moved into the main body of the building, we hope to have curated times when we can invite people to come and enjoy the quiet space for inspired reflection. If you are willing to offer an hour, probably in the weeks following February 24th, please email:

gordonetheridge@gmail.com

or telephone the church office.

(Gordon usually worships at the 1030 Sunday service)

Episcopal Night at the San Diego Opera

‘Murder in the Cathedral’

Friday, April 5, at 7pm

Join Bishop Mathes and members from churches of the diocese for an evening of world-class opera and experience a 900-year old story of politics, intrigue, temptation and murder. Tickets purchased at a 20% discount include a backstage tour and a glamorous pre-opera reception. Visit the webpage www.sdopera.com/promo/offeredsd. For more information, pick up a flyer in the church office or contact Vanessa Dinning at 619.533.8047 or Vanessa.Dinning@sdopera.com.

Funeral Announcement

The Funeral for Jane Thompson will be held at St. Pauls on February 16 at 1:00 pm.

The Desert Convocation:

Building a Community of Conversation

Alice Parker – “Finding the Heart of the Song” is the all-day workshop that Ms. Parker (teacher, composer, conductor and long-time collaborator with Robert Shaw) will lead on Saturday, February 23rd,  beginning with registration check-in at 8:30am. The day will end with a service of songs and scriptures around 5:15pm and all singers and musicians are welcome to participate in this workshop. While singing Spirituals, Folk songs, Sacred songs, and Anthems, Ms. Parker will explore the relationship between lyrics and melody. Reservations are required by Friday, February 15th. The cost for the Saturday workshop is $15 ($12 students) and the first 100 attendees to reserve will receive lunch as well.

On Sunday, February 24th, she will give the “Sermon in Song” at our 10:30  service, and from 2-4pm she will give a short talk and answer your questions in a general session open to the public. Everyone is invited to share these special events with this iconic musical figure. Contact Nathan Ensign for reservations and more information at 760.320.7488 ext 225.

Episcopalians Against Gun Violence

Episcopalians Against Gun Violence is an ad-hoc group of bishops, clergy and lay people disseminating information about Episcopalians who are working, collectively and individually, to curb gun violence. For further information, go to  www.facebook.com/EpiscopaliansAgainstGunViolence.
 

CONFIRMATION! Are you…?

• Are you worshiping with our community and are ready to take a further step into becoming an Episcopalian?
• Are you allready an Episcopalian and have been inactive and want to reconnect?
• Are you confirmed in another denomination and want to be received into the Episcopal Church?
• Are you interested in exploring your faith in the context of St. Paul’s community?

Then our Confirmation Program is for you!

This journey will lead you through your own spiritual life story as well as through the history, theology and worship of the Episcopal Church. It is an opportunity for you to grow spiritually in and through the community of faith at St. Paul’s. Following an orientation meeting on Thursday, February 21st, at 6:30pm in the Library, there will be weekly sessions on the Thursdays throughout Lent in preparation for Confirmation/Reception by Bishop Mathes on Sunday, April 21st.  Please RSVP your interest in attending by calling Susan at 760.320.7488 ext 227.

Bus Trip to the LA Science Museum

 
There will be a bus trip to the LA Science Museum to see Endeavor on Monday, March 18th. Tickets will be available on Sundays, February 3rd and 10th after both services. You may also buy tickets in the church office. We will leave from St Paul’s parking lot at 7:15am on a 48-passenger Cardiff fully-equipped luxury bus. After watching an IMAX 3D documentary on the repair of the Hubble telescope, we will see the Endeavor space ship. Lunch is on your own (the Museum has a number of restaurants), and you will have ample time to view other wonderful exhibits. We depart LA at 2:30 for the ride home. Complementary wine, soft drinks, and snacks will be served. $45 per person. Please join us! Sponsored by St. Paul’s Senior Ministry Committee.

Faith Building

“Sundays at 9:15”

In The Library

The Hebrew Scriptures – The Book of Genesis
02/10    Celtic Church/Tradition II, led by Rick Tinsley

Lenten Biblical Figures:  hosted by Victoria Hatch
2/17    Peter: Putting Your Foot into Your Mouth
2/24    Judas: Revolutionary, Friend, Betrayer, or Dupe
3/03    Pharisees & Sadducees: Good Guys or Bad Guys
3/10    Pontius Pilate: Hand Washing? Please Pass the Soap
3/17    The Centurion(s): Pax Romana or Convert?
3/24 & 31    NO CLASS – Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday

“Tuesdays at 7”

In the Library

Faith & Reason Series: Anselm and Abelard: hosted by

           Jerry Di Noto & Craig Ewing

02/12  Bonaventure: A wild journey of the mind—

           thinking God-like

The Historical Jesus: hosted by Jerry DiNoto, Craig Ewing

           and Father David
2/19    Who Do You Say That I Am? – The Many Faces of Jesus
2/26    Who Do You Say That I Am? – One Remarkable Life
3/05    Who Do You Say That I Am? – The Last Days
3/10    Who Do You Say That I Am? – The Last Hours
3/19    Who Do You Say That I Am? – Death and Resurrection
3/26    NO CLASS – Holy Week

Roy’s Desert Resource Center

Thanks For SOS Support

Parishioners at St. Paul in the Desert donated (through our SOS Fund) $2,000 for gift cards for Christmas and emergency needs of the homeless at Roy’s Desert Resource Center.  In addition, on-going donations to our SOS Fund for “sox and underwear” supported a $516 contribution for January needs.  That bought 116 pairs of sox, 82 T-shirts and 89 pairs of underwear!  All of this is in addition to donated items taken to the altar during Sunday services and desserts provided for our Monday dessert program.

– – –

Volunteers from St. Paul in the Desert  serve dessert to 70-100 homeless men, women and children at Roy’s every Monday evening. We also deliver socks and underwear purchased and placed in the “ROY’S” basket. Roy’s clients, who are  striving to get back into the main stream, deeply appreciate your efforts.

“A Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive”

Ministry!

Our mission statement calls us to be “a welcoming, empowering and supportive community.” We are currently forming a new ministry at St Pau’s to support that mission.  Volunteers are needed from all three services to donate approximately 90 minutes of their time per month.  That time is split into 3-30 minute segments: 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the service you attend, once per month, to support the Welcoming Table located in the Narthex and another 30 minutes a month assisting with name badge organization.  If you are able to lend a hand, please contact Mike Funke at 760.-409.0986 or mike.funke@yahoo.com!

Help us live our mission statement!

The 2013 Budget has been revised.  Please read and reflect upon it.

Your Input Welcome

Your Vestry would like your input on the 2013 Budget. The Draft Budget is being evaluated and a copy is available here. Share your comments here.

Announcements

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The Abundant Lite?

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ACT NOW!

Sign the Pledge to Break the Cycle of Violence. Click here.

Emergency Update:

Hurricane Sandy

Episcopal Relief and Development is helping to meet the need.

Your help is urgently needed.

Click here to donate.

Ash

Wednesday

Services,

February 13th,

Noon

and

6pm.

A Newcomer’s Class

. . . is scheduled for Sunday, February 10th, at 7pm. This is your opportunity to discover more about St. Paul’s Church. Please contact Susan Jacob at 760.320.7488 ext 227 or susan.jacob@stpaulsps.org to register.

The Episcopal Church Women’s Valentine’s Luncheon

. . . will take place on Thursday, February 7th, at 11:30am in the parish hall. Please bring something special to you, be it a favorite artifact, a picture, or a special food. After lunch we will share personal memories about what we have brought. We will also discuss plans for the Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 2nd. Hostesses will beGini Bottomley, Ruth Kraus, Anna Secrist, and Barbara Villani. Please bring (except newcomers) a salad to serve 6 – 8, rolls, or dessert to share. Beverages are provided. For information, contact Barbara Villani at 760.322.3987.

Flowers in the church

Sign up in the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall for altar or narthex flowers for 2013.

We Need Volunteers

. . . to assist with Name Badge organization.  Please contact Mike Funke at 760-409-0986 or: mike.funke@yahoo.com if you can help.

Chocolate Banana Tea

. . . and orange sherbet punch are some of the great drinks offered at The DOK Annual Winter Tea on Sunday, February 17th, from 2-4pm at the home of Bonnie Stroock in Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage. Come and learn about the church’s Lenten educational offerings and eat some special desserts. A collection of warm clothing or nonperishable groceries will be taken for Well in the Desert. RSVP to 760.324.7949 by the 14th, please.

Sponsors are needed

. . . for those who will begin our Confirmation / Reception / Reaffirmation preparation series. A sponsor is someone who encourages candidates with prayer, presence, and contact. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact the office at 760.320.7488. We will hold a special brief sponsor meeting on Sunday, February 17th, at 6:30pm to outline duties and responsibilities of this vital role in the community.

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.  The next service will be February 13  at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.

Come to Convention!

All people of the Diocese of San Diego are invited to attend the 39th Annual Diocesan Convention on Friday, February 8th, and Saturday, February 9th, at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert. For information or to register, please visit:
www.edsd.org/diocon2013.
 

(Convention Volunteers Needed!  Help register guests for thje Gala Dinner from 5 – 6:30pm.  Call Susan at 760-320-7488 ext 227 to volunteer)

Coffee Hour Celebration

Coffee Hour Hosts after the 10:30 service are Cheryl & Ray Kelley.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed for the rest of 2013. To sign up to host a Coffee Hour, please use the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.

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.
 

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.

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.