|
Tree in Sea. Really?
In the Gospels we have received – including Luke – the sayings and stories of Jesus are organized for a purpose, with a direction. The portions we read, week by week, include unlikely combinations of lessons and stories. This week’s portion is one such mixture, but I am focusing only on one: the request for more faith. The inner core of the Jesus community has listened to him talk about conflict and forgiveness, and they ask him to increase their faith, but Jesus confuses us in his response. “If you had any faith, you could tell this tree to jump into the sea – and it would!” OK, Jesus, but why would I do that? What is Jesus trying to teach them?
Either Jesus is playing with his closest followers, or insulting them, or his words are not really about seeds and trees. What if he was encouraging them?
I think he was telling them that they could do outrageous things with a little “mustard seed faith,” but they could do amazing things with the faith that came from relationship with him.
He has their attention with the amazing tree move, then he takes it to a deeper level: take the faith they have from him and use it where it will make a difference. Why not use their faith to build a community of forgiveness and healing? The faith they have from Jesus, and have seen in Jesus, welcomes sinners and do-gooders alike, so that all the people of God are made whole.
This faith is not magic. This faith does not do tree-in-sea tricks. This faith takes Jesus’ life and shares it with them. Then it asks them to receive that life and share it with others. Forgiving here, caring there, a smile or a sincere welcome to the stranger are all part of a day’s work for Jesus’ faith. Jesus knows they can share his way because they have all the faith they need – with him.
As we prepare to worship together this weekend, let’s practice being with Jesus and let him show us where his faith is needed. Then our worship will be filled with stories of healing God’s world and seeing God’s presence. Faith lets God’s story be our story. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
|
|
Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
“Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, `Come here at once and take your place at the table’? Would you not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, `We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'”
|
|
Blessing of the Animals on St. Francis Day, Friday, October 4th, at 4pm.
Animals should be appropriately restrained.
Bring water for your animal.
|
|
 Taize services will be offered at St Paul’s on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm. In a quiet, peaceful setting, short songs are repeated again and again with just a few words to express a basic reality of faith. As these words are sung multiple times, our whole being is gradually permeated by this reality. Meditative singing thus becomes a way of listening to God and it allows everyone to take part in a time of prayer together. All are invited to come and experience this calming, prayerful moment in our hectic, daily lives.
|
|
Get Tested Coachella Valley!
Dear Parishioner:
On Saturday, October 19, Saint Paul in the Desert will be participating in the 26th Desert AIDS Walk to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our community. We’d love for you to join us that day in spreading the message that AIDS is not over, and that everyone should be tested as part of our ‘Get Tested Coachella Valley’ initiative. Please consider walking with us!
What is ŒGet Tested Coachella Valley‚? It is a 3-year region-wide campaign dedicated to dramatically reducing transmission of HIV . Why ŒGet Tested Coachella Valley?‚
-
53.3% of Coachella Valley residents have never been tested for HIV
-
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately one in five people living with HIV do not know they are infected
-
In parts of our valley, the prevalence of HIV is estimated at three times the national average˜putting everyone at greater risk.
An international study, hailed by Science Magazine as the „2011 Breakthrough of the Year,‰ has proven it: If an individual who is HIV positive takes the right medications, he or she is 96% less likely to pass the virus to others.
Follow This Link to visit my team web page and help me in my efforts to support Desert AIDS Project.
|
|
The Screwtape Letters – Theater Presentation
|
|
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is produced by Fellowship for the Performing Arts, whose mission is to produce theater from a Christian worldview that engages a diverse audience. The Screwtape Letters is a provocative and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of the C. S. Lewis novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. It will run at the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave @ E Street, San Diego, on Saturday, October 19th at 4pm and 8pm. For tickets visit www.screwtapeonstage.com or call 619.570.1100.
|
|
Boyd Funeral Re-Scheduled
|
|
F. Gillar Boyd, Jr.
3/15/28 -8/4/13
Gillar’s funeral will be on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 am.
It will be a wonderful celebration of his life.
|
|
SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 12, 2013 – 5:00 PM!
|
|
SAVE THIS VERY IMPORTANT DATE!
You won’t want to miss this wonderful event.
We will kick off St. Paul’s 75th Anniversary
in a grand way!
Remember – SAVE THIS DATE: 10/12/13!!
Your Invitation is here-NOW!
Click on the image below to view and/or print.
|
|
“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Hebrew Scriptures with DVD
facilitated by Jerry DiNoto
10/06 Judges (1) – a period of deep theological/moral issues
10/13 Judges (2) – political instability, moral/political chaos
10/20 Samuel & Saul – charismatic leadership and monarchy
10/27 King David – his charm, ruthlessness and faith
|
|
“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
Contemplative Prayer … Prayer of the Heart,
led by David Caffrey
10/08 Liturgical Prayer and the Daily Office
10/15 Lectio Divina: Sacred Reading and Praying the Bible
10/22 Desert Spirituality
10/29 Contemplation and the Eastern Christian Tradition
|
|
Roy’s Desert Resource Center is an outreach of St. Paul’s that serves the homeless by providing clothing and desserts on Monday evening served by our volunteers. You can help by contributing desserts, donating to our SOS Fund, adding to our donation baskets in the Narthex or joining our volunteers on Monday evening. For more information, call Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726.
|
|
Report Misconduct.
Report Misconduct. As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact the Rev. Thomas Wilson at twilssdca@gmail.com or 619.518.4713.
|
|
|
|
At the
Church of St. Paul
in the Desert
. . . we welcome all worshipers to a place free of violence, bullying, and abuse. Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable because of our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Please let Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself be your guide.
|
|
Peace & Justice Ministry:
Thought for the week: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
|
|
WATER!
 What are the water challenges of living in the desert? How may we as thoughtful stewards of God’s creation make a difference? Please join the Social Justice Team on Thursday, October 10th, at 7pm. in the church library. Craig Ewing, parish member and Board Member of the Desert Water Agency, has offered to share with us regarding these issues at this meeting.
|
|
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR
. . . begins rehearsals Wednesday, October 9th, at 6pm in the Choir Room. All children age 4 and above are invited to participate in this activity learning musical skills while having fun and assisting in the congregation’s worship. For more information please contact Nathan Ensign at 760.320.7488 ext 225.
|
|
 Godly Play
This Bible story-centered children’s curriculum aims at ages 4-9. It is held during the 10:30 Sunday service in the corner room of the parish hall. Nursery care is also available. A short parent and staff meeting will take place in the Godly Play room after church on Sunday. Bring your young children to church or invite friends who have grandkids of this age to join us. Call Bonnie Stroock for more information at 760.324.7949.
|
|
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 October 9th at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
|
|
Coffee Hour Celebration
Hosts are needed for many Sundays throughout 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.
|
|
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, click here.
|
|
Bullying Behavior Not Welcome Here
At St. Paul in the Desert we 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.
|
|
“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!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Write a comment: