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Preaching and Throwing Out Demons
Jesus continues his ministry of healing in the small town of Capernaum. First, he heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then he heals the sick and those bound by demons who are brought to the house. After some time alone for prayer, Jesus and his disciples leave town and go from village to village where he preaches and throws out demons. We have yet to hear the content of his preaching, beyond undefined “good news” and a new “kingdom”- but we know that he has caught the attention of the people.
He is building, not so much a following as a reputation. He is a teacher and healer. He will take action to heal anyone anytime. He heals men and women, he heals on regular days and even on the Sabbath.
We think of illness differently than people at the time of Jesus did. In antiquity, “Illness is not so much a biomedical matter as it is a social one. It is attributed to social, not physical, causes. Thus sin and sickness go together.” (P. 368, Malina and Rohrbaugh, Social Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels.) Sin is understood here as not only violating God’s Law, but even transgressing the customs of the community. Illness was assumed to be a sign of that brokenness. “Demons” were a way to place blame for the brokenness when the real problems were unknown.
Jesus’ healing is concerned with restoration. He restores the physical condition of those who have a particular malady, like a “fever,” but he also restores the healed to their social relationships. That is what it means for the woman to get up and serve – she was able to resume her important role in hospitality for the home. But Jesus does more. His healing also proclaims that the sick, the broken, the “demon possessed” are restored in their relationship with God.
As I read this, I see illness and “demon possession” standing in for all of the ways in which people are divided from one another and feeling cut-off from God. Beyond the particulars of one healing or the attributes of one “demon,” the path of healing leads to renewed engagement with one’s family or community and restored awareness of God’s love and grace.
Jesus tells those who follow him to do the same thing – to preach good news and throw out demons. Jesus has called his followers to be agents of restoration and reconciliation – promoting the peace of God for all people.
The worship we offer to God each week prepares us. The word and music may inspire us and the Sacrament nourishes us to restore and renew relationships where healing is needed. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Mark 1:29-39 Common English Bible (CEB)
After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them. That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. The whole town gathered near the door. He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him. Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!” He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.
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Jim Bottomley died on Tuesday night,
February 3rd.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory! Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his wife, Ginny. His funeral service will be held here at St. Paul’s on Sunday, February 8th at 12:30 PM.
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MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANDREW
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I will be making a pilgrimage to the
Holy Land, November 6 – 16, 2015.
The Pilgrimage will be organized by the Rev. Earle King of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Grand Island, NY. This will be Fr. King’s sixth pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our families have been friends since 1982 and I continue to work with Fr. King as a part of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
There are several spaces available to join this pilgrimage. A $300 non-refundable deposit is required by the end of January to reserve a place.
See Fr. Green’s Flyer here. Full Details here. Contact Fr. Earl King at 716-773-3335 or at padreking@aol.com
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Welcome to The Episcopal Café Discussion Group! Sessions will be held in the Chapel Room in the Parish Hall. These discussion/sharing sessions are based on online topics from Episcopal websites,
2/8 Penance a Modern Perspective.
Led by Br. John Charles & Audrey Spencer
2/15 Prelude to Lent.
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey
Toward an Earthly Spirituality – Guest presenter Rev. Dean Lueking: a five week Lenten series from biblical King David that speaks uniquely to our time.
2/22 David, his Story; (1 Samuel 16- 1 Kings 2);
David and Samuel: Names (1 Samuel 16: 1-13)
3/1 David and Saul: Work (I Samuel 16:14-23);
David and Goliath: Imagination (I Samuel 17)
3/8 David and Jonathan: Friendship;
David and Doeg: Sanctuary (I Samuel 21-22)
3/15 David and Generosity: (I Samuel 30);
David and Sovereign Grace (2 Samuel 7)
3/22 David and Bathsheba: Sin (2 Samuel 11-12);
David and Absalom; Suffering (2 Sam. 16-18)
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“Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Library”
Christian Mysticism & Mystics
Episcopal Café Moves to
Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Library
2/10 Animals in the new creation, Led by Jerry Lynch
2/17 Shrove Tuesday: Evening Prayer and Pancake Supper.
6:00 PM in Parish Hall. Evening Prayer will be followed by a
pancake supper. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale next
weekend after all weekend services or at the door. Please
join us for prayer and pancakes!
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Our Homeless Brothers and Sisters
Still Need Your Help
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Thanks to everyone who gave generously this Christmas, we were able to deliver 85 gift cards worth $25 to each of the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center. Our goal now is to resume monthly deliveries of new underwear and socks to Roy’s residents – a gift that is both urgently needed and much appreciated. Please help feed the hungry and clothe the naked with a financial contribution this month. Simply drop your check, payable to “St. Paul in the Desert,” in the collection plate or hand it to an usher with a notation on the “memo” line that it is for the “Roy’s Fund.” For more information contact Chris Kelly at 760-406-2978. Both the Roy’s team and residents are truly grateful for your support.
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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 John Seitman, at jseitman@pacbell.net or 858-793-4426.
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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.
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A WELCOMING, EMPOWERING, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Our mission statement calls us to be “a welcoming, empowering and supportive community.” We are currently forming a new ministry at St Paul’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!
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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.
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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Please observe that the office is not open for walk-ins on Mondays. If you call, please leave a message. In case of emergencies, a priest will return your call.
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A Celebration of Life will be held for Patti Minton-Sivcovich on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM here at the Church of St Paul in the Desert.
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A new opportunity for rewarding service
St. Paul’s Adult Literacy Ministry
is open to all interested volunteers. No teaching experience is needed to participate. The first training session will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 9:00 AM in the St. Paul’s small conference room. Please watch for further information in upcoming Sunday bulletins.
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The next parish Vestry meeting will be held in the Library on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00PM.
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BLESSING BAGS
. . . (small bags with personal hygiene essentials) will be distributed to the need in our Community. You are invited to donate TRAVEL SIZE toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs or sun block. There will be a collection basket in the Foyer of the Church from Sunday February 8 through Sunday February 22. If you prefer to contribute by check, please make them payable to St. Paul’s with “Blessing Bags” in the memo line. Please join us during coffee hour after both services on Sunday, March 1st to help fill the bags with blessings. Thank you!
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Sunday,
February 8, 2015
at 4:00PM.
The Church of St. Paul presents a concert with Mark Thallander on organ and Peter Green on piano. The program features piano and organ duets based on familiar hymn tunes. For more information contact Director of Music, Nathan Ensign at 760-320-7488 X 225.
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Available in the Parish Hall
Living Well through Lent 2015, a publication from the Living Compass Faith & Wellness Ministry, provides daily readings and suggestions for reflection and action, inviting you to engage fully in your Lenten journey. Pick yours up today!
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Taizé
Prayer Services
for Lent
. . . led by Nathan Ensign, will be held on Tuesday evenings throughout Lent at 7:00 PM in the church: 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24.
(NOTE: There will be no sessions on Palm Sunday 3/29, Tuesday of Holy Week 3/31 and Easter 4/5)
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
(FORMERLY “GODLY PLAY”)
NEEDS –-> YOU
We are looking for volunteers to be Story Tellers and/or Doorkeepers (observers) for our Sunday School program during the 10:30 service. This is an opportunity to teach children through biblical readings and activities selected by the Sunday School Team from an Episcopal curriculum. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, please contact Ted Barjas at 760.902.1014.
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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE
FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
Holy Communion at Windsor Court, 201 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, is hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the second Wednesday of the month, next, on February 11, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
Coffee Hour following the 10:30 AM service is hosted by Bruce McLean and Mark McMillan. Please consider volunteering as a Coffee Hour host in 2015. Sign up with a friend or make a new friend by signing up with someone you’d like to get to know better.
A binder at the entrance to the Parish Hall indicates available Sundays throughout the year. There are several Sundays available through the end of the year. If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join our circle on Wednesday’s from 10am -1pm in Hogarth Hall. Whether you wish to learn to knit or crochet or are an expert needleworker, we welcome you. Needles, hooks and yarn are provided. Please drop in to create and enjoy our prayerfully made creations.
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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.
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Our Partnership
with
Katherine Finchy
Elementary School
. . . continues through our donations of classroom supplies. Please take a blue classroom supply wish list, available from the ushers, (or view and print), to use when you go shopping. Please place your donations in the basket marked “Katherine Finchy Elementary” located in the Narthex. You may also bring your purchased supplies to the Church Office during business hours. If you are unable to shop, but would like to help financially, please make your check out to “St. Paul in the Desert” and write “Katherine Finchy” on the memo line.
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