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From The Rector
Welcome 101: Some Customs
This week’s reflection is not about the Scripture, but about some customs that may or may not be unique to St. Paul’s. Some are unspoken, and therefore hidden from new worshipers. Here are a few:
We recite the Mission Statements of the Parish and Diocese. These represent some aspects of our identity, particularly, joy, service to others, and fearless engagement with the community surrounding us.
Pew Shepherds
Pew Shepherds are folks that make a point to get to know the others who worship near them. If the neighbors are absent unexpectedly, the shepherds look into it and let the clergy know if additional action is needed. They might also be initiators of social activities. And they look out for the new worshiper, to welcome and assist as needed.
Personal Devotional Actions
Some people make the sign of the Cross before they pray or receive Holy Communion – or a variety of other times during worship. Some kneel, or drop to one knee, or bow at certain times in worship. Each of these is a way the individual honors God and focuses themself in worship. There is a rule that governs these practices, “All may, some will, and none must.” If someone has a devotion that is unfamiliar to you, think of a time when you might ask, “I noticed that in worship you ……. and I wondered ……”
Intinction – Dipping the Bread into the Wine
Some people prefer not to drink from the common cup, but would also like to receive the wine. Intinction is the practice of dipping the bread or wafer into the wine and placing it on the tongue. At St. Paul’s the priest or minister serving the bread, dips the bread and places it on the tongue. This limits the number of people who touch the bread and the bread is dipped in wine in a dish for that specific purpose. If one has a cold, intinction is recommended.
Wine or No Wine
Some people prefer not to drink wine or intinct, but wonder if they are missing out on some of the Sacrament. No. The full grace of Holy Communion is present in both the bread and wine. It is not necessary to receive both.
Quiet
It is customary to adjust conversation and volume when entering the church so that the sacred character of the space and people is honored. The goal is not to practice absolute silence, but to be attentive to the needs of others and err on the side of restraint.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Canticle A Song in Praise of Wisdom
Wisdom 7:26—8:1
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Wisdom is a reflection of eternal light, *
a flawless mirror of God’s activity,
an image of divine goodness.
Though Wisdom is only one, *
she can accomplish everything;
remaining self-contained, *
she transforms all around her.
In every generation *
Wisdom enlightens holy souls,
making them friends of God, *
making them prophets.
For God loves nothing so much *
as the person who lives with Wisdom.
She is more radiant than the sun, *
and outshines every constellation.
She excels daylight by far, for day is eclipsed by night; *
but evil does not overshadow Wisdom.
She spans the earth from pole to pole *
and orders all things well.
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Diocesan Day of Service
St. Paul in the Desert will participate in the Diocesan Day of Service On Saturday and Sunday, October 10 & 11, following the 4:00 pm, 8:00 & 10:30 am services. Our contribution will be to assemble “Blessing Bags” after each service for distribution to our brothers and sisters in the community who might benefit from them. Please consider donating new, travel-size only toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, bar soap and sunblock. There is a basket in the foyer for the collection of items. If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to St. Paul in the Desert with “Blessings Bags” in the memo line. Thank you for your generous support of those in need.
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Welcoming Session on Membership
Many worshipers wonder how to become a member of St. Paul’s. If you wonder, join Fr. Andrew in the Parish Library on Sunday, September 27th at 9:15.
You will find out how to become a member, and be able to learn about St. Paul’s. This is not the same as Inquirers Class and will last for only one session. If you are already a member, this class is not for you.
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Blessing of the Animals
 St. Paul’s invites members and friends of the Parish to a special ceremony on Saturday, October 3rd, at 10:00 am. We will give thanks to God for the amazing gift of creation and especially for our Animal Companions. The special prayers will take place in the Meditation Garden. All well behaved animals are welcome and will receive a special blessing and affirmation of God’s love. (I believe the animals already know this, but the Human Companions enjoy a reminder.)
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Help Others Beat the Heat
This summer, St. Paul’s is helping our brothers and sisters in need to find relief from the heat. In collaboration with the Social Justice Team, St. Paul’s has purchased and is distributing free bus passes to clients of Well in the Desert, and others, so they can have access to the cooling center, showers, bingo and crafts workshops. If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to “Church of St. Paul in the Desert”, with “bus passes/Social Justice” in the memo line. Or, put cash in an envelope, identified in the same way, and place it in the offering plate.
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Desert AIDS Walk
 Saturday, October 17th, St. Paul’s will have a team of walkers who will participate in the Desert AIDS Walk. You are welcome to sign up for the walk and collect donations or donate directly to a team member. Checks should be made payable to the Desert AIDS Project. We will be signing up walkers and accepting donations after each worship service, beginning Saturday and Sunday, September 19th & 20th.
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café returns in The Chapel
September
9/13 Getting Beyond Hateful Acts & Labels-Part 1.
Led by Br. John Charles.
9/20 Getting Beyond Hateful Acts & Labels-Part 2.
Led by Craig Ewing. Read about it here.
9/27 Can Mindfulness Reduce Racism?
Led by Br. John Charles. Read about it here.
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Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Meets in the Library
Tuesday evening Adult Faith Building sessions resume on September 1st at 7 PM with a series on “DeMystifying the Book of Revelation”.
9/15 Basics: Who wrote Revelation? When?
What does the Book say?
Led by Craig Ewing.
9/22 What Makes this Book So Attractive to So Many?
Led by Br. John Charles.
9/29 The Erroneous “End of the World” Interpretation.
Led by Jerry Di Noto.
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Baked Goods Donations for
“ROY’S DESERT RESOURCE CENTER”
St. Paul’s ongoing outreach to the homeless at Roy’s Desert Resource Center needs donations of cookies, cakes and other baked treats for our Monday night dessert service at the North Palm Springs facility. Homemade items are especially popular and appreciated. You can bring donations with you to church and leave them with an usher before the service. For more information, contact Chris Kelly – (760) 406-2978. Thanks for your help.
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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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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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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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Announcements
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CHURCH
OFFICE HOURS
The church office is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a lunch break from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.
Should you call on Monday when we are closed to the public, please leave a message. In case of an emergency, a priest will return your call.
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PARKING LOT
A small portion of St. Paul’s parking lot will be used during the evenings for valet parking for our new neighbor, Eight4Nine Restaurant. Our staff will be monitoring the usage to be sure it does not cause any conflicts with our needs.
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AN OPEN INVITATION
All Altar Guild and Altar Ministers, and any parishioners who may be interested in joining one of these ministries, are cordially invited to a gathering for fellowship and refreshment at the home of Richard Wells on Sunday, September 13th at 5:00 pm. Watch this space for more details in coming weeks.
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COME AND BRING A
JOYFUL VOICE
It’s September – when St. Paul’s Parish Choir reassembles for weekly rehearsals. Wednesday, September 16, 7-8:30 pm is the date and time, and the choir room of the Parish Hall is the place. If you’d like to join the choir this fall, please contact Meg Irwin-Brandon prior to the rehearsal. Meg will serve as Interim Director for Nathan Ensign, through October. She can be reached at 413-285-6881 or mibrandon@verizon.net Newcomers are welcome!
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SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, October 18th, St. Paul’s Parish Open House and Ministry Fair, between the 8 am and 10:30 am services and following the 10:30 am service.
Details to follow!
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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 October 14th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR
Sunday’s 8:00 coffee hour is hosted by John Hampson and the 10:30 coffee hour is hosted by Lucinda Hampson in honor of Alan’s and Matthew’s birthdays.
There are several Sunday hospitality opportunities available through the end of the year. Please consider hosting a Coffee Hour after the 8:00 or 10:30 services with family or friends. Sign-up binders are on the large table on the right as you enter the Parish Hall.
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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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 John Seitman, at jseitman@pacbell.net or 858-793-4426.
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