For Sunday December 10, 2023
Advent/Christmas Traditions Class
This Sunday (12/10) you’re invited to the second session of our Advent/Christmas Traditions class with the Co-Rectors. Grab your cup of coffee and head to the library between the services (9:15-10:00 AM) to learn where some of our familiar (and not-so-familiar) holiday traditions come from. It will be fun!
Our 3rd Holiday Office Open House Recap!
In case you missed it, our holiday party was a blast!
St. Paul’s Receives New Advent Vestments
St. Paul’s new Advent collection was created by Ecclesiastical Sewing in Baxter, Minnesota; Carrie Roberts, proprietor. www.ecclesiaticalsewing.com. The fabrics, accents and embroidery are highly symbolic by design.
Lena Granet
The Heart of the Social Justice Ministry at St. Paul
Lena in action as she chairs her final meeting.
For anyone who has been fortunate to spend time with Lena Granet, they immediately feel the presence of a woman full of love and compassion. Those attributes have guided Lena’s leadership during the past decade of the Social Justice Ministry at the Church of St. Paul in The Desert, from which she will retire in December 2023.
Lena has been attending St. Paul since July 2010, when she met her husband, John. They held their wedding ceremony at St. Paul in 2012 deepening their connection to the church. Shortly after they got married in 2012, Lena began her engagement with the Social Justice actively participating in the ministry.
The Social Justice Ministry at St. Paul has roots back to 2004 when John began attending meetings, yet there was more limited action at the time. In 2012, under the leadership of Audrey Spencer, the ministry gained momentum with various initiatives like distributing bags of sundries in 2015, similar to today’s “Bags for those in Need”. However, unlike today’s distribution of bags, the initial delivering of bags had challenges and was perhaps ahead of its time. In 2017, Chris Kelly took over as the Chairperson and Lena along with JoAnn Adair organized and cleaned the donations storage closet to streamlined operations, starting what has now turned into the continuous efforts of the Social Justice Ministry.
Today, the objective of the Social Justice Ministry is to provide essential support to those in need. For example, the Social Justice Ministry offers. With the compassionate leadership of Lena, the Social Justice Ministry provides a monthly distribution of everyday items that are often taken for granted, such as personal care products and clothing. Offering individuals personal selections of clothing and sundries allows those in need to feel better about themselves, fostering a sense of dignity. Additionally, distributing blankets and backpacks twice a year is a valuable way to address immediate needs of warmth and provide a secure place for their belongings.
Lena’s commitment to the Social Justice Ministry was confirmed by her experience in July 2017 when she had an idea about how St Paul might be able to “restart Social Justic especially helping the homeless and those in need”. After some research, Lena found that Dollar Days had the most competitive prices to procure items for distribution to those in need; thus, Lena and John purchased the first order for distribution. After presenting her idea to the St Paul, Lena was asked to speak to the congregation about how they could help by donating clothes as well as money to purchase sundries. It worked! Lena and the Social Justice Ministry received clothing donations while raising funds not previously in the budget which have sustained the Ministry from 2017 through 2023.
Over the years, St. Paul’s Social Justice Ministry has seen steady growth. Initially, it had about 10-12 active volunteer members attending meetings, and currently there are 21 active members. Approximately 75% of the volunteer members contribute to the distribution activities. Lena typically asks for volunteer members to assist at the monthly distribution about 10 days prior to the distribution, and secures a full “staff” of volunteers within 5 days. In general, a monthly distribution has two shifts with 4-5 volunteers per shift.
In its first year of operation in 2017, the Social Justice Ministry served an estimated 1,080 people. The number of people served each month varies, but recently, 85 people were served in the last distribution, and more than 150 bags were distributed to those in need. On average, the Social Justice Ministry has been serving around 1,100 people annually.
In Lena’s perspective, St Paul “has just started helping those in need”. In potential future partnerships with local churches, finding ways to provide showers warm meals will be a significant step in supporting the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness and other challenges. For some who have not had a shower in over a month, such services will help them to feel “human again”.
The vision for the future of the Social Justice Ministry is to continue aiding those in need, expanding their reach, and collaborating with other organizations to provide comprehensive support to the less fortunate.
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert is exceedingly grateful for Lena’s years of faithful commitment and humble service to the local community in need. The entire congregation sends Lena into her retirement with heartfelt wishes as she plans to “thoroughly clean her house, focusing on health and wellness, assist her husband in his career, and indulging in enjoyable activities and experiences”.
One week until the great PINK PARTY
Advent III – Gaudete/Rose/”Pink” Sunday, December 17
A time when we celebrate our in-gathering of pledges and thank God for all we offer. Join us after the 10:30 AM service for a special party. Make sure you’ve turned in your pledge card and picked out your PINK OUTFIT! You won’t want to miss this once-a-year jubilee!
The Latino Ministry is collecting household items for a refugee family this winter. Sponsored by the Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service organization that Troy Elder helps run, (IRIS), a list of items is below and in the narthex. See the collection box, read the list, go shopping, and consider bringing something that they will need. The festive service for the Virgin de Guadalupe, Dec. 13th, at 6 PM, is our beginning date, but we’ll collect things until Jan. 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany (Tres Los Reyes). Contact Bonnie Stroock for more information – 760-799-9336
Kitchen items – coffee mugs, cooking utensils, potholders, kitchen towels, can/bottle opener, silverware and holder (for 8), cutting board, colander, large garbage bags, dishwasher soap, scouring pads and sponges.
Bedroom – blankets, hangers, sheet sets and pillowcases (queen, double size), laundry soap, electric clock, pillows.
Bathroom – Toothbrushes, paste, and floss, first aid kit and thermometer, towel set, soap, waste basket, shower curtain and hooks, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, toilet brush, toilet cleaner.
To find out more about IRIS click hereSt. Paul’s Latino Ministry
Trip to Chicano Museum Postponed – Date TBD
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mariachi Mass – Midweek Eucharist – Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 PM (transferred) – Experience the richness of Hispanic spirituality in a special Eucharist to commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is the Patron Saint of Mexico and Patroness of the Americas. The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12 every year. The day has been declared a national holiday in Mexico. Devotees honor the day when the Virgin Mary appeared three times to a humble Chichimeca Aztec baptized as Juan Diego on this day in 1531.
Advent Collection of Items for Refugee Family – The Latino Ministry is collecting household items for a refugee family this winter, sponsored by the Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS). A list of items is in the Narthex and in The Abundant Life. Can you help? Contact Bonnie Stroock for more information – 760.799.9336
Advent Bereavement Group
If you are in a place of loss/grief, you are invited to join others in this four-week series, and travel together in hope to our “Blue Christmas: Longest Night Service.” Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 PM, in the library, beginning November 30. Sign-up roster is in the Narthex.
Advent Retreat: Prepare to Paint
Saturday, December 9th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Paul’s Parish Hall
Prepare the way of the Lord in the desert by learning to paint a desert landscape! By the end of the class, you will have a 9” X 12” oil painting to take home as a Christmas gift. Cost: $20/person (for supplies). Bring a bag lunch. Sign up at the Welcome Table. Space is limited to 6 people.
News Flash 12/7/23: An opening has occurred – one spot left! Please reach out to Lou Armentrout if interested in attending Saturday’s retreat: bonitabrothers@hotmail.com
Advent Poetry / Taming of the Shrew class
Winter Clothing Donations Needed
Cooler weather is just around the corner and the Social Justice Ministry is seeking donations of new or gently used winter clothing to distribute to our needy neighbors. As in prior years, we expect a high demand for winter coats, jackets, and heavy sweaters, but hats, scarves, gloves, and other seasonal items are also appreciated. Please place your donated items in the collection baskets located in the Narthex. Our volunteers distribute these items from display tables set up in the Columbarium colonnade the last Wednesday of each month.
St. Paul’s Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 2 PM. For January, Book Club has selected Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Tom Lake is a meditation on love and the lives parents have led before their children were born. It explores what it means to be happy even when the world is falling apart.
To celebrate Book Club’s Seventh Anniversary, the meeting will be in person at a member’s home. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
Attention, Snowbirds!
You are invited to join a Circle Supper group this winter. Though this social ministry begins in the fall, several groups have openings and would welcome Snowbirds starting in January. These monthly gatherings are a terrific way to experience the St. Paul community in a more intimate social setting than after Sunday services.
If you have any questions or are interested in signing up, please contact Jan Wacker (a Snowbird from Washington state) at jwacker2001@yahoo.com or 503-803-6863.
Deck The Halls!
Calling all Elves! If you would like to join the Christmas Decoration team and assist with decorating the church interior, please attend a meeting that will happen following Sunday’s 10:30 AM service, in the Parish Hall. During the meeting, you will learn how we plan to transform the church interior for Christmas the afternoon of December 24 (Christmas Eve). We will begin our work immediately following the 10:30 Advent IV service and complete the project prior to the 6:00 PM Christmas Eve family service. If you are unable to attend today’s meeting but would still like to assist in any way, please contact event coordinator, Michael Painter, at 714.742.0488.
Christmas Flower Offerings
‘Tis the Season! If you would like to contribute toward the cost of poinsettias, please use the special offering envelopes found in the pew pockets. Deadline for inclusion in our published Christmas flower donor listing is Wednesday, December 20. Your donated flowers may be collected after Christmas to distribute to those who couldn’t attend services in person, or for your own enjoyment at home.
In case you missed it…Lessons & Carols
In case you missed it, click here to watch last week’s Lessons & Carols.
Legacy Society
Who are you?
Jim DeMersman/Richard Patenaude
How long have you been at St. Paul’s and what brought you here?
This is our second time at St. Paul’s. We were here in the 90’s when St. Paul’s was going through its first growth spurt. Richard was Senior Warden for 3 years as we went through the building program to add the transepts, colonnade, sexton’s apartment, redo of offices, etc. This time we have been back from the Bay Area for one year.
What keeps you here at St. Paul’s?
This is our spiritual home with our family of choice. We believe in the mission, message, ministry and the current direction in helping this place become a “spiritual oasis in the desert” for those who are still searching.
Why did you join the Legacy Society?
We have been fortunate in our lives to have been given much. For two men who grew up in economically disadvantaged homes and on welfare, we have been blessed in our lives together- from meeting each other, our shared interests, great careers and the ability to help where we can. We want that to be able to continue once we are no longer physically present. It is what we both feel called to do.
What are your big dreams for St. Paul’s future as we continue through our annual stewardship season?
On an esoteric level, we hope that it will continue to be a refuge for those who have been wounded by other faith traditions where they can find a path to their spiritual truth-whatever that might be. On a practical level- we would love to see our clergy and staff all be full-time with commensurate benefits. In addition, a new renovated/refurbished parish hall where we can live up to the potential of having a space that not only serves St. Paul’s directly but also the community at large.
What is something interesting that St. Paul’s folks might not know about you?
Jim-was a museum director for 43 years in various museums across the country along with serving on the boards or panels of national, regional and state museum association, including a stint as President of the California Association of Museums. I am also a home baker and love to do cakes for special occasions.
Richard- was a city planner and served as the Planning Manager for the City of Palm Springs in the late 80s and 90s. Part of that job was serving as staff to the Historic Preservation Board and he was the one who first started the idea that mid-century modern architecture was worthy of historic significance. He also loves to sing.
Both- We met at a National Trust for Historic Preservation in Miami 32 years ago when Richard was living in Palm Springs and Jim in Denver. We are both Disneyholics: we have annual passes and go as often as we can, 2 Disney Vacation Club timeshare contracts, and have taken 7 Disney cruises with the 8th planned for next March. We love to travel and have been to 34 countries across the world.
Sunday’s Altar Flowers
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom . . .” Isaiah 35:1-2
Fresh flowers at the altar honor God and add to the beauty of our worship. If you would like to sponsor altar flowers for a future Sunday to commemorate a special person or event, you’ll find the sign-up book in the Narthex, or you can call the Parish Office at 760.320.7488 to reserve your sponsorship dates(s) A donation of $95 for each altar flower sponsorship is suggested.
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for The Church of Pakistan (United), The Most Reverend Azad Marshall, Moderator Bishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska, The Right Reverend Mark Lattime, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the clergy and people of Church of the Good Shepherd, Bonita.
For those commended to our prayers: David Valenzuela, The Most Reverend Michael Curry, Teri Whitmer, Sheila & Martin Nickerson, Kylie Smith, Rosemary, Quinci Vicory, Wendy Vicory, Daniel & Cynthia, Hap Blaisdell, Bonnie Ong, Kelli, Alexander, Allison, Bill Davis, Monte Hammer, Kenn Catterlin, Bill Brewer, Ben Palmer, Terry Garrity, Rus Butler, Joe Christopher, Rob Porter, Barry MacDonald, Steven Michael Chacon, Robert Menifee, Connie & Spencer, Dominic, Kurt Davis, Rosa Ealy-Zingg, Thomas Root, Jodene Catterlin, Amelia Grinstead, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton, Marilyn De Silva Currie, Donald Chase, Greg Gowdy, Tom Lutgen; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Flora Mae Johnson, Brenda Relorford, Louis Thibault, Mike Wills, Mari Covell, Charlene Cash, William Tribble.
Rest eternal grant to these, your servants, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For those with birthdays: December 7: Jack McLean, Jim McLean; December 11: Nancy Antonius, Martin Prew; December 14: John Hampton; December 15: Blanche Mickelson, John Granet; December 16: Rosa Zingg, Charles Brockway.
For those celebrating anniversaries: December 10: Alex Finlay-Christensen & Bill Finlay, Cheryl & Ray Kelley.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Nancy Antonius, in thanksgiving for friends who have become family, AND by Cheryl & Ray Kelley, in thanksgiving for their 20th wedding anniversary, and their 47 years together.
Send us your Prayer Requests via email — You may request prayers, “For those commended to our prayers” or “For those who have died,” by sending requests to registrar@stpaulsps.org. The weekly print deadline is Wednesday noon.
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.lectionarypage.net and click on December 17, 2023, Advent III.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Saturday, December 9 – 9:00 AM-3:00 PM – Advent Painting Retreat – Parish Hall
- Tuesday, December 12 – 5:00-7:00 PM – Advent Spirituality – The Taming of the Shrew
- Wednesday, December 13 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Wednesday, December 13 – 6:30 PM – Advent Poetry class
- Wednesday, December 13 – 7:00 PM – Finance Committee meeting
- Thursday, December 14 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Advent Bereavement Group
- Sunday, December 17 – Stewardship Pink Sunday – “Dream BIG”
- Tuesday, December 19 – 5:00-7:00 PM – Advent Spirituality – The Taming of the Shrew
- Wednesday, December 20 – 4:00 PM – Human Resources Committee meeting
- Wednesday, December 20 – 6:30 – Advent Poetry class
- Wednesday, December 20 – 6:30 PM – Vestry meeting
- Thursday, December 21 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Advent Bereavement Group
- Thursday, December 21 – 6:00 PM – Interfaith Blue Christmas/Longest Night service
- Sunday, December 24 – 6:00 PM – Christmas Eve family service
- Sunday, December 24 – 11:00 PM – Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (with incense)
- Monday, December 25 – 10:30 AM – Christmas Day service
Stay Connected
Sunday Service LiveStreaming
We are livestreaming our 10:30 AM Sunday Eucharist every week. You can view the livestream on our Home Page, YouTube Channel, and Facebook Page.
Missed a service? Or want to rewatch a liturgy? All our past services are available to watch either on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/StPaulintheDesert or on our Facebook timeline: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulinthedesert
Join our E-Mail List
You’ll find this invitation on the front page and many pages throughout our website. It’s intended for anyone who wants to receive communications from St. Paul’s via email. This includes The Abundant Life weekly, online newsletter. If you haven’t already, sign up today!
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