The Abundant Life – November 2, 2017

The Abundant Life

November 2, 2017                                     For Sunday, Nov. 5th

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

DUE TO THE PRIDE PARADE THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, ACCESS TO THE CHURCH WILL BE LIMITED. THE PRIMARY SERVICE FOR THIS WEEKEND WILL BE HELD AT 4:00 PM ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH.  THE 8:00 AM SERVICE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH WILL BE A “SAID” SERVICE (NO MUSIC).

From the Ministry Leader

You shall be holy, for I the Lord am Holy

I find it providential that Leviticus is the reading for this PRIDE weekend. So often Leviticus is used as a reference to banish folks for actions and practices culturally judged as ungodly or at least un-kosher. Our passage however, sets a tone of how godliness should frame our actions and indeed our lives. I see this passage as a blueprint for justice and right action toward others. This passage from Leviticus advocates for those who were suffering evils because of unjust actions. It criticizes the wrong doings of people who were bringing pain to the poor, the outcasts and the marginalized. As I reflect on this, I think of people today who judge, slander and hate. I am especially reminded of the self-righteous who feel chosen to do so in the name of the Lord.

Yet in the midst of hate, prejudice and self-righteousness, I see, and am grateful for, the wise and discerning prophets of our day who have risen to speak against the fears and phobias we see manifested in our land and in our world. I am grateful for those who will not be silent and are willing to be visible witnesses to the biblical values of charity, acceptance, generosity and love.

The phrases, “Not reproving your neighbor, not taking vengeance, not bearing a grudge, not slandering, not false judging,” speak out to me and give me a clear guideline of love of neighbor. They are clear examples of how I am called to be holy and reflect the holiness, forgiveness, compassion and love of God. Our Baptismal covenant binds us to, “strive for justice and peace for all people and to respect the dignity of every human being.” As children of God, our instructions are simple, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18). As such we are called to insist that in every group we are members of — our country, civic organizations, religious institutions, or sororities/ fraternities — should follow the same statute.

As we gather around the table of equality, we partake and proclaim the unconditional and non-partial love of God. May the grace we receive energize us to go out, each in our own way, and witness to the holiness of God by our attitudes and actions.

Jerry Di Noto

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Featured Scripture

Leviticus 19: 1-2, 15-18

The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

“‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.

“‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.

“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.

“‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

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THE FALL PARISH POTLUCK

It’s coming on Thursday, November 2nd; the date of the next Parish Potluck. In addition to great food, fellowship and reunions with friends returning to the desert – you won’t want to miss our own renowned musician John Granet, PhD, who will perform several pieces on the piano. In order not to conflict with the Taize service at 7:00 pm, the potluck begins at 5:30 pm instead of 6:00 pm. Doors open at 5:00 pm to bring your contributions and get settled. Beginning this weekend, you’ll find signup sheets in the Church lobby and in the Parish Hall. We promise a cooler environment than was the case for our August potluck!

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Taizé Services

The Next Taize service of meditation and chant will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 2nd in the Church. All are welcome at this quiet service in a setting of religious art and candles, chants, personal reflection and prayer. Contact Nathan Ensign for more details at 760-320-7488 ext. 225.

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March with St. Paul’s

Parades Special Events –  Join the parish contingent and, if you have one, wear your St. Paul’s Tee-shirt. PS Pride Parade, Sunday Nov 5th – our group # is 79.  Veteran’s Parade Saturday Nov 11th – our group # will be posted next week. Come one and all help keep St. Paul’s visible in the community. ​

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Craft & Jewelry Sale

African Team Ministries Craft & Jewelry Sale will be held on November 12th and 19th.  The purchases or donations you make, help to feed, clothe, and provide watering devices.  Each of the craftspeople get paid from the sale of their craft.  Please keep these dates in mind and come visit the display.  Thank you so much!

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Vestry Call!!

The outgoing members of your Vestry have opened nominations for Vestry for terms beginning in 2018. The Vestry is your working government of the church. Members of the Vestry help guide the parish’s growth and its service to parishioners and the community we live in. If you or someone you know would be interested or would like to learn more, please contact Steve Moore at pscars4u@aol.com or at 760.218.7667 or any of the other departing Vestry members: Alan Zimmerman, Karen Nelson and Ted Barajas. Thank you for being part of the St. Paul in the Desert Family.

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Your Donations

Third quarter statements have gone out. If you receive your statement by email, and you haven’t seen it yet, please check your spam folder. If you receive your statement by mail, you should have it by now. If you have any questions, please call 760-320-7488 x. 227 or email assistant@stpaulsps.org.

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VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

We’re looking for dedicated volunteers with time on their hands during the week to help with St. Paul’s new outreach to the homeless through Well-in-the-Desert, UCR Mental Health and HUD. Contact Chris Kelly at 760.406.2978 for details. Get involved, make new friends and help to serve Christ in others!

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Parish Life Book Club

The Parish Life Book Club meets on the first Tuesday each month at 1 pm in the Library. New members are always welcome. The Book Club meets again this Tuesday, November 7th and is reading Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. Published in 2010, Barbara Demick follows the lives of six North Korean citizens over fifteen years—a chaotic period that saw the rise to power of Kim Jong-Il (the father of Kim Jong-Un), and a devastating famine. This book is an account of life in the closed world of North Korea and brings to life what it means to be living under a repressive regime. If you enjoy reading and talking about what you’ve read or hearing others’ take on it, join us Tuesday, Nov. 7th at 1:00 pm. For information please email Jackie Freeburn [jfreeburn@dc.rr.com].

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Communion at Windsor Court

The next communion service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, November 8th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.

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Loving God and Neighbor

in the Jewish and Christian Traditions

Join Fr. Andrew and Rabbi David Lazar for a fascinating discussion of two basic passages for both Judaism and Christianity: “Love the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:1) and “Love your neighbor as you wish to be loved.” (Leviticus 19:18). The discussion is this year’s annual Jerry Behrend Lecture.

• Date & Time: Sunday, November 12th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
• Place: Temple Isaiah, 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs.
• Admission: $18.00. All are welcome.

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Hey, St. Paul’s Hikers!

The Parish Life Hiking Group is starting its Fall/Winter schedule with a hike on November 18, 2017, at the Whitewater Preserve.  Please sign up at the Parish Potluck on November 2, 2017 or use the sign up sheets in the back of the church or Parish Hall over the next two weeks or contact Chris Kelly at (760) 406-2978 if you’re interested in joining the fun.  An announcement with more details will follow.

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Save the Date – Saturday, November 18 

Saturday, November 18th, Parish Hall, 9:00 am to noon. The St. Paul’s Chapter of the Daughters of the King again sponsors a timely workshop facilitated by the Rev. Canon David Caffrey: “Back to Basics in Times of Crisis: Our Baptismal Covenant, Vows, and Hope. Everyone is invited to attend, and we ask you to sign up after services or in the office so there will be a harvest cornucopia of refreshments.

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Hospitality Ministry

Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments.

 Please consider sponsoring a coffee hour!

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FAITH BUILDING 2017

Sundays @ 9:15 am

AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè                        

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Tuesdays @ 7PM

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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 incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact Mr. John Seitman, jseitman@pacbell.net, 858-793-4555 or the Rev. Janet Wheelock,  jwheelock@edsd.org, 952-240-8067.

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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Office Hours are 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday. The office is closed on Mondays.

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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Print a copy of The Abundant Life?

Print a copy

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Sunday Worship Childcare
 
Childcare is available for both the 8:00 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. services.

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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
 
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join our circle on Wednesday’s from 10 am-1 pm 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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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 because of our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.  Please let Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself be your guide.
 
“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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The Church of St. Paul in the Desert

Local: 760.320.7488   //  Fax: 760.416.2441
Email: clergy@stpaulsps.org  Website: www.stpaulsps.org

125 West El Alameda

Palm Springs, California 92262