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The Abundant Life
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April 12, 2018 For Sunday, April 15th
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From the Rector
Changed, Not Ended.
On this third Easter weekend, we read another story of the risen Jesus, an appearance late in the evening on the day of his resurrection. The 11 disciples and an unknown number of followers are engaged in sharing amazing sightings and encounters with Jesus that day. They are reeling from the facts of the empty tomb, Jesus revealed in the breaking of the bread, Simon’s sighting, and now his embodied presence in their midst.
Imagine the various conflicting emotions the disciples are feeling. The text tells us they are terrified, afraid, happy, questioning and wondering. The full meaning of Jesus’ Incarnation is unfolding for them, and they are trying to understand what has happened to him, and what it means for them as his followers. The stories of his resurrection are not written as explanations – there is no owner’s manual or FAQ to guide them. When Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures,” he did not explain what had happened, but why.
However, in this story, the risen Jesus emphasizes that he is present with them in a physical body, one they can see and touch, and he ask for something to eat. As Mark Davis writes in his April 8, 2018 reflection, “The risen Christ is the embodied Christ. And that is profound. Simply profound.”
The resurrected, embodied Jesus, the Word Incarnate, the fulfillment of the Law, Prophets, and Psalms, stands among them. They are to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to the world. The power he profoundly represents will be given them through the Holy Spirit.
That Spirit will be embodied. Our physical bodies, then, are part of God’s redemption. Their limits – by genetics, age, infirmity – are joined to salvation as much as their strengths. We can thrive in life, faith, and service and do the best possible with the body and spirit we nurture. When it is time for us to die – all that we are – that life is changed, not ended.
Join us at the table, where the body and blood of the risen Jesus is remembered and his power passed to us.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Luke 24:36b-48 Common English Bible (CEB)
While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” They were terrified and afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost.
He said to them, “Why are you startled? Why are doubts arising in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me! Touch me and see, for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones like you see I have.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Because they were wondering and questioning in the midst of their happiness, he said to them, “Do you have anything to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish. Taking it, he ate it in front of them.
Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
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FAITH BUILDING
Sundays at 9:15 AM in the Library
The Episcopal Cafè
April
4/15 Pop-In Jesus: Reflections on Luke 24:36-48.
Led by Ron Geikow Read about it
4/22 Real Love: A Reflection on 1 John 3: 16-24.
4/29 Abide in Love: A Reflection on 1st John 4:7-21.
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Tuesdays — Accepting God’s Gift of Faith
April
Tuesdays @ 7PM in Library: The Great 50 Days of Easter! This series will celebrate the 50 days of Easter incorporating elements of Lectio Divina, Hymns, and Baptismal Covenant
4/17 Lectio Divina: Introduction and discussion of the origins and different paths of
praying the scriptures.
Facilitated by Gary Scott, Audrey Spencer & Br. John Charles
4/24 The Music of Easter.
Facilitated by Rev. Canon David Caffrey
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Hospitality Ministry
Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments.
Please consider hosting a coffee hour.
You may sign up at the West end of the Parish Hall.
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Episcopal Community Services (ECS)
Operating under its mission of serving God by serving those in need through programs that foster hope, dignity, and independence, Episcopal Community Services inspires children, empowers adults and transforms communities by providing vital, high-quality social services that encourage healthy interdependence. ECS’ current programs address homelessness, mental illness, early childhood education, child development and substance use education. Last year, ECS served more than 8,000 people. To learn more, visit www.ecscalifornia.org.
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Camp Stevens
As part of our Easter celebration of diocesan ministries, this week we highlight Camp Stevens, a welcoming home for retreats, education and adventure in the town of Julian. Its summer camp, year-round programs and retreat center are designed to deepen connections among people and between people and the earth. Camp Stevens’ mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower personal, social, and environmental transformation. To learn more, visit www.campstevens.org.
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Next Taizé Service
Please note: our next Taizé service will be held on Thursday April 12th at 7:00 pm.
“A Taize service is a time to be still within as we sit together and experience the love and power of the Holy Spirit.” All are welcome to worship through chant, meditation and silence. For more information, contact Nathan Ensign at 760.320.7488 x225.
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Ordination
The Assisting Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will ordain Patricia Lynn Horkey and Paul Kelly Mahon to the Transitional Diaconate on Saturday, April 14th. You may recall that Patricia volunteered at St. Paul’s in July 2016. All are welcome to attend the ordination at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego.
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Parish Life Book Club
. . . meets on the first Tuesday each month at 1:00 PM in the Library and new members are always welcome. On May 1st, 2018, Book Club has selected Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Set in South Africa, Cry, the Beloved Country is the deeply moving story of a Zulu pastor and his son set against the background of a land and a people riven by racial injustice. It is a work of love and hope, courage and endurance. Book Club is a group of people who enjoy reading and talking about the books they read. For more information please contact Jan Wacker at jwacker2001@yahoo.com.
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Save the date: April 21st
St. Paul’s DOK chapter will hold its annual retreat at Desert Journeys on Saturday, April 21, from 10:00 to 3:00. Women of St. Paul’s are invited to attend. Facilitated by the Rev. Canon David Caffrey, we will celebrate “The Fifty Days of Easter,” particularly as they impact DOK’s Rules of Life, Prayer, and Service. Carpooling can be arranged from the church. Please call Sharon Strong if you wish to join in the fellowship and study while enjoying the serenity of the high desert: 760.285.8910
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Communion at Windsor Court
 The next communion service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, May 9th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.
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Icon Writing Retreat
Icon Writing Workshop is a five-day (June 25th-29th) retreat instructed by Teresa Harrison, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego. Participants will learn the prayerful practice of painting or writing a Byzantine-style icon. The emphasis will be on the step by step process of painting an icon, using Jo Sonia acrylic paint and 23 carat gold leaf, as well as on the spiritual practice of allowing God to work in us and through us. The course per-person fee is $435 and includes all supplies, five full days of instruction, and lunch. To RSVP please contact Julie McMinn, jemcminn@gmail.com.
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St. Paul’s Camping Ministry
The weekend of July 13 – 15 this summer, our church campers are going up to Hurkey Creek campground near Lake Hemet. Cost is low, $10 a person, but so are the temperatures – 25 degrees cooler than in Palm Springs! Basic cabins are available at $100 and we plan to fish! Contact Bonnie Stroock to reserve – 760.324.7949
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Report Clergy 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 John Seitman, 858-793-4555 or Equilla Luke, 760-583-0485.
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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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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
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