For Sunday January 8, 2023
Bishop’s Annual Visit to St. Paul in the Desert
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation
The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, will preside and preach at both services on Sunday and will officiate at the Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation of our candidates at the 10:30 service.
The loose offering will be designated for the Bishop’s Pastoral Needs Fund, along with any checks designated for that purpose. These funds allow the Bishop to make much-needed contributions to assist people throughout the diocese and beyond.
Please plan to attend a Question & Answer session with Bishop Susan immediately following both services. Light refreshments will be served.
Mark your Calendars! – Sunday, January 29
Mark your Calendars! – Sunday, January 29The Feast of St. Paul the Hermit and the Annual Meeting of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert presents the Feast of St. Paul the Hermit and the 84th Annual Meeting, outdoors in the church parking lot following the 10:30 service. (NOTE: There will be only one service that Sunday.) Lunch will be provided. At the meeting, we’ll present our new photo Member Directory and review our “fresh off the presses” Strategic Plan. All of this, and so much more! (Rumor has it there’s a dunk tank in the mix.) You won’t want to miss this important gathering.
Remembering Gale Enger
Remembering Gale EngerFor all who wish to share memories or see memories of a life well-lived in Gale Enger: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/f8dBSUBo
Watch Gale’s Celebration of Life service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0v6e4tTIe0M
Saturday January 7, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
DESERT BAROQUE – The Art of Time
Friday, January 6, 2023, 7:00 PM
The Artists Center at the Galen, 72-567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CSA 92260
Dear Friends of Desert Baroque,
In this season, “The Art of Time,” we are traveling back in time as can done only through music. In our January 6 program, “we are delighted to offer you a sampling of music that was enjoyed in both concert halls and domestic parlors during the 18th and 19th centuries. But we are especially happy to bring you the rare experience of hearing this music played on an original early 19th c. instrument that was immensely popular at the time – the square piano. The songs we present were ubiquitous in the repertoire of house-music in both Europe and the United States. Comprised of beautiful melodies and simple poetry, they were virtuosic enough to show off the singer’s skill, but easy enough to be accessible to a non- professional.” (Excerpt from program notes, “There was a Time…”)
The complete program and notes are on our web site: www.desertbaroque.com
Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com
Upcoming Events at St Paul’s
- Sunday, January 15 – Martin Luther King Sunday
- Sunday, January 29 – The Feast of St. Paul the Hermit (transferred) and, following our 10:30 service, our annual meeting: Strategic Plan revealed, Church Directories distributed, Lunch served. You won’t want to miss this!
- Wednesday, February 1 – Candlemas (Transferred) – 6:00 PM
Mid-week Services
Mid-week ServicesYou are invited to the church on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM each week for contemplative Eucharist/Evening Prayer. The church will be open the hour prior (5:00-6:00 PM) for silent, personal prayer. Come and rest.
Parish Life Winter Hike Update
Note Significant Changes – The details of our upcoming Winter 2023 Expedition to Joshua Tree National Park, set for Saturday January 21, have changed since our last publication. Please disregard all previous communications. The revised details from Chris Kelly follow:
Where: To increase accessibility for everyone – and to maximize our snowy winter views — we’ve moved this hike from the South portion of the National Park to the Westview/Hi-View Loop in the Black Rock Canyon area behind Yucca Valley. The hike winds through forests of Joshua Trees along a rocky ridge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, with spectacular views of Mt. San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountain. Depending on the weather, there may be snow on the trail and LOTS of it on the mountains.
When: The hike is set for Saturday, January 21, 2023. All should be at the trailhead by 9:00 a.m. Persons wishing to caravan, or carpool should meet in the St. Paul’s parking lot not later than 8:00 a.m. The drive from Palm Springs to the trailhead is about 45 minutes.
The Trail: The trail is well-maintained and about two (2) miles long. There is a mix of level and rolling hillside terrain, with a total elevation change of about 340 feet. There are several sets of stone stairs to and from hilltop viewpoints. Depending on the weather, there may be snow on the trail.
What to Bring: As always, bring a good, sturdy pair of hiking or trail shoes. There are several sets of stone stairs climbing to or from hilltop viewpoints; trekking poles or a walking stick may be helpful. Portions of this trail are at elevations above 4,000 ft and, depending on the weather, there may be snow on the trail. Be prepared and dress in layers. As always, bring water, sunscreen and appropriate headgear.
Repast: We will bring extra water, some thermoses of coffee and some donuts for a quick morning repast and hang-out time at the Black Rock Canyon picnic area after the hike is competed. Please feel free to bring and share some easy morning treats of your own.
Directions and Parking: The trailhead is about 30 miles from Palm Springs. From Palm Springs, take I-10 West to SH 62 North. Continue on SH 62 into Yucca Valley, to junction with Joshua Lane. Turn right onto Joshua Lane and continue on Joshua Lane per posted signs to Black Rock Canyon Campground and Day Use area. Park near the Ranger station. Parking at the Day Use Area is FREE.
Pets: Sorry — dogs are not allowed on the trails in Joshua tree National Park.
Time/More: We anticipate being finished hiking and snacking not later than 11:15-11:30. There will be ample time to explore more of the High Desert on your way back down.
That’s it for now. Please contact Nancy Antonius () if there are questions and we will do our best to answer them.
Winter Coat Donations Needed
Now that cooler weather has arrived in the desert, the Social Justice Ministry is seeking donations of new or gently used winter coats and jackets to distribute to our needy neighbors. Winter hats, scarves and gloves are also appreciated. Remember, donated used clothing should first be dry cleaned. Please place your donated items in the collection “barrels” located in the narthex.
St Paul’s Book Club
St Paul’s Book ClubThe next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 1:00 PM via Zoom. Meeting information will follow later. For February, Book Club has selected Briefly, A Delicious Life by Nell Stevens. Charming, original, and emotionally moving, the novel follows an unconventional love triangle between George Sand, Fredrick Chopin, and Blanca, a 400-year-old ghost. A gorgeous and surprising exploration of artistry, desire, and life after death.
New members are always welcome at Book Club. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico, The Most Reverend Enrique Trevino Cruz, Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee, The Right Reverend Brian Lee Cole, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the clergy and people of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea, Carlsbad; for the Diocese of Western Mexico and our companion relationship; for the members of the Executive Council as they gather for the annual retreat this weekend.
For those commended to our prayers: Aaron Riviers, Ben Palmer, Joel Cutler, Mike Gorman, AJ Miller, Maryanne Struck, Teresa Ball, Richard Jones, Michael R., Al Wilder, Wilma, Steve, Brandon, Matthew, Jenni Foreman, Glena, Drew Blazier, Rex Comer, Louis Thibault, John Ketcham, Gary Koch, Jim Panos, Ventura Fuentes, Susan Pelowski, Paula Davis, Marna & Rick Hill, Ivory Murrell, Jr., James Hodge, Terri & Judi Miller-Steele, Joe Christopher, Greg Gowdy, Barry Hagenbuch, Roy Cody, Howard Cecil, George Barros, Philip Smith, Dirk Beach-Barrow, John Lasher, Tom Lutgen, Brian Nealy; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Harvey Trackman, Anthony Picozzi, Mary “Cookie” Zingg, De Andre Rouse, Gale Enger, May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For those with birthdays: January 8: George Holliday, Michael Spillane; January 9: Ed Walsh, Nathan DePetris; January 10: Stephen Holloway, Pat Ellerd, Gail Heitman; January 11: Wyatt Palmer; January 13: Suzi Osuna; January 14: John Lasher, Richard Tracz, Dale McGhee Pollack, Joanne Lampela.
For those celebrating anniversaries: January 9: Michael Harbin & Warren MacPherson; January 10: Barry Hagenbuch & Robert Woods; January 14: Kathy & Stephen Holloway.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Mike Harbin & Warren MacPherson, in thanksgiving for “our 44-year anniversary,” AND by Steve Horstman & Leonard Sanchez, in honor of Marge & Jane. The flowers gracing the Narthex today are sponsored by George Holliday & Rick Tinsley in commemoration of George’s birthday.
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 Weekly print deadline is Wednesday noon.
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.lectionarypage.net, and select January 15, 2023, the Second Sunday after the Epiphany.
Area Homeless “Point-In-Time Count” January 25, 2023
We need your help in making Riverside County’s Point-In-Time Count (PIT) a success!
Each year, the Riverside County Continuum of Care (CoC) partners with cities to facilitate the federally mandated count of people experiencing homelessness throughout Riverside County. Information gathered from the count is valuable because it provides a snapshot of how many people experience sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on a single night. The data is used to demonstrate the need for federal and state funding, services, and resource planning, and to inform the community about homelessness.
The Homeless Point-in-Time Count reflects a snapshot of Riverside County’s homeless population. Obtaining an accurate count of people experiencing homelessness is critical to helping our communities attract the state and federal funding needed to address a growing public health crisis. Homelessness impacts families, individuals, and communities across Riverside County, and we recognize this is an issue that can best be addressed by working together.
Here’s how you can help:
- Volunteering: our hope is that you’ll help us identify individuals to help at our PIT count.
- Attend our virtual Community Planning Session: January 5, 2023
Sunday Service LiveStreaming
We are livestreaming our 10:30 AM Sunday Eucharist every week. The livestream project was made possible through a generous gift from a “snowbird” member from Philadelphia who wintered in Palm Springs for many years and worshiped at St. Paul’s every Sunday. 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
Episcopal Relief & Development
Episcopal Relief & Development is mobilizing with Anglican agencies and other partners to provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. Working through the Action by Churches Together Alliance (ACT Alliance), Episcopal Relief & Development will provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed assistance. Please pray for all those affected. To donate directly to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund, visit (https://support.episcopalrelief.org/). If you prefer, you can donate through St. Paul’s Parish. Be sure to designate “ERD Ukraine” on your check or cash envelope.
Episcopal News Services
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego – The EDSD News is full of event announcements, church news, death notices, clergy changes, bishop-related notes, and current opportunities for service. Go to https://edsd.org/communications/ and scroll to the bottom of the page where you’ll find space to add your name and email address. Then click on SIGN UP TODAY. You’ll receive the EDSD News on Wednesday, every week.
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