For Sunday, June 5, 2022
COVID-19 and Masking at St. Paul’s Update
Please click here to read the latest update regarding masking at St. Paul’s.
The following changes will take effect in our public worship on Sunday May 1, 2022:
+ 8:00AM – vaccine and mask required
+ 10:30AM (& Wednesday nights) – vaccine and mask strongly recommended
In addition to the changes mentioned above, the following will continue:
+ Funerals, which often have many guests from out of state, will be mask required services (we will not check for vaccinations)
+ Ushers, altar ministers, lectors, and clergy will continue to remain masked unless reading, preaching, or celebrating the Eucharist. Staff singers/choir/ensembles will continue to remain masked during the services
Pentecost is Sunday, June 5
In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is now the seventh Sunday after Easter. The term means “the fiftieth day.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), shortly after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit.
The Day of Pentecost is one of the seven principal feast days of the church year in the Episcopal Church (BCP, p.15). The liturgical color for the feast is red and worshipers are encouraged to wear red to church on the Sunday of Pentecost.
A Gift from The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
The chasuble and stole worn by our celebrant for services on the Day of Pentecost were gifted to St. Paul in the Desert by The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch. The set was made for Rev. Victoria in 1977 for her ordination to the priesthood by the Directress of the Diocesan Altar Guild in Los Angeles, who was a member of St. Cross Episcopal Church, Hermosa Beach, where Rev. Victoria served as an associate.
Social Justice Ministry – Ukraine Refugee Family
Social Justice Ministry – Ukraine Refugee FamilyThe Social Justice Ministry is discerning the prospect of a St. Paul’s-sponsored Ukrainian refugee family. If this should happen, it would be months away and would be realized through the Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Neighbor to Neighbor Program. We would be looking for several parishioners to step up and be a part of the process.
Social Justice Ministry volunteers separate and sort donated clothing items.
Social Justice Ministry – Clothing Donations
The Social Justice Ministry is seeking clothing donations – particularly, men’s polo-style shirts, tee shirts and casual shorts for summer wear. If you prefer, you can make a financial donation to help off-set the cost of sundries and underwear. Members of the Ministry are always grateful for your generous support. They will continue to sponsor a monthly clothing/sundries distribution event at the church on the last Wednesday of each month.
Rectors’ Discretionary Fund
The first Sunday of the month loose-plate offerings (i.e., general giving, not pledged giving) will be designated for the Rectors’ Discretionary Fund (sometimes referred to as “Benevolence.”) This fund provides the clergy with a financial pool to draw from when unanticipated (and un-budgeted) spending requests arise. The traditional uses of the discretionary fund are to assist the poor of the community. Examples of appropriate discretionary spending for those in need include rent, utilities medical bills, etc. To learn more about the Discretionary Fund, contact Rev. Jessie or Rev. Dan.
Trinity Sunday, June 12th
This is the feast that celebrates “the one and equal glory” of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Trinity Sunday is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year (BCP, p.15). Celebration of Trinity Sunday was approved for the western church by Pope John XXII in 1334. This feast is associated with Thomas Becket (c. 1118-1170), who was consecrated bishop on Trinity Sunday, 1162. His martyrdom may have influenced the popularity of the feast in England.
At St. Paul in the Desert, Trinity Sunday will feature the last regular appearance of our musicians for the Season. Join us as we thank them for their many melodic contributions during the past several months and bid them farewell until fall.
Mid-Week Contemplative Eucharists
Mid-Week Contemplative EucharistsWhen we’re not observing a principal feast or holy day, worship with us at a simple spoken mass (Eucharist) offered Wednesdays at 6:00 PM. The church will be open the hour prior (5-6:00 PM) for silent, socially distanced personal prayer. Come and rest.
Church flower sponsorships
Church flower sponsorshipsFresh flowers at the altar honor God and add to the beauty of our worship. We invite you to consider sponsoring altar flowers (or Narthex flowers) to recognize or honor special people and events. You can reserve your sponsorship Sunday(s) by calling the Parish Office (760.320.7488). Or you can sign up using the Flower Sponsor Register found in the Narthex on Sunday mornings.
Sunday School will meet until June 5, The Day of Pentecost
Sunday School will meet until June 5, The Day of PentecostKids are invited to wear red and celebrate the birthday of the church that day! Sunday School will take a three-month break, but kids will continue to be involved in worship services throughout the summer.
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
June Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 1 PM. To accommodate the CA Primary Election, Book Club is meeting a week later. Book Club is meeting via Zoom only and meeting information will follow. For June, Book Club has selected Always A Guest: Speaking Of Faith Far From Home by Barbara Brown Taylor. Taylor finds when you are the invited guest speaking of faith to people you don’t know, one must seek common ground: exploring the central human experience. She explores faith in all its beauty and complexity and the state of the world along with her gentle wit.
New members are always welcome at Book Club. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at
St Paul’s Parish Life Camping Ministry
Paul’s Parish Life Camping Ministry – has planned a trip to Idyllwild County Campground, Tuesday, July 12 to Thursday, July 14. The cost is $15 per person ($2.00 will be added for any four-legged friends who want to join the fun). A festive group dinner is planned for Tuesday evening. Come enjoy the cool shade, crackling campfires, exhilarating hikes through the pine forest, and stunning vistas at 5,000 feet. RSVP by June 30 to Bonnie Stroock at 760.799.9336.
Escape the Summer Heat with a Hike and Picnic!
Come join St. Paul’s Hiking Group for a special summer hike and picnic on July 23, 2022, in beautiful Idyllwild, California, just a short hour’s drive from Palm Springs. We will meet there at 9 am and enjoy a leisurely 3-mile walk among the pines at the Idyllwild County Park and Nature Reserve, followed by a bring-your-own picnic (beverages provided) and plenty of fun and fellowship.
This hike is suitable for all ages and skill-levels and is especially recommended for those who are new to the trail or new to the area and interested in exploring – all you need is a good pair of walking shoes. Carpools can be arranged for those in need of a ride. Your friends and family are invited to join us, and canine friends are welcome with a leash. There is a $6 per person fee for the park. Contact Nancy Antonius at for more details.
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. To date, donations processed through our church have totaled $1,918.
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, The Most Reverend Thabo Cecil Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas John Fisher, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the Anglican Communion and the ministries of all its provinces.
A prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York
For those commended to our prayers: Mary Kipe, AJ Miller, Tom Lutgen, The Rev. Karl Jacobson, Zachary and Carolyn Scott and family, Edward and June, Angela Brinker, Terrence Marguet, Christina Laredo, Ken Hughes, Virginia Mason, Lauren Mason, Will Dumain, Jeff Bonnell, Gerry Newcomb, The Rev. Elizabeth Hasen, Brian Nealy; pray for all those affected by COVID-19: heal those who are suffering, comfort those who grieve, and strengthen those who are caring for others; pray for victims of gun violence and their loved ones, the witnesses and the survivors, and for the first responders; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Guy Sands
For those with birthdays: June 5: Jaidyn Arvizu-Fuller; June 6: Judi Miller-Steele; June 7: Leroy Potts, Chuck Coursey; June 8: Jim Panos; June 9: Mark Berry, Nathan Ensign; June 11: Mary Holmes; Mike Shaw, Kriste Petite, David Norgard.
For those celebrating anniversaries: June 9: Terri & Judi Miller-Steele; June 11: Lyn & Mark Pease.
For the Latino Ministry which will meet next on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in the Library.
For Sacred Circle which meets twice monthly – the second Wednesday in the Library and the fourth Wednesday in a member’s home.
For those for whom flowers have been given:Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Roger Allen in memory of Taylor Baird. Today’s Narthex flowers are sponsored by Cheryl and Ray Kelley in thanksgiving for Cheryl’s birthday and in celebration of the anniversary of her Pentecost baptism, AND by The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch and Shelia Brubaker to celebrate the anniversary of Victoria’s ordination as a Deacon (1975).
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
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.stpaulsps.org, and click on “This Week’s Scriptures” in the Worship Services box. From the calendar, select June 12, The First Sunday after Pentecost: TRINITY SUNDAY
Coffee/Social Hour Hospitality
Coffee/Social Hour HospitalityFor those wishing to sponsor refreshments for a specific Sunday Coffee Hour, please call or stop by the Parish Office to sign up. All our hospitality procedures and protocols are subject to any CDC guidelines and mandates that Bishop Susan may put into place, depending on prevailing COVID conditions.
The Abundant Life E-List
The Abundant Life E-ListIf you are not a current subscriber to our weekly electronic newsletter, it’s easy to sign up. Just go to www.stpaulsps.org, scroll down to find “Join Our E-Mail List,” enter your email address – and you’re all set. You will receive the newsletter each week, usually on Fridays.
If the newsletter ends up in your spam/junk folder, simply add to your email address book.
Episcopal News Service
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