For Sunday November 19, 2023
Thanksgiving & Advent Services
Newcomers’ Orientation
Sunday, November 26 – 9:00 AM – Church Library
If you’ve never attended one of these sessions, come to learn more about joining St. Paul in the Desert. Coffee & donuts provided.
Parish Choir News
We will have another choir opportunity for anyone interested: we will practice after the 10:30 postlude on November 12, November 19, and November 26 in order to sing at Lessons and Carols (3 PM, Dec. 3) and for Pink Sunday (10:30 worship) on December 17. It is not required that you sing both times, but it will be the same anthem and we will determine who is available for the two events. We will also talk about the feasibility of a Christmas Eve choir, though we will not be rehearsing for that yet. Everyone is invited to come and sing with us!
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 Poetry / Taming of the Shrew class
Advent Retreat – Baking for Community
Saturday, December 2nd – 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
St. Paul’s Parish Hall Kitchen
Let’s do some advent baking together – we’ll make mince pies, Christmas cookies and challah! OK so challah isn’t Christmas but it’s nice!
We’ll have a simple lunch of soup, bread, and mince pies (not minced meat but a mix of dried fruit and spices that screams Christmas. Trust me). Everyone will have baked goods to take home when we’re done!
The cost is $20 per person. Bring your apron if you have one and any particular bling you want to put on your Christmas cookies (we will make icing as a base).
Food allergy warning: Wheat flour, peanuts, eggs, and dairy will be used in this class.
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.
Join St. Paul’s in Preparing for 2024, by turning in your DREAM BIG Pledge Card!
Legacy Society Our Story
Who are you?
Cheryl & Ray Kelley
How long have you been at St. Paul’s and what brought you here?
26+ years… we were not looking for a church. While driving home from dinner on a Friday evening, we happened on to El Alameda. Cheryl saw the church, thinking it was kind of “cute.” Cheryl asked Ray if he had ever seen this church before. Neither of us had. Then, Cheryl asked Ray to drive around the block to see what time was posted for the service on Sunday. We lived (a different place at the time) close enough that 10:30am was just perfect. Cheryl believes that God tapped her shoulder and told her to look at ‘that’ place—and she listened.
What keeps you here?
We found a lot of peace in our hearts/souls at St. Paul’s. Andrew was an excellent sermonizer and teacher. The people have always been a big part of what keeps us at ‘our’ church. Far from being shy, we have many friends over the years—more friends than in any other parts of our lives. Our co-parishioners are, indeed, a major part of what keeps us at St. Paul’s. That being said… the ‘new’ co-rectors are also amazing to us… in that we learn—in a different way—the meanings and ideas to think about during each week’s sermons… and through the announcements, which sometimes give us pause for thought. On December 10, 2003, after 27 years together… we got married at the church of St. Paul in the desert. One evening while learning about ‘sacraments’ during a confirmation class… I asked Ray if he knew that marriage was a sacrament. After that question, we made plans to make it happen… and it did. We put our wedding invitation in the bulletin, asking for rsvp’s … and were humbled by the number of people who joined us on that special day. The church was filled from each side—east and west—and to the front and back—north to south. What a wonderful tribute to our many friendships over the years.
Why did you join the Legacy Society?
We were happy to join the Legacy Society since we already had named St. Paul’s in our will. Whenever we needed to make changes or re-iterate something regarding our wills, we increased our ‘legacy’ by some amount… it is higher than it was. Next time around… I would think it will be higher.
What are your big dreams for St. Paul’s future as we embark on our annual stewardship campaign this year?
We love our church and our co-parishioners… and whatever is happening… continuing or something new… we do our best to be supportive and ‘jump in.’ That being said, we had been so busy over the years… sometimes as members of 5-6 ministries every year. We found the time, although being in LA. often… I guess it’s because we were younger—we have plenty of energy now, but we were over-the-top filled with energy in the last decades!
What is something interesting that St. Paul’s folks might not know about you?
Ray’s been a professional musician (cello) for over 62 years. He has 12 years of symphony experience, including the LA. philharmonic. He changed course, and was always busy in the commercial/studio work field. He has played on thousands of television shows (including the days of variety/musical shows), and hundreds of motion picture scoring sessions. Altogether it was over 12,000 shows and motion pictures. His favorite things to work on were records. He went through an amazing time of music—from Elvis and Sinatra to the carpenters, eagles, smokey robinson, neil diamond, Chicago and the whole spectrum of rock and disco while it was the happening music of the day… and more! Cheryl has held many positions over the years… including the last 35 years working with Ray on our company: resort music. Her prior work gave her all the necessities for handling many tasks. In her earlier years, she worked for banks, stock brokers, lawyers, accountants, had her own business, sold life/health insurance… and worked as the first development director at the los angeles children’s museum… and then moved on to the los angeles natural history museum—where her ‘greeter’ every day was a mummy parked just outside the door to her office! 😊 Cheryl was also a meeting/party planner for a short time as Ray was setting up resort music … making it the perfect ‘next’ and ‘final’ position for Cheryl.
If you would like to find out more information about planned-giving, end of life care, or joining the St. Paul in the Desert Legacy Society please email
Recap from Diocesan Convention
Episcopal Diocese of San Diego 2023 Convention is in the books! Thank David, Ed, John, and Alex—St. Paul’s Lay Delegates—who represented you well in presence and voting. If you are interested in being a delegate next year, please reach out to our Senior Warden, Alex Christensen, who can detail the process. Next year, Diocesan Convention is in the desert!
Click here to read more about the Diocesan Convention events.
Click the first picture and use the arrow keys on your keyboard to step through the gallery.
An Update From Archdeacon Cindy Campos
An Update From Archdeacon Cindy CamposWe ran into Archdeacon Cindy at Convention. She let us know that she is using the 1,000 pair of socks we donated this past Fall for a diocesan-wide project that will give gloves and socks to field workers in Imperial County. They have already put together 600 kits, with 400 to go. She is so thankful for the partnership between St. Paul, Bombas socks, and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Please pray for the field workers who will benefit from this project.
Movie Night!
“A Man Called Otto”
Saturday, November 18th, 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall Theater
This film tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. Otto is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life. A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.
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 Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM via Zoom. Meeting information will follow later. For December, Book Club has selected The Gospel According to James Baldwin by Greg Garrett. Baldwin’s writing critiques religion, culture, and discrimination, and in the witness of his life he holds up hope and the primacy of love despite all the difficulties of the present moment. Following in Baldwin’s footsteps, Garrett reflects on themes of equity, justice, and reconciliation.
New members are always welcome at Book Club. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at
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.
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.
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 the Province of Myanmar (Burma), The Most Reverend Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon.
For the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, The Right Reverend David M. Reed, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the people of St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church, Oceanside.
For those commended to our prayers: Terry Garrity, Rus Butler, Joe Christopher, Rob Porter, Barry MacDonald, Steven Michael Chacon, Robert Menifee, Connie & Spencer, Dominic, Kurt Davis, Rosa Ealy-Zingg, Bonnie Stroock, Meg Irwin-Brandon, Sharon Pick, Alfred Boutté, Donald Hamilton, Quinci Vicory, Nico Cataneso, Jason Melfa, Ramon Gueits, Jacinta Rodriguez, Crystal Caballero, Glad, Paris, Mary Jo, Bonnie, 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: Maudry Davis, Arlene Rosenthal, Frank Riviers, Don Orsbern.
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: November 19: Claire McCleery; November 21: Virginia Brown, Mario Bustios; November 22: The Rev. Canon Anthony Jewiss, Carmen Vasquez; November 23: Howard Cecil; November 24: Katie Martin; November 25: Samuel Thayer, Patrick Von Bargen.
For those celebrating anniversaries: November 22: Sandra Shaw & Bruce Blauvelt; November 23: Jim Crumby & Warren Safley; November 24: Raffaele Alberto & Don Chase; November 25: Gary Scott & David Hayden.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Lucinda Hampson, in thanksgiving for her marriage to Jeff Hampson, AND by Chuck Coursey, in loving memory of Tom Baxley.
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 . The weekly print deadline is Wednesday noon.
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.lectionarypage.net and click on November 26, 2023, The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Thursday, November 23 – 10:30 AM – Thanksgiving Day Eucharist
- Sunday, November 26 – 9:00-10:00 AM – Christ the King Sunday – Newcomer Class – Library
- Sunday, November 26 – 1:00 PM – Vestry Meeting – Library
- Tuesday, November 28 – Daughters of the King – 1:30 PM, first half-hour, members only (closed session); 2:00 PM, open to visitors – Parish Hall Conference Room
- Tuesday, November 28 – 5:00-7:00 PM – The Taming of the Shrew – Library
- Wednesday, November 29 – 6:30 PM Advent Poetry Class – in choir loft after Eucharist
- Thursday, November 30 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Advent Bereavement Group – Library
- Tuesday, December 5 – 5:00-7:00 PM – The Taming of the Shrew – Library
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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