For Sunday October 29, 2023
Pride Weekend Worship Service & Wedding
Saturday November 4, 2023 – 4pm
NOTICE! Pride weekend (November 4-5) worship service schedule changes
As has been our practice, we adjust our normal weekend service schedule so our worshipers can avoid the traffic and congestion created by the Palm Springs Pride Parade here in our neighborhood. Our single weekend worship service (with music) will be at 4:00 PM, Saturday, November 4th. This will be a PRIDE Mass and the Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage of Jon Dotson & Anthony Jones.
There will be no services on Sunday, November 5.
Sunday’s Loose Plate Offerings
All loose plate offerings taken this Sunday will be donated to the American Friends of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem, which directly supports the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital that was bombed in Gaza.
For more insight, please watch Rev. Dan’s sermon from last week. This is a reminder that we are connected to all the saints around the world, especially the persecuted Church, on All Saints’ Day.
All Souls’ Day Requiem Eucharist
All Souls’ Day Requiem EucharistPlease join us as we remember all of the departed at a special All Souls’ Day (transferred) Requiem Eucharist on November 1st, 2023 at 6PM in the Memorial Garden. We will also be celebrating the life of Duane “Dirk” Beach Barrow who will be inurned in the columbarium with his beloved husband Robert during the service.
There will be a Legacy Society sponsored reception to follow for THE ENTIRE PARISH. Drinks are provided by the society and food will be potluck style. You are encouraged to bring the favorite dish of a departed loved one as we remember them together.
Pride Poetry & Potluck
On Monday October 30th from 4 to 8 PM at St. Paul in the Desert is the first ever (most likely anywhere) 4 Hour Pride Poetry & Potluck Kickoff featuring twenty sensuous and sacred poems by various LGBTQ poets. Where? In the library.
You are welcome to bring beverages or finger food to share, but it’s not necessary. Nor is showing up precisely at 4. Just come whenever you can. Then be prepared to laugh, joke, read, listen, question, drink and eat a bit, meet old and new friends, recall past glories, ponder remaining possibilities, and then leave when you simply can’t go on a minute longer. Think of it as clubbing in a church, though with more sensible hours and fewer disappointments.
Book Study with Rev. Jessie Thompson & Rev. Frank Dunn
“Divine Communion: A Eucharistic Theology of Sexual Intimacy”
Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20, & 27; Dec. 4, 11, & 18 – 3:30-5:00 PM – in the Library.
Jay Emerson Johnson’s book: “Food, sex, and God– these intertwine at the heart of Christian faith and practice. This book invites Christian communities to reflect theologically and spiritually on the desire for God and the desire for sexual intimacy as the same fundamental desire for communion. This is likewise God’s own desire to be in communion with us, which Christians celebrate whenever we share a simple meal of bread and wine at the Eucharistic table.
The longing for intimacy and its disruptions echo throughout our political contestations, economic systems, racial and ethnic conflicts, and ecological crises. In no small measure, the vitality of Christian witness to the Gospel in the twenty-first century depends on exploring the depths of desire itself in the ancient hope for Divine Communion.
Fall Back – Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 5, at 2:00 AM.
You’ll need to set your clocks back (“fall back”) one hour before going to bed on Saturday!
Please Welcome Our Newest Staff Member
Please Welcome Our Newest Staff MemberOn Welcome Back Sunday, we announced that we would be hiring Charles “Chuck” Peery as our new Music Coordinator. This new role will bring Chuck’s gifts as a talented church musician, volunteer choir director, and recruiter of guest musicians into one role. Please welcome Chuck as we move into a new chapter of music at St. Paul. Click Here to read Chuck’s bio in more depth.
Social Justice Blessing Bag Distribution
Parishioners will be encouraged to take a blessing bag to keep on-hand in their car to distribute when they see someone need as they run errands about town during the course of their daily lives.
The Social Justice Ministry is collecting the following items for Blessing Bags:
- Travel-size Toothpaste/toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
- Travel-size Tissues
- Combs
- Travel-size bars of soap
- Neosporin
- Travel-size Hand lotion
- Travel-size Hand sanitizer
- Small cans of fruit
- Small cans of Vienna Sausage
- Compostable forks/napkins
- 8 oz. water bottles
Please feel free to drop these items off on the remaining Sundays in October in the narthex. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lena Granet at or call the Parish Office at 760-320-7488.
Patio Parties – A few spaces left!
Saying Goodbye to Arlene Rosenthal
Arlene Rosenthal, the long-time Executive Director of the Well in the Desert, died on Tuesday, after months of hospitalization. A Funeral Memorial will be held Thursday, November 9 – 3:00 PM at St. Paul’s.
Rev. Dan was interviewed by Channel 3 about the relationship between St. Paul in the Desert and the Well in the Desert and working with Arlene over the years. You can find out more about her legacy by clicking here:https://kesq.com/news/2023/10/17/community-members-mourn-the-passing-of-local-homeless-advocate-arlene-rosenthal/.”
Praying as you Can – Not as you Can’t
Sundays 9:00 – 10:15 AM in the Library
October 29; November 12, 19
An exploration of different prayer types and practices based on personality type and found in world religions. Tapping into sources as diverse as the Bhagavad Gita, the Book of Job, the Tao Te Ching, St. Francis of Assisi and Mohammed we wil learn how each of us follows on of four Journeys: that of Unity, Devotion, Works or Hamony. We’ll learn why we prefer certain prayer forms and why others are more of a challenge.
Where & Who: St. Paul’s Library. Taught by Mother Deb Seles, qualified MBTI administrator (individual & team assessments in for-profit and non-profits). with questions!
Book: Four Spiritualities: Expressions of Self, Expressions of Spirit. Peter Tufts Richardson. Section I for 10/22.
Preparation: If you don’t know your MBTI type, you may want to go to: http://keys2cognition.com/explore.htm to take a free inventory. Other inventory sources can be found here: https://millennial-grind.com/top-10-best-myers-briggs-tests/
Book Study course with Rabbi David and Rev. Dan – “The Bible With and Without Jesus”
Thursdays in October and November – 3:30 – 5:00 PM – Library
Editors Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler show how and why Jews and Christians read many of the same Biblical texts – including passages from the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Psalms – differently. Exploring and explaining these diverse perspectives, they reveal more clearly Scripture’s beauty and power. Join us!
Church T-Shirts Available!
A new shipment of St. Paul’s T-shirts has arrived, and they are now available for purchase at $20 each (cash or check only). Available sizes: XXL, XL, L and M.
As we embark upon another annual parade season, we encourage all who represent St. Paul’s at community events to wear our parish logo attire. Look for the display/sales table located just outside the church on Sundays, between services. Or pick up your shirt(s) at the Parish Office during the week.
LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) Workshop
LARK (Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge) WorkshopThis EDSD grown two-day anti-racism workshop focuses on local history and populations and deals with local issues and stories. It will take place on October 27 (4-9 pm) & October 28 (9:30 am-4:30 pm) at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert. Registration fee is $25 (includes refreshments and lunches). Save the dates!
To find out more about LARK, click here: https://edsd.org/news/lark-localized-anti-racism-knowledge/
St Paul’s Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM via Zoom. Meeting information will follow later. For November, Book Club has selected Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. A scientist and single mother living in California in the 1960’s becomes a star on a TV cooking show.
New members are always welcome at Book Club. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at
Desert AIDS Project Health Equity Walk
Saturday, October 28, 2023
7:00 AM, onsite registration; 7:30 AM, Urban Yoga; 9:00 AM, Walk kicks off. The DAP Health and Wellness village will be open 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
St. Paul’s walkers will meet in front of the stage at 8:45 AM for group photos and any other group activities. To register early and make donations, go to https:/healthequitywalk.org/. Questions? Contact George Holliday at 760.534.1642.
Pride 5K Run & Walk
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Click here for more information: https://www.palmspringspriderun.com
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Vestry Update
At the October meeting the Vestry:
+ Passed a formal endowment policy. This has been months in the making and is the result of a collaboration between the Finance Committee and the Legacy Society. This sets us up on a path where interest from estate gifts (not the principle) will help offset our overall operating budget. It is an enormous step forward for the fiscal health, strength, and sustainability of our parish.
+ Called the Vestry Nominating Committee to investigate the role of a Parish Chancellor (attorney) in our future governance model. This comes at the request of the Bishop who is setting a goal that all parishes have their own chancellor.
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 Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of Melanesia.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande, The Right Reverend Michael Buerkel Hunn, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for Chaplains of the Armed Forces; for members of Religious Orders, especially the Society of St. Paul.
For those commended to our prayers: Quinci Vicory, Nico Cataneso, Jason Melfa, Ramon Gueits, Jacinta Rodriguez, Crystal Caballero, Gail Medrano, Glad, Paris, Mary Jo, Bonnie, Thomas Root, Jodene Catterlin, Terry Garrity, Rus Butler, Joe Christopher, Kelly Barnard, Garrett Estrin, Teresa O’Steen, The Most Reverend Michael Curry, Marie Ratnam, Carolyn Scott, Phil Smith, Theo Goehring, Irvin Goehring, 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: Arlene Rosenthal, Frank Riviers, Don Orsbern, Charles Stephen Jones, Barbara Foster, Steven Salk, The Rev. Dr. Sonia Waters.
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: October 29: David Piluso, Edward Nazelrod-Woodward; October 30: David Wallace, October 31: Warren Safley; November 1: Lucinda Hampson, Marcus Scott; November 2: Marilyn Sigerman, John Ellis; November 3: Bruce Blauvelt, The Rev. Deborah Seles.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Sunday’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Daniel Schmidt & Mark Berry, “in memory of our mothers, Katie Schmidt and Jean Hill Berry.”
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.lectionarypage.net and click on November 5, 2023, The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Monday, October 30 – 4:00-7:00 PM – Come-and-Go Evening of Pride Poetry Potluck – Library
- Tuesday, October 31 – 2:00-4:00 PM – Patio Party – South Palm Springs
- Wednesday, November 1 – 12:00 PM – Dia De Los Muertos Service – Memorial Garden
- Wednesday, November 1 – 4:30 PM – Social Justice Ministry Meeting – Library
- Wednesday, November 1 – 6:00 PM – All Souls’ Requiem – Funeral for Dirk Beach-Barrow – Legacy Society Sponsored Reception to follow – Memorial Garden
- Thursday, November 2 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Interfaith Book Study – Library
- Friday, November 3 – 6:30 PM – Interfaith PRIDE Shabbat at Palm Springs United Methodist Church
- Saturday, November 4 – 4:00 PM – PRIDE Mass & The Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage of Jon Dotson & Anthony Jones
- Sunday, November 5 – NO SUNDAY SERVICE – PRIDE Parade – Meet in church Parking lot at 9:30 AM to march with the church
- Tuesday, November 7 – 1:00-2:00 PM – Stewardship Committee – Library
- Tuesday, November 7 – 6:00-8:00 PM – Patio Party – Cathedral City
- Wednesday, November 8 – 4:30 PM – Latino Ministry Meeting – Library
- Wednesday, November 8 – 6:30 PM – Finance Committee– Library
- Thursday, November 9 – 10:00 AM – Frank Riviers funeral; 3:00 PM – Arlene Rosenthal funeral
- Friday to Saturday, November 10-11 – EDSD Diocesan Convention
- Saturday, November 11 – 4:00 PM – Palm Springs Veterans’ Day Parade
- Sunday, November 26 – 9:00-10:00 AM – Newcomer Class – Library
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
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