The Abundant Lite
August 14, 2014 For Sunday August 17, 2014
Reflections: From Jerry Di Noto
Joseph's amazing response!
Joseph told his brothers that although they sold him into slavery, God was using the situation to bring him to Egypt to save the nation of Israel. What's even more amazing is that Joseph held no grudge against either his brothers or God. He could have let bitterness and anger develop or blamed God for allowing all this to happen. Instead, Joseph looked at the events of his life as part of a divine plan. What a lesson for us! St. Paul tells us that, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to God's purpose.'
Being a person of faith doesn't mean life will always be a bed of roses and that we have all the possessions desired for the "good life". Sometimes evil things happen, even to us! That should not be a sign that we don't have enough faith, or that God is absent. Unlike Joseph, we can allow bitterness to take hold when we are in need or hurt and hold a grudge against those who have maligned us. We can even blame God for not stepping in and protecting us from harm, danger or hurt. How we deal with the challenges and obstacles we face demonstrates our faith, belief and trust in God.
As a follower of Christ, I wonder whether my reactions to problems reflect a belief in a Loving God. Would someone be able to look at me and know I am a person of faith by my actions and reactions? Would I be like Joseph who trusted in God and was willing to forgive others and submit to a divine plan?
I can perceive the world as a dark and troubled place or I can pray for the spiritual insight to know God is at work- the work of transformation and redemption. Once I realize the work of transformative redemptive power in my life, I am spiritually armed and empowered to bring healing, forgiveness, goodness and peace to others.
May we, like Joseph, reflect the healing redemptive love of God in all our troubled situations and encounters. Blessings!
Jerry DiNoto
Featured Scripture
Genesis 45:1-15
Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, "Send everyone away from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come closer to me." And they came closer. He said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, `Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there-- since there are five more years of famine to come-- so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.' And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here." Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
Faith Formation
"Sundays at 9:15"
In The Library Welcome to The Episcopal Café' Discussion Group! Sessions held in Parish Hall Chapel.
These discussion-sharing sessions are based on online topics from Episcopal websites.
Participants can pre-read discussion articles on the sites indicated. The Episcopal Café discussion group topics and websites are:
8/17 “So Am I A Christian or Not?”
Facilitated by Jerry DiNoto [1]Click to read 8/24 “There’s No Such Thing As An Atheist Baby”
Facilitated by Craig Ewing
[2]Click to read 8/31 NO SESSION Labor Day Weekend Holiday
9/7 Immigration Advocacy Update (referred by Bishop Mathes)
[3]Click to read 9/14 “Eight Things the Church Needs to Say” – by Tom Ehrich @ religious news service
[4]Click to read 9/21 “Whatever Happened to Inclusive Language?”
[5]Click to read 9/28 “Transgender Priest Rachel Mann Made Minor Canon at Manchester Cathedral” [6]Click to read
"Tuesdays at 7" In The Library
Join us for movies on Tuesdays at 7 PM in the Library!
8/19 Movie: Rain Man Facillitator: Craig Ewing 8/26 Movie: Nebraska Facillitator: Jerry DiNoto
In September: Celebrating 40 Years of Woman's Ordination
9/2 No Session Labor Day Holiday 9/9 & 9/16 Book Discussion: The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me- The Writings of Suzanne Hiatt. Authors: Carter Heyward and Janine Lehane, Editors. As we observe the 40th anniversary of the irregular ordination of the group of women who became known as the “Philadelphia Eleven,” Carter Heyward and Janine LeHane gather the writings of Sue Hiatt, considered “bishop to the women” and leader of the movement that led to that momentous occasion. 9/23 & 9/30 Book Discussion: Looking Forward, Looking Backward: Forty Years of Women's Ordination by Fredrica Harris Thompsett (Editor) This is a wide-ranging exploration of the past, present, and future effects of women’s ordination on the church. Both books are available through Amazon.
Volunteers Needed - Roy’s Desert Resource Center!
St. Paul’s is expanding its outreach to the men, women and children of Roy’s Desert Resource Center, one of the Coachella Valley’s largest transitional living facilities for the homeless. New volunteers are needed to assist in our continuing Monday night dessert service to Roy’s residents as are baked goods, used clothing and donations to our Roy’s “S.O.S” fund. We are also looking for new volunteers willing to assist residents as they visit the on-site “God’s Closet” used clothing repository. We encourage everyone with a little time to spare to join us in this opportunity for service and fellowship. For more information, please contact Chris Kelly at 760.406.2978. We would love to hear from you!
Report 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 incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact the John Seitman, at [email protected] or 858-793-4426.
A WELCOMING, EMPOWERING, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Our mission statement calls us to be “a welcoming, empowering and supportive community.” We are currently forming a new ministry at St Paul’s to support that mission. Volunteers are needed from all three services to donate approximately 90 minutes of their time per month. That time is split into 3-30 minute segments: 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the service you attend, once per month, to support the Welcoming Table located in the Narthex and another 30 minutes a month assisting with name badge organization. If you are able to lend a hand, please contact Mike Funke at 760.-409.0986 or [email protected]!
Help us live our mission statement!
At the Church of St. Paul in the Desert
. . . we welcome all worshipers to a place free of violence, bullying, and abuse. 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.
Announcements
Need to Print a Copy of
The Abundant Lite?
[7]Click here to receive a Printer Friendly (text only) version[8].
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Please observe that the office is not open for walk-ins on Mondays. If you call, please leave a message. In case of emergencies, a priest will return your call.
St. Paul's
Social Justice Ministry will meet Thursday, August 14th, at 7 pm in the church library. Please be prepared to join our discussion as we plan next years agenda. Taizé Services will be on vacation until
October 2, 2014
See You Then!
St. Paul's Campers are going up to Idyllwild County Campground on August 15 through the 17th! Come and enjoy the cool mountain air and tall pine trees. Sign up in the Godly Play Room or call Bonnie Stroock at 760-324-7949.
Piano Fund Update:
To date, the Church has received 53 donations totaling $11,295.
HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE
FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
Holy Communion at Windsor Court, 201 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, is hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the second Wednesday of the month, next, on September 10th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
David Livingston will host this morning’s coffee hour following the 8:00 AM service and Craig Ewing will host coffee hour following the 10:30 AM service.
Please consider signing up to host a Coffee Hour in 2014. A binder at the entrance to the Parish Hall indicates available Sundays throughout the year. There are several Sundays available through the end of the year. If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join our circle on Wednesday's from 10am -1pm in Hogarth Hall. Whether you wish to learn to knit or crochet or are an expert needleworker, we welcome you. Needles, hooks and yarn are provided. Please drop in to create and enjoy our prayerfully made creations.
THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR
Is on vacation for the Summer! Check back with us in September!
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.
[9]"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.
[10]"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.
Episcopalians Against Gun Violence
. . . is an ad-hoc group of bishops, clergy and lay people disseminating information about Episcopalians who are working, collectively and individually, to curb gun violence. For further information, click [11]here.
Our Partnership with
Katherine Finchy Elementary School
. . . continues through our donations of classroom supplies. Please take a blue classroom supply wish list, available from the ushers, [12](or view and print), to use when you go shopping. Please place your donations in the basket marked “Katherine Finchy Elementary” located in the Narthex. You may also bring your purchased supplies to the Church Office during business hours. If you are unable to shop, but would like to help financially, please make your check out to “St. Paul in the Desert” and write “Katherine Finchy” on the memo line.
References
1. http://stevecornforth.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/so-am-i-christian-or-not.html 2. http://theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/12/atheist-baby-richard-dawkins- babies-atheism 3. http://cqrcengage.com/episcopal/app/document/3107244 4. http://www.religionnews.com/2014/07/15/commentary-8-things-church-needs-say/ 5. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-winnie-varghese/inclusive- language_b_5621169.html 6. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/ transgender.priest.made.minor.canon.at.manchester.cathedral/ 7. http://stpaulsps.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Abundant-Lite- August-7-2014.pdf 8. http://stpaulsps.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/The-Abundant-Lite-5-8-2014.pdf 9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPZ5eUrNF24 10. http://scg-wakeupcall.blogspot.com/2010/10/blessing-for-those-who-are-bullied.html 11. http://www.facebook.com/EpiscopaliansAgainstGunViolence 12. http://stpaulsps.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Finchy-Supply-list.pdf