Abundant Life — June 18, 2026

Summer: A Season of Rest and Renewal

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we continue our journey through the long green season after Pentecost—what we often call Ordinary Time—we are invited into a different rhythm of faith. While the word “ordinary” may sound unremarkable, it comes from the idea of ordered time: a season for steady growth, faithful practice, and attentive living.

Summer also offers us an opportunity to embrace another biblical rhythm: Sabbath. From the beginning of creation, God established a pattern of work and rest, reminding us that our worth is not measured by our productivity. Sabbath is a holy gift that allows us to rest, recharge, renew, and reconnect with God, one another, and ourselves.

In that spirit, our parish enters a seasonal slowdown during July and August. Our staff and many of our key volunteers faithfully serve long hours throughout the year, and summer provides an important opportunity for renewal. We have already transitioned to a 2 service Sunday schedule. Beginning in July, with reduced staff as vacations are taken, church office hours will be Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We remain committed to the ministries of the parish while also honoring the sacred need for rest and restoration.

As part of this seasonal rhythm, most committee and ministry meetings will pause during the summer months. This intentional break creates space for leaders and volunteers to rest while also allowing staff time to plan, prepare, and dream for the upcoming program year. While some activities slow down, important work continues behind the scenes. Our Vestry remains actively engaged in several significant projects that will help shape the future of our parish, and we look forward to sharing updates in upcoming newsletters. In addition, our Human Resources Committee is beginning the search process for our next staff position, an important step as we continue to strengthen our ministry and mission.
One important ministry never takes a summer break: pastoral care. While office hours and meeting schedules may be reduced, our commitment to caring for one another remains constant. If you or a loved one experiences illness, hospitalization, grief, or another pastoral need, please do not hesitate to contact the church. The Body of Christ is called to bear one another’s burdens in every season, and we remain committed to prayer, visitation, support, and accompaniment whenever needed.

Even as our pace changes, the life of our community continues. On Sunday, June 28, we will celebrate the ministry of Jonathan Faulks and give thanks for his faithful service during a year of significant growth and transition in our parish. On Wednesday, July 1 at 6:00 p.m., we will gather to commend our beloved sister Amelia Grinstead to God’s eternal care. Amelia was a longtime member of this parish and generously shared her gifts as a volunteer in the church office. We invite all who knew and loved her and even those who did not, but wish to pay their respects, to join us in prayer and remembrance.

Looking ahead to August, we will celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration on Wednesday, August 5, commemorating the revelation of Christ’s glory on the mountaintop before his disciples. This feast reminds us that moments of transformation and renewal often prepare us for faithful service in the world below. We will also host a four-week Sunday morning Faith 250 conversation series led by Rabbi David Lazar of Congregation Or Hamidbar and the Rev. Dr. Frank Dunn, retired Episcopal priest who spent a good portion of his vocation in Washington, D.C. Part of the national Faith250 initiative, this series will explore America’s founding ideals, civic values, and our hopes for the future through study and conversation across faith traditions. More details about the class will be shared in the coming weeks.

As summer unfolds, I encourage you to embrace the spiritual principle of Sabbath in whatever form it may take: time with family and friends, moments of quiet prayer, travel, recreation, or simply a slower pace. May this season refresh your spirit and deepen your awareness of God’s presence. Sabbath is ultimately an act of trust—a reminder that the Church belongs not to us, but to Christ, who continues to guide, sustain, and renew us in every season. Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we continue to pray for you.
Faithfully,

Rev. Jessie Thompson & Rev. Dan Kline

Co-Rectors

Latino Ministry Joins Palm Springs UMC Sacred Vigil for Justice At Detention Center

Parishioners John Sanders and Bonnie Stroock, members of our Latino Ministry Leadership Team, recently joined a group from Palm Springs United Methodist Church on a journey to the Adelanto Detention Center near Victorville to participate in A Sacred Vigil for Justice. The round trip required about four hours of travel, but the opportunity to stand in solidarity with those impacted by immigration detention made every mile worthwhile.

The vigil was organized in response to a hunger strike currently taking place among detainees at the facility. Participants gathered in prayer, worship, and witness, offering support to those detained and calling attention to the human realities behind our nation’s immigration system. The service included prayers, reflections, and songs of resistance that lifted up themes of hope, dignity, and justice.

The Adelanto Detention Center is one of the largest immigration detention facilities in California, housing individuals who are awaiting immigration hearings or other legal proceedings. Through the work of the Cal-Pac United Methodist Church Immigration Strategy Group and ecumenical partners, faith communities continue to advocate for compassionate treatment, due process, and the recognition of the sacred worth of every person. If you are interested in being a part of civic vigils in the future, please consider participating in the Latino Ministry!

Want to Help Make St. Paul’s Campus & Buildings Better?

Have you ever been at church and noticed the same lightbulb has been out for weeks? Or reached for a handrail only to find it’s loose and wondered why it hasn’t been fixed? Maybe you’ve sat down in a pew and found the rack is missing cards, envelopes, or pens—and realized that unless someone reports it, no one knows it needs attention.

We invite you to use our Maintenance & Repair Request Form, available online. 
If you see something on St. Paul’s campus that needs repairing, cleaning, sprucing up, or general attention, this form is the best and most effective way to make sure it gets addressed.

Submitting a request in real time allows:
Our sexton to handle day‑to‑day issues quickly
Our Campus Care Committee to track, prioritize, and plan for larger or ongoing needs


Your participation helps us stay organized, responsive, and good stewards of our sacred space.