Starting Sunday, May 31,
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert
returns to familiar Sunday worship times.
This Sunday is the last Sunday for Sunday School and the Choir before summer break. Choir rehearsals on Thursday and Sunday will resume in the Fall, along with Sunday School on Sunday mornings. In the meantime, we will have a “Prior Choir” on the first Sundays of the month (July 5, August 2, and September 7.) On those Sundays we meet in the choir loft at 10AM to learn an easy anthem for that day’s worship. We do not robe or sit up front, and everyone is welcome.
For more information on the Prior Choir, please reach out to our Director of Music – musicdirector@stpauldesert.church.
Join us Sunday, May 31
Spiritual Formation Survey 2026
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert is a thriving, growing parish, full of pastoral care, parish life, outreach and community involvement, deep worship, and rich spiritual formation. If you want to hear some statistics of this last year, you are invited to listen to Rev. Jessie’s sermon from Pentecost last Sunday. https://tinyurl.com/RevJessieMay-24
One of the gifts of this parish is our vibrant and full spiritual formation class schedule throughout the year. This past year we held 29 classes/retreats! These classes and retreats were taught and led by clergy and laity—our Co-Rectors, retired clergy, a Buddhist priest, a rabbi, and a host of educators from a variety of backgrounds—who are passionate about connecting our spiritual growth and faith with our lives and our learnings and our service.
Our spiritual formation classes are open to anyone, both in-person and on video (for those unable to join in person). Some occur between services on Sunday. Many occur throughout the week. These classes are thoughtfully created, vetted, and organized around the liturgical calendar and the rhythms of church life.
We invite you to take the following survey to provide feedback on the Spiritual Formation classes this past year AND to get your thoughts on upcoming classes for this next year. This survey will only be live for 2 weeks, so we hope you’ll click on it and take just a few minutes to fill it out. All who fill it out will be entered into a drawing for a bundle of amazing books.
Take Survey
This survey is only LIVE for 2 weeks.
Pentecost Sunday Recap
Pentecost Sunday was a joyful celebration of the Holy Spirit and the life of the Church. Often called the birthday of the Church, Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit continues to move, inspire, and send us out in love.
Thank you to everyone who wore red, filling our worship with the colors of fire and renewal. We are also grateful to those who helped decorate the church—your time and creativity helped make Pentecost especially meaningful.
Upcoming Classes, Events & Services
During Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for a three-week exploration of Latino theology, ministry, culture, and spiritual practice—and consider how embracing these perspectives can enrich the life of the whole Church. Diversity is a gift!
Sundays
September 13, 20 & 27
9:15 AM — 10:15 AM
Saguaro Room, Parish Hall
PARISH LIFE GROUPS THAT JUST MEET & EAT! Get to know a small group of parishioners over a monthly shared meal. You are invited to join!
The next Book Club meeting will be held on
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 2 PM
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 2 PM. The meeting will be held in the Yucca Room in the parish hall on the church campus. The Book Club pick for June is Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar.
Cyrus Shams is a young man grappling with an inheritance of violence and loss: his mother’s plane was shot down over the Persian Gulf in a senseless accident; and his father’s life in America was circumscribed by his work in a chicken factory farm. Cyrus is a drunk, an addict, and a poet, whose obsession with martyrs leads him to examine the mysteries of his past. This novel is a paean to how we spend our lives seeking meaning—in faith, art, ourselves, others.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmeran@icloud.com
Upcoming Funerals
Saturday, May 30, at 11:00 AM — Jackie Freeburn
Saturday, June 6, at 11:00 AM — Roger Allen
Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 AM — Ben Palmer
Join St. Paul’s this Sunday for our Worship Service
Trinity Sunday
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
May 31, 2026 · 10:30 AM
We live livestream our 10:30 AM Sunday Eucharist every week. You can view the livestream on the Watch Live Page, YouTube Channel, and Facebook Page.
Missed a Service?
No problem! You can watch previous services anytime.
Visit our YouTube channel to explore past sermons and special events at your convenience.
The Gospel of Showing Up: A Reflection After the Shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego
by Chris Tumilty, Director of Communications
When something truly horrific happens, we often ask ourselves, ”But what can I do?” The desire to help is there, but the capacity for practical assistance is lost. We search for the right words, the right response, or action that feels large enough to match the weight of grief unfolding right in front of us. But standing in Lindbergh Park on Tuesday evening with thousands of neighbors gathered to mourn the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, Bishop Susan Brown Snook reminded me that the first and most important thing we can do is simply show up.
The park was full of people long before the vigil began. Clergy in collars and stoles stood beside imams, rabbis, pastors, and community leaders. Families gathered with their young children. And the eerie sound of thousands of people in silence–only the sniffles of grief carried. Many had the distinct look of tears being held back by the thinnest of layers.
Just 30 hours earlier, the Islamic Center of San Diego, a stone’s throw from where I stood, was the site of devastating violence. Two heavily armed teenagers (children!) opened fire during a busy day at the mosque and school campus. In the chaos, worshipers and neighbors rushed to protect children and families, which likely saved dozens of lives.
As the news spread, the grief across San Diego became deeply personal to our city. The three victims were identified as Amin Abdullah, a security guard and father of eight; Mansour Kaziha, a 78-year-old mosque elder; and Nader Awad, a longtime neighbor and community member. During the vigil, speaker after speaker described them not simply as victims, but as heroes.
Abdullah confronted the shooters and warned others inside the campus– protecting more than 100 children attending programs at the Islamic school. Mansour Kaziha, known affectionately as “Abu Ezz,” was a longtime caretaker and leader at the mosque who had managed the mosque store for nearly 40 years. He was remembered for his warm smile and his deep devotion to the community and children of the Islamic School. Kaziha was the first person to call 911 after gunfire erupted outside the mosque.
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion: The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury; pray for Eglise Anglicane du Rwanda.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Central Ecuador: The Right Reverend Juan Carlos Quiñonez, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego: The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; the clergy and people of All Souls’, San Diego.
For those commended to our prayers: Steve Moore, Crystal Vines, Mary Barrett, Dorothy Clark, Linda Staunch, Matt Maestra, Florence Tobin, Sophie Buckiss, Don Hamilton, Mary Hamilton, Ronnie Simpson, John Lasher, Family of Jackie Freeburn, Richard Ammon, Barb Steeves, Ellen Betzler, Teena Hale, Mark, Marla, Gen Lopez, James Holjes, Randal J. Kinnear, David Dunn, Sandy Morgan, Tom and Helen Amestoy, Warren Safely, Joan Martin, Rodney Binder, Harmony Jane, Lorraine D. Jeffty, Irene Casillo, Ramona F. The Rev. David Caffrey, Dave and Jen Moreno, Steve Horstman, Alex Perez, Hailee Gomez, Alana Jones, Codie Koenk, Aiden Uriostegui, Rylie Uriostegui, Lorenzo Uriostegui, Veronica Romero, Larry Stralow, Kai C., Kristopher C., Kevin Fleming, William P., Willie Ramos, Donna, Jaimie Hubbard, Mimi, Charlene, John O’Brien, Barb Steeves, Cathy, Marshall Banks, Cyndia Fisher, Michael Patino, John Alex Houlton’s Family, Joan Dawson, Allan Coe, Morgan, Jamel Monson, Alex, Pat Wolach, Fr. Rob Lord, William E. McKenzie, Kristi Lehnert, Gary, John and Lena Granet, Daniel Lopez-Molina, Gary Wise, Shawna Rickard, Marge S., Raffaele, Paul Cronin-Swalboski, Michael Neill, Tellez Family, Kevin Lee, Gerardo Reynoso, Anika Burke, Nesbit Hatch & Dennis Rexroad, Don Moore, Adrienne, George, Nicole, Beverly Schafer, Bob Blum, Steven Pilgrim, Marysia, Francis, Marty, Chris Migdol, Natalie Ousley, Greg, Jude Hoiseth, Tony & Pat Ellerd, Jessica Rodriguez, Crystal Gonzalez, Julia Anne Galperen, Troy Elder, Reuben Hernandez, Shaun Water, Patricia Valtier-Medina, René (Reno) Valtier, Rodney Binder, Sam Grewal and Family, Gabriel Georgia, Jerry Brown, Fergus, Joan Anderson, Harry Lit, Lori Miller, Lucy Youngren, Bonnie Ong, RC Eckert, Gaile Eckert, Tish and Eliott Kahn, Hap Blaisdell, Pat, David Valenzuela, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Ann Keith Nauman, Mel Parsons, Jean Gilraine-Hickson, Richard Tracz, Jackie Freeburn, Kelly Morgan, David Hankins, David Eckert, Dorothy Bowens, Larry Clipper, Gordon Wipf, 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 departed rest in peace. Amen.
For those celebrating anniversaries: June 6: Michael Horan and Patricia Horan
For those with birthdays: June 3: Cheryl Kelley, Wayne Soucy, Megan Goehring, Julie Galperon, June 4: Richard Patenaude, Mary Seger, June 5: Jim Redline
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Sunday’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by The Rev. Frank Dunn and Joseph Casazza in thanksgiving of their 15th wedding anniversary, AND by Jeffrey Ratnam in memory of Kyara Scott. Daughter of Marcus and Jessica Scott. The Narthex flowers are sponsored by Rick Nauman in thanksgiving for his 74th trip around the sun.
“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
Recent Former Parishioner Deaths
Mel Parsons, a long time wintertime member of St. Paul’s, a faithful member of our choir, and just a wonderful human being, passed away on April 23rd at home in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his son and daughter at his side. His equally amazing wife, Beryl, preceded him in death a few years ago. Those of us that knew them will greatly miss their great sense of humor, their dedication to singing in the choir, and especially the delicious egg salad sandwiches they would bless us with on Easter Sunday between services at the choir brunch.
Jean Gilraine-Hickson (nee Phillips) Jean and her husband Frank enjoyed many happy years as snowbirds in Palm Springs, Ca. Summers at their Winnipeg house and Lake of the Woods cottage. In 1992 they moved to Arbutus Ridge on Vancouver Island. In 2008 Jean lost her husband Frank of 56 years. In 2013 she married John Hickson. Jean loved her Lord and His Church. She enjoyed her Church involvement, including as Lay Eucharistic Minister, bible study groups and various volunteer activities. Her funeral service was held on Sunday, May 17 at the Anglican Church of St. John the Baptist on 3295 Cobble Hill Road in Cobble Hill, BC. The service can be watched at https://vimeo.com/event/5929475?fl=so&fe=fs
Richard Tracz Richard died peacefully on May 8 at Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA following a brief illness. Richard and his spouse, Jay Howard, were communicants at St. Paul’s in the early years following their 2003 move from Chicago to Palm Springs. Funeral and internment will be in early autumn at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Chicago, IL.
Prayer Request
Submit a name to our Prayer List, and our community will lift them up in prayer throughout the week.
Share your request and let us pray with you.
RequestCommunity & Outreach
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
Neighbors For Neighbors Volunteers Needed
Every fourth Thursday of the month, volunteers gather at approximately 7:30 AM to set-up, organize, bag and distribute food beginning at 9:30 AM to over 500 families from the greater Indio area. During summer months (June to September), food distribution will begin at 9:30 AM and continue thru 3 pm. These volunteers are vitally important to our outreach.
Please contact John Sanders at johnfsanders@mac.com to volunteer.
Come build a house in Tijuana on
June 13th, 2026.
No building skills needed, just a willingness to share one day to change a family’s life forever!
You will need to preregister for the build and prepare to share your passport number and expiration date for the bus. This makes getting into and out of Mexico go smoothly and fast.
https://www.corazon.org/3529_alameda
We meet at 6 AM at the shopping center 360 E H Street, Chula Vista, CA to meet all the builders and board the bus.
If you are curious how we build a house in a day, we have created a website that takes you step by step for the day of a build.
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.
The Episcopal Church’s
Immigration Toolkit
Shifting federal policy on immigration is already impacting people in all four of our counties. With this in mind, the Episcopal Church’s church-wide office routinely collects up-to-date immigration resources for congregations.
Visit the Immigration Action Toolkit to find ways your congregation can help migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s Info
on Reporting Misconduct
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego considers the reporting and investigation of misconduct to be of critical importance. Reporting enables the diocese to protect the complainant, the respondent, and the larger community. It also allows the diocese to assist with the spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of all concerned during and after the report of misconduct. Please visit edsd.org/safe-church-safe-communities/reporting-misconduct/
Intake Officers:
Ms. Megan Callan, megan@mecallan.com
The Rev. Willy Crespo, frcrespo@gmail.com
Ms. Meredith Hardy, mlh8180@gmail.com
