This Sunday – For All the Saints – Our Identity in Christ
Every year, we call the first week in November the Holy Week of the Fall. It is the confluence of Allhallowtide (Halloween, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day/Día de los Muertos) and Pride in the desert. At the same time, our clergy and lay delegates are headed to the annual Diocesan Convention in Poway. We gather and scatter. We rejoice and we weep. We bring photos of deceased relatives to the outdoor altar (ofrenda) and we light up the belltower in a rainbow kaleidoscope. It is a time when we mourn those we’ve lost, celebrate the incredible gift of life, and relish in our identity as the people of God. God calls us to bring our full selves, our full identity, into our relationship with Him/Her/Them and with each other. We often navigate competing identities. Society often makes space for some of our identity, but not all of it. Or it tries to rank our identity into a hierarchy. Sometimes it attempts to force us to choose between which identity is most important or most meaningful. We are often asked to lean into one identity in some spaces and another identity in others. Sometimes we feel like we can never be our full selves, at least not all of the time and in every place. At the root of who we are is that we are beloved children of God. All of us hold this in common. The way that belovedness takes shape in each of our lives is as diverse as the saints throughout human history. In Christ, we can hold Latino/a/x and queer identity together. In Christ, there is no male and female. In Christ, we all have different gifts, each using what God has bestowed for the good of the whole. May you rediscover forgotten parts of yourself this next week. May you delight in discovering how to integrate a deep spirituality with the beautiful complexity of your multi-faceted identities.
May you never seek to wonder that you were made in Love and will return to Love.
This Week at St. Paul’s
Sunday, November 1
All Saints’ Day
Sunday Services Times
7:30 AM — Spoken Eucharist
(Incense Free)
9:00 AM — Contemplative Eucharist
(Incense Free)
11:00 AM — Choral Eucharist
(Incense will be used at this service)
Sunday School for preschool-5th grade is offered during our 11:00 AM service.
You are invited to bring a copy of a photo of your departed loved one to place on the outdoor ofrenda.
Sacred Belonging: Faith, LGBTQ+ Identity, & Latino Spirituality
A Conversation with Yunuen Trujillo
Author of LGBTQ Catholics: A Guide to Inclusive Ministry
A joint ecumenical project of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino.
4PM-4:30PM – Keynote Address
4:30PM-5PM — Q&A Panel
5PM-6PM — Book Signing & Light Refreshments
Wednesday, November 4
Día De Los Muertos
Service at Noon
Memorial Garden
Sponsored by the Latino Ministry
All Souls’ Requiem Mass (Transferred)
Service at 6PM
Memorial Garden
(Incense will be used at this service)
Legacy Society Sponsored Reception to Follow (Parish Hall)
This event is open to anyone—all are invited to attend!
Thursday, November 5
Reclaiming the Text: A PRIDE Week Screening of 1946
Sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Ministry
For many people, the intersection of faith and LGBTQIA+ inclusion has been marked by confusion, pain, and difficult questions. What if one of the most influential biblical interpretations of the last century was rooted in a translation decision that deserves another look?
Join us at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert for a special PRIDE week screening of the acclaimed documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted a Culture, followed by a thoughtful panel conversation exploring faith, Scripture, and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Christians. Whether you’re exploring these questions personally, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to better understand the conversation, this evening is an opportunity to learn, listen, and engage with compassion.
Following the film, we’ll host a live conversation with special guest:
Colby Martin, Author of UNCLOBBERED, Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homoseuxuality
Who Should Attend?
- LGBTQIA+ people seeking an affirming faith community.
- Parents, family members, and friends.
- Christians wrestling with questions about Scripture and inclusion.
- Anyone who desires a deeper understanding of this important conversation.
Following the 1946 Screening, we will illuminate the church with PRIDE Lights. All are invited, and the gathering is open to anyone who would like to join.
Friday, November 6
PRIDE Shabbat
Interfaith Service at 6:30PM, UMC Palm Springs
1555 E Alejo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Saturday, November 7
Palm Springs PRIDE Festival Booth — Nov 7 & Nov 8.
Volunteer Opportunity
Sign up for a shift to person the (first-ever!) St. Paul’s table at PRIDE this year in downtown Palm Springs.
Wear your St. Paul’s t-shirt and help share the joy of this community with Pride-goers.
We respect the dignity of every human being!
PRIDE Mass
A Celebration of God’s Inclusive Love
Service at 4PM (Church Nave)
Guest preacher The Very Rev. Robert Taylor. First openly gay dean of an Episcopal Cathedral. President of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation.
ALL are Welcome.
Sunday, November 8
March with St. Paul’s in the Annual Palm Springs PRIDE Parade
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Parade Starts at 10:00 AM.
Marchers will meet in Church Parking lot 9:30AM.
Upcoming Classes, Events & Services
Don’t Miss Out:
Only Online & Indio Spots Left! Register Today.
Breathing Under Water: 12-Step Spirituality
This class is designed to help us share the abundant love of Jesus Christ. We invite participants to share their experience, strength, and hope in recovery, drawing meaningful connections between the 12 Steps and their personal Christian faith. By providing a supportive setting to explore this faith and hope, the class will simultaneously inspire members of our parish and offer a dedicated space to give thanks for our life experiences and ongoing recovery.
Led by The Rev. Bud Williams & Linda Castro
Sundays, Nov 1, 15, & 22
9:45AM-10:45AM
Yucca Room, Parish Hall
Saints, Shrines, & Sacraments: Faith in England Before the Reformation
Why does church look and feel the way it does?
This course explores the development of the parish, sacraments, sacred spaces, and devotional practices in the Western Christian tradition, with particular attention to the medieval English church. Along the way, we’ll consider how the rituals and institutions of our pre-Reformation ancestors continue to shape contemporary parish life—and what looking backward might help us notice about our own experience of church.
Led by Dr. William Dohar
Sundays, Oct 18, 25, & Nov 1
9:45AM- 10:45AM
Saguaro Room, Parish Hall
Four Weeks with Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Sermon on the Mount
In a time when authoritarianism and fascism once again threaten democratic life, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship offers a timeless spirituality for difficult times. Drawing on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Bonhoeffer asks what it means to live with courage, truthfulness, compassion, nonviolence, and faithfulness when the world around us is being reshaped by fear and power. Join us for four weeks of conversation about what this ancient teaching might have to say to the church and to us today.
The Rev. Dr. Frank Dunn
Thursdays, Nov 5 & 12
2:30PM-4:00PM
Yucca Room, Parish Hall
TRANSforming Hospitality: A Study of Luke 14
This four-week class will use the scriptural text of the Gospel According to St. Luke Chapter 14 to find real-world applications when looking for ways to offer hospitality and welcome to and from marginalized communities, especially our transgender siblings. Each week, a portion of the text will be used to examine how we as Christians are called to be inclusive of all of God’s children as our parish prepares to host TransGiving, the annual Thanksgiving Day community meal sponsored by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. This class would be helpful for those in our congregation who are involved in radical hospitality or for those who are seeking ways to show Christ’s love to our siblings in the Transgender Community.
The class is required for anyone participating as a St. Paul in the Desert volunteer at the TransGiving event.
Led By The Rev. Dan Kline & Samantha Hirsch
Thursdays, Oct 29, & Nov 5, 12, 19
1PM-2:30PM
Saguaro Room, Parish Hall
LARK: Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge Nov. 12 & 17 — TRAINING AT ST. PAUL’S!
Diocesan Sponsored Event
Are you an altar minister, Vestry member, DOK, Welcome Team member, altar guild member, on any of the Standing Committees (Finance, Stewardship, Campus Care, Human Resources, Strategic Planning), volunteer at Laundry Love, teach any of the classes at St. Paul’s, leader of a ministry or committee, usher, lector, volunteer in any capacity, or just want to make the world a better place?
This training is for you!
Join LARK: Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge workshop that explores our region’s racial and ethnic history.
The workshop begins Thursday, November 12, from 1:00–5:30 p.m. on Zoom, followed by a full day on Tuesday, November 17, from 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in person at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs (125 W El Alameda, Palm Springs) Both sessions are part of the same training and offer time for learning, reflection, conversation, and connection.
Eucharistic Visitor Training
Nov. 12 (Last Training of 2026)
Diocesan Sponsored Event
Eucharistic Visitors are licensed lay ministers who extend the Church’s sacramental life to those who are unable to attend worship in person. This online training prepares participants to serve with reverence, care, and pastoral sensitivity as they bring Holy Communion to parishioners in homes, hospitals, and care facilities. Clergy and lay leaders are invited to attend and discern this meaningful ministry of presence and connection.
Note: All persons interested in this most important ministry must have a meeting with Rev. Jessie. Please reach out to set one up: revjessie@stpauldesert.church
Fall Color Hike to Oak Glen
Saturday, November 14, 2026 – Fall Color Hike to Oak Glen– An easy 1.5 mile loop trail through towering pines, lovely lakeshore and colorful autumn foliage in nearby Oak Glen, on of Southern California’s most beloved mountain stops. Dogs welcome, wildlife sightings common; enjoy fresh apple cider and cool mountain shade after the hike.
Specific meetup details will be sent to those who register.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in addition to Sunday School on Sunday mornings, St. Paul’s regularly brings Sunday School to the community?
This past Saturday, our teachers headed to the park for what they have been calling “Art in the Park. ” This new church-run program provides an opportunity for us to be good neighbors to families who might never walk through the doors of 125 El Alameda through safe play and connections. We give thanks for the many volunteers who reminded us that church is not just within the four walls of our building, but out in the community at large.
If you are interested in volunteering for future Art in the Park events, please contact Megan Goehring, Director of Parish Life at parishlife@stpauldesert.church.
NOTE: Before volunteering with children, all potential volunteers must first complete SafeChurch training.
We live livestream our 11 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.
Upcoming Funerals
Saturday, October 3 at 11:00AM – John Hampton
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion: The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, The Archbishop of Canterbury; pray for The Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America.
For the Episcopal Church: The Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe.
For the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota: The Right Reverend Dr. Jonathan H. Folts.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego: The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook, Bishop. Pray for the faculty and students of the West Coast Collaborative. Pray for the Clergy, Delegates, and official youth presence to the 53rd Annual Diocesan Convention. For our nation’s elections and all elected officials.
For those commended to our prayers: Lois Adams, Pamela Genevrino, Ginny Foat, Bill Cosper, Archer Hatch, Don Chase, Tex Batson, Phil Telford, Onys Gillispie, John Grainger, Mick Welsh, Viktor Cheverich, Carlos Pelaitai, William Finlay, Myla Hendershot, Jim Downs, Anne Castro, Griff Linsenmayer, Warren Safley and Jim Crumby, Gary Smith, Jennifer Walker, Pat, Marysia, George, Don and Mary Hamilton, Jerry Reed, Sylvia Black, Patti Craine, Patricia Johnson, Jordan Hinds, Keith Blevins, Henny Struijk, Karen Paddock, Jeff Bonnell, Jonathan Brown, Susie Simpson, Carmen Vasquez, Luz Gallegos, Mariella, Clarissa, Tammy Noah, Thor Garrett, Averi Kayte Patrick, Carol Lindbladt, Vern Marken and Luis Valdes, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton, Kristopher C, Tony Santamaria, Lori Miller, Steve Horstman, Leon Walker, David & Jen Moreno, Bill McMillan, Rex Comer, Kai C, The Rev. David Caffrey, Gaile Eckert, RC Eckert, Mick & Joan Dawson, Allan Coe & Rose Coslett, Michael Neil, Nesbit Hatch & Dennis Rexroad, Tom & Helen Amestoy. Pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
Please join in praying for our St. Paul Convention Delegates who will be heading to Convention this weekend Nov. 6-7: Nancy Antonius, Andy Johnson, Bill LaVoie, Br. John Westaway, and the co-rectors.
For those who have died: Marcus Lawson, Chris Page, Timothy Kiley, Shirley Sagun, Barbara Eckhart, Frank Tysen, Ronnie Simpson, Fausto Portillo, Marianne Marino, Andy Lopez, Terry Rogers, Eric Lance, Nicole Vasquez, Kemper Dudley. 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: November 5: Wesley Henry & Adam Swinney.
For those with birthdays: November 1: Lucinda Hampson, Marcus Scott, Janet Hawver, November 2: Marilyn Sigerman, John Ellis, Robert Atkins, Ernesto De Leon, November 3: Bruce Blauvelt, The Rev Deborah G. Seles, Brad Carter, November 5: Rosendo Perez, November 7: Mark Berry.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Sunday’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Michael Leppen in loving memory of Miriam and H. Earl Hoover and in loving memory of Arthur and Vienna Leppen. AND by Mark Leggett in loving memory of James T. Kyle.
If you would like to sponsor altar flowers for a future Sunday honoring a special person or event, you’ll find the sign-up book at the Welcome Table, or you can call the Parish Office at 760.320.7488 to reserve your sponsorship date(s).
Prayer List Update
We have recently taken time to review the names currently on our prayer list to ensure it remains current and meaningful. If you feel a name is missing, we warmly invite you to submit the names of those you would like us to include in prayer.
Please note that names will remain on the prayer list for four weeks. To be included in the weekly newsletter and printed materials, submissions must be received by 4:00 PM each Tuesday. Submissions received after the deadline will appear in the following week.
Thank you for helping us care for our community through prayer.
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.
Request
Rectors’ Discretionary Fund
The first Sunday of the month loose-plate offerings are designated for the Rectors’ Discretionary Fund (sometimes referred to as “Benevolence”). Checks may also be designated for the fund. This instrument of mercy provides the clergy a financial pool to draw upon when parishioners, individuals in the community, or other community organizations ask for help. The traditional use of the discretionary fund is to assist the poor of the community. Examples for those in need include rent, utilities, medical bills, etc. Thank you for your generosity!
Community & Outreach
Looking to Get Involved?
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
Neighbors For Neighbors Volunteers Needed
Every month volunteers gather to set-up, organize, bag and distribute food to over 500 families from the greater Indio area.
Below are confirmed dates and times:
November 20, 2026 — Volunteer Start Time: 8:30 AM
December 17, 2026 — Volunteer Start Time: 9:30 AM
Interested in volunteering this week?
Email our new Director of Parish Life & Engagement – parishlife@stpauldesert.church — to let us know you’d like to help.
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.
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 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. Betsy Vaughn, betsy.vaughn6@gmail.com
The Rev. Willy Crespo, frcrespo@gmail.com
Ms. Meredith Hardy, mlh8180@gmail.com
