Three Years of Music, Growth, and Change
September 1 marks three years since I came on board at St. Paul’s, beginning a new chapter in the music ministry of St. Paul in the Desert.
The transition came at a time of significant change. Under the Canons of the Episcopal Church, our Co-Rectors have responsibility for determining all that happens in worship. They wanted to use this moment as an opportunity to develop a more wide-ranging approach to the music offered at St. Paul’s.
At the heart of that vision was a commitment to an all-volunteer parish choir. During the first year, the choir sang periodically on a sort of TBA schedule. In the second year, our singers generously agreed to expand that commitment and provide a choir every Sunday throughout the season.
The growth has been steady and encouraging. As we complete our third year, approximately twenty singers are now on the choir roster. Their commitment of time and talent has made possible a vibrant choral presence in our worship and has demonstrated what a dedicated group of parish musicians can accomplish together.
With growth comes the opportunity to strengthen the program further. Choir members themselves have recently asked for additional musical support. We have consistently needed more women’s voices, and singers in all sections have noted that maintaining musical consistency can sometimes be challenging when attendance patterns shift from week to week.
In response, with the support of the Co-Rectors and the Vestry, this fall we will begin experimenting with professional section leaders who will sing alongside our volunteers and provide dependable musical leadership within their sections. These musicians will do more than simply add professional voices to the choir. They will help volunteer singers learn their parts, build confidence, strengthen their musical skills, and prepare for more challenging repertoire. The goal is not to replace our volunteers, but to strengthen the entire choir and help us take on new musical possibilities together.
This investment will also help us strengthen music across the breadth of our worship life. A stronger choir at our principal Sunday service of the day will allow us to continue developing the quality and range of our choral music, while the addition of musical leadership at 9:00 AM will help strengthen congregational singing and musical leadership when the 9:00 AM service returns in season. Together, these investments give us greater flexibility to offer meaningful and engaging music at multiple services as our parish continues to grow.
This summer provided another opportunity to broaden our musical palette. We alternated between parishioners and guest musicians from the wider community, offering both instrumental and vocal music. It was a wonderful way to hear different musical traditions, styles, instruments, and voices while inviting talented musicians from beyond our walls to become acquainted with St. Paul’s.
Three years into this journey, our music ministry continues to evolve. What began during a period of substantial transition has become a growing program rooted in the generosity of parish volunteers and increasingly enriched by musicians from the wider community.
With gratitude,
Chuck Peery
Director of Music
Interested in Singing?
We would love to have you join us. You do not need to be a professional singer or have extensive musical experience. You simply need a willingness to sing, learn, and be part of a community. Our growing choir is always ready to welcome new voices.
During the choir season, we meet twice each week (choose to attend the one session per week that best fits with your schedule):
- Thursdays at 5:45 PM – starting October 1st
- Sundays immediately following the last service – starting October 4th
To learn more about the choir or find out how to join, visit the St. Paul’s Choir page.
The goal remains the same: to offer music that supports worship, encourages participation, reflects the breadth of our parish, and gives us many different ways to experience beauty, prayer, and praise.
Palm Springs Laundry Love
Inspires A Spin-Off
Last March, David and Julie Brown – members of St. Paul’s Choir and residents of Joshua Tree – were chatting with friends at a community gathering, and the idea of laundry outreach came up. Not missing a beat, they replied “Well, actually, we have heard about this organization…” That conversation led to another with Megan Goehring and an offshoot was launched.
David and Julie have spent the past 5 months visiting laundromats, gathering data, making speeches, setting up a fundraising site, dropping off pledge buckets and forging new relationships. Last Thursday they visited the Laundry Love event sponsored by the Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Cathedral City to observe our team in action and took pages of notes.
On Monday September 21st from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. the first quarters will drop at the Yucca Valley chapter of Laundry Love! The YV event is organized with a closed-loop structure, partnering with a high desert elementary school to help specific families in need of laundry support, who were identified by a district social worker. Please pray for the success of their event and if you call the high desert home or don’t mind a scenic drive, consider joining their volunteer crew. You can reach out directly to David at davidbrown527@gmail.com.
Just a few months ago, it looked like Laundry Love had come to an end. Instead, what seemed like a closing has become a new beginning. We now have a new Laundry Love site in Cathedral City that started earlier this summer, have helped launch a spin-off ministry in Yucca Valley, and are exploring the possibility of adding another monthly Laundry Love event in the coming months here in the Coachella Valley.. What began as one small ministry in partnership with St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church continues to grow through the creativity, generosity, and commitment of people across our community. We are better together!
Clerk’s Corner – An Update from the August 2026 Vestry Meeting
St. Paul’s at Work: Mission Becoming Ministry
As we prepare for a new program year, there is much happening at St. Paul in the Desert—and much for which to give thanks. Our Strategic Plan calls us to be a growing, diverse, engaged and financially sustainable parish, providing spiritual nourishment while building bridges in the Coachella Valley. Across the parish, that vision is taking an increasingly visible form.
Welcoming and Caring for Our Neighbors
Recent weeks have reminded us that pastoral care extends beyond the walls of the church. Following the death of parishioner Roger Leiton, our clergy and parish leadership have accompanied those affected by his death while also developing a new relationship with nearby Aloe Palm Canyon. St. Paul’s has also started a pilot program to offer bottled water to houseless neighbors during extreme heat. Laundry Love continues at its new location, and the Vestry has approved a partnership allowing TODEC Legal Center to use space on a trial basis at St. Paul’s to help provide services to the immigrant community. The Vestry has also given conceptual approval to TransGiving, a proposed Thanksgiving ministry offering welcome and fellowship to members of the transgender community. Diaconal intern, Samantha Hirsch, has been working on this project as a part of her field education here at St. Paul in the Desert.
Strengthening Worship and Parish Life
Our renovated kitchen is essentially complete, opening new possibilities for hospitality and community life. Progress continues to be made on the Grass Removal Project that will keep St. Paul’s compliant with new state guidelines around desert landscaping. The Vestry has also supported the Co-Rectors’ and Director of Music’s plan to add professional section leaders to the choir. This step will strengthen our music ministry through the remainder of 2026, supporting both our choir and congregational worship. The search for a Director of Parish Life & Engagement is almost complete, which will help better connect newcomers to the parish and parishioners to the many worship, outreach, and education opportunities St. Paul’s offers. As part of an ongoing effort to support our staff, the Vestry also approved changes to the Employee Handbook around vacation time, sick time, and emergency response. The Vestry also approved changes to the new Volunteer Handbook to make clearer how parishioners can respond in an emergency. The Safety and Security Taskforce continues to look at other ways to build on the work done during the Security Grant upgrades of a few years ago around this topic.
A Time To Review
This time of year is also a time when the Vestry reviews its work. Every year the diocese requires a financial audit. In addition to receiving and accepting the 2025 Audit, the Vestry also reviewed the first draft of the Parish Business Manual. The hope is that the first edition of this manual will be adopted at the September 2026 Vestry meeting. It is intended as a living document to be reviewed annually by the Vestry. The last few audits have been asking for this important manual that documents operational processes and procedures and we are almost there!
Just as important, the Co-Rectors and Vestry completed their second Mutual Ministry Review this past Saturday. A Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) is a structured opportunity for the Vestry and Co-Rectors to step back and reflect together on their shared ministry. It isn’t primarily a performance review; rather, it looks at the health, mission, relationships, and direction of the whole parish—what is going well, what needs attention, and where God may be calling the community to next. In accordance with the Co-Rectors’ contract, the MMR happens once every two years. We are grateful to the Rev. David Norgard for facilitating the process and Clinton Carbon, the Strategic Plan Implementation Team Objective #4 Chair for being the clerk during the MMR.
Following the MMR, the Vestry participated in a new orientation around Sharepoint. Sharepoint is the new document management system that the IT Taskforce has been working on to streamline operational processes and record retention. Think of it as a secure, digital filing cabinet. The Vestry also received new @stpauldesert.church emails for conducting church business. This has been one of the many dreams of the Security Grant project and it will ultimately help the staff and Vestry to communicate with one another as our parish grows. We give thanks to Steve Klinkerman, Vestry chair of the IT Taskforce for leading the training, as well as Derek Stanfill and Nancy Leal for their behind-the-scenes work in helping to set up this new system.
These may look like many different activities, but together they tell one story:
St. Paul’s is seeking to live more fully into its call to share the abundant love of Jesus Christ—with one another and with our neighbors.
On behalf of the Vestry,
Jack McLean
Clerk
You are invited to bring your (well-behaved or pretending to be well-behaved) pet to our outdoor pet mass at 8AM. Our indoor non-pet mass will be at 10:30AM in the church. If your pet would not do well in a service, please bring them by between 3-4PM to receive a pet blessing and a St. Francis pet medal. At both services we will have a “Pet Memorial Altar” and you are invited to bring pictures of your pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
We will be having a bin near the Welcome Table to collect wanted items for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
Below is the list the Animal Shelter has provide of desired items:
- Nutramax Dasuquin MSM Joint Supplement for Large Dogs, Soft Chews, 42ct | Glucosamine and Chondroitin, With ASU & MSM, Joint Health Supplement for Dogs Over 60 lbs, Soft Chews, All Ages
- Potaroma Cat Toys Pillows, 3 Pack, Catnip Inside, Indoor Interactive Fun | Crinkle Sound, Soft Durable, Kitten Kicker, Promotes Kitty Exercise
- Sogeval Douxo Micellar Ear Cleansing Solution for Pets, 8.4-Ounce by Douxo
- Greenies Pill Pockets Large Size Dog Treats, Peanut Butter, 15.8 oz | Vet-recommended, capsule size, low calorie, odor masking, stress- and mess-free medication experience by Greenies (Chicken also)
- MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale, Baby Scale, with 3 Weighing Modes(kg/oz/lb), Max 220 lbs, Capacity with Precision up to 0.02lbs, White, Suitable for Infant, Puppies, Mom by MINDPET-MED
- ME.FAN Collapsible Dog Bowl for Travel (12oz), 6 Pack Portable Pet Bowl with Carabiners, Foldable, Expandable by ME.FAN
- Tru Catch Tuffy 24 Humane Live Animal Trap Easy & Safe Catch & Release for Kittens, Rabbits, & Other Small Animals – Durable Light Duty TNR – (24″ L x 9″ H x 8″ W) by Tru Catch Traps
- MT Products Plaid Charcuterie Tray 6 oz. Disposable Paper Food Tray – Pack of 100 by MT Products
- Beiker 20 Pack Puppy Chew Toys, Dog Teething Toys for Puppies Small Dogs | Blue Puppy Teething Rings and Ropes, Rubber Toy Bundle for Puppy Busy, Cute Interactive Pet Balls Bulk for Small Breed by Beiker
- SENCONE Portable Pet Playpen for Cats, Kittens, Puppies, Indoor/Outdoor, L | Pop-Up/Fold-Flat Tent for Storage/Travel • Play & Exercise Pen for Small/Growing Pets • Recovery & Whelping Space • Grey by SENCONE (Small or Large size)
- PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder – 6 oz – Powdered Kitten Formula with Prebiotics, Probiotics & Vitamins for Kittens Newborn to Six Weeks Old – Easy to Digest by PetAg
- Pet-Ag Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer Powder – 12 oz – Powdered Puppy Formula with Prebiotics, Probiotics & Vitamins for Puppies Newborn to Six Weeks Old – Easy to Digest by PetAg
- Miracle Nipple Syringe Included, Mini – 10 Pack by THE MIRACLE NIPPLE
- The Miracle Nipple Sample Set – 1 Original Nipple & 1 Mini Nipple with Syringes by THE MIRACLE NIPPLE
- Vetoquinol Nutri-Cal – High-Calorie Nutritional Gel – Supports Daily Nutrition for Picky Eaters – Essential Nutrients & Vitamins for Cats & Dogs – Easy Feeding Oral Gel – 4.25 oz by Vetoquinol
- majoywoo Natural Large Driftwood for Aquarium Decor Fish Tank Decorations | Natural Driftwood for Aquascaping and Reptile Decor, With Unique Natural Shapes, Assorted Driftwood Branch 9-14″ 2 Pcs by majoywoo
- ThunderShirt for Dogs Calming Anxiety Vest, Medium, Platinum Sport | Skin-Friendly Dog Anxiety Shirt, Helps Reduce Stress from Thunder, Fireworks & Travel by Thundershirt Size Large needed also
- Pecirvoli Bird Perch for Top of Cage, Natural Wood Play Stand by Pecirvoli
- Worm Dish Large 2Pcs Reptile Food Water Bowl Lizard Gecko Ceramic Pet Bowls | Mealworms Bowl for Bearded Dragon Chameleon Hermit Crab Dubia Rock Reptile Cricket Dish Anti-Escape Mini Reptile Feeder by HELIME
Fr. Jim Martin Remembers
Dolly Parton
“Like millions of others, I found myself surprisingly sad over the death of Dolly Parton. Of course, like those same millions of people, I was a huge fan of this woman with an outsized musical talent. She was a regular voice on the radio from my earliest years; I vividly remember eating Wheaties as a 13-year-old on a school morning and hearing her plaintive cri de coeur, “Jolene,” on the pink, plug-in, Bakelite radio that sat on our kitchen counter.”
Click here to read the rest ofFr. Jim Martin’s words
Upcoming Holiday Hours: Labor Day
Please note that our Parish office will be closed on Monday, September 7th, for Labor Day. Any inquiries or requests submitted over the weekend will be processed when we resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.
If you have a pastoral emergency, please call the church at 760-320-7488 and dial 8, and you will be connected to the priest-on-call.
Important Contact Update: Please Update Your Email Address Books!
We have officially transitioned to our new staff email addresses, and the old .org accounts are completely deactivated. Please note that messages sent to the old addresses are no longer being forwarded, meaning our Co-Rectors and staff will not receive them.
To ensure your messages reach us, please delete the old .org emails from your contacts and use our active .church addresses moving forward:
- Rev. Jessie: revjessie@stpauldesert.church
- Rev. Dan: revdan@stpauldesert.church
- Music Director: musicdirector@stpauldesert.church
- Parish Admin: parishadmin@stpauldesert.church
Thank you for updating your records so we can stay connected!
Flower Ministry
This week, our Flower Ministry is gathering on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 9AM.
Each Monday, a small group of St. Paul’s parishioners gathers the flowers from Sunday worship, arranges them into bouquets, and delivers them to homebound parishioners or those who have experienced recent health challenges. These flowers are a tangible reminder that they are not alone, that they are deeply loved, and that this community holds them in prayer.
Upcoming Classes, Events & Services
Sunday School Kickoff, Sunday September 13th
Sunday School is back! Join us this fall as we gather our children for a season of faith, friendship, stories, and fun. Sunday School offers children a welcoming space to explore Scripture, ask questions, learn about our Episcopal tradition, and grow together in faith.
We’ll kick off the new Sunday School year on Sunday September 13th at the 10:30AM service—all children are welcome!
Note: All Sunday School teachers are SafeChurch trained.
LARK: Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge
Nov. 12 & 17 — TRAINING AT ST. PAUL’S!
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.
To learn more and to register for this training: https://edsd.org/lark/
Gay Widowers’ Bereavement Group
St. Paul in the Desert is offering an eight-week bereavement group for gay widowers grieving the loss of a husband, spouse, or partner.
The group will meet Thursdays from 3:00–4:30 p.m., September 17 through November 5. Together, we will create a supportive, safe, and confidential space to share the experience of grief, loss, and rebuilding life after the death of the most important person in our lives.
This is a closed group, so participants must be able to commit to attending all eight sessions; drop-in participation is not available; space is limited.
Before joining, each participant will have a brief conversation with Rev. Dan about their experience of grief and what kind of support might be most helpful. The timing of participation can matter, and a group setting may not be the best fit for everyone at every point in the grieving process. For some, individual counseling or another form of support may be more helpful. This conversation is simply an opportunity to make sure the group is a good fit for you at this time.
Thursdays, September 17–November 5 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Closed group • Eight-week commitment • Pre-group conversation required
If you are interested in participating, please contact Rev. Dan to arrange a conversation: https://stpauldesert.church/schedule-an-appointment/.
Latino spirituality offers unique gifts and insights to the wider Body of Christ. During Hispanic Heritage Month, join us starting Sunday, September 13 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!
September 13th – Week 1 — Pathways to a Truly Inclusive Parish
Dr. Brett Hoover, Professor of Practical/Pastoral Theology at Loyola Marymount University Christian hospitality is more than creating a welcoming community. A truly inclusive parish makes space for worship and spirituality expressed in different cultural keys while also attending to the inequitable power dynamics of the larger society that can shape church life. Dr. Brett Hoover will offer practical and theological pathways toward a more genuinely inclusive parish.
September 20th – Week 2 — The Future of Latino Ministry in The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion
Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija, Chief Innovation Officer of Virginia Theological Seminary & Executive Director of TryTank Research Institute
What might the future of Latino ministry look like in The Episcopal Church and across the Anglican Communion? Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija will explore emerging possibilities, challenges, and opportunities for Latino ministry in a changing Church.
Special Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration — September 20th
Join us for a special bilingual Eucharist honoring Blessed Bartolomé de las Casas, with Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija preaching at both services. Following worship, enjoy a coffee hour sponsored by the Racial Reconciliation Collaborative: Latino Ministry & Indigenous Ministry.
September 27th – Week 3 — From Appreciation to Action: Faith, Community, and the Work of Justice
Luz Gallegos, Executive Director, TODEC Legal Center
Latino spirituality calls us to move beyond appreciation toward solidarity and action. On the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, Luz Gallegos will share TODEC’s more than 40 years of accompanying immigrant communities in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley through education, legal services, organizing, and empowerment. She will also introduce St. Paul’s to our new partnership with TODEC and the six-month pilot project to host a TODEC office at the parish.
Join St. Paul’s this Sunday for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Worship Service.
September 6, 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.
Upcoming Funerals
Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 AM — Roger Leiton
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 Episcopal / Anglican Province of Alexandria.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield: The Right Reverend Brian K. Burgess.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego: The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook, Bishop. For the Clergy and people of St. Mark’s, San Diego. For the care of all of creation: Almighty and Everliving God, you bring forth and sustain every living thing; help us grow in compassion and care for the multitude of your creatures, that we may see them not as objects for our use, but as brothers and sisters that sing your never-ending praise. Through Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and guide, who with you and the Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen
For those commended to our prayers: Rev. Bill Hardwick, Robby Nath, Shavon McGovern, Phil Telford, Bill Bard & Jerry Skeels, Janiece Shields, Kathy Kilmer, Lucy Youngren, Fernando & Maria Leal, David Gravelle Sr., David Gravelle Jr. & Kirk Gearhart, Charlene Lida, Mark Gravelle, Megan Goehring, Norman Shepherd, Michael Harbin, Ryan Halawest & Jon Kates, Tex Batson, Jordan S., Lynn Johnson, Frank Williams, Vern Marken, Pat Marysia, Vince Thomas, Karen Shepherd, Ramirez-Perez Family, Manuel Ramirez Santoyo, Susie Simpson, Lourdes Perez-Borroto, Maria Badillo, Jane Hunt, Don & Mary Hamilton, Lotte Rosenkilde, Elizabeth Leiton, Raymond Lucero, Merritt Robinson, Carl Stevenson, Bill Tobin, Nancy Choy, Irene Castillo, Lillian Curley, Crystal Vines, Bradley Oden Reed, Bill & Raylene Davis, Frances Boaz, Pat Marysia, Cathy Blas, Francis Blas, Jesse Blas, Lane Moore, Nick Bonnell & Jeff Bonnell, Steve Pineda, Juan Zetina & Maria Badillo, Luis Valdez, Griff Linsenmayer, Br. John Charles Westaway, Mariah, Mitchell, Chaz Hitz, Savannah Mitchell, Bill Davis, 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.
For those who have died: Robert McCullock, Joyce Decker Villman, Howard, Jim Blundell, Marla Mark, Richard Ammon, Roger Leiton, Barry Brunetti, Frank Asher, Bob Barrie ; 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: September 7: Janet Mendoza & Gilbert Mendoza.
For those with birthdays: September 6: Jeffry Georgianni, September 8: Jack Becker, September 9: Bonnie Stroock, September 12: Jim Franklin, Tammy Franklin, & Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Sunday’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Rodney Dickson, in thanksgiving for the birthday of Jeffry Georgianni.
“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
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.
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!
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
New Online Bible Course … for Smarties!
“Jesus & The Four Gospels”
You’ve heard of The Bible for Dummies. Now, introducing The Bible … for Smarties! A chance to explore and learn about the Bible without dumbing it down. Going beyond your typical Bible Study, this seminar will be a university-level academic class focused on Nurturing Students towards a Nuanced, Critical Interpretation and Sophisticated Understanding of the Texts of the Bible. Dr. David Moseley will be the Instructor for this upcoming online course-offering which will be the first in a two-year cycle of classes covering the whole Bible in four semester classes.
This fall, there will be a 12-week class on Christian Scriptures 1 (focused on the Historical Jesus and his World as portrayed in the Four Gospels), starting on Monday 14th September.
For more information, email Dr. Moseley (drdavidmoseley@gmail.com).
[Zoom Video Recordings of all the classes from Hebrew Scriptures 1 and 2, Christian Scriptures 2, and a preliminary short course on Hermeneutics (Biblical Interpretation), and classes on the Parables and the Nicene Creed, are also available.]
Looking to Get Involved?
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.
Please contact John Sanders at johnfsanders@mac.com to volunteer.
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. Betsy Vaughn, betsy.vaughn6@gmail.com
The Rev. Willy Crespo, frcrespo@gmail.com
Ms. Meredith Hardy, mlh8180@gmail.com
