Church of St. Paul in the Desert | ||
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Ministries | |
Church of St. Paul in the Desert | ||
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Ministries | |
The Choir of St. Paul in the Desert consists of volunteer adults with a desire to share their musical talent through choral music at the 10:30 services, as well as other special Feast days and in concerts. Our repertoire consists of all periods of music from Bach to Rutter, Wesley to Near. Rehearsals for this choir are on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Children's Choir is open to all children of the parish ages four and older. In addition to singing a piece once a month for the 10:30 service, this group is learning musical skills and how to work as a team. The children rehearse on Wednesday evenings beginning with a light supper at 5:30 p.m. and singing from 6:00 - 6:40 p.m. St. Paul in the Desert Concert series is usually held on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. The series offers concerts during the school year as an outreach to the Desert community and a time for social interaction apart from regular church services. Performers include both local and national choirs, pianists, organists and small ensembles. A variety of musical styles are used to entertain and educate those attending. A generous group of donors allows these concerts to be offered at no charge. | ||
Acolytes assist at the altar in liturgical rites. As an acolyte you may perform duties such as lighting the candles, carrying the processional cross and assisting with Holy Communion. It is an excellent way of learning more about how and why we do certain things during worship. | ||
The Altar Guild is a group of devout parishioners who come together with the primary task of serving God at His altar, and in so doing praise Him with our hands and hearts. We commit ourselves to do our work reverently and diligently. In general terms, the duty of the Altar Guild is to prepare everything necessary for the celebration of Holy Communion and the observance of the other Sacraments and Offices of the church. We feel it is an honor and privilege to serve God in His Sanctuary and at His altar. | ||
Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) share in the pastoral and sacramental ministry of the church, by taking Holy Communion to persons unable to attend church. LEVs go each Sunday to Desert Hospital and on a rotational basis to those confined at home or in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Parishioners are encouraged to advise the office or clergy of their need for a LEV. | ||
Sunday School are offered Sunday morning during the 10:30 a.m. service September through June for children ages three and up. Classes are preceded by a short worship service in Hogarth Hall. The children take an active part in this service. Classes are divided by grade level. The curriculum, Living the Good News, is lectionary-based and reflects the traditions, teachings and doctrine of the Episcopal Church. | ||
Faith-Full Families is a program designed to help every kind of family build their identity by spending time together celebrating, playing, creating and falling in love over and over again with themselves and with God. This program empowers families to create traditions and rituals which will bring an awareness of God into their homes and deepen their understanding of church life. It is a structured evening of meals, prayer, activities and blessings. Faith-Full Families meets on the second Sunday of the month, September through June, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Attendees should join us as a family unit. | ||
Children's Activity Day is held the fourth Saturday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. September through June. This is a free activity with a different theme each month and is open to all children of the community. Parents are welcome to stay and participate in the activities with their children. A light snack is provided. | ||
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) as defined by the bylaws is "to unite all women of the church in worship, study, service and fellowship, to deepen and strengthen their own spiritual lives, to lead them into service of the church, parish, community, diocese, nation and the world." ECW accomplishes this by raising funds to support local, national and international missions and through monthly luncheon meetings with programs which are open to all members of the church and guests. | ||
Bible Study Two adult Bible study groups are offered: The men's Bible study at Denny's on Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and Thursday evenings in the parish library at 7:30 p.m. open Bible study. | ||
The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is a women's international religious order founded in 1885 by Episcopal women in New York City. Women who seek deeper spiritual life and inspiration in prayer and Christian fellowship are invited to attend a meeting where we study, pray and plan ways to serve the parish. Our group meets on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the homes of members. After members are installed, they receive a special silver cross with a motto in Latin which reads "with heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross." Our chapter was installed in July 2002 and is called Mary in the Desert. It is a joint chapter with our sister congregation at St Margaret's, Palm Desert. | ||
St. Paul's Counseling Ministry is a counseling practice for individuals or couples in need of various types of emotional or psychological help. Although St. Paul's Counseling Ministry is a fee service, our parishioners regularly donate to a fund designed to assist those who cannot cover the fee. We are pleased to report that we have not had to turn away anyone in need of counseling because they lacked sufficient funds to pay for the services. Counseling issues include, but are not limited to, depression, family and marital problems, alcoholism and other chemical dependencies, co-dependent issues, grief counseling and crisis intervention. | ||
Integrity is a group of gay and lesbian Episcopalians and their friends. We are a ministry for the encouragement and nurture of gay and lesbian persons in Christian life and community. Equally, we are a ministry of gay and lesbian persons, offered to the Church and to the world seeking unity and peace in the Body of Christ: justice and dignity for all people regardless of their likeness or difference from ourselves. | ||
Invitation for Life, a Social and Spiritual Ministry for Seniors is a gathering of people over the age of 55 for activities and workshops geared toward them. Social activities include outings, fashion shows, dances and instructional workshops. Seminars include estate planning, spirituality for later years and caregiving. | ||
Stewardship The ministry of stewardship is the joyful giving of our time, talent and treasure in thanksgiving to God for all the countless gifts we have received from Him. The people of St Paul in the Desert are blessed with many gifts. Throughout the year there is ample opportunity to share these gifts with the community. Financial support for the ongoing ministry of St. Paul in the Desert is foremost. Volunteers for various ministries as well as various projects on the grounds practice their stewardship for the physical campus of the church and the administration of the parish. | ||
Pastoral Care is a group of parishioners and organizations that reach out to those in our parish at times of special needs such as illness or sorrow. The Pastoral Care consists of visits, telephone calls, cards, casseroles, transportation and other needs. We also offer support to those with long-term illnesses or confinements. | ||
Order of Saint Luke (OSL), The international Order of St Luke the Physician is an interdenominational Christian order founded in 1932 by the late John Gayner Banks, S.T.D., Episcopal priest. OSL includes clergy, medical professionals and lay people who believe God uses medical and spiritual avenues for healing. The Coachella Valley OSL meets monthly for study and prayer. | ||
Adult Education. There are no tests! Part of the adult education outreach of St. Paul in the Desert is the invitation to guest speakers from different denominations throughout the Coachella Valley to come share their faith stories with us, to enlighten us and expand our spiritual growth. A book club meets on a monthly basis to read and discuss various authors' insights, characters, plot and spiritual meaning. | ||
Hospitality throughout the year is provided by the various groups and ministries at the church by serving snacks for coffee hours following the two Sunday services. A sign up sheet is located in the Parish Hall.. | ||
Outreach Programs:
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