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Volume 9, Issue 8
August 2017
DDDD o you remember when strawberries were only available for a few weeks in summertime? Of course, global
markets, modern transportation and agricultural techniques have significantly increased the availability of a variety of fruit throughout the year. It was also interesting to be in tropical climes, and to taste and see some of the more unusual, exotic fruits like soursop, breadfruit, noni, fresh lychees, and dragon fruit. We were also blessed to pick and eat fresh papaya from the garden tree. Many of these tropical fruits are reputed to have medicinal properties, and are often high in antioxidants. In other words, fruit is good for us!
SSSS piritual fruit is also a force for good in our lives and part of our spiritual growth and development as followers of Jesus. As we
continue our season of growth in these numbered weeks after the Day of Pentecost, we have the gift of time to develop some new fruit in our lives, to nurture the fruit that we’re already growing, and to celebrate all that’s come to fruition in our personal lives, our community life, and all our ministries.
OOOO n the other hand, if we feel like our fruit isn’t growing, is dying on the tree, or not as abundant as we’d
hoped then there’s also the challenge of getting back on track with God’s help, refocusing on our spiritual lives, and getting grounded again. Here are some ways to rediscover and grow abundantly in God’s love and the fruit of the Spirit. First and foremost, re-connect. Christ came in the flesh to connect with us personally, and to reconcile the whole world to God in Himself. We follow Christ’s example, when we get connected with a healthy faith community and stay connected through regular participation in worship and other activities. Whatever is going on in our lives, the very best place to be is amongst those who love us unconditionally, and accept us without question or judgment. That is our spiritual family here at St. James! This is where we receive soul food to strengthen us for growth, love and encouragement to lift our
spirits, and plenty of opportunity to look beyond ourselves. Serving others is a great way to make a difference, grow in the fruit of the Spirit, and get our own lives in perspective.
PPPP raising the Lord and worshipping God is just a beginning! Our fellowship and hospitality extends far beyond Sunday
with prayers offered for all, and with times to gather and share for meals, for Christian formation, for Taizé style meditation, for healing, for centering prayer, for advocacy, and for other ministries to the broader community. Hospitality and welcome to all, respecting the dignity of all God’s children is a way of life that is alive in each of us every day. God is always present to us. The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness and kindness, gentleness, generosity, faithfulness and self-control) are always available to us wherever we are and whatever we’re doing.
AAAA s a foundational practice, we also connect with God in prayer. Our words, images or thoughts don’t have to be
fancy or perfect, after all, the Lord knows what’s in our hearts and minds. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Like every conversation it’s best when we don’t do all the talking, but take time to listen as well. By talking to God we open ourselves to God’s presence and love. By listening to God, we align our wills with God’s will. Just as we’re cut off from that estranged relative we haven’t talked to for years, if we don’t pray, we become cut off from God, from the source of all life and love. If prayer is difficult, then persistence is the key. From time to time, we can all feel like the man who knocks and knocks on his neighbor’s door asking for bread until the neighbor answers. God always hears our prayers. We don’t always get what we ask for (thank God!), but we do receive what we need. There’s no limit or boundaries to God’s love or ability to hear our prayers. Just like Jesus, we can pray without ceasing. As we draw closer to the Lord, the fruit of our lives invariably increases. So let it grow, let is grow, let it grow!
SSSSuuuussssaaaannnn++++
Look
Inside
For. . .
Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports
UMOM Meal Service
Page 3 Youth Group First Fruits
Page 4
Fellowship Opportunities Deacon’s Corner
Page 5 C FFA
Adult Bible Classes
Page 6 God’s Work
Acolyte Schedule Acolyte Training
Page 7
Evening of Music
Page 8 Around the Diocese
Children & Family Ministries
fruit everywhere
Bishop’s Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 20th
6:30 pm
Page 2Page 2Page 2Page 2
From the Senior Warden On the road again… Willie Nelson’s iconic song describes the past two weeks. We recently
spent two weeks RV’n through northern New Mexico and returning by way of Colorado. I
freely admit that my love leans towards Santa Fe and Taos. My mother’s generation was the
first to leave the mountain where home was in the village of Truchas. The highlight from this
part of our trip was being able to revisit El Santuario de Chimayo. This is not just a holy site
for the Roman Catholic tradition, but more importantly it is a holy site for all who live within
this culture. Catholic and protestant alike believe in the power of healing of El Santuario. There
is a cultural relationship here that encompasses all. Our time of retreat here seeking healing was
beyond special. Oh, and if you ever get the chance, Rancho de Chimayo restaurant is the best you will find if you like New
Mexican food and Chimayo chile.
We took a couple of weeks finding cool comfort from the blistering temperatures in Tempe. Many nights were spent
sleeping above 8000’ elevation. The comfort we received from escaping the heat took many hours and miles to find. The
comfort St. James provides is as close as the corner of Warner and Rural Roads. For this comfort, it is great to be home!
Peace,
Bob Klassen
Treasurer’s Update We updated the quarterly results to reflect the full second
quarter (April 1 through June 30) vs. the partial quarter
(April 1 through June 24) we reported last month. Total
Income is higher than budgeted due to contributions to the
Outreach Endowment Fund and special donations to Operating
Income reserve. We continue to do a good job of managing
our expenses to budget.
Please let us know if you have questions or would like
additional information.
In Christ,
Ann Marie Bartholomew ([email protected]) and
Mary Hovden ([email protected])
Co-Treasurers
Total Income $72,829.97
Total Expense $61,010.75
Surplus / (Deficit) $11,819.22
Diocesan Support $ 2,083.35
Net Income $13,902.57
$57,172.74
$61,737.72
$-4,564.97
$2,499.99
$-2,064.98
Actual Budgeted
April 1 through June 30, 2017
“Faith, and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayerless life. The life of the individual believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer.” - - E.M. Bounds
St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry neighbors is
at the UMOM Halle Shelter. There are 10 spots available each
month. Please sign up for our next service evening beginning at
5pm and ending about 6:00pm on Friday, August
11th. The Halle shelter is located at 3333 E. Van Buren
Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. It’s across the street from the
main UMOM campus on Van Buren. . Anyone who is 13 years
and up is welcome to be part of the team. Also, please
remember that if you sign up you are committing to show up,
otherwise we’ll be short staffed. If you sign up and can’t come
please arrange for a replacement.
Page 3Page 3Page 3Page 3 Page 3Page 3Page 3Page 3
The end of summer and the start of school means a busy time for us and our families. VBS was a great success - we all had a great time learning about Jesus. We have been raising donations for Lost My Home Pet Foundation, a great community service project. The donations will be dropped off early next week. Thank you all who have made donations, they are much appreciated. The youth will be putting together more hygiene bags for the homeless on August 20th before lunch. Items we need:
� Snacks (Items that will not melt would be much appreciated) � Gallon size Ziploc bags
Treasure Hunter’s and EYC are to resume on Sunday August 20th 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Lunch will be tacos (if you would like to bring something to help please contact Eileen).
Main meal - Eileen will provide (taco meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, soft & hard shells and sour cream)
Desert - help welcome Drinks - help welcome
If you can sign up to help with to bring the main course for the lunches please let me know. Thank you.
⇒ September - ⇒ October - ⇒ November - ⇒ December -
The youth will be selling cork key chains for $2.00 each starting on Sunday, July 30th through August 27th. Our next fund raiser will be pumpkins made of corks. Sales will begin September 17th and continue through October 22nd. We will be collecting corks through the end of 2017!!
Thank you,
Eileen Flock [email protected]
First Fruits Sunday, August 6th! We celebrate the first Sunday of each month as First Fruits Sunday. Thanks to all who already bring in non-perishable food items. Your gifts make a difference. This is a great way to put our faith into action, and to continue our Lord’s mission to care for, and feed our hungry neighbors.
The greatness of community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace and a soul generated by love. -- Coretta Scott King
Page 4Page 4Page 4Page 4
Join Us for Lunch!!
Thursday, August 24th 11:15 am
Biscuit’s
4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot)
St James Bookies St James Bookies St James Bookies St James Bookies
August’s book is “Unreliable” by
Lee Irby. We will meet Sunday, August 27th, after the 10:30 service at Panera Bread, 1707 W. Warner.
The second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm, all the ladies join together at a different restaurant for dinner. Please mark your calendars for the next 3 months. August 8th will be at B L D (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), 1920 W Germann, Chandler 85286; September 12th will be at Panda Gardens, 4730 Warner Rd, Phoenix 85044 and October 10th will be at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, 2530 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler 85224.
“The Courage to Transform”
One of the blessings as Director of Deacon Formation is to spend retreat time with our Deacon Candidates
and their companions/partners as they get closer to the time of Ordination. The wonder of deepening the
spiritual relationship with God and with a loving partner leads to a spiritual awakening of their
transformation. I am blessed and humbled to support them in their growth. At times, they find themselves
surprised by the courage it takes to listen and to try; not unlike the caterpillar who spends time in the
chrysalis (a transitional state) beating the newly formed wings hard against the walls of the cocoon…and
tiring at times. Yet, this is necessary for the pupa to change, grow, and develop into the next stage…for if
they don’t strengthen their wings in that claustrophobic environment, they will not survive and be able to
be free to experience the transformation into a butterfly. The courage to journey through a transformation
is something we all go through and we may not even realize we are doing so.
Each day we have the choice to strengthen in our faith, no matter the
incomprehensible events we may observe or find ourselves living. It takes
courage, gifted to us through God, to really listen to God, and to keep trying
our “wings”. I wish you the continued joy of transformation!
Joshua 1:9 - ‘… Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’
Blessings,
Deacon Robin
Page 5Page 5Page 5Page 5
’
Thursday’s
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Room 4
All Men Welcome!
Wednesday’s 4:00 pm Room 5
Women
In the Word
Christian Formation For All (CFFA)
Our study of Hunger in the Bible is back. Come and share your thoughts and insights between services each Sunday at 9:45am in the library/chapel.
Our model is based on the four major compass points of well-being: physical hunger (strength), spiritual hunger (soul), emotional hunger (heart), and vocational hunger (mind). Within each area, we are studying topical Biblical passages and stories from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testaments. To conclude the study, we will also explore worldly hungers, and how Jesus reveals God’s will for authentic living. The more we know, the easier it is to choose God’s way to satisfy all our hungers.
Studying God’s Word is a vital part of our formation for living faithfully, and being empowered to share the good news of Jesus Christ .
Susan+
Other CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA Opportunities
Youth Confirmation Classes resumes on Sunday August 6th after the 10:30 worship service.
Why We Do What We Do is the adult confirmation, reaffirmation and reception class for adults
looking to learn more about the Episcopal faith tradition, and literally why we do what we do. We
resume our class on Sunday, August 13th after the 10:30 service.
Centering Prayer for spiritual health is a wonderful spiritual discipline that increases our peace
and focus, our sense of God’s presence in our lives, and our ability to deal with life! All are
welcome and invited! Centering Prayers is 3:15-3:45pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Sanctuary.
Women in the Word, our Women’s Bible Study group continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew.
We meet in Room 5 of the preschool wing each Wednesday at 4:00 pm. Bring a friend!
Page 6Page 6Page 6Page 6
DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service
2017 August 6 John Barnabas C = Brandon BU = Aly
August 13 Pamela P./Simon C = Collin BU = TBD
August 20 Barbara C = Pam H. BU = TBD
August 27 Pamela P. C = Aly BU = Collin
Acolyte Schedule for August 2017
� � � � Come Join the Acolyte Team - Special Training Sunday August 6th! ����
Please join us for learning more about serving as an Acolyte and for Acolyte Training between services on Sunday, August 6th between services (9:45 to 10:20). Inviting anyone age 8 years and up… to join our brilliant and dedicated Acolyte Team! Our Acolytes serve faithfully and provide worship support every Sunday. We are especially in need of adding to our 8:30 am team. No previous experience necessary. If you feel called or want more information please contact Deacon Robin ([email protected] or (480) 242-7178).
L ater this month, please look out for an important letter from St. James
inviting you to pray about your support and participation in God’s ministry and mission here. We have many fruitful ministries to celebrate and we have some exciting opportunities to look forward to in the coming year. More at the annual meeting! As a growing and vibrant community of faith, we’ve got plenty to be excited about.
P lease remember that when it comes to offering ourselves in God’s service,
it’s not all about money! On the back of the offering card you’ll see listed the different ministry teams, where you can find yourself making a difference. What door is God opening for you? What fruit of the Spirit is growing in you? Where are you being called to serve? As a lways , I we lcome the
opportunity to talk with you about your spiritual gifts, and about the awesome ministries of St. James.
B y all accounts, the majority of our income comes from your
generous gifts. It’s a significant help to our Treasurers and B i s h o p ’ s C omm i t t e e i n developing our 2018 budget, if we have an idea of what we have to work with. Don’t forget, we also offer online giving through SimpleGive – electronic giving made easy. Look for the SimpleGive button on our website homepage and click to get started. If you’re interested in planned or estate giving, then we can help with that as well. Our Outreach Endowment Fund is also up and growing. All donations are welcome to ensure that there will always be funding for outreach ministries at St. James.
O ur offerings are always made in good faith, grounded in gratitude,
and based on our anticipated income for 2017. If your circumstances change during the year for any reason, just let us know, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments. When it c o m e s t o r e s p o n s i b l e stewardship, your Bishop’s Committee works hard to ensure that we use all your gifts wisely. This year our ingathering will be Sunday September 24th. We really appreciate your help in returning your offering card on or before that date. As always, thank you again for your generous support of God’s mission and ministry through our faith in action at St. James.
P lease remember, your gifts make a difference!
Page 7Page 7Page 7Page 7
The talented musicians of St James & Friends once again will be presenting an evening of music for our enjoyment. This year we will be leaving
Broadway and traveling to other countries. We will be enjoying music from Ireland, Mexico, England, France, Italy, Germany, Argentina & Africa to
name a few places. So mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend this elegant evening of music, wine, cheese and other delectables. Invite your
music loving friends to join you for this entertaining evening.
The first three events have been incredible financial successes. A total of $10,000 was raised through ticket sales and the bids from the Silent &
Dessert Auctions. Last year exceeded all expectations by bringing in $4500. WE CAN DO IT AGAIN!! The success of these events is totally due to
the generous donations of time, talent, food, wine, and items for our silent auctions by the wonderful members of St. James. With your assistance this
year, we can do it again.
The first item on our agenda is for everyone to start looking for items for our Silent Auction. Since our theme is Music of the World, we would love to
have items from other countries. Think of items that would be appropriate for an Italian basket or Chinese or any country. What treasures have you
picked up on your travels that you have never used nor care for but others would. Other suggestions for donations are:
� Jewelry - costume, vintage, unique or unusual
� Tickets to a play, sporting event, etc.
� Gift cards - movie theater, Best Buy, restaurants, spas and more - your local grocery and big box stores have racks of them.
� Movie Night - DVDs
� Wine and cheese baskets, other spirits
� Sports memorabilia
� Musical instruments
� Games, electronic or otherwise - gently used is okay, raid your children's closets!
� Kits- unopened
� Books - never read
� Designer purses & other like items
� Your own hand made items - quilts, afghans, embroidered or appliqued pieces.
� Art of all types, drawings, porcelain, etc.
Let your imagination roam. We will take your lovely items and create baskets and pairings of all kinds. We will add food and other items of
interest. Therefore we will need your gently used baskets that you might have cluttering up your house. All sizes are welcome. I will be creating a list of
basket ideas if you with to create them on your own or just donate a few items to contribute to the basket. Look for the lists on the sign up table in the
near future.
Thank you so much for your loving generosity, without it our events would not be as successful and as fun as they have been.
If you have any questions or ideas please contact me.
Jill Leatherman, Home - (480) 284-4595, Cell - (928) 200-7046, email - [email protected]
Page 8Page 8Page 8Page 8
On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation
Godly Play Resumes August 13th
9:40-11:00 am
All Ages
Youth Gathering Sundays in Room 5 during the 10:30 service.
Sixth through twelfth grade.
Treasure Hunters Third Sunday of the month,
following the 10:30 service in the church.
Lunch, friends, faith forming bible story,
craft, games and music.
Kindergarten through fifth grade.
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Third Sunday of the month,
following the 10:30 service in the library
Lunch, friends, faith forming bible study and perspectives on living our faith.
Sixth through twelfth grade.
Acolyte Ministry Children and youth fourth grade and older who wish to train and serve as an acolyte, contact Deacon
Robin Hollis ([email protected])
Cry Room & Nursery available for wee ones during all church services.
In addition to our Sunday and monthly faith formation for children and youth, watch for announcements
about service projects, and special fellowship events
throughout the year.
For More Information: Eileen Flock, Youth Minister ([email protected])
The Rev. Anne Ellsworth, Assisting Priest Godly Play
and Pastoral Care, [email protected].
Around the DioceseAround the DioceseAround the DioceseAround the Diocese Council of Native American Ministry Spiritual Retreat and Planning Gathering: Please join with the Council of Native American Ministries, The Rev. Canon
Debbie Royals and special guest and spiritual leader, Mona
Polacca for an opportunity to experience Native American
spirituality and continue to engage with Native traditional
values and processes. Friday, August 11 Friday, August 11 Friday, August 11 Friday, August 11 –––– Saturday, August Saturday, August Saturday, August Saturday, August
12121212 at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive,
Scottsdale, AZ. Register for this event by going to: http://
www.azdiocese.org/digital_faith/events.
Ignatian Spirituality and Imaginative Practice: The Rev. Dr. Gil Stafford and The Rev Julie O'Brien will be
offering the presentation, "Ignatian Spirituality and
Imaginative Practice." Both have studied and practiced
Ignatian spirituality in their own ministry and life. The Rev.
O'Brien will be presenting "A Brief History and Background
of the Practice of Ignatian Spirituality." Stafford's
presentation will be on "Ignatian Spirituality, Spiritual
Direction, and Discernment from a Jungian Perspective."
Saturday August 12th, Saturday August 12th, Saturday August 12th, Saturday August 12th, 10 AM - Noon at Trinity Cathedral.
D-Backs Faith & Family Night: Friday, August Friday, August Friday, August Friday, August
25th25th25th25th. we're all sitting together in the same section, so
everyone will have more of an opportunity to chat with
fellow Episcopalians and Bishop and Laura Smith! Seating
Option: $22 - Lower Level Bleachers (section 141) (these seats
do have backs) A portion of every ticket purchased by using
this special offer will be designated for the Diocesan Council
for Native American Ministry. The ticket order deadline is
August 23, 2017August 23, 2017August 23, 2017August 23, 2017. Seating is Limited! Tickets can be purchased
online at http://www.azdiocese.org/baseball.html, by phone
(602) 462-4113.
National Recovery Ministry Gathering: October October October October
5th 5th 5th 5th ---- 7th7th7th7th. The disease of addiction touches us all, either
directly or indirectly. Education and community are two
ways we can fight back to help ourselves and others. This
fall, the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is hosting the annual
gathering of the international group: Recovery Ministries of
the Episcopal Church (RMEC). The 3 day event covers many
aspects of all types of addiction. Topics will include:
addiction within indigenous peoples; the current opioid
epidemic in this country; codependency; updates on
Episcopal recovery program actions and more. All are
welcome to attend. Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300
East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. Registration
for this event, hotel accommodations and the meeting
agenda can be found here: www.episcopalrecovery.org.