Volume 9, Issue 7

July 2017

S everal of my family members and friends celebrate birthdays in the summer months of June, July and August. So, of course, I’ve been checking out the birthday card aisles quite a lot recently. I’m sure you’ve noticed that all major retail stores keep their own kind of calendar. Perhaps the phrase “Hallmark Holidays” strikes a chord? Just like you, I’m frequently

dismayed by pushy type of commercialism that accompanies the card section in stores.

I t’s hard to describe it in a linear way because it’s more like the kind of treadmill or wheel you might see in hamster cage. You can pick any month of the year and whole sections of the card aisles are cleared to make way for the next “holiday”. Here’s a snapshot, and please feel free to read this paragraph as quickly as you can, so you can feel that pressure to hurry forward,

and get a sense of how we’re all herded along! I’m jumping on the wheel at random. Okay. Deep breathe. Go!

T he moment that Christmas is over (December 26th for the stores – deep sigh!), the Christmas

cards are replaced by a few New Year’s greetings and a significant number of Valentine’s day cards. By mid-February the St. Patrick’s Day cards spring up in the kind of eye-popping luminescent green, like fake grass. There’s a little hedging of bets going on in early March,

because Easter’s on its way and no one wants to miss out on the opportunity to sell more Easter cards. After March 17th the racks are cleared for Passover and Easter cards, which take pride of place, even though Easter is often not until April. Jostling for position amidst the Easter cards we find the Administrative Professional day cards or something to remind us that it’s Earth Day (hmm all that paper used in cards!) As soon as we reach the last two weeks of April, there’s nurse’s day in early May, and important reminders for Mother’s day. June is Father’s day which seems to take a slightly more subversive assault on our senses, being carried along with the patriotic July 4th greetings. Let’s not forget friendship day in August. Patriot day, grandparent’s day and Rosh Hashanah sweep up the September listings. Then it’s national boss’s day in early October, but that’s frequently overshadowed by the creepy sensory overload of black and orange Halloween cards. As soon as the calendar clicks over to November 1st you’ll find Veteran’s day cards jockeying for position amidst the mass of Thanksgiving cornucopias. And that brings us full circle back to Christmas, which of course begins long before Thanksgiving is over!

I f you’re feeling a little exhausted by now, you’re not alone. However, as children of faith, we’re also in an ideal position to step off that treadmill, and to break the cycle of anxious busy-ness proliferated by rampant consumerism. Here’s an extract from a poem by Stephen Dobyns that captures some of the consequences of the wheel of busy-ness. The poem is called Pursuit:

Each thing I do I rush through so I can do something else. In such a way do the days pass … Through the windows of my speeding car, I see all that I love falling away: books unread, jokes untold, landscapes unvisited. And why? What treasure do I expect in my future?

Y ou and I have a joyous paradox to live out here. Our future treasure is also our present treasure. Living in the present is one of the hardest things about being followers of Christ and living in faith. With the natural rhythm of summer, let’s take a stand to be intentional about our faith practices, whilst slowing down on the pressures of the world’s ways.

SusanSusanSusanSusan++++

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Thank You’s First Fruits

Page 3

Vacation Bible School

Page 4 Vacation Bible School

Page 5

VBS Outreach Project Stuff the Bus 2017

Page 6

Fellowship Opportunities Goodbye DeFazio’s

Page 7 C FFA

Adult Bible Classes

Page 8 Youth Group

Chapel Rock Family Camp Around the Diocese

Children & Family Ministries

Page 9 Library News

Native American Ministry Watkins Meal Service

Acolyte Schedule

Slowing Down!

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From the Senior Warden It’s hot outside!! All I want to do is stay inside and read. Geeze it has been hot. My back yard

thermometer actually hit 120 degrees. Many of my plants have succumbed to the heat. Even

a candle on my patio that readily handles a flame melted in this Tempe heat. The past

couple of weeks have been a challenge trying to keep my meager garden alive and not let

the roots bake. When it is this hot, it is tempting to just stay home. But, no matter how

uncomfortable it gets with the heat or life circumstances, it is great to have St. James as a

refuge from our discomfort.

During this heat wave, my thoughts reach out to those without a home. While at our last outreach night at the Watkins

Emergency Shelter the temperature was beginning to spike. The stress of the heat was evident in the eyes of the

residents. While we stay cool inside, remember those who do not have that option.

Peace,

Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Update

Our financials for the second quarter continue to look positive compared to budget. Even though our membership contributions are below budget for the quarter, our facility rentals are higher than budget and we’ve done a great job of managing expenses. Please let us know if you have additional questions. In Christ, Ann Marie Bartholomew (abellamybartholomew@hotmail.com) and Mary Hovden (maryhovden@gmail.com) Co-Treasurers

Total Income $60,072.89

Total Expense $56,695.07

Surplus / (Deficit) $ 3,377.82

Diocesan Support $2,083.35

Net Income $ 5,461.17

$53,361.23

$57,621.89

$-4,260.66

$2,333.32

$-1,927.34

Actual Budgeted

April 1 through June 24, 2017

Thank you to everyone who contributed money, furniture, and clothing to Ricco and his family. Ricco is slowly

rebuilding his house and he and his wife are so very grateful to all of you who have helped them out in their time of

need.

Ellie Kenyon

First Fruits Sunday, July 2nd! 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

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Vacation Bible School

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More VBS Fun!

Join Us Next

Year For. . .

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Kyrene Foundation School Supply Drive

July 2017 Help Kyrene students start the year off right

by providing school supplies for students in

need. 800 fully stuffed backpacks will be

distributed the week before school begins so

students are prepared to attend school,

ready to learn. ITEMS NEEDED: New backpacks, paper, pencils, 3-ring binders, notebook dividers, multi-

colored pocket folders, crayons, markers, spiral bound notebooks, glue sticks, scissors, and

colored pencils.

Turn in donated items to Kyrene District Office (Mon-Thurs) 8700 South Kyrene Road, Tempe, AZ 85284

For larger donations call to arrange pick up (480) 541-1520

Supply Drive ends Monday July 24, 2017

2017 VBS Outreach Project

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue

We are collecting the following Items:

1. Cat or kitten food (Dry or Wet Grain Free)

2. Dog or puppy food (Dry or Wet Grain Free)

3. Cat and dog beds

4. Cat and dog toys

5. Cat and dog treats (no raw hides please) 6. Blankets

7. Towels

8. Laundry detergent

9. Nylon leashes

10. Paper towels

11. Disinfectant wipes

12. Hand sanitizer

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Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, July 27th 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

June’s book is “The Thirst” by Jo

Nesbo. We will meet Sunday, July 30th, after the 10:30 service at Panera Bread, 1707 W. Warner.

Please join the ladies for dinner the second Tuesday of each month as we travel the world. On July 11th we’re going to Mexico at La Casa de Juana, 1805 E. Elliott, Tempe 85284 (SE side of Elliott & McClintock – west of the cinemas). Mark your calendars for August 8th at B L D, 1920 W. Germann, Chandler 85286 (NE side of W Germann & S Dobson). Please take this journey with us and bring your friends.

Goodbye to the DeFazio-Rio family!

Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us over the years!

Good luck on your next adventure in Virginia!

Vaya con Dios!

With moving, the family has some things they would like to sell before they go. . . They’d love to have things go to

someone they know, or a connec!on of sorts. Of course also at dras!cally reduced prices!

Queen bedroom set, 4pcs. Mexican rus!c style: $300

Mission style office desk with hutch: $100

Mission style 4 drawer office file cabinet: $50

Mission style entertainment center: $100

Ikea furniture, two loveseats, $100 each, matching chaise, $50

Glass coffee table: $50

If interested, call Jim at (602) 909-8326 or Robin at (602) 909-8328.

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’

Thursday’s

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Room 4

All Men Welcome!

Christian Formation For All (CFFA)

We are taking a short break on July 2nd, 9th and 16th, but will resume our study of Hunger in the Bible between services on Sunday, July 23rd.

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.

As part of our formation for living faithfully, and continuing the vital practices of faithful living that empower us to share the good news of Jesus Christ, please join the conversation which resumes on Sunday July 23rd between services at 9:45am in the library/chapel.

Susan+

Other CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA Opportunities

Youth Confirmation Classes will resume on Sunday August 6th after the 10:30 worship service. Thanks for

your patience during our vacation time!

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 prayer will take a break for July 5th, 12th and 19th. We resume at 3:15-3:45pm on

Wednesday afternoons, beginning again on Wednesday July 26th.

Women in the Word, our Women’s Bible Study group also takes a break July 5th, 12th and 19th. We’ll meet

again on Wednesday, July 26th to continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew. You’ll all remain in my

prayers and I know we’ll miss our Wednesday time together. Bless you!

Pastor Anne+ is always available to meet up, to get to

know you better, and to share more of her story with you.

Please don't hesitate to reach out. She's always up for a cup

of coffee or tea to swap stories and wonder about the

mystery of God, prayer, life and community with you. She

is best reached at annestjames@gmail.com. And, while

Pastor Susan+ is away, please call or text Anne+ at (480) 356-

3477 for pastoral emergencies.

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Unplug and Reconnect

July 6 - 9

Family Camp is an opportunity to use your family vacation time to unplug from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with your children and with the God who made you a family. It is challenging in this over-programmed, screen-filled culture to take the time out to be present to the people in our families. Chapel Rock is a place where screens are put away and there is space and time to listen to God and to each other. We will experience prayer, music, free time exploring the beauty of Prescott, and old-fashioned camp fun, like arts and crafts, a campfire, the ropes course, and games. Invest in your family, and come join us! Register at www.chapelrock.net.

The Youth Groups will take a break in July and resume on Sunday, August 20th.

On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation

Godly Play Resumes August 13th

9:40-11:00 am

All Ages

Weaving God’s Promises Sundays in Room 4 during the 10:30 service.

Kindergarten through fifth grade.

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 (robin.b.hollis@gmail.com)

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 (eflock@cox.net)

The Rev. Anne Ellsworth, Assisting Priest Godly Play and Pastoral Care, annestjamestempe@gmail.com.

Around the DioceseAround the DioceseAround the DioceseAround the Diocese 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." Both

presentations are open to the public without charge and

Laity and Clergy alike are invited to attend: Saturday August Saturday August Saturday August Saturday August

12th, 12th, 12th, 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.

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We have various Bible transla!ons, Bible study helps and even some

books that never entered the canon. We've just added a volume

with various verse transla!ons to help the 21st century reader with

the King James version our grandparents used. Heavy tome, light

summer reading.

Lissa Lundberg

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. This retreat will also continue with ongoing mission visioning and with the development and growth of Native American Ministry as it applies to our congregations, the Diocese and The Episcopal Church. Friday, August 11 – Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Franciscan Renewal Center located at 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. Double room rate - $75.00, commuter meals only - $50.00. Register for this event by going to: http://www.azdiocese.org/digital_faith/events. Deadline for housing is June 10, 2017. If you need help to register, contact Dawn Jackson at (602) 254-0976 or dawn@azdiocese.org. For more information on this event or Native American Ministries, contact The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals at (520) 907-0616.

Mona Polacca Hopi/Havasupai/Tewa elder

DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2017 July 2

July 9 John Barnabas C = Aly BU = TBD

July 16 John McIlray C = Ashley Czarsty

July 23 Pamela P. C = Pam H. BU = TBD

July 30 Pamela P. C = Dylan BU = Brandon

One Service at 9:30 am C = Collin

Acolyte Schedule for July 2017

� � � � Be Calm and Let the Acolyte Lead! ����

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, please contact Deacon Robin for more information. Individual training available! Deacon Robin, robin.b.hollis@gmail.com or (480) 242-7178.

St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry neighbors is at the UMOM Watkins St. Shelter. There are 10 spots available. Please sign up for our next service evening beginning at 5pm and ending about 6:00pm on Friday, July 14th. The Watkins shelter is located at: 1120 W. Watkins St. Phoenix, AZ 85004. Anyone who is 13 years and up is welcome to be part of the team.