Live Deeply in Faith and in Life

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1 Volume 8, Issue 6 June 2016 Look Inside For... Page 2 Vacation Bible School Page 3 Vacation Bible School Youth Group Schedule Page 4 Bishop Committee Reports Page 5 4th Annual Ladies Tea Community Outreach Page 6 Fellowship Opportunities CFFA Adult Bible Classes Page 7 Acolyte Schedule Lent to Lent Challenge Page 8 Deacon s Corner Being Selfless First Fruits Bishop s Committee Meeting Thursday, June 16th 6:30 pm Live Deeply in Faith and in Life n his younger days my brother used to go I caving or spelunking (love that word!) all the time. We ll be following Jesus, the light of the world, during our Vacation Bible School s Cave Quest this month. I know we ll all have an awesome time! Our VBS is free, so please don t hesitate to share the good news with your children and grandchildren, as well as their friends! s we progress into the season after A Pentecost, we re called to reflect on living in the light. For example, whenever we feel resistant to an opportunity, is there a spiritual parallel as well? Are we holding back in some aspect of our lives from living more deeply or more fully into the infinite heights and depths of God s love in Christ Jesus? erhaps one way we can help ourselves is P to remember that spelunkers usually plan to go into unknown territory, or risky locales, with a buddy or a guide. We can choose to walk alongside one another as spiritual partners or have a more f o r m a l m e n t o r i n g relationship. As the body of Christ, we value our relationships. There s also our buddy and guide, the Holy Spirit. Access is wireless, and instantly available. In fact, the Holy Spirit knows us better than we know ourselves, and can lead the way in our spiritual explorations. f you want the how to or quick summary, I then I d say that living deeply is mostly about paying attention, being mindful, trusting God, and learning to give up control. The summary may be short and sweet, but the reality is that it takes time, patience and practice to say yes to God in all the moments of our lives. In the meantime, t h e r e r e p l e n t y o f distractions around. There s also that fiery ball of stress or doubt, fear or anxiety that many of us live with on a constant basis. It can become so much a part of our lives that we re scared to douse the flames, let the fire die, or give it up. t s challenging to living deeply in relationship I with God. It s hard to surrender our fears and welcome the Holy Spirit s guidance into some of our dark and frightening places lying just below the surface of our lives. It s good to remember that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18b). Ever since I first saw William Holman Hunt s painting, The Light of the World, where Jesus is holding a lantern and knocking on an overgrown and seldom used door, I ve always loved the Biblical passages about Jesus as light. That perfect light cleanses and heals us, and provides a light for our path, every step of the way. That light lives within and amongst us. We can allow the light of Christ s love to shine into all the dark nooks and crannies of our hearts and minds without fear, and discover healing and renewal. e ll never know the fullness of W God s incredible blessings, until we accept the challenge and begin to e x p l o r e t h e v a s t unchartered territories of faith and life. God will light our paths, and the light of Christ will burst forth, burning brightly like a beacon in our lives, and the lives of all those we serve. As Jesus once said in a moment of terrible loss, Do not fear, only believe (Mark 5:36). That s one of the greatest joys of living deeply. Take the challenge, live deeply. God s blessings await for children of all ages. Susan +

2 Page 2 Vacation Bible School Sunday, June 19 Thursday, June 23 6:00 8:45 pm Send your kids on an over-the over the-top the top underground adventure! adventure At Cave Quest VBS, kids embark on a VBS adventure that will light their way! Gear up for an adventure that will ground kids in the rock-solid foundation of God s love, a love that takes us through life s dark times. Kids will spend each day spelunking through field-tested activity stations with their Cave Crews where every station is designed to reinforce the daily Bible Point in a hands-on, interactive way that keeps everyone engaged. Your kids will sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building Spelunker games, make and dig into yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God s love, and create fun crafts they ll take home and play with all summer long. They all add up to making a life-long difference in the lives of your children! Cave Quest VBS is offered free to St James members and to the outside community. community. Invite your kid s friends and families! You can also get registration forms online at Registration Forms Available in the Narthex! See next page for volunteer opportunities!

3 Page 3 Vacation Bible School Help Needed! The children will enjoy fun activities and learn about Jesus through all of those activities. If you have neighbors who have children please invite them to the VBS - It s free!! VBS Staff Needed: Crew leaders and assistant crew leaders Craft station leader Meals: Sunday: Eileen Monday: Eileen Tuesday:? Wednesday:? Thursday:? BBQ pork sandwiches, chips, buns, coleslaw, lemonade, iced tea and cookies Spaghetti, meat sauce, veggie sauce, garlic bread, Caesar salad, chocolate cake Items needed for VBS Command small wire hooks (40 hooks total), available at Fry s Round tooth picks Christmas tree lights (can be colored or white) Black lights Food items for snacks at VBS: Packaged food: 1) Little Debbie Strawberry shortcake rolls (40 rolls) 2) 1 bag of pretzel sticks 3) Green food color 4) 1 package of jelly beans 5) Small flour tortillas (enough for 40) 6) 3 packs of Oreo cookies 7) 3 packs of mini Oreo cookies 8) Pudding cups 9) Nutella (2 large containers) 10) Vanilla frosting Fresh fruit (40 children): 1) Monday: 1 cantaloupe, bananas (1 per child ) and strawberries (fresh, not frozen, enough for 3 berries per child) 2) Tuesday: Green grapes (7 grapes per child enough for 40 kids), 1 bag of baby carrots, blue berries (2 per child), oranges enough for ½ orange per child) 3) Wednesday: 40 chocolate frosted cup cakes 4) Thursday: 3 large tubs of cool whip Treasure Hunter s: June 12th 12pm to 2pm, last session for Pirates theme Junior & Senior EYC: June 19th Canceled (Due to VBS), will resume July 17th

4 Page 4 Financial Snapshot The deficit we showed at this time last month has been erased. Thanks to the generous support of the congregation and funds raised by the Ladies Tea, we again have a year-to-date surplus. Our current financial picture is on-budget, and in good shape looking towards the 2 nd half of the year. Thank you for your contributions. Please continue your financial support for St. James. Treasurer s Report Year-To-Date through May 24, 2016 Total Income $92, Total Expense $97, Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) -$4, Diocesan Support $9, Total Surplus / (Deficit) $4, If you want to donate on line, SimpleGive allows you to make a single donation, or set up scheduled donations. To get the right link to our account, either click on the SimpleGive logo on our web page, or the Donate Now button on FaceBook. Or, if you prefer a TEXT link, text an amount to: McKee Lundberg I cannot believe it. It is the end of May, the doors are open and I am sitting on the patio enjoying a cup of coffee. This is almost like a mini pre-vacation from the upcoming summer heat. Even though it is somewhat cool this morning, this is the time of year when school is out and families start to take vacations so they can get out of the heat they know will hit anytime soon. It is important that we all make and take time for our families. This is not only important for us personally, but it is also important for our health at St. James. Your immediate family needs you and so does your St. James family. For our families to be and stay healthy, it is important for us to remain committed to their needs. I feel lucky to live where salt is used in a beverage instead of on the roads and where the rest of the country comes for their vacations. Have a fun and safe summer! Peace, Bob Klassen From the Senior Warden At Your Service: Your Bishop s Committee Bob Klassen (Bishop s Warden) Larry Kenyon (Junior Warden) McKee Lundberg (Treasurer) Gerry Carlston Carol Justice Al Larson Chris Papaccio Janie Studt The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of the heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. - Helen Keller

5 Page 5 4th Annual Ladies Tea - Saturday, May 14th Wonderful afternoon with great food and great fellowship! Our youngest attendees! Join us next year on May 6, 2017!! Upcoming dates are: July 8 August 12 September 9 St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry neighbors is at the UMOM Watkins St. 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, June 10th. The Watkins shelter is located at: 1120 W. Watkins St. Phoenix, AZ 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 6 Tuesday, June 14th 6:00 pm Pita Jungle 4921 E.

We meet for dinner every second Tuesday of the month.

St James Bookies June s book is Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.

940 N. 54th Street, Chandler, 85226. Join Us for Lunch!! Thursday, June 23rd 11:15 am Biscuit s 4623 E.

6 Page 6 Tuesday, June 14th 6:00 pm Pita Jungle 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix All ladies, all ages, from both services please join us in fellowship over dinner. We meet for dinner every second Tuesday of the month. Please contact Terri Beck at (602) with any sugges ons or ques ons. St James Bookies June s book is Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. We will meet Sunday, June 26th, after the 10:30 service at The Paradise Bakery in the Chandler Pavilions, 940 N. 54th Street, Chandler, Join Us for Lunch!! Thursday, June 23rd 11:15 am Biscuit s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot) Christian Formation (CFFA) Our study of Food in the Bible continues this month. It s never too late to join the fun, because there s more to God s provision of our daily bread than you might imagine. Food is essential to life, and that includes spiritual food that helps us grow in faith, and deepen all our relationships. All are welcome as we gather in the library each Sunday at 9:45 am to explore God s Word on food, our appetites, and the social justice implications for abundant life. All you need is an open mind and heart, because that s where all our learning, growing, and sharing begins! Susan + Thursday s 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday s 4:00 pm Room 5 Room 4 All Men Welcome!

7 Page 7 Acolyte Schedule for June 2016 DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service 2016 June 5 Barbara C= Collin BU= Aly June 12 Barbara C= Pam H. BU= Collin June 19 Pamela P. C= Brandon BU= Pam H. June 26 John B. C= Aly BU= Pam H. Our Lent to Lent Life-Changing Walk Through the Bible T his past few weeks has seen a shift in our Bible stories from long prescriptions written by the priests and religious leaders, to exciting and complex relational histories, and the development of Israel s new leadership in King Saul and King David. The psalms are filled with praise and lament, prayers and thanksgivings. We ve completed the gospels of Luke and John and are seeing the early church take shape as we continue our walk in The Way through the Acts of the Apostles. T ake heart, and don t give up! Take your time, read some of the Scriptures every day, and enjoy the riches of our Judeo-Christian tradition. Let God s Word dwell in your heart and mind, and know the joy of God s blessings. Notice how the Lord is changing your way of seeing and being in the world! Here are some thoughts and questions to ponder from our recent readings: In Joshua chapter 2 we meet Rahab, the prostitute, who helps the Israelite spies and saves her family from destruction. We find Rahab again in Jesus genealogy and in Paul s letter to the Hebrews (see Matthew 1:5, and Hebrews 11:31). Why is she honored? After the Israelites enter the Promised Land, why doesn t the tribe of Levi get a portion or share of the land? (See Joshua 13:14) In Judges 2:10, we discover that a whole new generation of Israelites has grown up without knowing the Lord. What happens as a consequence of Israel s failure to teach their children? Are you surprised to learn that the Israelites were often polytheistic, worshipping multiple gods, as well as YHWH? (See Judges chapter 2, 3, 5 and 6 for examples) What s miraculous about Samson s conception? (See Judges 13) For what does Hannah pray, and what is the priest Eli s response? (See 1 Samuel 1:10-14). In 1 Samuel 8 Israel asks for a king. What does the prophet Samuel tell the people? Did it come true? How do love and faithfulness meet together? How do righteousness and peace kiss? What is the Psalmist s prayer? (See Psalm 85:10) Of what does the opening of John s gospel remind you? One of our favorite hymns (Hymnal #335) is based on John 6:35. What is Jesus claim? Who does Peter sound like in Acts 2:38? Susan + You'll never plough a field turning it over in your mind. - Irish proverb

In Arizona, it s even more important due to our desert climate.

8 Page 8 Water, Water, Everywhere! (But Why Do We Add It To the Wine?) As humans we know that our very survival depends on water we must keep hydrated and drink fluids to keep our bodies nourished and clean. In Arizona, it s even more important due to our desert climate. Summer time is here and most of us will experience water in a variety of ways: enjoying a refreshing glass of water, mixing it with tea or lemons, bathing in it and just having fun splashing around in it. We use water in our worship in a number of ways. During the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist we find an important role for water. In Baptism it symbolizes purification, a cleansing and new life in Christ as we are welcomed into the body of Christ. In the Eucharist, we see the deacon (or priest), set the altar. As part of our worship we use water in a symbolic way. First wine is poured into the chalice and then a little water is added. This reminds us of the blood and the water that appeared when Jesus' side was pierced by a spear at the crucifixion. Tradition says that the wine and water together represent both the humanity and the divinity of Jesus, that he is both man and God, and that we are called to share with him in his risen life. As a final act of setting the table, and before the priest starts the Eucharistic Prayer, our acolyte pours a little water over the priest's and deacon s fingers. This, in part, reminds us that we serve at God's altar with clean hands and pure hearts. We believe this is grounded in our Jewish heritage since it has long been the custom for the head of the Jewish household to wash his hands in a similar way before the prayers at the Passover meal. Jesus more than likely did this at the Last Supper. So this summer, as you enjoy your water sports and attend worship, consider the life-giving power of water, both physically and just as important, spiritually! Let us all continue to grow and live into our baptismal vows. Blessings, Deacon Robin Being Selfless in a Selfie World (Part 4)! W e re going to extend our Faith In Action collage. If your picture isn t up there yet, please share how you are living your faith, sharing your spiritual gifts, and showing others God s love in tangible ways. S t. James is an awesome community of faith. Please share how you re living and growing in Christ in everyday ways! 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 First Fruits Sunday, June 5th! 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.

Look Inside For... Walking as a Child of the Light God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5. Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Look Inside For... Walking as a Child of the Light God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5. Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Volume 7, Issue 9 September 2015 Look Inside For... Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Page 3 Youth Group News Page 4 Fellowship Opportunities Monthly Outreach Page 5 Acolyte Schedule Deacon s Corner Page