T his year the rock band U2 are. T he events of that first Easter change. A s followers of Jesus, we celebrate. G od is constantly inviting us to be a

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1 Volume 9, Issue 4 April 2017 Look Inside For... Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Outreach Endowment Fund Page 3 Fellowship Opportunities Ladies Tea Page 4 Youth Group Vacation Bible School Page 5 SARRC Tour Children & Family Ministries Page 6 Confession & Reconciliation Acolyte Schedule Palm Cross Party Easter Flowers Page Lenten Study 2017 Lent Madness The Faith Difference Page 8 CFFA Adult Bible Classes Journey to Jerusalem First Fruits Page 9 Thank You s Eagle Project Community Outreach Saints Alive - Resurrection Life Now! T his year the rock band U2 are touring to celebrate the 30 th anniversary of their phenomenal album, The Joshua Tree. Some of you might be familiar with U2charists, which began in the Episcopal Church to raise money and awareness in support of the Millennium Development Goals. A U2charist Communion service is set in the context of U2 s most poignant and theologically significant music. Many of the songs prompt us to act for global reconciliation and justice, especially for the poor and oppressed. It s no surprise that U2charists are grounded in an Easter message. It s no surprise that the themes have been lived out and modeled for us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It should be no surprise that this is about living our resurrection lives now through our faith in action. A s followers of Jesus, we celebrate Christ s resurrection knowing that He gave it all in the name of love: love and reconciliation, abundant life, and forgiveness for all who come in faith. We are now His body, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others through our words and deeds. Or as U2 would sing, And you give yourself away, because that s how we live our resurrection lives now. J ust as Jesus commissioned us, our mission of reconciliation, forgiveness, and social justice continues. Easter isn t just one day of celebration. It s an ongoing celebration of thanksgiving for the love and hope we embody, and the light we now bear in Christ s name. For those who still haven t found what they re looking for, the promises of Easter are a great prize. Christ has conquered sin and death, once for all. We don t have to work for the gift of salvation, because there s no way we can earn it anyway. All we have to do is accept the gift of faith to know God s peace, and be assured of God s promises. T he events of that first Easter change everything, just as our baptism changes us by raising us to new life in Christ. The question is how that ongoing transformation is evident in our lives today. Do we see the world around us with new eyes, and a new heart filled with compassion and forgiveness towards others? Do we live peacefully, as a way to show the world what God s peace looks like? Have we simplified our lives? Are we less focused on material and worldly goods, and more focused on relationships? Are we intentional about our spiritual growth and development, so that we can serve the Lord in broader and deeper ways? Do we give of ourselves: our time, talent, and treasure, to promote God s goodness and love? G od is constantly inviting us to be a part of the new family in Christ s name, the growing kingdom, and members of Christ s body in the world. All that God has promised will come to pass, even as it s already being fulfilled through our faith in action and God s steadfast faithfulness. As followers of Jesus, it s our great honor to be co-creators with God in growing the kingdom of love and grace. It s our privilege to participate in the life of God by living our resurrection lives now. That s what makes us saints alive, and that includes U2! A blessed Easter to all. Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Susan +

2 Page 2 Treasurer s Report Treasurer s Update The year-to-date financials continue to look good due to your contributions, rental income from SAARC and T-Mobile and by effectively managing our expenses. Your financial support allows us to offer a wonderful variety of youth and adult ministries/programs. Please let me know at maryhovden@gmail.com if you have questions, comments, ideas, etc. about St. James financial matters. Year-To-Date through March 26, 2017 Income $80, Expense $60, Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $19, Diocesan Support $2, Net Income $22, In Christ, Mary Hovden Grow the St. James Outreach Endowment Fund Campaign The St. James Outreach Endowment Fund currently has $4000 in it and while the principal will not be drawn down the investment returns are to be used to support the various outreach ministries of St. James. To grow the fund we have an anonymous donor that will match $1.00 for every $2.00 raised by the congregation up to a limit of $1000 by April 30th. This means if the congregation as a whole raises $2000 an additional $1000 will be donated to the fund. Every little donation will help get us to that $2000 goal. Just designate the donation for the Outreach Endowment Fund when you place it in the offering plate. This is great way to support our outreach ministries with an ongoing stream of revenue. Jim Disney (602) From the Senior Warden To me, this is the part of Lent when I feel a little excitement brewing. I m not looking at the calendar, but I am enjoying what I am seeing outside. New life is making its presence shown. Last week we went on a wildflower search near Canyon Lake and we were not disappointed. The color of new life in the desert was beyond words. I get this feeling each year as we get close to Holy Week. The excitement of the resurrection! Peace, Bob Klassen Jesus resurrection is the beginning of God' s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord' s Prayer is about. N.T. Wright

3 Page 3 On the second Tuesday of every month the ladies of St. James meet for dinner. We choose a different restaurant each month. Please mark your calendars and join us on April 11th at Abuelo s Mexican. Invite other ladies to join us and let s have fun ge ng to know each other be er. Please feel free to contact, Terri Beck (602) ) with any ques ons or restaurant sugges ons. Hope to see you next month! St James Bookies April s book is Mr. Churchill s Secretary by Susan Elia Macneal. We will meet Sunday, April 23rd, after the 10:30 service at The Paradise Bakery in the Chandler Pavilions. Join Us for Lunch!! Thursday, April 27th 11:15 am Biscuit s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot) You Are Cordially invited to the 5th Annual St. James Ladies Tea April29,2017 2:00until4:00p.m. DelightfulTeaSandwiches,DaintyDessertsandDeliciousTea $10.00perperson This year we are having a Design a Centerpiece Contest! Decorating supplies will be provided or you can bring items from home too! For tickets, or if you are willing to help, please contact Eileen Flock at eflock@cox.net, Ruth Flinn at oldrn@cox.net or Ellie Kenyon at ejkenyon6315@verizon.net.

4 Page 4 Treasure Hunters will not meet this month due to it falling on Easter Sunday. We will resume on May 21st. EYC will meet April 9th after the 10:30 am service start to plan the youth service, which will be on April 23rd at the 10:30 worship. April is here already - Easter is on its way. The teens will be doing the Easter egg hunt for the elementary school age children and younger after the 8:30am service and the 10:30am service on April 16th. The Easter Egg hunt will take place in the preschool play area. Youth Sunday is April 23rd. Please let Dave know if you can participate in the youth service. I am so proud of the youth for working so hard on their fundraising efforts in making such beautiful and unique crosses. They look great and will help the youth to raise money for the Angel Tree kids shopping trip in early December. They are currently on sale after each service until Easter Sunday. Great work everyone! Eileen Flock eflock@cox.net (480) (cell) Vacation Bible School Sunday, June 11 Thursday, June 15 6:00 8:45 pm Come travel up river to a land of misty waterfalls! Bring your kids to the rainforest - an experience of discovery they'll never forget! Based on five Parables of Jesus, SonQuest Rainforest VBS transports young minds into a vivid rainforest environment of jungle sounds, sights and smells, where they'll dig into the Bible and meet Jesus in each day's story. Children ages 3 years through those who have completed 5th grade are invited to enter a world of amazing animals as we travel upriver to discover a place far from the ordinary. These five days of discovery not only give kids the knowledge of God's Word, but also the opportunity to respond to His truth by living out their Christian faith. They won't want the miss the music, games, craft, and skits they will encounter as we travel this vibrant and dynamic rainforest adventure together!

5 Page 5 SARRC Preschool and The Hospitality Team Invites You to Join Us For a reception and tour of the SARRC Pre-School facility after both services on April 2nd There will be a reception in the Sanctuary at 9:30 with a tour of the preschool after Godly Play at 10:30 and then a second tour at 11:30 with a reception after the tour. Fresh fruit, an assortment of cheeses, crackers and French bread will be provided by the Hospitality Team and SARRC will provide a lovely assortment of donuts and juice. Tea and coffee will also be provided. What is Godly Play? Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. Godly Play helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us! We meet in Room 4, Sundays, 9:40-10:30. After our story and feast, children help water the garden, take care of the fish and play on the playground together. Parents and caregivers are very welcome to stay. All Ages Welcome. On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation Godly Play Sundays in Room 4 9:40-10:30 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 for Family & Children s Ministries, annestjamestempe@gmail.com.

6 Page 6 3 DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service 2017 April 2 Barbara C = Brandon BU = Dylan April 9 Barbara C = Pam H. BU = Aly April 13 Maundy Thursday, 7:00 pm Ashley Czarsty April 15 April 16 Reconciliation of a Penitent & Individual Confession: The season of Lent is a particularly appropriate time to consider the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent (see pages in the Book of Common Prayer). Confession is an ancient practice of the Church and is not confined to any season of the year. However, many choose to make a formal confession during Lent. If you have any questions, or would like an appointment to make your confession, please let Susan + know. Acolyte Schedule for April 2017 Easter Vigil, 8:00 pm Pamela April 23 John Barnabas C = Dylan Steve Wilmot C = Aly BU = Dylan TB = Collin & Brandon April 30 Barbara C = Collin BU = Pam H. Making the Palm Crosses An evening of family fun, fellowship, and food - Saturday, April 8th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Janet Hermstein s (540 S. Aspen Drive, Chandler). Come learn this ancient art and enjoy soup & salad. We will eat while we make the crosses for Sunday morning. Instructions provided. All ages welcome! Don t forget to sign up for Easter Flowers! You can sign up on the wall in the narthex just as you enter. Please also complete a flower envelope stating a dedication (if desired) and place in the offertory plate. Easter dedications are free! Easter Flower envelopes are available in the narthex. Flowering the Cross: Everyone is invited to bring flowers from their gardens on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and flower the cross. This is an especially striking and beautiful way to symbolize the new life of Easter! Flowers will also be available on Easter morning at the church.

7 Page Lenten Study: Les Misérables Transformation through Forgiveness, Redemption, & Love Join us Wednesday evening, April 5th, from 6:30 to 8:15 pm for a soup supper and last session on the epic 2012 (PG-13) musical Les Misérables adapted from Victor Hugo s timeless novel. Our Deacons will offer an opportunity for fellowship and study through the lens of biblical truths while examining how we can learn and apply it in today s world. We will begin with a soup and salad supper followed by a course of study. All ages are welcome! The story of Les Misérables is a story of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, redemption and love. It chronicles the transformation of Jean Valjean and his pursuer of justice, Inspector Javert who is rooted in the Law believing people cannot change/transform. Valjean s journey helps us to understand how mercy and grace can lead to transformation offering insight into our own spirituality. This film won 3 Oscars and 4 BAFTA awards. Our discussion and reflection will include watching portions of the film followed by a discussion. Please feel free to drop in. If you have any questions, please see Deacon Pat, Deacon Fritz, or Deacon Robin (robin.b.hollis@gmail.com or ). Last call for 2018 Lent Madness Get your Halo on!! Open to all ages!! In our Fellowship area a large poster-size bracket is following the results on a weekly basis. On the back table will be a projected winner sign-up sheet. Put your name and your pick for the Golden Halo by April 2nd and be in the running to win the right to designate the Lent Madness Donation Pool to any of our St. James ministries and of course receive your own Golden Halo. Donations can be made by check and note in the memo section: Lent Madness. The winner of the 2016 Golden Halo was Dietrich Bonhoeffer! And our own Steve Wilmot predicted this champion. For the first time, responding to public outcries, Lent Madness officials also bestowed a Silver Halo to the runner-up who was the mystic, Julian of Norwich. As the winner of Lent Madness here, Steve Wilmot decided where to allocate the $120 pool and he selected the Youth Ministry! Thank you to everyone who participated last year! For more information or questions, please see Deacon Robin ( ). Get your Halo on! The Faith Difference! Our Faith Difference wall is growing, and I m impressed by the variety and depth of everyone s responses. This is a spiritually lively and spiritually growing community of faith. At Easter, as we celebrate Christ s resurrection, and reflect on how we live our resurrection lives even now, we ll be asking what difference your Lenten discipline or ministry has made in your life, and the lives of others. We continue to encounter Christ in other people, and in the events of our lives. Living out our faith intentionally and purposefully according to God s will changes us, and helps us to change the world. Faith alive really does make a difference. Our mission is to share the faith difference with others, and as St. Francis once said, Share the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.

8 Page 8 Christian Formation For All (CFFA) We have begun our study of Hunger in the Bible! We re considering several Biblical stories from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testaments around four major aspects of hunger from our lives. We ll also explore worldly hungers, and how Jesus reveals God s will for us to choose God s way to satisfy our hungers. All are welcome to join the conversation between services at 9:45am each Sunday in the library/chapel behind the sanctuary. Come hungry! Susan + Women In the Word Wednesday s 4:00 pm Room 5 Thursday s 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Room 4 All Men Welcome! 7450 Our Journey to Jerusalem with Jesus! What a fabulous level of participation we ve had throughout our journey to Jerusalem. We re nearly there, thanks to your efforts! Please keep up the great work so that we make Jerusalem for Holy Week and complete our journey at Easter. Our daily lives always include our walk with Jesus, and taking care of our physical health so that we can serve the Lord in the fullest way possible. Blessings to all as we conclude our Lenten pilgrimage, and celebrate our new life in Christ, once again! 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, April 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.

9 Page 9 Thanks to Mary Hovden and Jill Leatherman for organizing the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and to all those volunteers who helped. The Supper was a huge success and enjoyed by many. Those who attended the Second Half of Life Seminar enjoyed a lovely sandwich lunch served by the Hospitality Team while listening to ideas for planning for the future. A special thanks to the Hospitality Team and all its volunteers, you do so many things, large and small. You all are amazing. We can t close the door on March without thanking Robin Hollis. We are so grateful to Robin for organizing the Lenten Soup Suppers and March Madness. And, last but not least, a very special thanks to our wonderful 8:30 Usher and Welcoming Team, Carol Paulk, Larry Kenyon, Lissa Lundberg and Terri Beck for greeting our church members, new and returning guests as well as presenting the elements. The welcoming our visitors and guests receive each week and the All are Welcome attitude of St. James has helped to increase our parish numbers substantially in recent months. We would like to acknowledge all the generous people who sign-up for the 8:30 and 10:30 after service treats. We appreciate the food, coffee and tea you provide for our fellowship time together. If the Spirit moves you, please sign-up on the sheets at the back table to bring food for our fellowship we d love to see some new names on the list. My name is Nathaniel Anbar and I am a Boy Scout in Troop 697. For my Eagle Project I'm running a book drive to benefit needy children and I am hoping to get your help. To par cipate, please put children's books (for age 12 and under) in the collec on box in the Church lobby (narthex). This is a great way to get rid of old children's books that you don't need while doing a good deed. If you don't happen to have old children's books to donate then you can s ll help by dona ng new children's books or by contribu ng to my project's gofundme campaign: h ps:// Some of the money will go towards helping distribute informa on about the book drive and the rest will go towards buying more books to donate. If you have any ques ons you can contact me at my nathanielanbar@gmail.com. Upcoming dates are: May 12 June 9 July 14 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, April 14th. 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.