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

Transcription

1 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 6 Educational Opportunities Library News UMOM Walk Page 7 God s Work in Progress Page 8 An Evening of Music Walking as a Child of the Light God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5 t this time of year, we A start to notice that the mornings are getting a little darker, and the evenings are drawing in much faster. The season after Pentecost continues to refresh us, and remind us that even if the days are getting shorter, our life in Christ is about walking in the light. The song that comes to mind is I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light. It s found in our hymnal under the header Jesus Christ our Lord. What a wonderful r e m i n d e r o f t h e importance of abiding in Christ, living in His love, and being a child of the light every season of the year, and every season of our lives. ost of us immediately M want to ask, How do I do that? Walking as a child of the light is about walking in faith and fellowship with Jesus, learning His ways, and His will for our lives. We can never underestimate the power of prayer in helping each of us to discern and understand God s will for our lives. In addition, u n d e r s t a n d i n g o u r Spiritual gifts gives us insight into how God has equipped us to serve Him and our neighbors in love. ichard J. Foster s R f a b u l o u s b o o k, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth is full of helpful insights into the path of discipleship. It includes chapters on inward spiritual disciplines like meditation, prayer and fasting. There re also chapters on the light we shine for others in the example of our lives through service, and by living simply. Foster also examines life in the community of faith through worship and purposeful reading and sharing of God s Word. Don t forget that not everything is for everyone. We certainly have personal preferences when it comes to the ways we like to worship and pray, or how we study God s word in Scripture. What does matter is taking time to consider our spiritual lives, planning for growth, seeking ways to enrich our journey together, deepen our relationships, and always be on the lookout for new ways to offer ourselves. Life experience tells us that if we don t plan it, then it either doesn t happen, or the world steps in and steals our time, or drops an unpleasant surprise on us. In planning our daily schedules for activities like work, sports, rest, family time, shopping, and so on, remember to be intentional about including something that nurtures your spiritual life. T here re all kinds of p o s sibi lities fo r growing our light-filled presence in the world, and for sharing the light of Christ with others. Consider a finding a favorite place to pray, or experience a new way to pray. Have you ever tried walking and praying? Or what about praying without words? Perhaps some of us will choose to take the practice of simplicity to heart. A physical clean out can significantly enhance our spiritual lightness of being, and our freedom in Christ. Or maybe we ll offer ourselves to God s service by sharing our spiritual gifts and resources with our neighbors or our community of faith in a new way. Have fun exploring the many ways we can walk as a child of the light! Susan +

2 Page 2 Treasurer s Report Financial Snapshot Income and expenditures were in balance during the past month. We did need support from the Diocese, but not the full monthly amount they are providing in Overall, our finances are better than budgeted. Our financial condition remains good. The table to the right does not include the Sanctuary chair fund. This fund had a balance on Aug. 23 of $4,550. The 2014 audit of our financial procedures and records is complete. The auditor s report finds that we present our financial position fairly, and in accordance with the accounting principles required by National Episcopal Church. Year-To-Date through August 23, 2015 Total Income $159, Total Expense $171, Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $12, Diocesan Support $25, Total Surplus / (Deficit) $13, Please continue your generous support for St. James. Ways to make a financial contribution to St. James (Note that the web site link, & the FB link, allow you to set up scheduled donations): Check, or cash, in your personal envelope. Electronic giving: visit our web site: stjames.azdiocese.org Click on SimpleGive. On our FB page: Click the USE APP button Text an amount to (480) (1 st usage will ask for credit/debit card information.) McKee Lundberg From the Senior Warden It is hot outside. We just had the hottest July on record. As we near the end of August, predictions are that next week we may reach 110 again. Every year it seems like the heat will never end. Exercise physiologists show that heat is the most severe physiological stress that is placed on the body. Heat also tempts us to forgo good judgment and make rushed or emotional decisions. I guess that is where we get the term hot headed. I have to admit that I am privileged. If I am hot, I am able to relax in my air-conditioned house or drive in my airconditioned car. There are many people here that are also hot, but do that have a house or car. They have very limited options when it comes to cooling off. This is why it is important for me to acknowledge my privilege and use it working for those who do not have a voice. This is why we at St. James are reaching out and offering ourselves to UMOM and the Watkins Emergency Shelter. This is why we are already collecting blankets for Navajoland. This is why our youth are raising money for the Angel Tree families. I admit that am privileged. Privileged to be a part of such a vibrant and giving community. It is still hot. But at least I do not have to worry about slipping on ice in the winter. So while I look forward to cooler weather, I am going to embrace the heat. After all, this hot August weather also means it is Hatch Chile season. This way I can embrace the heat inside and out. Peace, Bob Klassen At Your Service: Your Bishop s Committee Bishop s Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 16th 6:00 pm Bob Klassen (Bishop s Warden) Larry Kenyon (Junior Warden) McKee Lundberg (Treasurer) Gerry Carlston Carol Justice Al Larson Chris Papaccio Janie Studt

3 Page 3 Treasure Hunter s is a great way for our Elementary school children to come have fun and learn about Jesus at the same time. This quarter s theme is SonWest Round Up. Last month the children learned about Moses in the river being found by the Pharaoh s daughter. Here are some pictures from our August fun: Youth Group News The Dastardly Duo! Treasure Hunter s meets on the 2 nd Sunday of the Month so we will be meeting September 13th, October 11th and November 8th. We hope to expand the program with children from our community. If you know any school age children that like to have fun with story, craft, games and music please invite them to our program. If you would like to help out, I could always use meals for the above dates. The meal is for 10 people: main dish, fruit, veggies, drinks and dessert. Please let me know. Eileen Flock Youth Ministry This isn t your parents youth group. We re getting real about growing in God, living life in your world, serving our neighbors, and having fun. Be there - bring a friend!

4 Page 4 St James Bookies September s book is Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult. We will meet Sunday, September 27th, after the 10:30 service at The Paradise Bakery in the Chandler Pavilions, 940 N. 54th Street, Chandler, Join Us for Lunch!! Thursday, September 24th 11:15 am Biscuit s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot) Tuesday, September 8th 6:00 pm Pita Jungle 4921 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee The remaining dates are: October 9 November 13 December 11 January 8 St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry neighbors is at the UMOM Watkins St. Shelter. There are 10 spots available each month on the 2 nd Friday evening of the month for the St. James team to serve food to the women and families at the Watkins emergency shelter. Please sign up for our next service evening beginning at 5pm and ending about 6:00pm on Friday, September 11th. 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. This is an exciting opportunity to get some hands on service experience and meet some wonderful people.

5 Page 5 Acolyte Schedule for September 2015 DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service 2015 September 6 Barbara C= Collin BU= Natasha September 13 John B. C= Aly BU= Nyah September 20 Barbara C= Dylan BU=Pam H. September 27 Pamela P. C= Pam H. BU= Brandon Powerful Prayer! Our St. James family is blessed with a dedicated prayer team providing pastoral care under John Hermstein. Recently, we have had a longer list than normal and we want to share in the celebrations when we have wonderful thanksgivings. We realize that peace and comfort may at times be the only outcomes, but we know that God s abiding Love is with us and clothes us. As this is the Deacon s Corner, just thought it appropriate that we celebrate the continued recovery of Deacon Pat! While she still has a journey ahead, our prayers can help lighten the load. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [and] I can do all things through him who strengthens me. NSRV Philippians 4: 4-7, 13 Blessings, Deacon Robin

6 Page 6 Christian Formation For All CFFA!! Still looking for a great exercise program? Well here it is! Exercise your mind and spirit, strengthen and grow in faith this year by joining us for an exciting series on the Gospel of Mark. We continue our journey in the library between worship services. Please be sure to pick up your copy of the Gospel of Mark workbook. It contains additional information, and weekly study questions that we ll discuss during our time together. We ll also have a weekly presentation to get the inside track on Mark s agenda and themes. The Gospel of Mark is the primary gospel for this year s weekly lectionary readings, so come and get a great spiritual workout with CFFA. Wednesday s Our church lending library is on the shelves nearest the kitchen door in the library. Check out Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus by our newly-elected presiding bishop, The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry. (He becomes "the Most Reverend" after the installation ceremony.) If you got caught up in C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, you'll enjoy The Screwtape Letters. It has a more sophisticated vocabulary - but it's lots of fun to read how the seasoned follower of Satan (Screwtape) tries to teach his apprentice (Wormwood) how to lead humans astray. And, there's an interesting book called Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy." Also, check out the picture books for families to enjoy together. The second set of shelves contains many versions of the Bible and several Bible study course books to study on your own or with your family or a group. Bible Study 4:00 pm in Room 5 Thursday s 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Room 4 All Men Welcome! What s Going On with Outreach this Fall? Making a Difference! September is UMOM Homeless Shelter's Walk month. The Walk will be held at the Phoenix Zoo again this year on September 26th. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the Walk begins at 7:30 a.m. You can participate in the 1K Walk or 5K Run/Walk. There will be music, sponsor booths and free goodies for all. You get all day free admission to the zoo with your registration. Please talk with Eileen Flock about signing up for Team St. James!!

7 Page 7 God s Work in Progress T his week, please look for an important letter in your mailbox from St. James inviting you to pray about your support and participation in God s ministry and mission here at St. James. We have so much to celebrate already, and we ll hear all about the amazing progress we ve made together at our annual meeting. God is definitely at work among us, and through us. 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? Where are you being called to serve? As always, I welcome 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 Treasurer and Bishop s Committee in developing our 2016 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. O ur offerings are always made in good faith, grounded in gratitude, and based on our anticipated income for If your circumstances change during the year for any reason, just let us know, and we ll make the necessary adjustments. When it comes to responsible stewardship, your Bishop s Committee works hard to ensure that we use all your gifts wisely. This year our ingathering Sunday will be September 20 th. 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. You make a difference! PARENT CLASS Sunday, August 30th Sharing Ourselves Saturday Everyone s invited on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Come on by and enjoy each other's company, with some fun activities (cards, anyone?). Bring a dish to pass for a potluck! September 19th We will learn to weave a rug using a hula hoop and T-shirts. We need your old t-shirts!! You can drop them off any Sunday - baskets are located at the back of the Sanctuary. I ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou

8 Page 8 2nd Annual Evening of Music Sunday, October 18 th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm The musicians are tuning their instruments, selecting the special pieces you will be enjoying on that night and practicing for perfection. I am very excited about the talent and special music you will be experiencing. Have you marked your calendars? In addition to the musical presentation, refreshments of wine, cheese, fruit, appetizers, & other assorted sparkling beverages will be served. Seating will be in an elegant Bistro style. Again there will be a Silent Auction of exceptional items such as framed art, jewelry, event tickets, baskets of wine & cheese, a spa basket, books, an individually designed fall wreath and much, much more. The list of auction items is growing with your generous donations. Plus there will be another fabulous dessert auction. The desserts are designed to share with your friends at the close of the evening, we will provide plates and forks, or taken home for later enjoyment. Please note that the auction items will be paid for by cash or check that night or at the church office the next week by special arrangement. St James is not able to accept credit cards. This special event evening can be experienced for only a $10.00 donation per person. Your ticket includes 2 beverages and food. Additional beverages are a $3.00 donation each. Tickets for the event will be available in advance from Jill Leatherman, Rhonda Larson, Ellie Kenyon or Robin Hollis. Seating is limited so get your tickets early. You can assist in this wonderful fundraiser in a number of ways: Purchase tickets Bring your music loving friends. Distribute flyers to your family, friends, neighbors, and organizations to which you belong. A supply of flyers is located on the table in the narthex & on the credenza along the back wall, look for the flyers on the wall. Donate Silent Auction items: Do you have season tickets for the ballet, theater, sporting events, and would you be willing to donate an evening? Do you have an art piece you no longer care for but others would love to place on their wall? How about an interesting set of antique, fine or unusual vintage costume jewelry that you no longer wear but someone else would treasure? Do you have a gift that did not fit into your life style but would in others? Do you have a special talent? How about some unopened bottles of liquor to make into a party basket? Let your imagination soar. Helping hands for the event: Parking attendants, Food servers, Ticket table attendants, Silent auction attendant, and Set up and clean up crew Donations of: Cheese, fruit, crackers, breads, appetizers, quality wine ($5.00 a bottle & up), sparkling non alcoholic beverages. Loan of wine glasses, we are going for high class here. Sign up sheets for helpers & food are located on the credenza along the back wall, look for the Evening of Music flyers on the wall. Please contact Jill Leatherman at (480) or nikman4444@gmail.com, or Rhonda Larson at (480) or allarson2710@msn.com, with any questions. God bless you all and let's make this another great & successful fundraiser for St James. Jill Leatherman & Rhonda Larson Co-chairs