Pregnant Pause. Look Inside For... Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports. Page 3 The Advent Conspiracy. Page 4 Holiday Worship Schedule Annual Meeting

Transcription

1 Volume 8, Issue 12 December 2016 Look Inside For... Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Page 3 The Advent Conspiracy Page 4 Holiday Worship Schedule Annual Meeting Page 5 Youth Group Children & Family Ministries Page 6 Thank You s Birdsong Luncheon Page 7 Fellowship Opportunities 7465 Wayfarers Page 8 CFFA Adult Bible Classes Acolyte Schedule Page 9 Lent-to-Lent Bible Deacon s Corner Page 10 First Fruits Community Outreach Blanket Drive Pre-Thanksgiving Soup Supper Pregnant Pause Ác regnant pause : the words may well make us think of the awkward dialogue between characters in a book. A romance novel maybe, where two young lovers are immovable in the electricity of the moment, caught between propriety and lust. Or perhaps these words come from a suspense novel, where the reader is driven to anxious anticipation in a real page turner, not knowing whether the character will live or die. Maybe the words are plucked from a scene in a murder mystery. The cunning detective has finally caught the murderer in a lie; truth has come around in a full circle to trip and bind them. What if it s a story about a young unmarried girl already promised to an older man? What if an angel has spoken to the girl with a promise from God, and she then finds that she s pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit? Friends, family and neighbors may well pass knowing glances, even if they could resist the temptation to gossip openly. The story of just such a pregnancy continues to raise eyebrows and invite speculation! \ t is, of course, the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, which is entirely unique in the history of the world. Yes, Scripture is full of miraculous pregnancies, including the stories of Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth. Yet each of their conceptions was ultimately achieved in the usual way, even though God made the pregnancy possible in the face of significant physical challenges. Only Mary s miraculous pregnancy is breathtaking in its implications. Y or a poor peasant girl from an obscure backwater town to be chosen by the Creator of the universe to be theotokos, God bearer, is practically beyond belief, at least in this age of rampant rationalism, and studied skepticism. According to Karl Rahner, If God s incomprehensibility does not grip us in a word, if it does not call us out of the little house of our homely, close-hugged truths we have misunderstood the words of Christianity. Theories abound, because no one can prove how Mary became the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. What we do know is that God loves us beyond our wildest dreams. What we believe is that God loved us enough to send his only Son, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, to be the Word made flesh, our Savior and redeemer. T s we take our own pregnant pause to enter the fullness of worship in this season of Advent, we have the opportunity to experience a deeper reality. That is the reality of how God s steadfast love, grace, mercy, and constant presence continue to grow in us, empowering us, and changing our lives for the better. What does it mean to be present to the Presence, who is the same Holy Spirit whose power overshadowed Mary? What does it mean to offer space and welcome to the divinely-inspired new life stirring within us? T dvent is a time to create the attitude of heart and mind that opens us to the wonder and mystery of the growing holiness within each of us. As Mary once did, will we say yes to our transformation in Christ? Will we say yes to spiritual growth, and profound, but perhaps costly obedience? Will we say yes to growing faithfulness made manifest through our lives and ministries? In humility of heart, let s prepare ourselves to enjoy the fullness of the mystery of our Savior s birth, even as we faithfully acknowledge God s presence in our lives today. God s peace to all! Christ our Savior is born! Susan +

2 Page 2 Treasurer s Report Financial Snapshot Going into December, our finances for the current year are positive. We have a surplus of nearly $8K, even before taking into account the support we receive from the Diocese. Looking ahead to next year: we expect to present a balanced 2017 budget at the annual meeting in January. There will be additional expenses for clergy, and we are budgeting for a larger outreach program. Also, as planned, Diocesan support for our general budget will be reduced to $10K (1/2 its 2016 level.) Although our current financial situation is healthy, your continued support remains important in the coming year. Year-To-Date through Nov. 25, 2016 Total Income $220, Total Expense $212, Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $7, Diocesan Support $19, Total Surplus / (Deficit) $27, Thank you for your continued financial support for St. James. If you want to donate on line you ll need the right link to our SimpleGive account. Either go to our web page and click on the SimpleGive logo, or go to our FB page and click the Donate Now button. Once on SimpleGive, you can make a single donation, or set up a schedule. If you prefer a TEXT link, text an amount to: (480) First time you ll be prompted to account set-up. McKee Lundberg From the Senior Warden It looks like we may be getting new neighbors. A project has been in the planning stages for a few months and it looks like the developer has closed on the old, vacant Circle K building on the northeast corner of Warner and Rural, right across the street. The ownership group, which includes the chef at Phoenix Public Market, Chelsea s Kitchen and St. Francis, apparently just closed escrow on the property and the old Barro s Pizza location in the same shopping center that is also slated to become a restaurant. With the possibility of new neighbors across Rural Road, our corner will become much busier. This brings exciting exposure of St. James to a new demographic of people who will actually stopping at these establishments as compared to those just driving by on their way somewhere else. Welcome Tempe Public Market. Peace, Bob Klassen 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 Bishop s Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 21st 6:30 pm I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. - Lao Tzu

3 Page 3 The Advent Conspiracy How do we celebrate Advent? Are we too busy preparing for Christmas, caught up in the secular world s ideals and consumerism? Or do we enter the mystery of Advent with quiet hearts, intentionally slowing down as we prepare to welcome Christ s presence anew? The Advent Conspiracy provides a framework for re-thinking how we approach this season, with an emphasis on worship and service. Each week during Advent, we ll see a different aspect of living faith highlighted, and each week during Advent we re invited to ponder the questions. Week 1: Worship Fully It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It s the party of the year. Entering the story of advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest. Week 2: Spend Less Quick question for you: What was the one gift you remember getting for Christmas last year? Next question: What about the fourth gift? Do you remember that one? Truth is many of us don t because it wasn t something we necessarily wanted or needed. Spending Less isn t a call to stop giving gifts; it s a call to stop spending money on gifts we won t remember in less than a year. America spends around $600 billion dollars during the Christmas season, and much of that it joyless and goes right onto a credit card. By spending wisely on gifts we free ourselves from the anxiety associated with debt so we can take in the season with a full heart. Week 3: Give More We know what you re thinking. Wait, didn t they just say I should spend less, and yet here they are telling me to give more? What gives? The most powerful, memorable gift you can give to someone else is yourself. And nobody modeled this more than Jesus. So what does this look like for you? Tickets to a ball game or the theater? A movie night? The main point is simple: When it comes to spending time with those you love, it s all about quality, not quantity. Week 4: Love All It all boils down to love. Love from a savior. Love to a neighbor in need. By spending just a little less on gifts we free up our resources to love as Jesus loves by giving to those who really need help. This is the conspiracy three churches began a few years ago, and has since grown to an international movement where thousands of churches have raised millions of dollars to love others in life-changing ways. It s not that there s something wrong with the shopping mall it s that the better story is about loving all.

4 Page 4 3 Angel Tree Sunday Sunday, December 11th After the 10:30 service - a special gift giving celebration for our Angel Tree families Christingle Sunday Sunday, December 18th 10:30 Service December Taizé Service Wednesday, December 21st 5:30 pm Christmas Eve Services 6:00 pm Family Candlelight Service A Children s Liturgy for Christmas Eve. All children and youth are invited to participate and help tell the story of Christmas. 9:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service Christmas Day One service at 11:00 am Community Christmas Luncheon after the service. January 1st One service at 9:30 am Save the date for our Annual Meeting and potluck lunch which will be held after the 10:30 service on Sunday, January 29th, We ll elect new members to the Bishop s Committee and celebrate all the great ministries in God s service here at St. James.

5 Page 5 Well it is that time of the year where we are all really busy. Trying to get our shopping done, running here and there feeling the stress of the season rising. This month we have a lot of things going on for the Youth with finals at school and other activities winding down. Here are all the things we are offering for the youth to come, unwind and enjoy fellowship: December 4th Advent Event Greening of the Church & the Godly Play Story of St Nicholas December 11th Godly Play 9:40 am Room 4 - all are welcome to come and experience the wonder. 10:30 Service We welcome any families who come for Angel Tree Sunday. Teens will meet in room 5 to play some games and enjoy time together. December 18th Godly Play 9:40 am in Room 4 Christingle Meet in room 4 at 10:30 to prepare the Christingles and for the Christingle service. EYC 12:00 pm White elephant gift exchange Treasure Hunters 12:00 pm meet for lunch and then we will watch a Christmas movie and enjoy hot chocolate, movie snacks and Christmas cookies. December 24th Family Christmas Eve Service 6:00 pm A children s liturgy for Christmas Eve and our contemporary Christmas worship. Mark your Calendars for upcoming events: January 15th Community Service Pass out hygiene bags to the homeless. We ll be collecting some gently used blankets and sleeping bags to hand out. We will go after EYC from 2pm-4pm, all are welcome to come. February 10th Feed my Starving Children In Mesa from 6pm-8pm. me if you are able to come and how many so I can start to get us registered for the event. Thank you, Eileen On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation Godly Play Sundays in Room 4 9:30-10:20 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 In this truly Glorious Advent and Christmas Season, we are most grateful to all the wonderful parishioners who are a part of our family at St. James. We are a family of Christians in service of the Lord. Each member of St. James gives in their own way of their Time, Talent and Treasure. The innumerable hours of volunteer service to the church, its members and community are notable, the incredible talents that are offered to the church and community by our church members are astounding and the contributions to the church are significant. We are an extraordinary group of people who show their love of God and Christ in so many ways. We are making a difference in our church, in our community and in the world. To quote Margaret Mead Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Be it known that we at St. James are that group of thoughtful, committed people who are changing the world in ways large and small. Thank you all and may you and yours have a very Blessed Christmas. We are so thankful to all who signed up, stepped up to the plate, and have brought us delicious food for our Sunday Morning Socials. If the spirit moves you, please feel free to sign up to bring food for our socials in the New Year. The sign-up sheets will be on the food table at the back of the Sanctuary. Many thanks to Mary Hovden for working with McKee Lundburg and Larry Kenyon to organize our new Planned Giving Programs. A big thanks also to Endowment Fund Committee Members Mary Axelsen, Brian Christensen and Jim Disney who will be overseeing these new programs. For more information look for the Planned Giving Brochure on the Narthex table. We are grateful to Randy Maughan and Kim Gillespie for completing the kitchen painting project by taping, painting, scraping, and cleaning the kitchen windows. The windows look bright and fresh to go with the lovely, newly painted walls. An Invitation to UMOM Homeless Shelter s Women s Auxiliary Annual Birdsong Luncheon Many of you attended the UMOM Homeless Shelter s Women s Auxiliary luncheon last year and enjoyed it. As one of our outreach ministries, St. James supports UMOM. There were some of you who could not attend or did not hear about the luncheon and expressed an interest in receiving an invitation this year. The Luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at The Scott Resort and Spa (Formally Fire Sky Resort) 4925 Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $ If you are interested in going to the luncheon and would like to receive an invitation please sign up on the sheet at the back of the Sanctuary or contact Ellie Kenyon by phone at or by at ejkenyon6315@verizon.net. We will all be able to sit together at round tables of 10. Last year we had two and a half tables providing us with a great circle of friends to enjoy a special afternoon and luncheon for a special cause.

7 Page 7 Tuesday, Dec. 13th 6:00 pm Floridino s Pizza & Pasta 590 Alma School Road, Chandler (Between Ray & Chandler on the west side) Start celebra ng the holidays and join the ladies of St. James for dinner. All ladies, all ages, from both services please join us in fellowship. Please contact Terri Beck at (602) with any sugges ons or ques ons. St James Bookies December s book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. We will meet Sunday, December 18th, after the 10:30 service at The Paradise Bakery in the Chandler Pavilions. Please bring a wrapped book for the gift exchange. Join Us for Lunch!! Thursday, December 22nd 11:15 am Biscuit s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot) 7465 Together We Can Do It 14,930,000 Steps 7465 Miles 84 Days 1 Community We are well on our way to reaching Bethlehem in time for Christmas. Mary and Joseph have had some interesting encounters along the way! It s not too late to participate by tracking your weekly miles on the mileage cards provided in the sanctuary, or sending in your miles each week to Diana in the office. Keep up the great work out. Together we can do it!! a far r aeking ith th or Our first Way-farers walk will be Saturday, December 3 rd at 8:30 am at the Riparian Park in Gilbert. The park is located on the East side of the Gilbert Library on the corner of Greenfield Road and Guadalupe Road in Gilbert. Steve and I will show you our favorite route around the park (about a 40 minute walk), and there are some great bird watching opportunities at this time of year. Dogs are welcome on leashes. If you park in the lot next to the Gilbert library on Guadalupe Road, we ll meet at the entrance to the park by the big lake at 8:30 am for the walk! Blessings! Susan +

8 Page 8 Christian Formation For All (CFFA) For each Sunday of Advent we ll be spending time considering different perspectives on social justice and hospitality or welcoming with four contemporary theologians. Week 1 was Doing the Works of Mercy, with Dorothy Day. Week 2 will be Revolution and Renewal with John M. Perkins. Week 3 will be Offering Hospitality with Christine D. Pohl. Week 4 will be Welcome in Community with Jean Vanier. Please join us in the library/chapel between services for a lively discussion of the articles and how we can go deeper in faith, social justice, and Christ-like hospitality. We ll take a break from CFFA on Christmas Day and New Year s Day, and will return to Prayer in the Bible on January 8, 2017! 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! "Godly Play Spoken Here" Godly Play for children of all ages every Sunday in Room 4 at 9:35 am. Join Pastor Anne + and experience the wonder! Acolyte Schedule for December 2016 DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service 2016 December 4 Pamela C = Natasha BU = Nyah December 11 Barbara C = Aly BU = TBD December 18 Pamela C = Henson (Morgan or Cam) Christmas Eve 6:00 pm C = Aly TB = Brandon & Dylan 9:00 pm C -= Pamela Paul TB = Barbara & TBD December 25 One Service at 11:00 am C = TBD

9 Page 9 The Lent-to-Lent Bible Challenge: Listening to God s Word What an exciting month with the prophet Ezekiel! Just for some light relief from the writings of the Apostle Paul, we also read the letters of John, the letter of Jude, and began our walk through the Revelation to John. On a personal note, I ve been strengthened and encouraged by God s word each day, and I know you are as well. Perhaps as we enjoy slowing down for Advent a very different message to the world s invitation we can come to appreciate the joy and grounding we experience through daily reading of God s word. Advent invites us to grow in faith and in our spiritual disciplines. Reading the Bible changes us, and when we re more attuned with God s word and God s will, then we re better equipped to change the world! Here are some thoughts and questions to ponder from our recent readings: Ezekiel is a priest and prophet of God. Many of Ezekiel s prophetic messages come in the form of public acts. How does the Lord call you to put your faith into action in public ways? Ezekiel is often lifted up in the Spirit. In chapters 8 and 9 he s brought to the Temple to share God s word against the corruption and idolatry of the religious leaders. Why is idolatry so offensive to God and God s ways, even today? How did Babylon serve as God s instrument of judgment against the covenant people? (Ezekiel 21) One of Ezekiel s most interesting visions is the Valley of Dry Bones. When do we usually hear that story and why is it important? (Ezekiel 37) Ezekiel 43 describes in great detail the Temple of the Lord, why is this encouraging for the exiles? 1 John contains an apt description of faithful living, especially as we contemplate Advent. How does walking in the Light apply to your life every day? 1 John 4 warns us about the false prophets in the world. How do we tell the difference? All John s letters speak of loving one another. How do we love each other (remember love is a verb!)? Jude has quite the history lesson in its few short paragraphs. Who is Balaam? Chapters 2 and 3 of the Revelation to John contain letters to the 7 churches. If you had to pick one of the 7 churches, which one would you attend? How does St. James measure up against God s critique? Who are the great multitude standing before the throne of the Lamb? Who is the Lamb? (Revelation 7). Susan + Metamorphosis Metamorphosis is the classy name for life changes in a frog. Some change is good and some not so good, from my perspective, but change is inevitable! What can that look like for us? We have the assurance that God is with us regardless of the circumstances, so we can embrace change, make the best of it, and get on with our lives. Quick now, think of a recent change (big or small) and how you dealt with it. Did you talk it over with God? Did you invite that perspective? Yes it's hard, but I have found that it is very worthwhile! I pray for change for all of us, for our awareness of God's presence in change, and our willingness to look at change from a number of perspectives. Our willingness to adopt that open attitude will in turn open up many possibilities. So here s to change and to possibilities! God bless, Deacon Pat

10 Page 10 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, December 4th! 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. Upcoming dates are: January 13 February 10 March 10 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, December 9th. 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. Blankets For Navajoland Blankets galore! Big thanks to all at St James who donated blankets for our brothers and sisters in Navajoland. The blankets were blessed this morning and will go north with our love! Thanks to all who participated in our fabulous pre-thanksgiving Soup Supper!