A Season of Giving & Gratitude

Transcription

1 Volume 9, Issue 12 December 2017 Look Inside For... Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Annual Meeting Junior Warden Page 3 The Advent Conspiracy Page 4 Holiday Worship Schedule Page 5 Fellowship Opportunities Growing With Gratitude Page 6 Youth Group Advent Event Page 7 Deacon s Corner Walk to Bethlehem UMOM Page 8 C FFA Adult Bible Classes Library News Page 9 First Fruits Blankets for Navajoland Acolyte Schedule Bishop s Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 20th 6:30 pm A Season of Giving & Gratitude I t s always so special when I get the opportunity to chat with our children and youth. Here s the scene: Allison is showing Mia a You-Tube clip of a little girl having a tantrum as she demands three new kittens to replace the two boring cats she has at home. And so we talked about it. Q. What did they think about the little girl s behavior? A. Stuff doesn t make us happy. It s really silly to ask for three new cats, when she already had two at home. Q. Were they happy with the things that they already had? A. Yes. These kids know how blessed they are. Q. Did they want a lot for Christmas? A. The more they thought about it, the less they really wanted because they know that they don t really need anything. Wow, they nailed it! H ow grateful do we feel, when we reflect on all God s blessings? Are we ready to give of ourselves without expecting anything in return? What do we really need verses what we think we want? The stores have spent months gearing up for this massive retail season, which they rely on each year to make their year-end profits. The real question is: why do we buy into it? And I mean both literally and spiritually. Rushing around shopping doesn t seem to reflect much about the quiet, selfreflection of Advent. It doesn t seem to jive with a prayerful and patient expectation of God s indescribable gift in Christ Jesus either. That, of course, includes life itself, as well as the hope and strength to live differently today, and the power and promise of everlasting life in Christ. L iving Advent and welcoming the birth of Christ as if it s all about stuff doesn t reflect the hidden growth of God s transforming work inside us, or God s humble entrance into the world. The baby Jesus grows inside Mary s womb, hidden from the world s eyes, but changing Mary s life and the life of the world forever. Jesus is born to this young woman from an obscure little village in the most humble of circumstances. Other than Mary and Joseph, the only ones celebrating are the heavenly host, who only appear to a bunch of shepherds, who are pretty low on the worldly ladder! Jesus birth is nothing like the publicity, pomp and ceremony surrounding a royal birth, or even the birth of a celebrity child! O n the other hand, if we take our time during Advent to reflect on our relationships, and work on deepening them, what kind of spiritual growth can we expect? What kind of lasting joy will accompany our celebrations of the incarnation, God s Word made flesh? Will our cultural perspective change as we anticipate Christ s coming again in glory and live into God s kingdom now? Are we going to be more appreciative of all God s blessings in our lives, if we ve made room in our hearts and minds for our Living Lord? T here s a lot to ponder as we transition from our Thanksgiving celebrations into the season of Advent and eventually the joyous celebrations of the incarnation. In the meantime, I have boundless and heartfelt gratitude for all at St. James, and for all that you do in His name. It s truly a joy to serve amongst such an amazing and diverse group of faithful followers of Jesus. Saying thank you seems like a small thing, but nonetheless it is a true expression of gratitude to all. You are loved and appreciated! A very blessed new year (Advent) and a joyful and peaceful Christmas season to all. Susan +

2 Page 2 Treasurer s Update In looking at the YTD financials we re doing a nice job of managing expenses. We ve also been blessed with continued increases in our giving. Thus our net income is on track to be strongly positive at year-end. January 1 through November 26, 2017 Actual Budgeted YTD Operating Income $ 213,283 $ 198,946 YTD Operating Expense $ 199,945 $ 202,702 We re in the process of completing the 2018 budget and our goal going forward is to become a full parish. In order to achieve this goal we plan to make 100% of our mission share contribution to the Diocese or 16.9% of operating income. More details will be given at the Annual Meeting on January 28, YTD Surplus / (Deficit) $ 13,338 YTD Diocesan Support $ 9,725 YTD Net Income $ 23,063 $ -3,756 $ 9,479 $ 5,723 As always, please let us know if you have questions, comments, etc. In Christ, Ann Marie Bartholomew (abellamybartholomew@hotmail.com) and Mary Hovden (maryhovden@gmail.com) From the Senior Warden Lose a penny, find a penny. How often have we dropped or lost a penny and not worried about it. Then again, how often have we looked down and found a penny and were excited about finding it? This is the time of year when we need to make sure we find those pennies that have been dropped or lost. As we go into the Christmas season, a season where we are all under pressure to be jolly, some of us will feel lost. Many of us have felt a loss during this season when we are expected to be jolly. To lose a loved one is hard any time of year. It is especially hard when we are supposed to feel happy and enjoy the excitement of the season. Sometimes it feels like we are like that penny that is lost and then forgotten. Thankfully, St. James didn t just find me, but recognized me as a lost penny a few years ago and reminded me of my worth. During this Christmas season let us celebrate our faith and loved ones while we also recognize some may be feeling like that penny that has been lost. St. James is always here for all of us. St. James saw my penny and picked me up. Peace, Bob Klassen Save the date for our Annual Meeting and potluck lunch which will be held after the 10:30 service on Sunday, January 28th, We ll elect new members to the Bishop s Committee and celebrate all the great ministries in God s service here at St. James. We currently have an opening for the position of Junior Warden. The Junior Warden is responsible for the building and maintenance as well as attending the monthly Bishop s Committee meetings. If you are interested in this position, please speak to Pastor Susan +.

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. Advent Conspiracy 2017: This year as we complete our Christmas tree tags as part of the Advent Conspiracy, we ll also be collecting snacks to put in the hygiene bags for our homeless neighbors. Please drop off your snack donations in the box next to the Christmas tree. Favorites include granola bars, peanut butter or cheese cracker packs, snack size cookie packs, Goldfish or other snack size cracker packs, protein bars, or Rice Krispy treats. Thank you for sharing God s love this season!

4 Page 4 Angel Tree Sunday Sunday, December 10th After the 10:30 service - a special gift giving celebration for our Angel Tree families Christingle Sunday Sunday, December 17th 10:30 Service Bishop Smith will be with us to celebrate at the 8:30 &10:30 am worship services. Details of the day s activities will be found in upcoming announcements. December Taizé Service Wednesday, December 20th 5:30 pm 4 Advent 4 Advent is the morning of December 24th. There will be one service at 9:30am so that we can all prepare for our Christmas Eve celebrations. There will be a special presentation by our choir and musicians of the Noels at this service! Christmas Eve Services 6:00 pm Family Candlelight Service A Godly Play Christmas 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 Our Christmas Day service with special music by Greg Olsen and Lali Breen will be at 11am, and followed by Christmas luncheon! All are welcome. 1 Christmas -December 31st One service at 9:30 am

5 Page 5 Tuesday, December 12th Spinatos Pizzeria 4848 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix Meet at 6:00pm feel free to bring a guest. St James Bookies December s book is Faithful by Alice Hoffman. We will meet Sunday, December 31st, after the 10:30 service at Panera Bread, 1707 W. Warner. Bring book suggestions with you! Please bring a wrapped book for the gift exchange. Join Us for Lunch!! Thursday, December 21st 11:15 am Biscuit s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot) No one has ever become poor by giving. -- Anne Frank Growing in Gratitude During the season of Advent this year, we ll be considering all the ways we can grow in gratitude, giving thanks for all that God has done for us, especially in the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each week of Advent look for the sticky note to fill out and post on our Growing in Gratitude wall. What a great way to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome Christ anew! We begin on 1 Advent, December 3 rd by considering our thanks to God, I m grateful to God for. On 2 Advent, December 10 th, let s share the blessings we receive through St. James, I m grateful to the St. James community of faith for. On 3 Advent, December 17 th we will share our thanks to our families, I m grateful to my family for. On 4 Advent, December 24 th we share thanksgivings for our friends, I m grateful to my friends for.

6 We have a lot of things going on the month of December. As we get ready for this holiday season try to find some down time to just enjoy your family and friends. Below is the schedule of December events: Page 6 3 December 3 rd 9:45am Godly Play First Story of Advent. 11:45am Church Potluck Greening of the church & making of advent calendars. Practice the Godly play Advent story Readers (Aly, Allison and Brandon) Angel-Simon Builders of the scene (Ayden, Mia, Elliot, Zac & Dylan) Sort gifts for Angel Tree kids Make sure all tags are on bags Put gifts in bags and wrap with tissue paper Sort out food items for food boxes December 10 th 9:45am Godly Play Second story of Advent (Mary and Pam will be hosting) 11:45 am Send out drivers to make deliveries to the angel tree families 12pm Eat lunch and get ready for fun youth group white elephant gift game. 1;30pm Run through the Godly Play Christmas story. December 17 th 9:45am Godly Play 3 rd Story of Advent (will be done in the nursery) 10:30 am Work will be done in the Library, making Christingles and doing the Christingle service. 11am Confirmation 11:45am Christingles will be presented to the congregation and donations collected. December 24 th 9:30 am Godly Play 4 th story of Advent (will be done in he nursery) No work will be done. 5:45pm Readers and Scene setters arrive at the church for set up for the service. 6pm Christmas story is presented. December 31 st 9:45am Godly play Epiphany 5pm New year s party and overnight will begin (Movies, camp fire, board games, Glow in the Dark Bowling & much more) January 1st 6am Breakfast and clean up. 7am Pick up The 12th (Somewhat) Annual St. James Advent Event & Greening of the Church December 3, 2017 after the 10:30 service

7 Page 7 Christmas Blessings and the Jesus Movement During this time of preparation and waiting, as the excitement builds waiting for the birth of our Lord, I am reminded that we have many blessings for which to be thankful. However, many of our sisters and brothers have little to be thankful for and are living on the outer margins of society, not welcome and ignored. Recently the Diocese conducted a first ever forum on Voices from the Margin: A Jesus Movement Response to Oppression. It was well attended and resulted in attendees standing up to carry forward the continued dialog and take action to live in a way that opens our heart, mind, and soul to those who find themselves being ignored, disparaged, and disrespected. We learned that everyone can make a difference - just one person at a time by stepping up and leading by example. As Bishop Edward J. Konieczny (Bishop of Oklahoma) recently wrote, We must not allow acts of violence, hatred, bigotry, and injustice to continue. We must speak out in love; extend a hand to our neighbor; give hope to the lost and cast aside. Together our voices can drown out the vicious rhetoric that has taken over our country; and we can create a new conversation. Let us use this time of waiting for the coming of our Lord as a way to prepare ourselves to be open to those in need and to take action together to help others overcome challenges. Let us continue to be the welcoming family that is St. James and listen with our hearts as we remind ourselves we are all members of God s family. Christmas Blessings, Deacon Robin 7465 Together We Can Do It - Again! Walk to Bethlehem 14,930,000 Steps 7465 Miles 77 Days 1 Community Our walk to Bethlehem is well underway thanks to your generous participation. Keep those mileage cards coming in or please feel free to your miles to Diana@stjamestempe.org. In this season of giving, we have considered deeply the plight of those affected by recent hurricanes, and as we ve travelled over water, we have been pondering how to simplify our lives, and for what we are truly thirsty. As you will read elsewhere in this newsletter, we re going to participate again in the Advent conspiracy so that we can be generous towards our neighbors as well as to our family and friends. One final question to ponder as we enter into the reflective season of Advent: how will you make your heart and life ready to receive Christ again this year? Blessings for the remainder of our walk! St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry neighbors is at the UMOM Halle Shelter. There are 7 spots available each month. Please sign up for our next service evening beginning at 5pm and ending about 6:00pm on Friday, December 8th. The Halle shelter is located at 3424 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ It s across the street from the main UMOM campus on Van Buren. 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.

8 Page 8 Christian Formation For All (CFFA) In our Advent tradition, this year we are going to study readings from three giants of the faith. In particular, we will get to experience some of the work of three mystics: Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Ávila, and Evelyn Underhill. Pick up your Advent study booklet to read at home and prepare for class, and be ready to share your thoughts and insights between services each Sunday at 9:45am in the library/chapel. Susan + Other CFFA Opportunities Youth Confirmation Classes is on Sunday December 3rd after the 10:30 worship service in the Library/chapel. Please bring your letters for Bishop Smith. We will walk through the Great Thanksgiving and answer any final questions you might have! 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. Our next class is Sunday, December 10th after the 10:30 service. This will be our final review class and annotated Eucharist. Please bring a letter for Bishop Smith with a brief outline of your spiritual journey to date and why you are seeking confirmation, reaffirmation or reception into the Episcopal tradition. We ll also answer your final questions. 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 Prayers is 3:15-3:45pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Sanctuary. Women in the Word, our Women s Bible Study group continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew. We meet in Room 5 of the preschool wing each Wednesday at 4:00 pm. Bring a friend! Women In the Word Wednesday s 4:00 pm Room 5 Thursday s 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Location TBA All Men Welcome! Alcoholism is a disease, a physical allergy that affects the whole family. The same goes for drug addiction. The effects can also be seen in adults who simply grew up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family. For this reason, we have put out new literature in the family section of the church library. If someone in your life suffers from alcohol or a drug addiction, look at the resources in the library or talk to Pastor Susan +.

9 Page 9 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 3rd! 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. Blankets For Navajoland Blankets galore! Big thanks to all at St James who donated blankets for our brothers and sisters in Navajoland. The blankets have been blessed and will go north with our is [ ]hoi]_. H[ppin_ss is [ ]hoi]_. Optimism is [ ]hoi]_. Kin^n_ss is [ ]hoi]_. Giving is [ ]hoi]_. R_sp_]t is [ ]hoi]_. Wh[t_v_r ]hoi]_ you m[k_ m[k_s you. Choos_ wis_ly. Roy T. B_nn_tt DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service 2017 December 3 Pamela C = Collin BU = Dylan December 10 Barbara C = Aly BU = Allison December 17 Pamela/Elliot/ Simon C = Pam H. BU = Brandon December 24 am One Service at 9:30 am C = Brandon BU = Aly Christmas Eve Acolyte Schedule for December :00 pm C=Aly C=John B. 9:00 pm Christmas Day One Service at 11:00 am C=Steve TB=Barbara December 31st One Service at 9:30 am C = Barbara BU = Pam H.