Volume 11, Issue 6 June 2019
Look Inside Transitions For. . . ur lives are full of transitions. After we emerge from the womb and get used to O this new environment, we learn to walk and talk, and to feed ourselves without
throwing too much food on ourselves or the floor (okay some of didn’t learn that too Page 2 well!!). Our bodies change and grow as we transition from babyhood to childhood, from Bishop Committee Reports teenagers and to adulthood, and finally into old age. Our bodies will change again as we move through death to new life in Christ and resurrection. Within each of those Page 3 transitions, we are also constantly changing physically, emotionally, psychologically Transition News and spiritually. In fact, at any given point in time, we’re never the same! Music Corner é Taiz A s a community of faith, we welcome new members, and we celebrate births, baptisms, and marriages. We also say goodbye to those who move for jobs, family Page 4 or retirement, and we mourn for those who die. There is only one constant in our lives 7th Annual Ladies Tea and that is God in Christ Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews St. James Social 13:8). As we also read in the letter to the Hebrews 13:5b-6, “‘I will never leave you or
forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’" The Lord is steadfast in faithfulness, in forgiveness, and most Page 5 importantly in love. The Lord continues to love us, welcome us with gracious Children & Family Ministries hospitality and help us to love our neighbors through our many ministries. VBS 2019
od is also the source of all provision and resources in our lives, including one Page 6 G another. A community of faith was so important to Jesus that gathering a group Thank You’s of disciples was the first thing he set about doing when he began His public ministry. With only one notable exception that first group of disciples went on to spread the Page 7 good news of Jesus, continuing the mission of loving service and reconciliation that Our Graduates Christ embodied and taught in His earthly life. The Lord has empowered us all to face C FFA changes with courage and life’s transitions filled with the confident knowledge of God’s Adult Bible Classes love and peace that passes all understanding. Outreach Ministries od always has the best plan for all of our lives. We just need to trust in the Lord, Page 8 G and continue to serve with loving compassion and gracious hospitality. And, as Fellowship Opportunities the author of Hebrews writes: Acolytes Needed “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has Acolyte Schedule promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but Page 9 encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Refugee Ministries – Hebrews 10:23-25 Episcopal Habitat Build Deacon’s Corner od has got us covered! This wonderful community of St. James – that’s you – G will continue to be blessed beyond anything we can ask or imagine. Be a co- creator of that blessing with the Lord. God’s peace to all! +++ Susan
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Treasurer’s Update January 1 through May 30, 2019 Actual As you can see, we fell behind in our giving in May. Operating Expenses are actually less than budgeted, but general contributions YTD Operating Income $ 91,200 (that is, not Building Fund, Outreach Endowment, etc.) are quite a bit YTD Operating Expense $ 96,297 less than budgeted, so we’ve had to dip into our reserve YTD Surplus / (Deficit) $ -5,097 funds. please take the time to catch up, or even get ahead with your pledges and contributions before summer sets in. Thanks for your generosity!
Gerry Carlston ( [email protected] ) Treasurer
From the Senior Warden
Music is the language of the soul. It has also been said that music is another form of prayer. A short while ago, many of us joined together as a group from St. James and took a tour of the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale. This outing made me realize that no matter how important music is in our lives, it is still only a fleck in what it has meant in the lives of people around the world and through the ages. Tonight my mood has been mellow listening to music like Spirit singing Nature’s Way and Neil Young singing Unknown Legend. Last night my mood was the youthful jazz of Joey Alexander. If you have not listened to this young jazz artist, you need to. This brings me to St. James. Music is the language of our soul. The retired Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith (the former bishop who believed in us) always mentioned our music and youth programs when describing our church!
St. James has created its own identify within the diocese. The love of music creates an identity other people want to be around. We are in a transition right now and it is important that our love of music reaches out. It is also important that our youth programs remain healthy. This cannot be done without all of us keeping St. James healthy financially. I ask that as we escape the heat, we remember that we are in transition with uncertain financial obstacles ahead.
Peace, Bob Klassen
One of my favorite songs “Turn, Turn, Turn” was written by Pete Seeger based on verses from the Book of Ecclesiastes: “To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time to every purpose, under heaven A time to build up, a time to break down A time to dance, a time to mourn Junior Warden A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together” St James is facing a change of seasons with the retirement of our Pastor and I am sure that many are mourning the changes that we are experiencing. But as the song/biblical verses say, there is “a time to gather stones together.” We as a parish will start this gathering process at our Day of Discovery on June 23, 2019. The purpose of this day will be to LISTEN. Everyone will have a chance to have their voices heard, so please, please mark this on your calendar and come to this Day of Discovery. As you have seen in the weekly bulletin, we have had some major repairs such as to the irrigation system (new controller), tree trimming and SARRC gate. We also need to do some preventive maintenance which will also be costly. So if you can help out and slip some “extra change” in the collection basket designated for the building fund, it will be much appreciated. As your Warden, I want to be responsive to your suggestions and concerns regarding the physical structure of St. James. I cannot address issues if I don’t know about them, so please feel free to contact me at my email address ([email protected] ), by phone, (623) 261-1507, or talk to me directly when you see me at Church. Denise Boyd Page 3
28 19 At Your Service: Transition Update 5 - - Your Bishop’s Committee
ave the date! The Day of Discovery will be Sunday, June 23rd . Bob Klassen (Bishop’s Warden) This is the first Sunday following Pastor Susan’s retirement and Denise Boyd (Junior Warden) the most important day in determining our future as a parish. Gerry Carlston (Treasurer) S Ann Marie Bellamy-Bartholomew Your Bishop’s Committee has decided that we will have one service that day at 9:30 with lunch and the Discovery discernment following Joan Besonen after. This is your chance to have your thoughts and desires known. This is Mary Hovden Larry Kenyon also a chance for our youth to have their thoughts and desires known. The Tara Papaccio parish profile for St. James that is posted will be derived from the information gleaned during this day of discernment. This first step begins with your input, so save the date and have your voice heard. “Life is a series of natural and t. James is headed towards an exciting future. Remember, St. James has been approved by the diocesan Standing Committee spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; S to transition from a mission church to a parish. This makes the that only creates sorrow. Let reality be development of our parish profile so important. So, come with an reality. Let things flow naturally open mind to share your voice and hear what others have to say. St. James belongs to you. forward in whatever way they like.” Your Bishop’s Committee - Lao Tzu
MUSIC CORNER at St James
I didn’t expect to have much to report for June. I will be away the first Sunday, attending and helping with my daughter’s student performances in Oregon and your esteemed organist, John McIlray will be in the ‘hot seat’! However, with the big pastoral changes coming up, June is a month of trepidation and excitement. Both the 9th and 16th of June, we will have a number of guest singers and extra inspirational and favorite music to celebrate Pastor Susan and her wonderful contributions to St James. As a seasoned church musician, pastoral change can be a tremendous boost or a tremendous downer. I feel that things will continue in a good direction here at St James, because people will not want anyone less to fill our current position. That being said, I think we are all going to be a little sad, while we look to a continued bright future. My mission at all times is to keep our music inspirational, varied and uplifting. Lali Breen
Candlelight Taizé Worship is a meditative, peaceful series of simple sung versicles, prayers, and a short reading. With life's fast pace, this experience will instill peace in any noisy heart. Our Taizé service will be held on Wednesday, June 5th . Page 4
7th Annual St. James Ladies Tea — May 4, 2019
The Musical Instrument Museum Sunday, May 19 Page 5
Well VBS is almost here. . . I am looking for volunteers - if you can help please sign up! The sheets are in the back of the c hurch on the glass table. One of my biggest needs is dinners for the volunteers. Each night (Sunday - Thursday) we have dinner for the volunteers (25 -30 people). The dinner needs to be ready to serve at 5:00 pm in the church kitchen. Please see the sign-up sheet on the glass tab le for nights that are available. Work party Saturday June 8th 11 am to 2 pm Putting up decorations; preparing all the last -minute projects for VBS that will begin June 9th. We will be painting cardboard cutouts of animals and making more cardboard cut outs, making grass, cutting foam letters and covering with cloth. So something for everyone, if you are able to help, please email me at [email protected] . Work party Sunday June 9th 11:30 am to 4 pm HELP!!! Volunteers are needed to help turn the sanctuary into an African savanna. We will be staking chairs, building trees a nd making the savanna come to life. If you can stay and help transform our church we will have snacks and drinks. Should be a fun time! If you know a child who might like to come to VBS please take a registration sheet and invite them. This is such a wonderful way for children to come play and enjoy hearing the stories of Jesus. Eileen Flock
Sunday, June 9th - Thursday, June 13th 6 pm - 8:45 pm ROAR VBS is a ministry of St. James & is o;ered without a fee to the community.
We welcome children ages 3 to exiting 5th grade.
Registration forms are available in the narthex. Take one for family & friends!! Page 6
7th Annual Ladies Tea
he St. James Ladies Tea was a huge success again this year. Over $3,000 was collected for the Altar Guild and igrant inistries. he ladies en oyed deligh ul tea sandwiches, dainty desserts, and delicious tea TTT while deciding into which gi as et ar they would lace their ra e c ets. eventeen as ets were ra ed off to the delight of our guest winners. Our Fancy Hat Contest returned this year with winners eing chosen fro each ta le and each ta le winner eing gi ed with a lovely t. a es ea owel ade y Ruth Flinn . he Grand Prize winner, Joan Besonen , won a $ 0 restaurant gi card. ew this year was a ilent Auc on of an a azing one-of-a- ind, hand ade doll house ade y three genera ons of Kelly Harris’s fa ily. he doll house was won y Ellie Kenyon’s friend, Kiyoko Toyama , for her granddaughter. s always, our church e ers ca e through li e cha s. Our itchen crew, headed y Paul Hand , was a ly assisted y Randy Maughan, Kim Gillespie, Joe (Vickie Harris’s son) Gerry & Kristy Carlston, Susan A Buckley, Chris & Ayden Papaccio, Kevin, Dylan & Brandon Flock, Joan Besonen, Barbara Meyers & her daughters and Larry Kenyon . A s ecial than s also goes to t. a es’s own Boy Scout Troup number 697. ic ets were sold y Deacon Robin Hollis and Susan Buckley , the ta les were eau fully set y Barbara Meyer and her daughters, Bonnie & Diane , and the incredi le ta le and roo decora ons were ade y T Bunny Hand and her daughter, Rebecca . he Delicious Dainty Desserts were donated y Cheryl Schmoker, Tara Papaccio, Rebecca Hand, Vicki Harris, Barbara Meyers and daughters, Ruth Flinn, Kristy Carlston, Anna Krithis, Lali Breen, Kate T Bertrand, Barbara Bell, Susan Buckley, Janet a ield, Rosemary Kurt , and Ellie Kenyon. ecial than s go to Diana Bowie and Eileen Flock for all the varied and extraordinary things they did to ull the Ladies ea together and es ecially for all they did the day of the ea. han you oth, you are so S a reciated. Social Event at the Musical Instrument Museum
he Social Commiee A Musical Instrument Museum w b ’ Café Allegro T A Bob and Alicia Klassen, Carol Paulk, Lali Breen and her friend Susan, Kristy & Gerry Carlston, Pat Maybee, Jack & Denise Boyd, Joan & Nathan Besonen, a friend and neighbor of the Kenyon’s, Penny Harrold, and Larry Kenyon took a guided tour of the museum. The hour plus tour was led by a very k owledgeable do e t from the . few remai ed a er the tour to o ue a tour of the museum o their ow . The o ial ommi ee looks forward to pla i g a other i teres g eve t some me i eptember a d we hope you will ome a d bri g frie ds a d or eighbors. t is the perfe t me to i trodu e ew people to our hur h ommu ity. Celebration of Life
ha k you to Bob & li ia Klasse , Dia a hambers, yra Li , Lali Bree , teve Wilmot, Barbara Bell a d everyo e who helped at the elebra o of life for our sister i hrist, i ole aad. The family is grateful T for your love a d support.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi Page 7
Congratulations to our High School Graduates:
ClaraChristensen AshleyCulbertson Brandon Flock Collin Spence Piper Welch
Congratulations, Class of 2019… Well done! The Sky’s the limit! Christian Formation For All (CFFA) We conclude our study of Journey’s with Paul this month in the library between services at 9:45 am. Thanks for sharing the journey! Susan +
Other CFFA Opportunities
Centering Prayer for spiritual health provides a way to experience God’s presence in our lives, and equips us to live faithfully and in the abundance of God’s love. All are welcome and invited! Centering prayer is 3:15- 3:45 pm on Wednesday afternoon in the sanctuary June 5th before taking a summer break . Find the time to find God’s peace.
Women in the Word, our Women’s Bible Study group, concludes a 3-week study of 1 Thessalonians on June 5th before taking a summer break . We meet at 4:00 pm on Wednesday afternoons in the sanctuary. All women are welcome!
Men’s Bible Study meets every Thursday at the home of Deacons Pat & Fritz Huls (2620 N. 68th Street, Building 7, Apt. 103, Scottsdale, 85257) at 6:30 pm. All men welcome!
St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry The greatness of community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, neighbors is at the UMOM Halle Shelter. There are 7 a heart of grace and a soul generated by love. spots available each month. Please sign up for our next -- Coretta Scott King service evening beginning at 5pm and ending about 6:00pm on Friday, June 14th. The Halle shelter is First Fruits Sunday, July 7th! located at 3424 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ We celebrate the first Sunday of each month as First Fruits 85008. Anyone who is 13 years and up is welcome to Sunday. Thanks to all who already bring in non- be part of the team. Also, please remember that if you perishable food items. Your gifts make a difference. This sign up you are committing to show up, otherwise we’ll is a great way to put our faith into action, and to continue be short staffed. If you can’t come please arrange for a our Lord’s mission to care for, and feed our hungry replacement. neighbors. Page 8
Tuesday, June 11th 6:00 pm Join Us for Lunch!!
Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen Thursday, June 27th 11:30 am 440 W. Warner Road, Tempe, 85284 s u t s If you haven't come before or not in a long time please join us for a 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix fun evening of food and fellowship. Hope to see you there. And bring a friend! (SW corner 48th & Elliot)
St James Bookies June’s book is “Sold on a Monday” by Kristina McMorris. We will meet Sunday, June 30th , after the 10:30 service at la Madeleine French Bakery & Café, 3605 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler 85226 (between McClintock and Price on the south side of the street).
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead
An Invitation to a key ministry – The Acolyte Team!
Inviting anyone age 8 years and up… to join our brilliant and dedicated Acolyte Team! Our Acolytes serve faithfully and provide worship support every Sunday. We are especially in need of adding to both our 8:30 am and 10:30 am teams. No previous experience necessary. Adults especially are encouraged to join us. Our youth have been faithfully growing this ministry, but now many are readying for college and will not be with us on Sundays. We have a rotating schedule and we work around your availability. If you feel called or would like more information please contact Deacon Robin ( [email protected] or 480.242.7178). Thank you!!
Acolyte Schedule for June 2019 DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service
2019 June 2 Barbara C = Allison BU = Collin June 9 Pam C = Collin BU = Allison June 16 Elliot C = Careen BU = Brandon June 23 One service at 9:30 am C = John & Careen June 30 Pam C = Allison BU = Collin Page 9 Refugee Ministries The refugee program continues to need your donations, so as you de-clutter those closets for the summer season, please bring in clothing (all sizes), shoes and undergarments. Additional items from the list posted in the back of the Sanctuary, are yarn and needles for crochet and knitting, coloring books, diapers and feminine products.
A big Thank You to the Ladies Tea for their generous donation.
Anne Marie Bartholomew and Carol Paulk will be the contact for the next few months, as we escape to a cooler area for the summer. Any further questions please contact Deacon Robin.
Thanks for all you continue to give for this important outreach project.
Peace, Dixie & Don
Episcopal Habitat Coalition
Saturday May 18th was a day of special celebration for the completion of the 18 town homes on Don Carlos Avenue in Tempe. The Episcopal Habitat Coalition, including St. Matthew’s sponsored the build financially, provided food, and provided volunteer labor for the construction of three of these homes. There are 18 homes in the development. The families in these homes total 59 people. Each of the families was required to contribute 400 hours of sweat equity. We met these families as we worked on the build. The Episcopal Habitat Coalition was one of 11 faith-based sponsors that gave their time, talent and treasure to finish the homes. These 11 coalitions had a total of 128 churches participate in the builds. Over 7,400 volunteers contributed over 67,000 hours to finish the construction of the homes. These hours reflect a value of over $1M, as reported by Habitat. The final families will close escrow and start making payments for their new home by the end of June. It truly does take a village to accomplish something like this.
Pentecost & Monsoon
Alleluia! As June begins, we prepare for the coming of the Spirit. Our celebration of Pentecost is on June 9 th . In Arizona we also begin preparation to sense, feel, see and experience the coming weather changes. The word "monsoon” is derived from the Arabic word “mausim,” which means season; it doesn't refer to individual storms, but to a season. In 2008, the National Weather Service began to declare a monsoon season from June 15 to Sept. 30. The move, at least in part, allows the Weather Service to consistently promote its monsoon safety messages. We can sense a change in weather pressure, feel the wind as it begins to blow, see the rolling dust or ‘haboobs’, and we can experience the rain that falls, cooling all it touches. In our Christian tradition, we can find the parallel in the season of Pentecost. It too, has a defined period of time. We can sense the Spirit as we read and study. We can see how our lives can be enriched with our continued practices and living in our Baptismal Covenant. Our actions allow others to “see” how we live in Jesus. If we can quiet ourselves and be still in the moment, we can feel the Spirit touch us. We can find a cooling, a calmness, from praying and listening to the Spirit. So this June, take time to enjoy the beginning of summer, enjoy our Pentecost experience along with the weather changes, and open your heart to the Spirit. Blessings, Deacon Robin