Volume 7, Issue 3 March 2015 , , & ! Silence Earthquake Wind Fire I t’s Lent. That marvelous season that invites us to deep reflection of our faith, a time of repentance, the opportunity for reconciliation, prayer, and meditation on God's holy word. Jesus is in the wilderness and we’re invited to consider our own wilderness experiences. Perhaps to some of us, Lent feels like the imperious "Silence!" sign in an old-fashioned library, quelling our exuberance and desire to speak with its imperative, and binding us by its command. Those who relish the quiet moments of life, will enjoy the silence, in order to seek God in the depths of our souls. The question remains, where can we meet God? Is it only by peaceful still waters as the Psalmist describes it, “he leads me beside still waters” from Psalm 23:2b? A note in the margin of my Bible translates these same still waters as "waters of rest". God will certainly meet us when we’re at rest. Then there are times when we seek for an intimate meeting with God. In 1 Kings 19:11-13a, Elijah describes his meeting with the Lord: He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but he LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. T he prophet Elijah found God in sheer silence. Maybe it is easier for most of us to feel God’s presence in quiet times, and when we meditate in silence. Maybe it’s all the other times of our lives that cause us to stress and question whether God is really present. Here’s the good news, there’s no limit on God’s desire to come close to us, and nothing in this world can separate us from the love of God. When the disciples are with Jesus in the boat, they find God with them in the storm (Mark 4:35, 37-39). On that day, when evening had come, he said to the disciples, "Let us go across to the other side." ... A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. G od can just as easily be found in the midst of a personal storm, when we’re exhausted and feel like there’s nowhere to go, and no one to turn to. The psalmists give us a great model for prayer. Never be afraid to cry out in anguish and pain for God's help. God hears our prayers, and gives us the strength and courage to find peace, and still waters again. Resting in the peace of God, even in the midst of the whirlwind, earthquake, wind, and fire, God helps us to see the way forward, and grants us all the strength we need to make it from here to there. It’s one of the greatest joys of our faith that God meets us precisely where we are. Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in at this time – calm or storm – the Lord is with us. My prayers are with you for a fruitful and holy Lent. Susan + Look Inside For. . . Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Page 3 Fellowship Opportunities Page 4 Preschool News Lenten Devotionals Page 5 3rd Annual Ladies Tea Violin Concert Palm Cross Making Page 6 Youth Group News Youth Service Page 7 Confession Holy Week Schedule Deacon’s Corner Acolyte Schedule Page 8 A Word from Father Steve Music Give Away Page 9 CFFA Living Compass Bishop Smith’s Visitation Page 10 “Amazing Grace” Study Women’s Bible Study Lent Madness
Transcript
Volume 7, Issue 3
March 2015
, , & !Silence Earthquake Wind Fire
I t’s Lent. That marvelous season that invites us to deep reflection of our faith, a time of
repentance, the opportunity for reconciliation, prayer, and meditation on God's holy word.
Jesus is in the wilderness and we’re invited to consider our own wilderness experiences.
Perhaps to some of us, Lent feels like the imperious "Silence!" sign in an old-fashioned library,
quelling our exuberance and desire to speak with its imperative, and binding us by its
command. Those who relish the quiet moments of life, will enjoy the silence, in order to seek
God in the depths of our souls. The question remains, where can we meet God? Is it only by
peaceful still waters as the Psalmist describes it, “he leads me beside still waters” from Psalm
23:2b? A note in the margin of my Bible translates these same still waters as "waters of rest".
God will certainly meet us when we’re at rest. Then there are times when we seek for an
intimate meeting with God. In 1 Kings 19:11-13a, Elijah describes his meeting with the
Lord:
He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD
is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was
splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the
LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but he LORD
was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was
not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard
it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance
of the cave.
T he prophet Elijah found God in sheer silence. Maybe it is easier for most of us to feel
God’s presence in quiet times, and when we meditate in silence. Maybe it’s all the other
times of our lives that cause us to stress and question whether God is really present.
Here’s the good news, there’s no limit on God’s desire to come close to us, and nothing in this
world can separate us from the love of God. When the disciples are with Jesus in the boat,
they find God with them in the storm (Mark 4:35, 37-39).
On that day, when evening had come, he said to the disciples, "Let us go
across to the other side." ... A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into
the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the
stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher,
do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind,
and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a
dead calm.
G od can just as easily be found in the midst of a personal storm, when we’re exhausted
and feel like there’s nowhere to go, and no one to turn to. The psalmists give us a
great model for prayer. Never be afraid to cry out in anguish and pain for God's help.
God hears our prayers, and gives us the strength and courage to find peace, and still waters
again. Resting in the peace of God, even in the midst of the whirlwind, earthquake, wind, and
fire, God helps us to see the way forward, and grants us all the strength we need to make it
from here to there. It’s one of the greatest joys of our faith that God meets us precisely where
we are. Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in at this time – calm or storm – the Lord
is with us.
My prayers are with you for a fruitful and holy Lent.
Financial Snapshot As February closes, our financial condition is good. Income continues to match expenditures, even before the addition of the support we receive from the Diocese. Unrestricted giving, income from Preschool tuition, and restricted gifts are all up slightly from this point last year. Thank you for your generous support. Please continue your financial support for St. James: � Check, or cash, in your personal envelope. � Electronic giving: visit our web site: stjames.azdiocese.org Click on SimpleGive. � Text an amount to (480) 725-3889 (1st usage will ask for credit/debit card information.)
McKee Lundberg
Sometimes our lives resemble Queen’s song, “Under Pressure”. Everyday stressors, when piled up upon each other, can create a pressure on us that can be hard to work with. I feel like I am in class now, but there are two kinds of stress. Eustress is a positive form of stress that works within us in a beneficial way. The other form of stress is what we all think of as stress. This is distress. I bring this up because everyone comes in to St. James carrying one of these forms of stress. The challenge is that unless we are told, we do not know whether someone is carrying with them eustress or distress. This is what is so special about St. James! We are blessed to have a church full of thoughtful ears listening to each other. Visiting with the Bishop when he arrived last Sunday, it was inferred that this was not lost with him. Still listening to Queen’s “Under Pressure”… The build up to Bishop Smith’s visit went well (eustress). We had a beautiful service presided by the Bishop (eustress). So, we go camping to relax and enjoy all of the good feelings and “BAM” a water leak in the RV that floods the coach (distress). The RV repairman coming at 6am (distress). Reading a book while watching a beautiful sunset, now that is eustress. Moral of the story: We cannot assume everyone is always having a great day. Peace, Bob Klassen
Treasurer’s Report
Year-To-Date through February 23, 2015
Total Income $42,734.71
Total Expense $42,329.12
Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $405.59
Diocesan Support $5,416,68
Total Surplus / (Deficit) $5,822.27
From the Senior warden
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Bob Klassen (Bishop’s Warden)
Larry Kenyon (Junior Warden)
McKee Lundberg (Treasurer)
Gerry Carlston
Carol Justice
Al Larson
Chris Papaccio
Janie Studt
At Your Service:
Your Bishop’s Committee
Bishop’s Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 19th
5:45 pm
First year Anniversary!!!!! A very special thank you to all who volunteered your time, talent and treasure to the St. James Hospitality Team this past year. Many incredible things were accomplished at St. James this year, none of which could have happened without the help of each and every one of you who volunteered to serve on the Hospitality Committee. It is hoped that all of you will continue to serve on the Hospitality Committee this year and that we can encourage a few new recruits to join the “TEAM” in 2015. Anyone interested in joining the Hospitality Team in 2015 please contact Ellie Kenyon at [email protected] or by phone at (480) 248-7457.
St James St James St James St James
BookiesBookiesBookiesBookies March’s book is The
Guernsey Literary and
Potato Peel Pie Society by
Mary Ann Shaffer. We will
meet Saturday, March
21st, at 12:30 pm at
Paradise Bakery, Chandler
Pavilions, 940 N. 54th
Street, Chandler, 85226.
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Join Us
for Lunch!!
Thursday, March 26th
11:15 am
Biscuit’s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix
(SW corner 48th & Elliot)
Tuesday March 10th
6:00 pm
Abuelo’sAbuelo’sAbuelo’sAbuelo’s
3440 W. Chandler Blvd.3440 W. Chandler Blvd.3440 W. Chandler Blvd.3440 W. Chandler Blvd.
Chandler, AZ Chandler, AZ Chandler, AZ Chandler, AZ
Adult Singles Group
Join us for a movie and a meal afterwards!
Saturday, March 28th
1:30 pm (tentative time)
We’ll meet at St. James and caravan to the movies at
the Chandler Fashion Mall Harkin’s 20 Theatres.
We’ll then go to eat at RigaTony’s.
For more info, contact Ellen Rose, (480) 208-3861,
Preschool News Thank you to everyone who came out for the Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. It was great to see everyone! The food and fellowship was
fabulous. It was especially nice to see our parishioners and preschool parents all together as one community. We raised $385 for the
preschool! Congratulations to Dave Faymon, the winner of the 50/50 raffle. A special thanks to Christiaan Culbertson, Larry and Ellie Kenyon, Bob
Klassen, Lori Welch and Gordon Vassall for all of your dedication and hard work in the kitchen!
2015 L2015 L2015 L2015 Lenten enten enten enten MMMMeditationseditationseditationseditations
“Each Lent we commit our lives to a deeper focus on the incarnate God, Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer that these meditations will provide a path for you to encounter Christ each day.”
We will celebrate ERD Sunday on the last Sunday of Lent, March 22nd. This is our annual opportunity to
share our financial gifts with Episcopal Relief & Development, and a time to remember those in need all
around the world. Please visit www.episcopalrelief.org to learn more about the work of Episcopal Relief &
Development. If you haven’t already picked up your copy of the 2015 Lenten Meditations Booklet from
Episcopal Relief & Development there are still copies available on the table in the narthex near the main
entrance.
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You Are Cordially invited to the 3rd Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 3rd Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 3rd Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 3rd Annual St. James Ladies Tea Date:Date:Date:Date: May 2, 2015
Time:Time:Time:Time: 2:00 until 4:00 p.m.
We Will Serve:We Will Serve:We Will Serve:We Will Serve: Delightful Tea Sandwiches, Dainty Desserts and Delicious Tea
Cost: Cost: Cost: Cost: $10.00 for the Tea
Entertainment: We will have music and also Fantastic Raffle Baskets. For tickets, or if you are willing to help,
Eileen Flock is looking for help to put together the 12 gift baskets to raffle off during the tea. Any contribution
you are able to make is appreciated; if you want you can get all the items for a whole basket or just bring in a few
items to contribute to a basket. Eileen needs all the basket items to the church by April 12th. Below is the list of
basket themes for the tea. If you would like a more detailed list please ask, Eileen Flock, (480) 586-1124.
Death by Chocolate
International Basket
Cookie Basket
Wine Basket
Candle Basket
Reading Basket
Gift Cards Basket
Beauty Basket
Italian Basket Dog Lover Basket Cat Lover Basket
Save the Date! For those who regularly attend our 10:30 worship service, we’ve been blessed to enjoy our own Adam Peterson sharing his skills on viola over the last few weeks. You can enjoy more of Adam’s musical gifts as he offers a recital here at St. James on Friday, March 6th at 7pm. All are invited and welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
Making the Palm Crosses An evening of family fun, fellowship, and food - Saturday, March 28th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Hermstein’s (540 S. Aspen Drive, Chandler). All ages welcome! Come learn this ancient art and enjoy soup & salad. We will eat while we make the crosses for Sunday morning. Instructions provided. Please read your Sunday bulletin for more details.
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Well it is not too soon to be thinking about what your teens will do with themselves this summer besides lying on the couch or playing video games. Encourage them to partake in a fun journey with Jesus and meet some new friend from the greater Phoenix area. If your teen is up for an adventure, Chapel Rock offers a program called WILD: lots of hiking, kayaking and other fun adventures await the teens. Chapel Rock is currently in taking
reservations for Grade 7-12, June 7-13 & 14-20 at Chapelrock.net.
There are wonderful programs for Grades 3-6 at Chapel rock from June 21- 27 and 28-July 3. Did you know that the Christian Saints are God’s Superheroes? Come to camp and find out more about God’s Superheroes and also discover your own Saintly Superpowers.
If you are interested in helping out some of the youth of St. James with a scholarship to camp please let me know.
Since we are on the topic of summer, VBS is just around the corner and we have much to do. Mark your Calendar VBS Work day April 18th 9am-12pm.
Here is a list of items I need for a VBS work party April 18th. If you are able to provide any of the items listed below I need them at the church by April 12th. (If you would like to donate a gift card for Lowes/Home depot or party city that would be greatly accepted as well)
⇒ Paint: 2 Gallon of white/1 Gallon of light blue/1 Gallon of dark blue
⇒ Paint roller heads, 12 of them
⇒ Natural sponges and some paint brushes
⇒ PVC: pipe 3/4 inch about 8 pipes
⇒ A roll of white plastic table clothes and light blue and dark blue (available at Party City).
Youth Group News
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.
Youth Service
2-15-15
DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service
- - - March 2015 - - -
2015 March 1 John B. C = Morgan BU=Collin
March 8 Barbara C = Brandon BU=Morgan
March 15 Henry C= Aly BU= Cam
March 22 Pamela C = Cam BU = Steve
March 29 John B. C = Kyle BU = Aly
Acolyte Schedule for March 2015
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I hope you are able to join us on Wednesday nights as we enjoy a simple supper and
viewing/discussing Amazing Grace. It is generally available for viewing or purchase - or
maybe borrowing. It is a good story, good film and excellent ac#ng.... and a worthwhile
Lenten study and medita#on. The poem is an "amazing" story all by itself. You may find
a computer search deepens your apprecia#on quite a bit. I always did enjoy it as a
hymn, now there is so much more! Whatever you choose to do - or not do - we join in
wishing you a holy and meaningful Lent.
Blessings, Deacons Pat & Fritz
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 446-452 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.
March 29 Palm Sunday 8:30 am & 10:30 am
March 31 Tenebrae 7:00 pm
April 1 Healing Service 5:30 pm The Way of the Cross 6:30 pm
April 2 Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm
April 3 Good Friday 12:00 Noon & 7:00 pm
April 4 The Great Vigil 8:00 pm
April 5 Easter Sunday 7:00 am, 8:30 am & 10:30 am
Schedule of Worship
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A Word from Father Steve
Letter from East Africa
I ’m writing while “cooling my heels” at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, heading from here to Harare,
Zimbabwe. Entebbe is where, in 1976, 100 members of the Israel Defense Forces made their spectacular 90-minute night raid and freed 102 hijacked hostages held by the Palestinian Liberation Organization. It’s an inspiring monument to freedom.
I ’d thought about spending my 24 hour layover in Uganda taking it easy and seeing some sights. Being who I am,
though, it didn’t quite work out that way. I took a bus to Eldoret in western Kenya, where I spent six hours looking around.
E ldoret is in the midst of the Rift Valley, where the best scientific evidence to date places the origin of Homo
sapiens some 17,000 years ago. Nearby is Kenya’s last surviving tract of the primeval Guineo-Congolian Rainforest, which once formed a wide belt across equatorial Africa from the Indian to the Atlantic Oceans. It was probably near Eldoret that human language first developed, enabling the transmission of knowledge and wisdom from one individual to another and from one generation to the next. One might speculate that it was from nearby Lake Victoria, the source of the White Nile, that early humans and their knowledge spread northward into the Mediterranean basin, and from there farther north into Europe and eastward into Asia.
T he ability to transmit knowledge and wisdom over time is certainly high of the list of traits which make us human.
The related thirst for gaining more knowledge has to be up there, too. It’s interesting, therefore, that a woman in the village of Ndalat, 25 miles west of Endoret, was recently featured in a BBC news article (1/23/15) written by Ed Thomas.
A n illiterate 90-year-old named Priscilla Sitienei, reports Thomas, is enrolled in the local primary school where she’s
finally learning to read. Among her classmates are six of her own great-great-grandchildren. "I'd like to be able to read the Bible,” she told him. “I also want to inspire [others] to get an education.”
M s. Sitienei’s commitment to late-life learning is inspiring indeed. She studies not because she has to, but because
she wants to. She’s a bit like those in our own culture who take
college courses in the evenings or on weekends and retired people who take advantage of Elderhostel programs. In Priscilla’s case, however, hunger for knowledge appears insatiable, and its motivation is growth in faith. More than likely, she’ll be a full-time student until she dies.
A nonagenarian’s quest to be able to read the Bible might not, on the surface, have much relevance to American
Episcopalians. I’m personally convinced, however, that it does. While most all of our older parishioners can read the Scriptures (and some actually do), one senses a hunger in many to “ mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (BCP, p. 236). The great gifts which older students can and do bring to serious engagement with the Scriptures is their lifetimes of accumulated wisdom and knowledge and their long-honed ability to share both.
9 0-year-old Gogo (“Grandma,” in her local language) Sitienei seeks to become literate “to be able to read the
Bible.” Similarly, many older Christians in the West long for greater Biblical literacy, particularly in matters of mortality and life everlasting. Were Priscilla’s story told throughout the Church, my suspicion is that many older members might be moved and encouraged to pursue serious Bible study together.
I t would be appropriate indeed if an old woman from Kenya’s Rift Valley, where the sharing of human knowledge and
wisdom apparently began, inspired a renewed commitment to “autumn-of-life” Christian learning among ageing Episcopalians today. Corporate reading, study and sharing of transmitted scriptural wisdom just might prove a source of freedom from the age-old fear of physical decline and death.
Father Steve+
There are many boxes of music for the taking in the Library. See Eileen Flock if you want to take a look at the music. If no one claims the music by March 15th the music will be donated to someone who will recycle it.
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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.
DON’T FORGET. . .
Living Compass classes continue Sunday, March 1st after the 10:30 service. Potluck lunch & childcare provided.
Congratulations to our new confirmands: Cam Henson, Morgan Henson, Lynn Johnson, Bailey Sam, and to our visiting confirmand, Karl Kundson.
The children were The children were The children were The children were
enthralled by Dexter!enthralled by Dexter!enthralled by Dexter!enthralled by Dexter!
Bishop Smith’s Visitation Sunday, February 22, 2015
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Wednesday’s The Women’s Bible study resumes on Wednesday, March 18th at 4:00 pm. We are taking a short spring break!
Bible
Study
There’s still time to get your Halo on!!
Open to all ages!!
Learn about these saintly folks, forecast the “winner”, and win the right to direct a donation to any of our St.
James’ Ministries! This is a fun and engaging way for a very special kind of Lenten Devotion. From Ash
Wednesday to Holy Week, 32 Saints begin pairings just like the basketball March Madness. You can join the
team by picking up one of the free booklets “The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness 2015: Saintly
Scorecard”. The booklets are free and are back by the refreshment table. Each
booklet includes a bracket card at the back of the book. In our Fellowship area a
large poster-size bracket will follow the results on a weekly basis. By the poster
will be a sign up sheet. Put your name and your pick for the Golden Halo by
March 20th 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”. The website for voting, videos and more can
be found at www.lentmadness.org. For more information or questions, please
see Deacon Robin.
2015 Lenten Study: Amazing Grace: A study of grace, perseverance, and faith in action
Join us Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 pm for a soup supper each Wednesday ending March 25th. This five week study is based on the 2007 movie “Amazing Grace”. Our Deacons will offer an opportunity for fellowship and study through the lens of history 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.
The story of Amazing Grace is true. Amazing Grace (2007) One man’s role in the long battle to outlaw slavery in the United Kingdom sets the stage for this historical drama from director Michael Apted. The title is a reference to the hymn "Amazing Grace". The film also recounts the experiences of John Newton as a crewman on a slave ship and subsequent religious conversion, which inspired his writing of the poem later used in the hymn. Newton is portrayed as a major influence on Wilberforce and the abolition movement.
Week 2 March 4th 6:30 to 8:00 pm Love, grace, and pardon
Week 3 March 11th 6:30 to 8:00 pm Spiritual growth, gifts, and purpose
Week 4 March 18th 6:30 to 8:00 pm Joys & challenges in life, death, and perseverance
Week 5 March 25th 6:30 to 8:00 pm Faith in Action
Please feel free to drop in as often as you can. If you have any questions, please see Deacon Pat, Deacon Fritz, or Deacon Robin. See
