Volume 10, Issue 1 January 2018 Q.E.D? Look Inside For. . . Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Annual Meeting Page 3 Christmas at St. James Page 4 Fellowship Opportunities Walk to Bethlehem UMOM Monthly Outreach Page 5 Youth Group Christingle Sunday Page 6 Thank You’s Page 7 C FFA Adult Bible Classes Acolyte Schedule Page 8 First Fruits Deacon’s Corner Bishop’s Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 17th 6:30 pm W hat do particle theory, wave theory, electromagnetic theory, E=mc 2 otherwise known as the special theory of relativity, quantum theory, and quantum electrodynamics (or QED) all have in common? As you all know or remember from school, the common factor is light. Well, I think that might be enough physics for now! Of course, the God-incidence around light is at least twofold. After the twelve days of Christmas, we celebrate Epiphany, the season of light, and we learn more about Jesus, the Light of the world. We also learn that we too are children of the light. W e have the abbreviation QED for quantum electrodynamics, which made me wonder about that other Q.E.D. According to Wikipedia, “Q.E.D. is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase, quod erat demonstrandum, which literally means that which was to be demonstrated. The phrase is written in its abbreviated form at the end of a mathematical proof or a philosophical argument to signify that the last statement deduced was the one to be demonstrated, so the proof is complete.” That’s a bold statement – period! Establishing truths by logical deduction is clearly part of who we are as rational human beings, made in God’s image. But what about our spiritual lives? Where is the rational or scientific proof that Jesus is who He claims to be or that He still lives? How do you prove faith, love, God’s peace or joy by acceptable scientific means? T his is by no means a question to be taken lightly, if you’ll pardon the pun. Our Lord Jesus commissioned each of his followers to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20). How many of us would do any of that if we did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world? Clearly, faith is an important factor to be considered here. S o how do we prove we are followers of Jesus, when our faith lives in our hearts, and all we can do to prove it is to speak it and live it? Is it in how we live our lives, shining God’s light in the world that proves we are disciples of Jesus? Is it in how we treat one another, care about others, and serve one another that proves we’re filled with the love of God? Is it in gathering together as a community to praise God that we prove our faith in all things unseen? In faith, God’s love is alive in each of us, changing our lives, as we change the world. Faith, love, joy, peace, and all the gifts of the Spirit are passed from God’s hands to open and willing hearts. We experience these gifts in losing ourselves, or at least our self-focus and self-reliance, and being transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). We literally think differently, and become measurably less self-centered, and independent. T he Light of the world, Jesus Christ our Savior, is also God’s gift to bring the whole world from the shadow of darkness to the light of God’s grace. The mystery and complexity of light, its properties, its beauty, and its effects truly reflect the mystery of God’s Light in the lives of His followers. The light of God in each disciple helps us to reflect God’s properties of love and mercy among others; to honor God’s beautiful creation as good stewards, to respect all God’s children; and also, to grow in the light of Christ by following His example of selfless service, forgiveness, mercy and loving-compassion. M ay God bless us as we enjoy this season of light, and may the light of God’s love shine in us and through us as we draw others to Christ, our Lord. Q.E.D? Susan + Don Don Don Don’t Forget! t Forget! t Forget! t Forget! December 31st December 31st December 31st December 31st One Service at 9:30 am One Service at 9:30 am One Service at 9:30 am One Service at 9:30 am
Transcript
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2018
Q.E.D? Look
Inside
For. . .
Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports
Annual Meeting
Page 3 Christmas at St. James
Page 4
Fellowship Opportunities Walk to Bethlehem
UMOM Monthly Outreach
Page 5 Youth Group
Christingle Sunday
Page 6 Thank You’s
Page 7 C FFA
Adult Bible Classes Acolyte Schedule
Page 8
First Fruits Deacon’s Corner
Bishop’s Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 17th
6:30 pm
W hat do particle theory, wave theory, electromagnetic theory, E=mc2 otherwise known as the special theory of relativity, quantum theory, and quantum electrodynamics (or QED) all have in common? As you all know or
remember from school, the common factor is light. Well, I think that might be enough physics for now! Of course, the God-incidence around light is at least twofold. After the twelve days of Christmas, we celebrate Epiphany, the season of light, and we learn more about Jesus, the Light of the world. We also learn that we too are children of the light.
W e have the abbreviation QED for quantum electrodynamics, which made me wonder about that other Q.E.D. According to Wikipedia, “Q.E.D. is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase, quod erat demonstrandum, which literally
means that which was to be demonstrated. The phrase is written in its abbreviated form at the end of a mathematical proof or a philosophical argument to signify that the last statement deduced was the one to be demonstrated, so the proof is complete.” That’s a bold statement – period! Establishing truths by logical deduction is clearly part of who we are as rational human beings, made in God’s image. But what about our spiritual lives? Where is the rational or scientific proof that Jesus is who He claims to be or that He still lives? How do you prove faith, love, God’s peace or joy by acceptable scientific means?
T his is by no means a question to be taken lightly, if you’ll pardon the pun. Our Lord Jesus commissioned each of his followers to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20). How many of us would do any of that if we did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world? Clearly, faith is an important factor to be considered here.
S o how do we prove we are followers of Jesus, when our faith lives in our hearts, and all we can do to prove it is to speak it and live it? Is it in how we live our lives, shining God’s light in the world that proves we are disciples of
Jesus? Is it in how we treat one another, care about others, and serve one another that proves we’re filled with the love of God? Is it in gathering together as a community to praise God that we prove our faith in all things unseen? In faith, God’s love is alive in each of us, changing our lives, as we change the world. Faith, love, joy, peace, and all the gifts of the Spirit are passed from God’s hands to open and willing hearts. We experience these gifts in losing ourselves, or at least our self-focus and self-reliance, and being transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). We literally think differently, and become measurably less self-centered, and independent.
T he Light of the world, Jesus Christ our Savior, is also God’s gift to bring the whole world from the shadow of darkness to the light of God’s grace. The mystery and complexity of light, its properties, its beauty, and its effects truly
reflect the mystery of God’s Light in the lives of His followers. The light of God in each disciple helps us to reflect God’s properties of love and mercy among others; to honor God’s beautiful creation as good stewards, to respect all God’s children; and also, to grow in the light of Christ by following His example of selfless service, forgiveness, mercy and loving-compassion.
M ay God bless us as we enjoy this season of light, and may the light of God’s love shine in us and through us as we draw others to Christ, our Lord. Q.E.D?
SSSSuuuussssaaaannnn++++
DonDonDonDon’t Forget!t Forget!t Forget!t Forget!
December 31stDecember 31stDecember 31stDecember 31st
One Service at 9:30 amOne Service at 9:30 amOne Service at 9:30 amOne Service at 9:30 am
Page 2Page 2Page 2Page 2
From the Senior Warden It was great for Bishop Smith to experience what
we feel every week here at St. James. Without
going into detail, he has been with us giving
guidance to help us get to where we
are right now. I honestly feel that
there is a special place in his heart for
St. James. I was impressed by his
message telling us to go outside our
doors and fight injustice. My personal
feeling is that if we do not fight
against the injustice that is the cause
of the charities that we support, we are being
dishonest to ourselves. My parents taught me that
we walk with two legs. One leg steps with support
of charity and the other leg steps with
the fight against the cause for that
charity. I am so happy to feel that my
Episcopal faith chooses to fight
against injustice.
Peace,
Bob Klassen
Treasurer’s Update
In looking at the YTD financials we have done a great job of managing expenses. We’ve also been blessed with increases in our giving – designated and operating. Thus, our net income continues to be on track to be positive at year-end (as of December 31, 2017). The 2018 budget was approved by the Bishop’s Committee on 12/20/17 and you will see the budget and give final approval at the 1/28/18 Annual Meeting. As we mentioned last month, our goal going forward is to become a full parish and in doing so, we plan to give 100% of our mission share contribution to the Diocese (16.9% of operating income). As always, please let us know if you have questions, comments, etc. In Christ,
Save the date for our Annual Meeting and potluck lunch which
will be held after the 10:30 service on Sunday, January 28th,
2018. We’ll elect new members to the Bishop’s Committee and
celebrate all the great ministries in God’s service here at St.
James.
Please join us for a potluck luncheon following the annual
meeting. We would appreciate it if you could bring a side dish (salad, vegetable, potato/pasta/rice or
dessert) or beverage (ice tea or lemonade) or help with set-up or clean-up. Ham and rolls will be
provided. A sign-up sheet will be at the back of the church. Contact [email protected] if you
have questions.
“We are indeed the light of the world – but only if our switch is turned on.”
- John Hagee
Page 3Page 3Page 3Page 3
christmas at st james
Page 4Page 4Page 4Page 4
Let’s start the New Year with fellowship!
Tuesday, January 9th
Barro’s Pizza 8830 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe, 85284
Meet at 6:00pm
feel free to bring a guest
Join Us for Lunch!!
Thursday, January 25th 11:15 am
Biscuit’s
4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot) St James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James Bookies
January’s book is “Almost Missed
You” by Jessica Strawser. We will
meet Saturday, January 27th, at
12:30 pm at Panera Bread, 1707 W.
Warner.
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, January 12th. The Halle shelter is located at 3424 E. Van Buren
Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. 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.
“7465” – Together We DID It - Again! We made it! Congratulations everyone and thanks for participating in our Walk to Bethlehem! It was quite a journey in preparation to greet the newborn King of kings and to become more aware of Christ’s constant coming, His constant presence in our hearts, minds and lives.
As we celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas and move into the season of Epiphany, we are stronger in body, mind and spirit. Blessings for a healthy 2018!
14,930,000 Steps 7465 Miles
77 Days 1 Community
Walk to Bethlehem
“Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.” - Mother Teresa
Page 3Page 3Page 3Page 3 Page 5Page 5Page 5Page 5
This has been a busy December for the youth group!
I would like to thank everyone who helped with the Angel Tree this year. From buying the gifts to bringing in the food for the
boxes, we could not do it without all of your support. We were able to provide the 23 families with food boxes and 53
children with gifts. Again thank you for all that you did to make this past Christmas season a wonderful one for the Angel
Tree children and families.
Christingle Sunday the children got together in Nursery. We decorated the oranges with ribbon, candies and candles. We
then had a Christingle service in the church so Bishop Smith could partake in this wonderful tradition. The donations that
were collected will be used for Angel Tree 2018. Thank you for all the support you give each year to our youth here at St.
James.
The Godly play Christmas story was a great way to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. I am very proud of all the children for
their performance this year. It was enjoyed by all.
Reminder: New Year’s eve Lock in for the youth:Reminder: New Year’s eve Lock in for the youth:Reminder: New Year’s eve Lock in for the youth:Reminder: New Year’s eve Lock in for the youth:
New year’s eve I would like to invite the youth to come and participate in a lock-in. Please let me know this week if you are
planning on coming so I can get all the fun snacks and things for the lock in. Email or Text me.
� Fire to roast hot dogs make s’mores enjoy each other’s company.
� Movies
� Board games
2018 for youth outreach will be a very busy one. I am looking for some help for some events I am planning for the New Year
with the Youth group:
Organizing for our Feed My Starving Children event February 16th 6pm-8pm
Chapel rock summer camp
VBS
Angel Tree
These are just some of highlights for the up coming year. If you are able and willing to help me please let me know.
Thanks to everyone for your donations to our family outreach programs! We’ve made a great start!
Page 6Page 6Page 6Page 6
December was a busy month for the Hospitality Committee. The Advent Event was a roaring success. The ham dinner enticed about 45 people to enjoy the greening of the church and the fun craft events. We are most grateful to Mary HovdenMary HovdenMary HovdenMary Hovden, , , , Ann Ann Ann Ann Marie BellamyMarie BellamyMarie BellamyMarie Bellamy----BartholomewBartholomewBartholomewBartholomew, , , , Barbara Bell Barbara Bell Barbara Bell Barbara Bell and and and and Ruth FlinnRuth FlinnRuth FlinnRuth Flinn for seeing that the ham dinner was beautifully presented. The tables were decorated with red table cloths, Christmas plates, napkins and festive Christmas candles.
Big thanks go to Eileen FlockEileen FlockEileen FlockEileen Flock for organizing and preparing everything for the Angel Tree event. Twenty-three families were provided with a Christmas they might not have had otherwise. It was a huge success. And….many thanks to all the parishioners parishioners parishioners parishioners who donated gifts and food.
Four ladies, Ruth Flinn, Carol Justice, Barbara MeyerRuth Flinn, Carol Justice, Barbara MeyerRuth Flinn, Carol Justice, Barbara MeyerRuth Flinn, Carol Justice, Barbara Meyer along with long time member, Ellie Kenyon, are now members of UMOM Women’s Auxiliary. Thank you, ladies, as the Auxiliary does so much good for UMOM. Ruth FlinnRuth FlinnRuth FlinnRuth Flinn provided a mission of mercy when one of our long-time members of UMOM Women’s Auxiliary passed away just before Christmas and her husband needed volunteers to pack his wife’s clothing to be donated to UMOM. Ruth lovingly agreed to help pack the clothing, an act greatly appreciated by the husband.
A colossal Thank You goes to AliciaAliciaAliciaAlicia and Bob KlassenBob KlassenBob KlassenBob Klassen for volunteering to prepare all the sandwiches and desserts for the Bishop’s visit on December 17th. The sandwiches and brownies were delicious, Alicia Alicia Alicia Alicia and BobBobBobBob, and the luncheon was enjoyed by all.
The Hospitality TeamHospitality TeamHospitality TeamHospitality Team, headed by Kim Gillespie, once again prepared the Christmas feast table for those sharing a Christmas dinner with our incredible Pastor SusanPastor SusanPastor SusanPastor Susan and the wonderful Steve WilmotSteve WilmotSteve WilmotSteve Wilmot. The table was set with new church damask linens and newly donated china from PamPamPamPam and Gary HollyfieldGary HollyfieldGary HollyfieldGary Hollyfield. The table was festively decorated and beautiful for the luncheon with all the fixin’s provided by the guests.
We would like to take this time to thank all of youyouyouyou who have contributed in some way to St. James this year. We appreciate everything that all of youyouyouyou do. You You You You make it possible for St. James to do so many “outreach activities,” special events and special programs. None of it could be done without every one of youyouyouyou contributing youryouryouryour time, talent or treasure.
We are indeed blessed here at St. James with a loving and giving family of parishioners.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Each and Every One.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Each and Every One.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Each and Every One.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Each and Every One.
Page 7Page 7Page 7Page 7
’
Thursday’s
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
The Huls’ Residence
All Men Welcome!
Wednesday’s 4:00 pm Room 5
Women
In the Word
Christian Formation For All (CFFA)
We begin our new journey of formation on Sunday, January 7th in the library between
services at 9:45 am. We’re going to begin our study of Journey’s with Jesus in the Bible, and
I can already share that this is going to be very exciting. What was the likely route of
Mary, Joseph and the young Jesus as they fled to Egypt from the terror unleashed by
Herod? Where is the mount of the transfiguration? What is the significance of Jesus’
journeys into gentile territory? All this and more!
Susan+
Other CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA Opportunities
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! We take a break on December 27th, but will resume on Wednesday, January
3rd, 2018. Centering Prayers is 3:15-3:45pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Sanctuary.
Women in the Word, our Women’s Bible Study group will resume our study of key Bible stories
from the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 after our
Christmas break. We meet in Room 5 of the preschool wing each Wednesday at 4:00 pm. Bring a
friend!
DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service
2018 January 7 Pamela C = Allison BU = Aly
January 14 Elliot C = Pam H. BU = Brandon
January 21 Barbara C = Aly BU = Collin
January 28 John B./Simon C = Brandon BU=Dylan
Acolyte Schedule for January 2018
Page 8Page 8Page 8Page 8
First Fruits Sunday, January 7th! 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.
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
Always We Begin Again is a little book on The Benedictine Way of Living by John McQuisten II which I was given during my diaconal training. I have been re-reading it this season, and thought I would mention, if not the book, at least a thought to you all. Always We Begin Again is a good meditation point for the beginning of a new year. It seems that each year we do start all over again, anew, but in fact we carry with us the experiences, wisdom and love from previous years. I wish for all of us the warmth of love, the wisdom of thoughtful relationships and the intense experience of our loving God. Deacon Pat
Congratulations, Blessings and Welcome!Congratulations, Blessings and Welcome!Congratulations, Blessings and Welcome!Congratulations, Blessings and Welcome!
Congratulations to our confirmands Congratulations to our confirmands Congratulations to our confirmands Congratulations to our confirmands –––– Brandon Flock, Zac Houle, Juneva Tunder, and Justin Besonen. Blessings Blessings Blessings Blessings to Aly Houle and Nathan Besonen for reaffirming their faith in Christ! Welcome Welcome Welcome Welcome to Denise Boyd, Patricia Christian, and Careen Henry – we are so thrilled that you have chosen to make St. James your spiritual home!
