Volume 9, Issue 4

April 2017

T his year the rock band U2 are

touring to celebrate the 30th

anniversary of their phenomenal

album, The Joshua Tree. Some of you

might be familiar with U2charists, which

began in the Episcopal Church to raise

money and awareness in support of the

Millennium Development Goals. A

U2charist Communion service is set in the

context of U2’s most poignant and

theologically significant music. Many of the

songs prompt us to act for global

reconciliation and justice, especially for the

poor and oppressed. It’s no surprise that

U2charists are grounded in an Easter

message. It’s no surprise that the themes

have been lived out and modeled for us in

the life, death and resurrection of Jesus

Christ. It should be no surprise that this is

about living our resurrection lives now

through our faith in action.

A s followers of Jesus, we celebrate

Christ’s resurrection knowing that

He gave it all in the name of love:

love and reconciliation, abundant life, and

forgiveness for all who come in faith. We

are now His body, empowered by the Holy

Spirit to share the good news of Jesus Christ

with others through our words and deeds.

Or as U2 would sing, “And you give yourself

away”, because that’s how we live our

resurrection lives now.

J ust as Jesus commissioned us, our

mission of reconciliation, forgiveness,

and social justice continues. Easter

isn’t just one day of celebration. It’s an

ongoing celebration of thanksgiving for the

love and hope we embody, and the light we

now bear in Christ’s name. For those who

still haven’t found what they’re looking for,

the promises of Easter are a great prize.

Christ has conquered sin and death, once for

all. We don’t have to work for the gift of

salvation, because there’s no way we can

earn it anyway. All we have to do is accept

the gift of faith to know God’s peace, and be

assured of God’s promises.

T he events of that first Easter change

everything, just as our baptism

changes us by raising us to new life

in Christ. The question is how that ongoing

transformation is evident in our lives today.

Do we see the world around us with new

eyes, and a new heart filled with compassion

and forgiveness towards others? Do we live

peacefully, as a way to show the world what

God’s peace looks like? Have we simplified

our lives? Are we less focused on material

and worldly goods, and more focused on

relationships? Are we intentional about our

spiritual growth and development, so that

we can serve the Lord in broader and deeper

ways? Do we give of ourselves: our time,

talent, and treasure, to promote God’s

goodness and love?

G od is constantly inviting us to be a

part of the new family in Christ’s

name, the growing kingdom, and

members of Christ’s body in the world. All

that God has promised will come to pass,

even as it’s already being fulfilled through

our faith in action and God’s steadfast

faithfulness. As followers of Jesus, it’s our

great honor to be co-creators with God in

growing the kingdom of love and grace. It’s

our privilege to participate in the life of God

by living our resurrection lives now. That’s

what makes us saints alive, and that

includes U2!

A blessed Easter to all. Alleluia!

Christ is risen. The Lord is risen

indeed. Alleluia!

Susan+

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Outreach Endowment Fund

Page 3

Fellowship Opportunities Ladies Tea

Page 4

Youth Group Vacation Bible School

Page 5

SARRC Tour Children & Family Ministries

Page 6

Confession & Reconciliation Acolyte Schedule Palm Cross Party Easter Flowers

Page 7

2017 Lenten Study 2017 Lent Madness The Faith Difference

Page 8 CFFA

Adult Bible Classes Journey to Jerusalem

First Fruits

Page 9 Thank You’s Eagle Project

Community Outreach

Saints Alive - Resurrection Life Now!

Treasurer’s Report

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From the Senior Warden

To me, this is the part of Lent when I feel a little excitement brewing. I’m not looking at the calendar, but I am enjoying what I am seeing outside. New life is making its presence shown. Last week we went on a wildflower search near Canyon Lake and we were not disappointed. The color of new life in the desert was beyond words. I get this feeling each year as we get close to Holy Week. The excitement of the resurrection! Peace, Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Update The year-to-date financials continue to look good due to your contributions, rental income from SAARC and T-Mobile and by effectively managing our expenses. Your financial support allows us to offer a wonderful variety of youth and adult ministries/programs. Please let me know at maryhovden@gmail.com if you have questions, comments, ideas, etc. about St. James financial matters. In Christ, Mary Hovden

Income $80,162.84

Expense $60,193.76

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $19,969.08

Diocesan Support $2,066.67

Net Income $22,035.75

Year-To-Date through March 26, 2017

Grow the St. James Outreach Endowment Fund Campaign

The St. James Outreach Endowment Fund currently has $4000 in it and while the principal will not

be drawn down the investment returns are to be used to support the various outreach ministries of

St. James. To grow the fund we have an anonymous donor that will match $1.00 for every $2.00

raised by the congregation up to a limit of $1000 by April 30th. This means if the congregation as

a whole raises $2000 an additional $1000 will be donated to the fund. Every little donation will

help get us to that $2000 goal. Just designate the donation for the Outreach Endowment Fund

when you place it in the offering plate. This is great way to support our outreach ministries with an

ongoing stream of revenue.

Jim Disney

(602) 763-9518

“Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God' s new project not to

snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with

the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord' s Prayer is about.”

― N.T. Wright

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Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, April 27th 11:15 am

Biscuit’s

4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (SW corner 48th & Elliot)

St James Bookies St James Bookies St James Bookies St James Bookies

April’s book is “Mr. Churchill’s Secretary” by Susan Elia Macneal.

We will meet Sunday, April 23rd, after the 10:30 service at The Paradise Bakery in the Chandler Pavilions.

On the second Tuesday of every month the ladies of St. James

meet for dinner. We choose a different restaurant each

month. Please mark your calendars and join us on April 11th at

Abuelo’s Mexican. Invite other ladies to join us and let’s have fun

ge$ng to know each other be&er. Please feel free to contact,

Terri Beck (602) 502-1086) with any ques3ons or restaurant

sugges3ons. Hope to see you next month!

You Are Cordially invited to the 5th Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 5th Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 5th Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 5th Annual St. James Ladies Tea

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Delightful�Tea�Sandwiches,�Dainty�Desserts�and�Delicious�Tea�

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This year we are having a “ Design a Centerpiece” Contest! Decorating supplies will be provided or you can bring items from home too!

For tickets, or if you are willing to help, please contact Eileen Flock at eflock@cox.net,

Ruth Flinn at oldrn@cox.net or Ellie Kenyon at ejkenyon6315@verizon.net.

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Treasure Hunters will not meet this month due to it falling on Easter Sunday. We will resume on May 21stMay 21stMay 21stMay 21st.

EYC will meet April 9th April 9th April 9th April 9th after the 10:30 am service start to plan the youth service, which will be on April 23rd at the 10:30 worship.

April is here already - Easter is on its way. The teens will be doing the Easter egg hunt for the elementary school age children and

younger after the 8:30am service and the 10:30am service on April 16th. The Easter Egg hunt will take place in the preschool play

area.

Youth Sunday is April 23rd. April 23rd. April 23rd. April 23rd. Please let Dave know if you can participate in the youth service.

I am so proud of the youth for working so hard on their fundraising efforts in making such beautiful and unique crosses. They look

great and will help the youth to raise money for the Angel Tree kids shopping trip in early December. They are currently on sale

after each service until Easter Sunday.

Great work everyone!

Eileen Flock

eflock@cox.net

(480) 586-1124 (cell)

Vacation Bible School

Sunday, June 11 — Thursday, June 15 6:00 — 8:45 pm

Come travel up river to a land of misty waterfalls! Bring your kids to the rainforest - an experience of discovery they'll never forget! Based on five Parables of

Jesus, SonQuest Rainforest VBS transports young minds into a vivid rainforest environment of jungle

sounds, sights and smells, where they'll dig into the Bible and meet Jesus in each day's story. Children ages

3 years through those who have completed 5th grade are invited to enter a world of amazing animals as we

travel upriver to discover a place far from the ordinary. These five days of discovery not only give kids the

knowledge of God's Word, but also the opportunity to respond to His truth by living out their Christian

faith. They won't want the miss the music, games, craft, and skits they will encounter as we travel this

vibrant and dynamic rainforest adventure together!

What is Godly Play? Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. Godly Play helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us! We meet in Room 4, Sundays, 9:40-10:30. After our story and feast, children help water the garden, take care of the fish and play on the playground together. Parents and caregivers are very welcome to stay. All Ages Welcome.

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On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation

Godly Play Sundays in Room 4

9:40-10:30 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.

SARRC Preschool and The Hospitality Team

Invites You to Join Us For a reception and tour of

the SARRC Pre-School facility after both services on April 2nd

There will be a reception in the Sanctuary at 9:30 with a tour of the preschool after Godly Play at 10:30 and then a second tour at 11:30 with a reception after the tour. Fresh fruit, an assortment of cheeses, crackers and French bread will be provided by the Hospitality Team and SARRC will provide a lovely assortment of donuts and juice. Tea and coffee will also be provided.

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DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2017 April 2 Barbara C = Brandon BU = Dylan

April 9 Barbara C = Pam H. BU = Aly

April 13 Maundy Thursday, 7:00 pm Ashley Czarsty

April 15

April 16 Pamela C = Aly BU = Dylan TB = Collin & Brandon

April 23 John Barnabas C = Dylan

April 30 Barbara C = Collin BU = Pam H.

Easter Vigil, 8:00 pm Steve Wilmot

Acolyte Schedule for April 2017

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.

Making the Palm Crosses An evening of family fun, fellowship, and food - Saturday, April 8th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Janet Hermstein’s (540 S. Aspen Drive, Chandler). Come learn this ancient art and enjoy soup & salad. We will eat while we make the crosses for Sunday morning. Instructions provided. All ages welcome!

Don’t forget to sign up for Easter Flowers! You can sign up on the wall in

the narthex just as you enter. Please also complete a flower envelope stating a

dedication (if desired) and place in the offertory plate. Easter dedications are free! Easter Flower envelopes are available in the narthex. Flowering the Cross: Everyone is invited to bring flowers from their gardens

on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and flower the

cross . This is an especially striking and beautiful way to symbolize the new life of

Easter! Flowers will also be available on Easter morning at the church.

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2017 Lenten Study: Les Misérables – Transformation through Forgiveness, Redemption, & Love

Join us Wednesday evening, April 5th, from 6:30 to 8:15 pm for a soup supper and last session on the epic 2012 (PG-13) musical “Les Misérables” adapted from Victor Hugo’s timeless novel. Our Deacons will offer an opportunity for fellowship and study through the lens of biblical truths 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. All ages are welcome!

The story of Les Misérables is a story of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, redemption and love. It chronicles the transformation of Jean Valjean and his pursuer of justice, Inspector Javert who is rooted in the ‘Law’ believing people cannot change/transform. Valjean’s journey helps us to understand how mercy and grace can lead to transformation offering insight into our own spirituality. This film won 3 Oscars and 4 BAFTA awards. Our discussion and reflection will include watching portions of the film followed by a discussion. Please feel free to drop in. If you have any questions, please see Deacon Pat, Deacon Fritz, or Deacon Robin (robin.b.hollis@gmail.com or 480.242.7178).

Last call for 2018 Lent Madness Get your Halo on!! Open to all ages!!

In our Fellowship area a large poster-size bracket is following the results on a weekly basis. On the back table will be a projected winner sign-up sheet. Put your name and your pick for the Golden Halo by April 2nd 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”. Donations can be made by check and note in the memo section: Lent Madness.

The ‘winner’ of the 2016 Golden Halo was Dietrich Bonhoeffer! And our own Steve Wilmot predicted this champion. For the first time, responding to public outcries, Lent Madness officials also bestowed a Silver Halo to the runner-up who was the mystic, Julian of Norwich. As the winner of Lent Madness here, Steve Wilmot decided where to allocate the $120 ‘pool’ and he selected the Youth Ministry! Thank you to everyone who participated last year!

For more information or questions, please see Deacon Robin (480.242.7178). Get your Halo on!

The Faith Difference!

Our Faith Difference wall is growing, and I’m impressed by the variety and depth of everyone’s responses. This is a

spiritually lively and spiritually growing community of faith.

At Easter, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and reflect on how we live our resurrection lives even now, we’ll be asking

what difference your Lenten discipline or ministry has made in your life, and the lives of others. We continue to encounter

Christ in other people, and in the events of our lives. Living out our faith intentionally and purposefully according to God’s

will changes us, and helps us to change the world. Faith alive really does make a difference. Our mission is to share the

faith difference with others, and as St. Francis once said, “Share the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”

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’

Thursday’s

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Room 4

All Men Welcome!

Wednesday’s 4:00 pm Room 5

Women

In the Word

Christian Formation For All (CFFA)

We have begun our study of Hunger in the Bible! We’re considering several Biblical stories from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testaments around four major aspects of hunger from our lives. We’ll also explore worldly hungers, and how Jesus reveals God’s will for us to choose God’s way to satisfy our hungers. All are welcome to join the conversation between services at 9:45am each Sunday in the library/chapel behind the sanctuary. Come hungry!

Susan+

“7450” – Our Journey to Jerusalem with Jesus! What a fabulous level of participation we’ve had throughout our journey to Jerusalem. We’re nearly there, thanks to your efforts! Please keep up the great work so that we make Jerusalem for Holy Week and complete our journey at Easter. Our daily lives always include our walk with Jesus, and taking care of our physical health so that we can serve the Lord in the fullest way possible. Blessings to all as we conclude our Lenten pilgrimage, and celebrate our new life in Christ, once again!

First Fruits Sunday, April 2nd! 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

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My name is Nathaniel Anbar and I am a Boy Scout in Troop 697. For my

Eagle Project I'm running a book drive to benefit needy children and I am

hoping to get your help. To par3cipate, please put children's books (for age

12 and under) in the collec3on box in the Church lobby (narthex). This is a

great way to get rid of old children's books that you don't need while doing

a good deed. If you don't happen to have old children's books to donate

then you can s3ll help by dona3ng new children's books or by contribu3ng

to my project's gofundme campaign:

h&ps://www.gofundme.com/nathaniels-eagle-project

Some of the money will go towards helping distribute informa3on about

the book drive and the rest will go towards buying more books to donate.

If you have any ques3ons you can contact me at my email nathanielanbar@gmail.com.

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, April 14th. The Watkins shelter is located at: 1120 W. Watkins St. Phoenix, AZ 85004. 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.

Upcoming dates are:

May 12 June 9 July 14

Thanks to Mary Hovden and Jill Leatherman for organizing the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and to all those volunteers who helped. The Supper was a huge success and enjoyed by many. Those who attended the Second Half of Life Seminar enjoyed a lovely sandwich lunch served by the Hospitality Team while listening to ideas for planning for the future. A special thanks to the Hospitality Team and all its volunteers, you do so many things, large and small. You all are amazing. We can’t close the door on March without thanking Robin Hollis. We are so grateful to Robin for organizing the Lenten Soup Suppers and March Madness. And, last but not least, a very special thanks to our wonderful 8:30 Usher and Welcoming Team, Carol Paulk, Larry Kenyon, Lissa Lundberg and Terri Beck for greeting our church members, new and returning guests as well as presenting the elements. The welcoming our visitors and guests receive each week and the “All are Welcome” attitude of St. James has helped to increase our parish numbers substantially in recent months.

We would like to acknowledge all the generous people who sign-up for the 8:30 and 10:30 after service treats. We appreciate the food, coffee and tea you provide for our fellowship time together. If the Spirit moves you, please sign-up on the sheets at the back table to bring food for our fellowship……we’d love to see some new names on the list.