the episcopal 7010 e. chauncey lane, #100,...

The Nativity Scene The Episcopal Church of the Nativity 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, #100, Phoenix, Arizona, 85054

May 2008

www.nativitychurchaz.org

We are ONE throughout the world, in the words of the song by the rock band U2. The song “One” was one of many U2 hits the congre-gation sang at the U2 Eucharist on Saturday, April 5.

In the Name of Love (the subti-tle of “Pride”, another U2 song), 73 people gathered to honor the feast day of Martin Luther King, Jr., cele-brate the Eucharist with the music of U2, and raise funds to provide the gift of clean water to two villages in southern Mexico. Inspired by the Millennium Development Goals sup-ported by U2’s lead singer, Bono, our congregation raised $7,000, enough for wells and water filtration systems for over 4,000 people.

Children are the first to suffer from the diseases and parasites

caused by dirty drinking water. Mil-lions of children suffer from intestinal infections caused by parasites; the parasites consume the nutrients in a child’s body, slowing their physical and mental development. Those without access to clean drinking wa-ter are trapped in a cycle of ill health and poverty.

The seventh Millennium Devel-opment Goal is to reduce by half the number of people without sustain-able access to safe drinking water. We cannot expect sustainable im-provement with the other goals with-out addressing the issues of safe water.

“I have been a big fan of U2 for over twenty years,” explains Pastor Susan Snook. “So I was delighted

(continued on page 2)

“One: We Got to Carry Each Other”: Church of the Nativity provides the gift of water

End-Of-School-Year Celebration on Sunday, May 18

May 18 will be a big day at Nativity! On this day, we will:

♣ Honor Sunday School students and teachers with an end-of-year graduation ceremony;

♣ Honor our three graduating high school seniors: Klayton Chew, Chloe Hedden and Natalie Jensen;

♣ Recognize the outstanding musical leadership provided by our choir;

♣ Say goodbye to Dr. Patrick Hawkins, our departing Music Director; and

♣ Hold a picnic for Sunday School students and families at the home of Dave and Beth Call (see more information, page 6).

Mailing Address:

7010 E. Chauncey Lane #100

Phoenix Arizona 85054

Telephone

480-307-9216

The Rev. Susan B. Snook Pastor

[email protected]

Patrick J. Hawkins Music Director

[email protected]

Julie Cordwell Director of Children’s and

Family Ministries [email protected]

Addy Diaz

Director of Youth Ministries [email protected]

Mina Rafferty Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Nativity’s New Music Director to Begin August 1, see page 4 for more info.

and inspired when I discovered how involved Bono has been in helping fight world poverty. This Eucharist was a lot of fun, and inspired many people to act to help others, realizing that we are truly One in the Body of Christ.” The Church is collaborating with The Peace and Justice Center to provide a well and clean drinking water systems to 2 indigenous communi-ties in the state of Oaxaca. Later this year, the villages of San Felipe Zihualtepec and Arroyo Zacate will have access to clean drinking water because of our efforts. John Mather, a Deacon from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, is founder and Executive Director of The Peace and Justice Center, an Arizona non-profit organiza-tion which addresses issues of poverty and jus-tice both local and globally. John and his dedi-

cated group of volunteers have been installing water purification systems in rural villages in Mexico. Over the last year, 9 water purification systems have been installed in remote villages in Chiapas, Mexico. These systems have given over 17,000 people access to clean drinking wa-ter. “I am extremely energized by the commitment and efforts of the congregation at The Church of The Nativity”, says John Mather. “The U2CHA-RIST liturgy appealed to all who attended and provided the opportunity for many to learn more about the needs of people in the world.” Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has said that the health of our neighbors, in its broadest understanding, is the mission that God has given us. We cannot love God fully if we fail

to love our neighbors, and the people of Mexico are both literally and figuratively our neighbors. John Mather says, “We extend our deepest gratitude for the help and support from the com-munity at The Church of The Nativity. Their ef-forts and support are a perfect example of people of faith joining together in the crusade to further justice in our world.”

To find out more about the Peace and Justice Center contact: [email protected] or visit our website at: www.peacejusticecenter.org

Every 15 seconds a child dies from water related diseases

Woman in Arroyo Zacate hopeful for clean water

Future home of the water system in San Felipe Zihualtepec

U2Charist, continued from page 1

Miracles come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are spectacular, and some you might not even recognize as miracles until you start thinking about the wonderful things that God has done. One of those miracles to me has been the music program here at the Church of the Nativity. When I accepted the job of church planter, I resigned myself to the probability that we would have to start slowly with our music program. I expected that we would be able to find a piano player who could hit mostly right notes (with a few clunkers here and there). Instead, God sent Patrick Hawkins to us. What a gift Patrick has been! His musical talent is tremendous, as are his leadership gifts. Begin-ning with nothing but an electric keyboard and a lot of dedication, he has been able to build a full adult choir, a lovely little children’s choir, and a top-notch music program. The challenges of wor-shipping in a school, with choir practice in a mem-ber’s home and a heavy keyboard that had to be transported in and out every week, were enor-mous – but Patrick more than met all those chal-lenges. When we first found Patrick, it was to me an amazing sign that God was truly with us! From the moment Patrick accepted the job, I was awed that God would send us such a talent, and it be-came for me a confirmation that God wanted our little church to succeed. Now, a year and a half later, it is with sorrow that we see Patrick go. He has truly become a be-loved and appreciated member of our church family. It is not at all surprising that he should want to leave now that his doctoral studies are completed, since he would like to be closer to his family on the East Coast. But we will miss him,

and we send him off with our heartfelt prayers for his future ministry. The amazing thing to me is – God is still working miracles! God knows the importance of our mu-sic program, and has sent us another incredibly talented Music Director. Dr. Craig Westendorf has been a well-known and acclaimed church musician here in the Valley for years. He holds a doctorate in music and a master’s in Liturgics. He has years and years of experience directing adult and children’s choirs. He is a deeply faithful man who believes in our vision at Nativity, and would like to be a part of making it come true. I have worked closely with Craig in the past, and I look forward to doing so again, beginning August 1 when Craig starts his tenure as Nativity’s Pastoral Musician. See more about Craig on page 4.

God is indeed good.

Miracles happen anew every day.

Christ is risen, alleluia!

A Note From Pastor Susan

Transforming lives with the love of God in Jesus Christ.

A MAESTRO IN OUR MIDST

During the short history of The Church of the Nativity, we have been blessed many times with extraordinary, serendipitous events. (Somebody up there wants us to succeed.) One of those events was the appointment

of the most talented and amiable Patrick Hawkins as our Music Director. In August of 2006, we were a fledgling operation meeting in our living room. The Rev. Susan Snook had just been appointed as full time rector, and we planned to start regular services at Greyhawk Elementary School in the fall. Without much in the way of expectations, we formed a search committee to find a Music Director. Let’s see, meager starting salary, services in school cafeteria, no organ, rehearsals in private home, nonexistent choir – that should really have applicants beating down our door! But Patrick took a chance on us. Despite an

offer from another, established church, he believed in our mission and came aboard. Conditions and recognition have certainly improved since then, but some of that is his own doing - witness our sixteen member choir – and he has been an integral part of our growth to what we are today. During the time he has been with us, he has created a first rate music program from scratch. He recruited and trained our choir, teaching us to read music and sing to the best of our abilities. (Doing this required another of his endearing qualities: insatiable patience.) He has played masterfully, first on the keyboard and then on the organ, making the most out of limited resources. He has formed and taught a junior choir to delight us with their performances. (Did I mention his patience?) And throughout, he has maintained a sense of humor that makes it a pleasure to work with him. Dr. Hawkins is now moving on to fulfill his destiny, as he must. We wish him every success and thank him for believing in us. We will miss him.

-Alastair Longley-Cook

WOULD YOU LIKE COMMUNION BROUGHT TO YOU AT HOME? We are beginning a ministry of Eucharistic Ministers who can bring communion out to those who can-not make it to church. If you or someone you know would like this service, please contact Pastor Susan at the church, 480.307.9216 or [email protected], or contact Debbie Myrick, 480.502.0547 or [email protected].

CONGRATULATIONS !

To Holly Hepler and John Joyner, members of our congregation who were united in holy matrimony at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Jackson-ville, on April 19.

Dr. Craig Westendorf will as-sume musical leadership of the parish on August 1, 2008. Craig and his family have lived in the Valley for seventeen years. He has filled many musical roles in church and community life in that time, including a full time position at First United Methodist Church in Phoenix, the founder of the Central Phoenix Oratorio Choir, Artistic Director of the Fountain

Hills Community Chorus, and di-rector of the Grand Canyon Men's Chorale. He is currently in his sixth year on the faculty of Arizona School for the Arts and on the artistic staff of the Phoenix Boys Choir. He is assuming his position at Nativity after eight years in a very similar position at St. Anthony on the Desert Epis-copal Church in Scottsdale. Craig holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Illinois at Ur-bana-Champaign. Before reen-tering church music on moving to Phoenix, he had a career in mu-sicology and taught in the music faculties of Notre Dame and the University of Illinois. Here in the Valley he has appeared several times with the Phoenix Bach Choir and the Phoenix Sym-phony. His publications include several articles in scholarly jour-nals on music and popular devo-

tion in the 17th century, and mu-sic for organ and children's and adult choirs. Craig's wife, Sue, is also an Eastman graduate and is Music Associate at All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix. Their son, Lukas, is married and resides in Phoenix, and will soon assume a job on the pharmacy staff of Phoenix Children's Hospital. Their daughter, Rachel, is a jun-ior in psychology at the Univer-sity of Arizona. Sue and Craig love to escape to the canyons of southern Utah as much as possi-ble. Craig will be fresh from yet another rafting trip on the Green River and the International Cho-ral Symposium in Copenhagen when he comes on the Nativity staff.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Nativity Church is in the beginning stages of establishing a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Charter! MOPS is an international, holistic ministry devoted to the encouragement, empowerment and support of young mothers. Nativity is currently accepting inquiries for mentors and leaders to fulfill a variety of roles for this new Chapter. For more information, about MOPS, please check out the MOPS website at www.MOPS.org. Contact: Julie Cordwell at 602-670-6642 or [email protected].

CRAIG WESTENDORF NAMED AS PASTORAL MUSICIAN

New at Nativity

You Are Invited to Nativity’s End of School Pool Party!

The Nativity Scene Jr.

WHEN: May 18, right after church, 11:30-ish. WHERE: The Home of Dave and Beth Call 22217 N. 79th Place; Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480-515-5870 [email protected] BRING: Side dish, appetizer (sign up sheet at church) , your favorite beverages, bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, and . . . your family— ready to have an awesome time! FYI: Burgers, dogs, and all the fixin’s will be provided by

the Calls; Nativity will provide kid-friendly drinks, ice cream treats, 5 in 1 Bouncer and tons of fun!!! Professional Lifeguard will be on duty.

RSVP: Either Way! Julie Cordwell @ 602-670-6642 [email protected] DIRECTIONS: From church take Scottsdale Road north to Deer Valley Road. Turn right on to Deer Valley. Deer Valley becomes N. 79th Street. Turn right onto E. Candelaria Dr. Turn left onto N 79th Place. See you there!

May 2008

The Nativity Scene Junior

A Hero’s Journey with Harry Potter, Session I June 15th—June 21st Grades 3—5

Session II June 22nd—June 28th Grades 3—5

Session III June 29th—July 5th Grades 3—8

Its time to register for Summer Camp!

Contact Julie Cordwell for more information including scholarships..

Junior High Camp, grades 6—8 Session IV July 6th—July 12th

High School Camp, grades 9—12

Session V July 13th—July 19

Festival of Faith

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

July 21—25, 2008

Nativity is pleased to offer a 5-day tradi-tional Vacation Bible School for ages 4 through 5th grade. Last year, Nativity presented the summer-long, “Treasure Trekkers” program focusing on the Millen-nium Development Goals. This year’s Fes-tival of Faith continues the MDG theme and invites learners to participate in the story of the Christian faith as it unfolds through the seasons of the church year and shapes the lives of God’s people throughout the world. Stories, crafts, and activities employ all of the senses as par-ticipants share the story of the life of Jesus, the birth of the church, and the joy of the Gospel message.

Registration begins this Sunday and is lim-ited to 36 students. Please contact Julie Cordwell for more information at 480-307-9245 (office) or 602-670-6642 (cell) or at [email protected].

The STORY KEEPERS SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL! Each Sunday during the summer, Nativ-ity’s Children’s Christian Formation Group will present “The Story Keepers,” the outstanding modern video exposition of the gospels, drawn primarily from Mark & Luke and from Mark’s Passion narrative.

“The Story Keepers” is an animated video series created for children that tells the story of Ben the baker, and his wife He-lena, who are Christians in Rome at the time of the Neronian persecutions (64 A.D.) Ben and Helena have adopted four children whose parents were lost during the fires set by Emperor Nero. The hope-giving stories and parables of Jesus are told in the course of their exciting adventures.

Broadcast in the UK on the national ITV Network, Story Keepers took a 27% share of viewing audiences at the 10:00 am time slot on Sundays (40% of those were ages 5—9). In the US, Story Keepers has been broadcast on the Hallmark and EWTN channels. David Weise, lead script writer for Story Keepers also wrote the screenplay for Shrek 2.

Make plans to join Nativity’s Summer Sunday School program and enjoy engaging stories, crafts, special activities and snacks. Please contact Julie Cordwell for more information.

A Mother’s Prayer

Oh Lord, I need your help today.

I want to care for those you’ve sent into my life,

to help them develop the special gifts you’ve given them.

But I also want to free them to follow their own paths

and to bring their loving wisdom to the world.

Help me to embrace them without clutching,

to support them without suffocating,

to correct them without crushing.

And help me to live joyfully and playfully, myself

so they can see your life in me and find their way to you.

Amen

the ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest. —Thomas Moore

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Teen Scene

The Wilderness Introduction to Leadership Development will take place during the first four sessions of Chapel Rock. Each week is a

separate session: June 15—June 21, June 22—June 28, June 29—July 5, July 6—Julu 12. Sessions 1 and 2 will be for first time participants, (open to incoming sophomores, juniors and seniors). Sessions 3 and 4 are designed for continuing participants (open to incoming juniors and seniors that have participated in one or more sessions of W.I.L.D.) The program will focus on personal growth and challenge, building a safe Christian community and team building skills, along with de-signing and implementing a service project. Sessions 3 and 4 are aimed more at developing leadership skills with greater emphasis in the areas of camper needs and program delivery. This inspiring leadership program is a training ground for future Chapel Rock counselors. The program is an excellent way to gain additional leadership training that can be used at school, church or in a work setting. The W.I.L.D. program is an excellent addition to a college or work application or resume. For more information see www.chapelrock.net or contact Julie Cordwell, Chapel Rock Ambassador at 480-307-9216.

E.Y.E. One More Space Left! Check out this cool event happening in San Antonio this summer, July 8—13! This is a national Episcopal Youth Event that happens once every three years. Only twelve youth from the Diocese of Arizona are chosen to represent our youth statewide. Grades 9 through 12 are eligible, and there is one more space left! The cost of the entire event is $450.00; transportation is separate.

However, Nativity is offering par-tial scholarships for those who are interested. This is a great opportunity to meet, worship and learn with other teens from across the country. Are you bored with your own back-yard? Bored with the same old faces day in and day out!? Looking for something to Light Your Fire? Spark Your Spirit? Renew Your Faith? YOU CAN FIND IT ALL at the 2008 EYE.!

Nativity’s Sarah Snook will be attending, and so can you! Contact: Julie Cordwell or Susan Snook for more information, or go to www.eye2008.org. +++

W.I.L.D. CHAPEL ROCK’S LEADERSHIP

For Nativity’s Youth and Youth from Other Churches!

Natalie Marie Jensen Natalie is a beautiful, poised young lady whose zest for life has pri-marily been expressed in her dancing. She started formal instruction in dance at age five but had been struck by the muse at a much earlier age. Natalie has danced competitively or on the school pom line throughout her high school career. As a member of the Arizona Angels, Natalie partici-pated in various competitions and parades around the country, including the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade; as a Saguaro High “pommie” Nata-lie has participated in numerous school events as well as competitions and clinics. In addition to her physical gifts, Natalie is a very caring person. She is especially talented at working with young children and is very patient and encouraging with them, a quality she displayed at an early age. Natalie is a devout Christian and has served as a youth representative to the vestry, the governing body of her church. She has also served for many years as an acolyte and has been a long-time member of the church youth group.

Natalie is an honors student and has completed a number of college-level courses while in high school. Upon graduation, Natalie intends to attend Arizona State University and will likely pursue concurrent majors in business and dance.

Klayton Chew We are very proud of Klayton and his high school accomplishments! His Honors and Advanced Placement classes have demanded his development of time management skills and disciplined study skills. His involvement with the Paradise Valley High School Baseball and JV Football teams has highlighted his hard work and dedication by consistently contributing to the good of his teams. We are grateful for Klayton's diligence and perseverance, which has earned him the President's Scholarship at Arizona State University for his academic achievements. With much nervous excitement, we close this chapter of Klayton's life (High School) and look forward to the hopes and dreams that his college experience holds.

Chloe Hedden Chloe Hedden will graduate from Cactus Shadows High School May 22. Chloe was baptized at Trinity Church in Elmira, NY; made her first communion at the Cathedral Church of St. John in Albuquerque, NM, and was confirmed at Church of the Nativity in 2007. She joined Church of the Nativity upon its formation 18 months ago. Her love has been working with other church mem-bers on Habitat for Humanity, and she was an office volunteer for Habit’s Foothills operation in 2006. She has served as head of the acolyte ministry and on the Bishop’s Committee. At Cactus Shadows, she was captain of the women’s swim team, was rec-ognized as the Outstanding Rookie Swimmer of the Year for Re-gion IV in 2004 and as Outstanding Athlete Scholar for the Re-

gion in 2006. She also is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society and American His-tory Honor Society. Chloe has been awarded a Trustee’s Academic Scholarship to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, where she is enrolled in the College of Engineering for Fall 2008 semester.

Congratulations Nativity Graduates!

The April meeting of the Nativity Men’s Group in-cluded a noontime get-together for lunch at the

Elephant Bar just across Mayo. We discussed plans for our host-ing of Nativity’s Mother’s Day hospitality. We will offer pastries, fruit, Starbuck’s coffee, and a sur-prise! Please let Bill Worthington (480) 575-7830 or Bob Christo-pher (480) 563-7493 know if you will be available to help man the Hospitality Table on Sunday, May 11. Plans are also under way for the Men’s Group to sponsor CPR classes through the Phoenix Fire Department for all interested per-sons at Nativity. If any of you men have an idea for a speaker, an

event, a facility you would like to tour, or an activity that might be of interest to the group, please con-tact either Rob Muse or Bill Wor-thington. We also discussed possibly moving our meeting days from Thursdays to another day that might be convenient for more Na-tivity men. If any of you men have a strong preference for or against a particular day and/or time, please let Rob Muse know at (623) 587 9636 and we will try to identify a time and day that will best fit most schedules and pref-erences. In keeping with that discus-

sion, the May meeting will be on a different day of the week - Tues-day, May 20. We will meet at Na-tivity at 9:30 a.m. and carpool to Tomar Electronics in Gilbert. Ever wonder how they make those blinking and flashing lights on emergency vehicles and warning signs? Here is your chance to find out – that’s what Tomar does. Tom Bleasdale will take us on a tour of the strobe facility, after which, we plan to go to nearby Joe’s BBQ for lunch. (Tom prom-ises this is the real deal BBQ-wise!)

Congratulations on your inter-est in Education for Ministry! I believe the Lord calls us all to ministry but my experience is that he is somewhat less than overt as to the nature of that ministry, leaving it up to us to discern. EFM is intended to assist indi-viduals in learning what the Lord calls them to do in His service. EFM is a four-year study course that includes a year on the Old Testament, one on the New Testament, one on Church History and a final year on Theol-ogy and Philosophy. As interest-ing and informative as this study is, it is not the prime goal of the course. As noted above, the course is about discerning one’s own path to ministry, and this is

primarily accomplished by learn-ing to think theologically, that is, examining real-world, current events within a theological frame of reference. Added to this are a number of common lessons that enable students to create and refine their own theology and ulti-mately to learn God’s intention for their ministries. The course is conducted in weekly sessions in a small group setting consisting of between six and twelve students. Church of the Nativity sponsors both a day-time class and an evening class. Church of the Nativity is spon-soring a “come and see” meeting for persons who want to learn more about Education for Minis-try. We will have a wine and

cheese reception on Wednesday, May 7th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the church. Several current students, graduates, and the course mentors will be on hand to answer your questions. If you have any interest in this informa-tive and fun course, come and visit us at the reception. Karen Killoren ([email protected]) Paul Jensen ([email protected]) Mentors

Education for Ministry Update

News from the Nativity Men’s Group

TREASURE BOX A SUPER SUCCESS – SHARE A PART OF YOUR TREASURE

In March of this year, the Outreach Ministry of Nativity launched the monthly Treasure Box, soliciting donations of specific items which are donated to worthy and needy organizations. In March we were overwhelmed with contribu-tions of toiletries for shipment to our troops overseas. In April, the box ‘runneth over’ with peanut butter and jelly which was given to the Rescue Mission for the poor and homeless. Please continue to bring your treasure each month so that we can continue our outreach to those less fortunate. The schedule is as follows:

MAY – BOXED CEREAL AUGUST – BOTTLED WATER NOVEMBER – FRUIT JUICE

JUNE – CANNED FRUIT SEPTEMBER – SOCKS DECEMBER –

JULY – SCHOOL S’PLIES OCTOBER – CANNED VEGGIES

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

ONGOING NATIVITY OUTREACH – GET INVOLVED NOW

H E L P I N G O T H E R S

MAY TREASURE BOX BOXED CEREALS

(Without the milk. please) Each month Nativity’s Outreach Ministry solicits spe-cific items for donation to worthy causes. Deposit items in the Treasure Box in church lobby located at Mina’s desk.

THANKS TO ALL

who planned, contributed, and celebrated the U2 Eucharist last month. The meaningful, fun and successful event raised the $7,000 needed to bring purified drinking water sys-tems to two poor communites of Arroyo Zacate and San Felipe Zihuanltepec, Mexico.

Relay For Life (April)

Fun activity for all ages to raise money for cancer research

Dyanne Silloway 480-502-8612 [email protected]

Habitat For Humanity (March)

Building homes for the needy Marty & Bob Christo-pher

480-563-7493 [email protected]

Vista del Camino (Ongoing)

Clothing, food, school supplies for the needy; Angel Tree

Shirley & Ralph Cope 480-575-7717 [email protected]

Homeward Bound Child Care Center help; making afghans; Diaper Drive

The Christophers Dyanne Silloway

480-563-7493 480-502-8612

Millennium Development Goals

International program to eliminate poverty and hunger

Jim Blum 480-502-2005 [email protected]

Navajo Indians Providing blankets and supplies and assistance with youth needs

Barbara Worthington 480-575-7830 [email protected]

Phx Rescue Mission Feeding the homeless. Periodic Food Drives & Easter Egg donation


Packages From Home Collection and donation of needed items for our military troops

Bill Worthington 480-575-7830 [email protected]

Knitting Guild (Ongoing)

Providing afghans, sweaters an pree-mie caps to local agencies


Foothills Caring Corps (Ongoing)

Transportation for seniors; meals on wheels; auction assistance

Bill Worthington 480-575-7830 [email protected]

St. Jude’s Ranch Used Christmas Card Drive The Christophers 480-563-7493

BOXED PASTA, POTATOES, & RICE

Ever wonder what Hohokam women, today's career women and stay-at-home moms have in common? Or how desperate housewives who lived here in the 1870s survived without air condi-tioning, ice or Basha's supermar-ket? Or about the unsolved mur-der in the shadow of the Mayo Clinic? Join Leonard Marcisz on Wednesday, May 7, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral, for the free "Woman's McDowells" event sponsored by the Nature & Spiri-tuality program of the Diocese of Arizona in honor of Mother's Day.

The "Woman's McDowells" is a survey of the archaeological, an-thropological and historical heri-tage of the McDowell mountains from an often untold perspective. Originally created in response to a request from the Scottsdale Li-brary System for an evening's en-tertainment, the "Woman's McDowells" has become an audi-ence-interactive journey through 6,000 years of local history, leav-ing its participants with a fresh look at some very old mountains. Leonard Marcisz currently serves as Chairman of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's Board of Directors. He was for-

merly the Lead Steward for the Southern Region of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. He is also a contributing author for the recently published Field Guide to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. His articles regarding the history of the McDowell mountains have appeared in several local periodi-cals. Len and his wife, Lindy, reside in Scottsdale. Len balances his outdoor work on behalf of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy with occasional indoor consulting engagements on behalf of interna-tional corporate clients.

Upcoming Events

The Nativity Women’s Group

This month the Nativity Women’s Group will attend the Business of God luncheon on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at All Saints’ Epis-copal Parish. All Saints is located at 6300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix The topic is Earthy Mysticism featuring The Rev. Tex Sample. "Earthy Mysticism" describes God who shows up in unexpected places, unseemly situations, disreputable people and through various movements. Tex Sample has been described as "a man with a baseball bat in one hand and a copy of the philoso-pher Wittgenstein in the other; a man of the people and a man of the academy; a man who can tell it like it is to a group of tough urban Job Corps participants, to an upper-middle-class white suburban Sunday-school class, and to distressed Heart-land farmers; a man who is comfortable at his daddy's taxi-cab stand and on the General Conference floor [the national meeting of his denomination]; a man of the community and a man of the church; a man who was born in the South, 'trained up' in the Northeast, who has grown to maturity in the Midwest."

Sample’s book Earthy Mysticism and his DVD, Tex-Mix, will be available at the luncheon. Price: $18.00, (includes tax & tip). Checks are to be made out to CDSP. Please contact Jennie Dobbins at [email protected] for more information or if you plan to attend. Seating is limited, advance RSVP is required.

The Woman's McDowells*

Yoga Classes Have Begun at Nativity Nativity is now hosting weekly Yoga classes every Wednesday evening from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The cost is $10.00 per class - pay as you go. (Please see Julie Cordwell about scholarships)

The classes will are ongoing, weekly, i.e., there will not be spe-cific blocks of sessions, with breaks in between. You have the freedom to set your own pattern of attendance. Our instructor is Mary Engel. Mary is kind and gentle soul and is devoted to helping you experience the peace and tranquility that her classes can bring. This is a class that all levels can do. If you have your own mats, please bring them. Mary will have a limited number of mats on hand for those that need them. Dress comfortably in stretch-type fabrics. Bottled water will be avail-able at the church. For more information about this class, please

call Julie Cordwell at 602-670-6642 or email her at [email protected].

Friday May 16th Ones & Twos

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

A Social Group For Adult singles and Couples At Church of the Nativity.

One's and Two's meets about once a month in someone's home. It is an opportunity for mem-bers to get to know one another, and to wel-come visitors and newcomers into our Church Family. Host: Judy Peavy, Co-Hosts: Annie and Jim Blum. Please bring hors d’oeuvres or wine. Directions to Judy’s DC Ranch: From Pima Rd, go east (towards the mountains) on Thompson Peak. Drive about one mile to the second traffic light and turn right. This is Desert Camp Rd. Drive about a half-mile to Flathorn St. Turn right and punch in the gate code, 6816 (no * or #). Turn right. This street will curve to the left. Continue to the end of the street, which ends in a cul-de-sac. Judy’s building is the last one on the right, 8882 E Rusty Spur Pl. It is the middle unit, and will hopefully have some sort of deco-ration on the gate…or maybe not! If lost or gate won’t work, call Judy at 480-585-5324.

Upcoming Events

May 2008 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Our Sunday Morning

Schedule:

10:00 Rite II

11:15 Christian

Education for

All ages.

1 7:00 pm Choir

2 3

4

5:30 pm

Guitar Hero Night for Youth Group

6:30

Nativity Stars

Softball Game

5 6 6:30 pm—EFM

7 4:00 pm No Study Bible Study 5:30 pm EFM Open House 6:00 pm No Yoga Class Tonight 6:30 pm Women’s McDowells

8 Drew

Dunbar

7:00 pm Choir

9 10

11 Christine

Appenzellar

Mother’s Day!

Hospitality Pro-vided by the Men’s Group Today !

Pentecost

Sunday

12 13 Jennie

Dobbins

11:30 am

Business of God

Luncheon at

All Saints

6:30 pm—EFM

14 Debra

Bills

6:00 pm Yoga

Class

Resumes

7:15 pm Bishop’s

Committee

Meeting

15 7:00 pm Choir

16

6:30 pm

One and Twos

17

18 Kathy Graf

11:30 ish (after church) End of Sunday School Party

5:30 Nativity Stars

Softball Game

19 20 9:30 am

Men’s Group meet at Nativity for car-pool.

6:30 pm—EFM

21 Bob

Christopher

6:00 pm Yoga

Class

22 David

Deppen

7:00 pm Choir Last

Rehearsal

23 24

25

*No Sunday School Today

26

Memorial

Day

27 6:30 pm—EFM

28 6:00 pm Yoga

Class

29 30 31

The Episcopal Church of the Nativity

Mailing Address:

7010 E. Chauncey Lane #100

Phoenix Arizona 85054

www.nativitychurchaz.org

Hello Nativity Stars!

The Nativity Stars are back in action! Sunday April 20, was opening day for our softball team. Anyone 13-99 years young may join in the softball and fellowship. This co-ed recreational softball league has been bringing Episcopalians together from around the Valley for over thirty years. Bring a glove, sunscreen, and a smile and join in the fun. Games will be played at Roadrunner Park (North 38th Street and Cactus Road- just east of AZ 51) on the northwest field. If you have any questions, please contact Wyck Chew at 480-216-7097 or [email protected]. Please arrive 30 minutes to loosen-up before game time and after the game for food and drinks at the Peter Piper Pizza located on the northwest corner of Thunderbird Road and Tatum Blvd. May 4- 6:30 v. All Saints June 1- 6:30 v. St. John the Baptist May 18- 5:30 v. St. Barnabas June 8- 6:30 v. St. Barnabas

June 15- 5:30 v. All Saints

the episcopal 7010 e. chauncey lane, #100,...

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