Volume 6, Issue 10

October 2014

Your Word!

IIII sometimes find myself humming the contemporary Christian song that begins

with the words, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” The song is based on Psalm 119:105 and it has a very catchy tune! The Psalter contains 150 psalms, in five books. With breathtaking honesty, the psalms help us to connect with the personal and community life of our faithful ancestors. Their stories are our stories. The psalms are beautiful poetic hymns, liturgical offerings, as well as laments. There are songs of thanksgiving, and pleas for God’s help in all circumstances. Some of the psalms offer proverbial advice and instruction for Godly living. Think about your own life both individually, and as a member of St. James. What would your own book of psalms look like? What would our community book of psalms say about our relationships with God and one another, our spiritual lives, and our worship together?

LLLL ike any good book, the opening sets the theme for the whole story. Psalms 1 and 2 serve that function, with Psalm 150 closing the book in a glorious song of praise to our Lord God. Mirroring the five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Pentateuch), the five books of the Psalter provide an extended guided meditation on living life according to Torah. The psalms also constantly remind us of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, draw us into a deeper relationship with God, and invite us to offer to God our praise and thanksgiving. Other themes include a focus on particular people or events that are significant in the history of God’s people including King David and the Babylonian exile.

IIII n our faith traditions, the psalms are an integral part of our daily, weekly and

seasonal worship. They cover every aspect of human life: pain and sorrow, love and joy, exuberance and thankfulness. There are psalms that reflect deep anger and frustration, and call for God’s justice against enemies. There are also psalms of profound repentance, begging for God’s forgiveness. The psalms tell us of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, and how much God cares. Jesus prays Psalm 22 as He’s dying on the scandalous cross for the life of the world.

OOOO ur book of psalms would include prayers and poems about significant

people and events in our lives as well. What about love poems, a hymn of praise to welcome a new baby, or a lament as we say goodbye to a loved one? Perhaps our book of psalms would include descriptions of both storms and celebrations that have changed us, along with praise for the triumph of God’s love that keeps us together. No part of our life experiences are too small or too big to be brought before God in prayer, poem, or song.

TTTT he psalms echo our silent laments when words fail us in the darkest times

of our lives. The psalms are our songs of praise and thanksgiving when we’re bursting with joy. Most of all, the psalms remind each one of us that at all times, and in all things, we’re God’s beloved children, and God cares intimately about every facet of our lives.

WWWW e’ll be taking a closer look at the psalms beginning Sunday, October 5th. Come and share your word on the word of God. Blessings to all, Susan

+

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Page 3

Youth Group News Acolyte Schedule

Page 4

An Evening of Music VIP Event

Page 5

Fellowship Opportunities

Page 6 Deacon’s Corner

Blessing of the Animals

Page 7 Preschool News

Christian Formation Class Diocesan Convention

Page 8

A Word from Father Steve

Page 9 Domestic Violence Awareness

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

October 22nd

Financial Snapshot If we were not receiving Diocesan support, we’d have a year-to-

date deficit of $11K. But this is much better for this point in

the year than we expected when the 2014 budget was put

together. Next year’s budget will have to address areas that

we intentionally delayed fixing since funds were not available.

The Vicar’s salary, our Mission Share contribution, and “Fund B”

principal payments are all less than they should be. But

overall, our current financial status is encouraging. It will

help our planning to know your intended 2015 offering. Thank

you for providing this information.

Electronic giving is available through our web site: www.stjamestempe.org Click on SimpleGive - or -

text message: (480) 725-3889. (I find an unexpected “plus” to using scheduled giving: A distraction is

removed. You can show up at St. James on Sunday without first thinking about finances.)

Thank you for your continued support.

McKee Lundberg

“Impeccable words” After our youth service last Sunday, these words struck a cord and have stayed with me. Every day we are faced with situations where words are selectively used to guide our thoughts. Think of all of the advertisements that carefully choose their words so that you will want their product, or maybe their political candidate. Think of all of the carefully chosen words that are telling us that one person is good and another is bad or one political party is good and the other political party is bad. This is simply choosing words to manipulate and even polarize. Our youth told us on Sunday that we should use “impeccable words” when we speak. This is totally different than carefully choosing our words. We can choose our words to manipulate in our favor or we can choose to be impeccable with our words. A quick search on Google for “impeccable” brings the definition: “(of behavior, performance, or appearance) in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless”. In the past I know I have chosen my words in ways that have benefited me. This has convinced me that I am going to strive to be impeccable with my words. Peace, Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Report

Year-To-Date through September 22, 2014

Total Income $187,048.61

Total Expense $198,641.76

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) ($11,593.15)

Diocesan Support $37,583.45

Total Surplus / (Deficit) $25,990.30

From the Senior warden

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Bob Klassen (Bishop’s Warden)

Larry Kenyon (Junior Warden)

McKee Lundberg (Treasurer)

John Barnabas

Gerry Carlston

Carol Justice

Chris Papaccio

Janie Studt

At Your Service:

Your Bishop’s Committee

Hold October 25th open for "Habitat for St James" Fall work day. A potluck lunch will be held on the outside patio. Some of

the areas we hope to address are: Interior/exterior painting, exterior wall patching, kitchen/attic and church clean up, as well as light planting of bushes, flowers, and work on irrigation lines etc. We will need everyone’s help….. remember we need each of you to give “Just one thing” please give of your time, talent, treasure or telephoning skills and we will get the job done.

We will keep you posted on new things to come!!!!!!!

As always A BIG THANKS for all your help, confidence and support.

Larry Kenyon

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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 Group News

Coming up in October is a fun event for the youth: The Jr and Sr High Lock-in, Friday, October 17th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 am Saturday morning. I would like to find out about how many teens to expect so if your teen plans on coming and is bringing a friend, please email me at eflock@cox.net . Since we will be hungry throughout the night please bring some snacks. Any parents who would like to help chaperone please let me know. Should be a fun night all (Don’t plan on sleeping!!!) I am working on an outreach event at UMOM where teens can go down the UMOM center and read to kids. I need to know who might be available to meet at St. James at 5:15 pm on Tuesday, either November 25th or December 9th. Please let me know right away so I can let them know I will be bringing a group.

Youth Outreach Events:

� October OCC (Operation Christmas Child) We are looking for the following items: wash cloths, bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and sandwich bags. Collection box will be in the back of the church marked with the OCC logo. � Nov. 30th Build a Bear Everyone is welcome to come and stuff some bears for the outreach project. The bears about $12 - $16 to build. Please let me know if you plan on attending the event so I can get that all the details worked out. If you wish to make a donation to the Build a Bear fund there is a Jar on the Side table in the Sanctuary. � Dec. 13th Angel Tree Christmas Party � January Collection for OCC (Operation Christmas Child)

School Supplies (Pencils, note pads and crayons).

Eileen M Flock (480) 586-1124 Email: Eflock@cox.net

EYC Meeting Schedule

2nd Sunday of the month

Treasure Pre K-4th grade Sanctuary Hunters

3rd Sunday of the month

Jr EYC 5th-8th grades Room 4 Sr EYC 9th-12th grades Library

DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2014 Oct 5 Simon C = Kyle BU = Collin

Oct 12 Pamela C = Collin BU = Steve

Oct 19 John B. C= Aly BU = Cam

Oct 26 Pamela C = Morgan BU = Collin

Acolyte Schedule for October 2014

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Valley Interfaith Project will hold its Fall Leaders Convocation on October, 7, 2014 at Shepherd of

the Hills United Church of Christ. Invited speakers include the candidates for the office of

Governor, Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction. These speakers will not

campaign, but will answer questions pertaining to VIP’s Human Development Agenda. There are

also several propositions on the ballot this year. A non-partisan explanation, including the pro

and con supporters will be provided for each proposition. Shepherd of the Hills UCC is located at:

5524 E. Lafayette Blvd., Phoenix, AZ. The time for the Fall Leaders Convocation is 7-8:30pm. For

further information, contact Bob Klassen.

What’s Going On with Outreach this Month?

“An Evening of Music” A very special evening is coming to St James! On Sunday evening, October 19th at 6:30 pm a group of the talented musicians in

our congregation will join together to present a collection of Classics. Appearing will be John McIlray on organ, Randall Rogers

playing the trumpet, Audrey Spence on flute, and Robin Rio and Jim DeFazio presenting vocals. It will be a thrilling evening of

entertainment, something we have all been looking for.

In addition to the musical presentation, refreshments of wine, cheese, fruit & other assorted beverages will be served.

There will be a Silent Auction of exceptional items such as art, jewelry, ballet, theater & sporting event tickets, plus a fabulous

dessert auction.

Seating will be in an elegant Bistro style.

This special event evening can be experienced for only a $10.00 donation per person. Your ticket includes 2 beverages. Additional

beverages are a $3.00 donation each. Tickets for the event are available in advance from Jill Leatherman, Ellie Kenyon and Robin

Hollis. Seating is limited so get your tickets early and bring your friends.

You can assist in this wonderful fund raiser in a number of ways:

⇒ Purchase tickets.

⇒ Bring your music loving friends.

⇒ Distribute flyers to your family, friends, neighbors, and organizations. A supply of the flyers are located on the

table in the narthex.

⇒ Donate Silent Auction items: Do you have season tickets for the ballet, theater, sporting events and would you

be willing to donate an evening? Do you have an art piece that you purchased on a trip which you would love to

donate? How about an interesting set of antique, fine or unusual vintage costume jewelry that you no longer wear

but someone else would treasure. We are looking for the exceptional.

Helping hands for the event:

~ Parking attendants ~ Beverage servers ~ Food servers ~ Ticket table attendants

~ Silent Auction attendant ~ Ushers ~ Set up and clean up crew

Donations of : Cheese, fruit, crackers, quality wine ($5.00 a bottle & up, suggested wine list will be forthcoming); sparkling non

alcoholic beverages, loan of wine glasses, we are going for the high class here.

Sign up sheets for helpers and food are located on the table by the sound booth. Please contact Jill Leatherman: home (480)

284-4595, cell (928) 200-7046 or email nikman4444@gmail.com about your donations and with questions.

God bless you all and let's make this a great & successful fundraiser for St James.

Jill Leatherman

Chairperson

Wednesday’s 4:00-5:00 pm

Room 4 of the Preschool Building

All women welcome!

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St James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James Bookies

October’s book is Keeping

Faith by Jodi Picoult. We

will meet Sunday, October

26th, after the 10:30

service at Paradise Bakery,

Chandler Pavilions, 940 N.

54th Street, Chandler,

85226.

Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, October 23rd 11:30 am

Biscuit’s Cafe

1815 E. Elliot Road, Tempe (SE corner of Elliot & McClintock)

Adult Singles Group

Join us for a movie and a meal afterwards!

Saturday, October 25th

1:00 pm (tentative time)

We’ll meet at St. James and caravan to the movies at the

Chandler Fashion 20 Harkins Theatres. We’ll then go to eat

at Cheddars, 2530 W. Chandler Blvd.

For more info, contact Ellen Rose, (480) 246-9866, or

ellenrose1601@gmail.com.

Bible

Study

TUESDAYTUESDAYTUESDAYTUESDAY October 14thOctober 14thOctober 14thOctober 14th

6:00 pm6:00 pm6:00 pm6:00 pm

Kate Bertrand’s HomeKate Bertrand’s HomeKate Bertrand’s HomeKate Bertrand’s Home 136 E. Myrna, Tempe136 E. Myrna, Tempe136 E. Myrna, Tempe136 E. Myrna, Tempe

Please bring a potluck dish to share!Please bring a potluck dish to share!Please bring a potluck dish to share!Please bring a potluck dish to share!

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DEACON'S CORNERDEACON'S CORNERDEACON'S CORNERDEACON'S CORNER

“Servant Ministries: Acolytes and Deacons”

As Deacons, we are honored to serve our community, ministries, and outreach of St. James as well as each

of our own special diaconate ministries. While our Vicar leads us as a servant leader, we find we are joined in true servant leadership here by our wonderful chalice bearers, lay readers, music worship teams, pastoral

care teams, altar guild and our dedicated acolytes. In ancient times, the “highest” of the minor orders are Acolytes-(major ‘orders’ being Bishops, Priests, and Deacons).

The word acolyteacolyteacolyteacolyte is derived from the word akolouthosakolouthosakolouthosakolouthos, which is the ancient Greek word for an attendant or helper. Acolyte duties include candle lighting, processions and offertory, but the most “important duty

of an Episcopalian acolyte is to be an attentive worshipper and leader during church services”. A key duty of our St. James’ Acolytes is to help the Deacon (or the Vicar) with the setting of the table by attending to

the elements and assisting with the clean up after the Eucharist. Acolytes can be of any age and we are blessed at St. James with a dedicated and conscientious team of individuals

from ages 9 and up. Helping to set the tone for our worship, sharing in the implementation of our liturgy, and serving by example, our team of acolytes

shows us a true perspective in servant leadership. Please let our Acolytes know how much their service means to you as you worship. It is my pleasure

to help lead this team and I cannot say it enough; Thank you to this committed and faithful group of servant leaders!

Blessings, Deacon Robin

St Francis Celebration & Blessing of Animals

Sunday, October 5th 5:00 pm on the Patio

Potluck Supper to Follow!!

we will celebrate the life of St Francis of Assisi, who was known for his

love of all God’s creatures. Come join us for an outdoor service on the Patio and

please bring your pets, large or small, for a blessing!

Please have your pet in a cage or on a leash.

Christian Formation For All — CFFA!!

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Thank you to everyone who attended Family Dinner Night at Barro's Pizza last Tuesday night. In addition to providing great fellowship, these fundraisers help us to restock much needed materials in our preschool.

With October comes the promise of cooler weather and our annual Fall Festival. This year the preschool will be hosting their annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 17th. We are in need of teens to help run the festival booths. If anyone is interested please contact April in the preschool. This is a great opportunity to have some fun while earning community service hours for school.

As always the preschool has room to grow!! It is our goal to provide a quality, Christian based early childhood education to as many young children as possible. Please tell your friends about our amazing school!

Blessings, April

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah! -- Psalm 150:6

Beginning Sunday, October 5th from 9:45 to 10:20 am, Susan+ will be teaching an 8 week series on The Book of Psalms. The Psalter is a magnificent array of songs and poetry bringing alive many of the issues we still face in life today, as well as a wonderfully diverse offering of prayers and worship to God. Studying The Book of Psalms is an amazing way to deepen our faith, and understand our relationships with God and one another. The Book of Psalms brings a whole new dimension to our prayers and worship, and to dealing with all of life’s ups and downs. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen and expand your spiritual life: grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, then join the discussion in the library. We grow from what we learn, but also from the insights we share, especially our experiences of the Living Lord.

Attention Delegates!!

54th Diocesan Convention

October 17-18, 2014 The Sheraton Crescent Hotel

2620 W. Dunlap Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021

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A Word from Father Steve

Christian Formation through Music Our brains are apparently hardwired for music and singing in a way they simply aren’t for things like language and logic. I can still sing “Jack o’ lantern, jack o’ lantern, big and bright and yellow,” which I learned in kindergarten, but I remember virtually nothing else from that entire year of my life. I can croon, word for word in the shower, hymns that were sung in church when I was very small, but I have no recollection whatsoever of any of the sermons I heard. I remember nothing (and I do mean n o t h i n g ) a b o u t h i g h s c h o o l trigonometry, but I sometimes still sing to myself the Simon and Garfunkel songs which were popular while I was suffering through that.

Music and songs “Abide With Me,” just as they do with everyone else, both now and through ages past. In fact, the most ancient known passage of Scripture (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15:1-15) began its life as a sung ballad. Hymns popular among the Levites in the reign of Solomon and even earlier (The Book of Psalms) continue to sung and pondered and prayed to this very day. Hardwired songs in our brains, apparently, can be hotwired into our souls. When that happens, the result might well be faith. The earliest Christians sustained their spirits, after all, by singing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” together (Col 3:16). We continue to do that today.

What constitute spiritual songs for us personally? One of them, for me, is Lesbia Scott’s simple hymn (sung to the tune called Grand Isle) which I learned as a kid and continues to inspire me at age 61: “[F]or the saints of God are just folk like me, and I mean to be one too” (The Hymnal 1982, no. 293). Another of importance to me is Simon and

Garfunkel’s “American Tune,” the melody of which is taken from a chorale in Bach’s St Matthew Passion (so there’s a degree of class in my musical taste that’s totally absent in all other parts of my life). And the words clearly speak to my soul.

Paul Simon’s haunting lyrics initially give voice to the regrets and disappointments I’ve felt in my journey through life all too frequently. “Many's the time I've been mistaken, And many times confused. And I've often felt forsaken, And certainly misused.” But who hasn’t? “I don't know a soul who's not been battered,” Simon continues, “Don't have a friend who feels at ease; Don't know a dream that's not been shattered, Or driven to its knees.” ”[W]hen I think of the road we're traveling on, I wonder what went wrong.” It kind of echoes the Book of Lamentations, as it does a number of Psalms.

The song goes on, however, to describe a dream which in my mind can’t be shattered, as I’ve grafted it

onto my soul as an article of faith. “And I dreamed I was dying. I dreamed my soul rose unexpectedly, And looking back down on me, Smiled reassuringly… And I dreamed I was flying. And far above, my eyes could clearly see… And I dreamed I was flying.”

A dream inspired by music becomes a hope and even a promise once it’s become part of one’s soul. Paul Simon’s “scr ipture devoid of Scripture” just happened to instill in me the eternal Christian truths that “unity… overcome[s] estrangement, forgiveness heal[s] guilt, and joy conquer[s] despair” (BCP, p. 429). It ultimately assures me, beyond any doubt, of my own eventual resurrection.

Over the course of more than thirty years of priesthood, yet another song has bumped around in my head to the point that it’s joined with my soul. This one is Scripture, just like the Psalms and the canticles. It’s Suzanne Toolan’s adaptation of John 6:32-40, set to her own simple tune. “The Bread that I shall give is my Flesh for the life of the world. And they who eat of this bread, they shall live forever… I am the resurrection, I am the life. They who believe in me, even if they die, they shall live forever… [A]nd I will raise them up on the last day” (The Hymnal 1982, no. 335).

Music and songs abide in us in ways that words and logic don’t. Songs become Scripture, and scriptural (and even quasi-scriptural) songs can touch our hearts and become part of our souls. If there’s a more effective tool in Christian formation than music, I have yet to come across it.

Father Steve+

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Please join us in supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month

It’s been all over the news recently from NFL footballers to Federal Judges. Domestic violence happens at every level of society. But domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period. If you are in a violent or abusive relationship, there is help. Maybe you have lived with abuse, maybe it happened just once; maybe you work or live next to someone who is being abused right now.

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars. Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love.

There are many signs of an abusive relationship. The most telling sign is fear of your partner. If you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around your partner-constantly watching what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up-chances are your relationship is unhealthy and potentially abusive. Other signs that you may be in an abusive relationship include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.

To determine whether your relationship is abusive, answer the questions below. The more "yes" answers, the more likely it is that you're in an abusive relationship.

Do you:

• feel afraid of your partner much of the time? • avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner? • feel that you can't do anything right for your partner? • believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? • wonder if you're the one who is crazy? • feel emotionally numb or helpless?

Does your partner:

• humiliate or yell at you? • criticize you and put you down? • treat you so badly that you're embarrassed for your friends or family to see? • ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments? • blame you for his/her own abusive behavior? • see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?

You don't have to live in fear:

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at:

1-800-799-7233

www.thehotline.org