10
Volume 8, Issue 3 March 2016 Matters of Life and Death A s we progress through our Lenten journey towards Easter, we’ll continue to reframe our perspective with an intentional look at God’s gracious gifts for abundant life. So far we’ve covered the gift of reconciliation that enables forgiveness by pondering the beauty of healing in a way that honors the experiences of our lives, rather than brushing them aside. After all, in the resurrection, Jesus’ own wounds are perfectly healed, but still visible. We’ve also considered God’s generosity, especially in the life and ministry of Jesus, but also in the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our response to God’s gifts. Our trust and faith in the Lord constantly reframes the gift of hope, which in turn expands our freedom in Christ, and fills us to overflowing with God’s gifts of compassion and kindness, goodness and love. As Lent progresses and transitions into Holy Week and culminates in a glorious celebration of Easter, we still have much to learn about God’s gift of abundant life! A s a specific period of time – 40 days – Lent offers us many blessings, but it’s also God’s gift of time that gives us the opportunity to become more intentional and flexible about the reality of transformative living. That is setting aside the things that lead to spiritual death. As the journey continues, we’ll be looking at hunger and our appetites from the perspective of the prodigal son, and hearing more about God’s gracious and loving provision in all aspects of our lives. As a matter of life, our salvation is assured through God’s grace and our faith in Christ Jesus. God’s love and loving presence constantly sustains us in this life, and shows us the way to even greater freedom. A s if to complete a theme begun on Ash Wednesday, both Palm Sunday and Good Friday bring us face-to-face with the stark reality of death, and how God helps us face our own mortality. If death sends shivers of fear through you, then walking with Jesus through his Holy Week journey will help you to face your fears. God’s perfect love drives out fear, and Jesus’ example assures us that God hears our prayers, and provides precisely what we need, when we need it. Our worship and prayers show us how to be humble and vulnerable in a way that empowers us, giving us strength and courage to face all life’s challenges. If we need healing, comfort or compassion, then God’s healing, peace, and presence are available to all in this loving community of faith. God’s transforming grace gently opens our hearts and minds to a new way of seeing and being in the world. U ltimately, we are children of the resurrection, filled with confident hope and joy. All the fruit of the Spirit are available to us, as is God’s forgiveness and healing. In Christ there’s abundant life in this world, and the assurance of new and unending life in Him, when our earthly journey is complete. The reality of resurrection living inspires us to deeper, broader, and more expansive love in all our relationships. We are Christ’s body, blessed to share God’s love in our lives and ministries. Susan + Look Inside For. . . Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Page 3 Ladies Tea Page 4 In Appreciation Holy Week Schedule Confession Page 5 Fellowship Opportunities Community Outreach Page 6 Youth Group in Action Acolyte Schedule Page 7 Gathered Around the Cross ERD Sunday Page 8 CFFA Lent to Lent Challenge Stewardship Notes Page 9 Diocesan Events Birdsong Luncheon Craft Group Page 10 2016 Lenten Study Lent Madness 2016 Easter Flowers

Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    4

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Volume 8, Issue 3

March 2016

Matters of Life and Death

AAAA s we progress through our Lenten journey towards Easter, we’ll continue to reframe our perspective with an intentional look at God’s gracious gifts for abundant life. So far we’ve covered the gift of reconciliation that enables

forgiveness by pondering the beauty of healing in a way that honors the experiences of our lives, rather than brushing them aside. After all, in the resurrection, Jesus’ own wounds are perfectly healed, but still visible. We’ve also considered God’s generosity, especially in the life and ministry of Jesus, but also in the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our response to God’s gifts. Our trust and faith in the Lord constantly reframes the gift of hope, which in turn expands our freedom in Christ, and fills us to overflowing with God’s gifts of compassion and kindness, goodness and love. As Lent progresses and transitions into Holy Week and culminates in a glorious celebration of Easter, we still have much to learn about God’s gift of abundant life!

AAAA s a specific period of time – 40 days – Lent offers us many blessings, but it’s also God’s gift of time that gives us the opportunity to become more intentional and flexible about the reality of transformative living. That is

setting aside the things that lead to spiritual death. As the journey continues, we’ll be looking at hunger and our appetites from the perspective of the prodigal son, and hearing more about God’s gracious and loving provision in all aspects of our lives. As a matter of life, our salvation is assured through God’s grace and our faith in Christ Jesus. God’s love and loving presence constantly sustains us in this life, and shows us the way to even greater freedom.

AAAA s if to complete a theme begun on Ash Wednesday, both Palm Sunday and Good Friday bring us face-to-face with the stark reality of death, and how God helps us face our own mortality. If death sends shivers of fear through

you, then walking with Jesus through his Holy Week journey will help you to face your fears. God’s perfect love drives out fear, and Jesus’ example assures us that God hears our prayers, and provides precisely what we need, when we need it. Our worship and prayers show us how to be humble and vulnerable in a way that empowers us, giving us strength and courage to face all life’s challenges. If we need healing, comfort or compassion, then God’s healing, peace, and presence are available to all in this loving community of faith. God’s transforming grace gently opens our hearts and minds to a new way of seeing and being in the world.

UUUU ltimately, we are children of the resurrection, filled with confident hope and joy. All the fruit of the Spirit are available to us, as is God’s forgiveness and healing. In Christ there’s abundant life in this world, and the assurance

of new and unending life in Him, when our earthly journey is complete. The reality of resurrection living inspires us to deeper, broader, and more expansive love in all our relationships. We are Christ’s body, blessed to share God’s love in our lives and ministries.

Susan+

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Page 3

Ladies Tea

Page 4 In Appreciation

Holy Week Schedule Confession

Page 5

Fellowship Opportunities Community Outreach

Page 6

Youth Group in Action Acolyte Schedule

Page 7

Gathered Around the Cross ERD Sunday

Page 8 CFFA

Lent to Lent Challenge Stewardship Notes

Page 9

Diocesan Events Birdsong Luncheon

Craft Group

Page 10 2016 Lenten Study Lent Madness 2016

Easter Flowers

Page 2: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Financial Snapshot 2016 is off to a good start. Expenses so far are on

budget. Contributions are more than forecast. And

Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center began

using our preschool rooms a month sooner than expected.

The net result is that we are showing a profit even before

the support provided by the Diocese.

Thank you for your generous contributions. Please continue

your financial support for St. James. You can use SimpleGive to make a single donation, or set up

scheduled donations. To get the right link to our account, either click on the “SimpleGive” logo

on our web page, or the “Donate Now” button on FB. If you prefer a TEXT link, text an amount to:

(480) 725-3889.

McKee Lundberg

Treasurer’s Report

Year-To-Date through Feb. 23, 2016

Total Income $36,610.48

Total Expense $30,315.62

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $6,294.86

Diocesan Support $4,166.66

Total Surplus / (Deficit) $10,461.52

Page 2Page 2Page 2Page 2

“There is something special happening here”. This is a statement I heard a couple of weeks ago. This made me think a little and I came to the same conclusion. There is something special happening here. We have unbelievable music, the liturgy is beautiful and more people are taking part in all of our outreach ministries. Something special is happening here. Everyone is showing that they really want to help around St. James. Without much fanfare, we have had several projects where help came both financially and physically. This has greatly helped us in welcoming SARRC’s Community School to our campus. When we have people wanting to help, wanting to reach out and wanting to stay after the service to visit, it shows that there really is something special happening here. Peace, Bob Klassen

From the Senior Warden

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 17th

6:30 pm

Bob Klassen (Bishop’s Warden)

Larry Kenyon (Junior Warden)

McKee Lundberg (Treasurer)

Gerry Carlston

Carol Justice

Al Larson

Chris Papaccio

Janie Studt

At Your Service:

Your Bishop’s Committee

The struggle between sin and salvation is not confined to some inner world . . . it is fought out

in the economic and political, and in the cultural and ecclesiastical spheres as well.

– Donald Dorr, Catholic missionary priest

Page 3: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Page 3Page 3Page 3Page 3

You Are Cordially invited to the 4th Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 4th Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 4th Annual St. James Ladies TeaYou Are Cordially invited to the 4th Annual St. James Ladies Tea Date:Date:Date:Date: April 30, 2016

Time:Time:Time:Time: 2:00 until 4:00 p.m.

We Will Serve:We Will Serve:We Will Serve:We Will Serve: Delightful Tea Sandwiches, Dainty Desserts and Delicious Tea

Cost: Cost: Cost: Cost: $10.00 for the Tea

This year we are having a Fancy Hat Contest! The Ladies Tea is coming soon! Tickets will go on sale March 13th and are limited. If you would like to help plan the tea

please come to a planning meeting on Tuesday, March 8th in the library at 9:30 am. Please let Eileen know if you plan on

attending.

Below are the baskets that Eileen is looking to create for the raffle. (She would gladly accept gift cards to purchase any of the following items for the baskets): Wine basket

2 bottles of Red wine 2 bottles of white 2 bottles of dessert wine Wine glasses Cheese knife Cheese board Crackers Spa Basket White Bathrobe White slippers Blue bath sheet Blue hand towels Blue wash cloths Face masks Facial soap Body wash Sugar scrub Margarita Basket Tequila Margarita mix Margarita salt Margarita glasses Gift card to a Mexican restaurant Colorful napkins, place mats

Cat Lover Basket Cat toys Cat bed Treats Food dishes Collar Dog Lover Basket Dog toys Dog bed Treats Food dishes Collar/leash Please see Eileen for the items to purchase for the following baskets: Death by Chocolate

Book Lover’s Basket

Candle Basket

Italian Basket

Cookie Basket

Gift Card Basket

International Basket

Page 4: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Page 4Page 4Page 4Page 4

What an awesome group of folks we have at St. James Church. Ask and it is What an awesome group of folks we have at St. James Church. Ask and it is What an awesome group of folks we have at St. James Church. Ask and it is What an awesome group of folks we have at St. James Church. Ask and it is

provided. You all are so special.provided. You all are so special.provided. You all are so special.provided. You all are so special. Thanks to Ricco Rodriguez for building the new

railing for the loft opening at the top of the steps. This new railing will keep all our

parishioners safe when going up to deposit or retrieve things from our loft.

A special thank you to Larry Kenyon II, Randy Maughan, McKee Lundberg and Bob

Klassen for removing the last of the unwanted furniture, books, papers etc. from

the preschool in preparation for the new SARCC Preschool licensing and official opening. We are

grateful to Devin Bowie for removing and disposing all the un-useable computers from the preschool.

He has recycled them so they have a new life in another form.

The nursery has a lovely new clean look thanks to Eileen Flock and her sons, Brandon and Dylan.

Thanks for painting and organizing everything in Room 86 in anticipation of new ”little people” using

the room.

The Men’s Bible Study Group (with incredible help from Jill Leatherman, Vickey Hall, and Kim Gillespie)

prepared a wonderful Pancake Supper for Shrove Tuesday. The food and fellowship brought well over

$300 to support our Watkins meal service ministry.

Reconciliation of a Penitent & Individual Confession: The season of Lent is a particularly

appropriate time to consider the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent (see pages 446-

452 in the Book of Common Prayer). Confession is an ancient practice of the Church

and is not confined to any season of the year. However, many choose to make a formal

confession during Lent. If you have any questions, or would like an appointment to

make your confession, please let Susan+ know.

March 20 Palm Sunday 8:30 am & 10:30 am

March 22 Tenebrae 7:00 pm

March 23 Healing Service 5:30 pm The Way of the Cross 6:30 pm

March 24 Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm

March 25 Good Friday Noon & 7:00 pm

March 26 The Great Vigil 8:00 pm

March 27 Easter Sunday 7:00 am, 8:30 am & 10:30 am

Schedule of Worship

Page 5: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Tuesday, March 8th 6:00 pm

La Casa de JuanaLa Casa de JuanaLa Casa de JuanaLa Casa de Juana 1805 E. Elliot Road, Tempe1805 E. Elliot Road, Tempe1805 E. Elliot Road, Tempe1805 E. Elliot Road, Tempe

St James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James Bookies

March’s book is “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion. We

will meet Sunday, march 27th, after the 10:30 service at The

Paradise Bakery in the Chandler Pavilions, 940 N. 54th

Street, Chandler, 85226.

Page 5Page 5Page 5Page 5

Join Us

for Lunch!!

Thursday, March 24th

11:15 am

Biscuit’s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix

(SW corner 48th & Elliot)

Making the Palm Crosses An evening of family fun, fellowship, and food - Saturday, March 19th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Hermstein’s (540 S. Aspen Drive, Chandler). All ages welcome! Come learn this ancient art and enjoy soup & salad. We will eat while we make the crosses for Sunday morning. Instructions provided. Please check the Sunday bulletin for more details.

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, March 11th. 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:

April 8 May 13 June 10

Page 6: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Page 6Page 6Page 6Page 6

I have talked to the youth about stewardship, so starting in March I am going to offer a collection container in each of the

classrooms. At the end of the month we will then talk about where they would like to donate the money for that month as well

as the upcoming months. I am looking at a couple of options that I will present to the youth the last week in March. Please

talk to the youth in your family about stewardship and giving each Sunday.

Calendar dates for upcoming events for our youth:

� March 13 Treasure Hunter’s (Elementary age youth welcome)

� March 20 Jr-Sr EYC

� March 20 after EYC please stay for a ½ hour to stuff eggs for the Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday March 27th.

� March 22 Tenebrae service is a youth run service in the evening. Please contact Robin Hollis for details if interested.

� April 2 Practice for Youth Sunday

� April 3 Youth Sunday (Dave will be contacting you about participation)

I am looking for some help with providing meals for the youth and staff on March 13th and March 20th. Please email me if

you are able to help. Thank you.

VBS is right around the corner if you are interested in helping with staffing please let me know right away. I would like to

start having a couple of staff meetings in mid-March. Feel free to email me at [email protected].

Thank you,

Eileen Flock

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. Be there - bring a friend!

DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2016 March 6 Barbara C= Aly BU= Nyah

March 13 Pamela P. C= Pam H. BU= Brandon

March 20 John B. C= Collin BU= Nyah

Saturday, March 26 Easter Vigil 8 pm C= Steve BU= Ashley C.

March 27

Easter Sunday

C= Pamela

TB= Barbara

C= Aly TB= Dylan & Pam H. BU= Aly

Thursday, March 24 Maundy Thursday 7pm C= Ashley C. BU= Steve

Acolyte Schedule for March 2016

� Craft Station

� Snack Station

� Crew Leaders

� Game Station

� Bible Story Station

� Assistant Crew Leaders

� Music Station

� Assistant VBS Director

Page 7: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Page 7Page 7Page 7Page 7

Gathered Around the Cross

T he story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion is a rich and detail-laden story. We could spend hours discussing parts of

phrases, but how much better it might be if we could just have some of the feeling we get in that old spiritual “Were

You There When They Crucified My Lord?” Something hauntingly spiritual and powerful lives in that question. In truth,

even those who were there may not have had any idea about what was really taking place. Only in retrospect, especially

with the perspective of faith, do some people like the writers of the Gospels tell us that something cosmically significant and

everlastingly important was taking place at the moment when Jesus was on that cross.

I f we take the perspective of John’s Gospel, we find that Jesus must look hard in order to discover any true friends in the

crowds gathered around the cross. But look he does, and in the process he sees his

mother, and the disciple whom he loved. John tells us that two other women were

there as well, his mother’s sister, and Mary Magdalene, and some others. Soldiers are

nearby, and two others are being crucified with him, but in John’s telling of this story

Jesus doesn’t talk with them. Far into the background are Pilate and the chief priests,

and off in hiding are all the rest of the disciples, including bold Peter, sulking now for

having denied Jesus.

W hat looks like defeat is, strangely, the fulfillment of a life directed toward such a

moment. At least in John’s Gospel the picture we have of Jesus is of someone

who is about as far from a helpless victim as you can get. It isn’t that he would wish his

death, for indeed he had prayed with real tears that this was a cup which might be

taken away. But when finally the time comes for him to drink this cup, he does so with

a kind of commanding presence that has eternal consequences. His final words, so difficult to utter because it takes his last

breath to get them out, are “It is finished.”

W hat was finished, of course, was just about to start. Except for those four who stood by the cross, it will take a while before they can come to terms with what happened. It will take some time for his disciples to be regathered and

spirited for the missionary work that lies before them. It will take some time before Paul gets turned around by a bolt of

lightning. A number of years will pass before some followers feel compelled to write down the entire story. Many of us

can identify with them at this point as we testify to the time it has taken us to get to this point in our faith walk.

O n that cross-marked day so long ago only Jesus, it seems, had any inkling about the eternal ramifications of what was

taking place. Now we find ourselves reflecting on what took place on the day Jesus died. From the perspective of

the cross, when Jesus said “It is finished,” he was saying that the bridge of reconciliation was finally and completely

established. This bridge moreover was laid down in love and sacrifice and meant for everyone in the world. All who walk

into this forgiveness will need to pause by his cross and see Jesus looking at them with the love he had for his mother and

that disciple. Praise God that he looks at us with the same love.

– by George H. Martin,

excerpted with permission from The Clergy Journal, © Logos Productions

This year’s Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) Sunday will be March 13th. Information on sharing your generosity to help alleviate suffering and injustice throughout the world can be found in the back of the ERD Lenten Meditation booklet, or simply make checks payable to St. James with “ERD” in the memo line.

Page 8: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Page 8Page 8Page 8Page 8

Christian Formation (CFFA)

Our study of Food in the Bible continues this month. It’s never too late to join the fun, because there’s more to God’s provision of our daily bread than you might imagine. Food is essential to life, and that includes spiritual food that helps us grow in faith, and deepen all our relationships. All are welcome as we gather in the library each Sunday at 9:45 am to explore God’s Word on food, our appetites, and the social justice implications for abundant life. All you need is an open mind and heart, because that’s where all our learning,

growing, and sharing begins!

Susan+

The Lent to Lent Bible Challenge Continues. . .

“More than 500,000 Episcopalians in the U.S. and Anglicans around the world have already benefited from The Bible Challenge in 2,500 churches and 50 countries. It’s free! It’s God’s Word. Don’t miss out!” Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling way to spiritual growth? This year we are reading the whole Bible in a year

from Lent to Lent. There are still copies of the reading schedule available in the narthex. The study involves reading

portions of the Bible with texts from the Old Testament, a Psalm, and the New Testament each day. The challenge

involves reading Scripture 6 days a week, and assumes that we’ll hear God’s Word on Sundays. If reading the whole Bible

in a year seems too daunting there are other options available to kick start your commitment to spiritual growth immersed

in God’s Word. For example: read the New Testament, read the Book of Psalms, or read the Gospels.

I’ll be around at coffee hour (after the 10:30am service) on the first and third Sunday of each month if you have questions

or want to share your experiences and insights. Or feel free to call me or stop by the office to discuss your progress and

questions. Discover what a difference God’s Word can make in every aspect of your life: take the Bible challenge!

Susan+

Stewardship Notes:Stewardship Notes:Stewardship Notes:Stewardship Notes: Thoughts from Bishop Robert IhloffThoughts from Bishop Robert IhloffThoughts from Bishop Robert IhloffThoughts from Bishop Robert Ihloff

At the beginning of Lent we hear the story of Jesus’ temptation in At the beginning of Lent we hear the story of Jesus’ temptation in At the beginning of Lent we hear the story of Jesus’ temptation in At the beginning of Lent we hear the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. “We are often tempted not to live up to our highest the wilderness. “We are often tempted not to live up to our highest the wilderness. “We are often tempted not to live up to our highest the wilderness. “We are often tempted not to live up to our highest potential as children of God. Like Jesus, our temptations may not be potential as children of God. Like Jesus, our temptations may not be potential as children of God. Like Jesus, our temptations may not be potential as children of God. Like Jesus, our temptations may not be so much to do evil as to choose some less good. Often we do this so much to do evil as to choose some less good. Often we do this so much to do evil as to choose some less good. Often we do this so much to do evil as to choose some less good. Often we do this with our giving. We choose to be less giving than we know we with our giving. We choose to be less giving than we know we with our giving. We choose to be less giving than we know we with our giving. We choose to be less giving than we know we could be, less generous than we think we should be. Subtly, the could be, less generous than we think we should be. Subtly, the could be, less generous than we think we should be. Subtly, the could be, less generous than we think we should be. Subtly, the devil tempts us to think that our gift is sufficient. Lent is a time for devil tempts us to think that our gift is sufficient. Lent is a time for devil tempts us to think that our gift is sufficient. Lent is a time for devil tempts us to think that our gift is sufficient. Lent is a time for reminding us that the Lord calls us to the highest form of reminding us that the Lord calls us to the highest form of reminding us that the Lord calls us to the highest form of reminding us that the Lord calls us to the highest form of discipleship and the most challenging aspects of giving. Lent calls discipleship and the most challenging aspects of giving. Lent calls discipleship and the most challenging aspects of giving. Lent calls discipleship and the most challenging aspects of giving. Lent calls us to be more generous and to take hold of life to its fullest.”us to be more generous and to take hold of life to its fullest.”us to be more generous and to take hold of life to its fullest.”us to be more generous and to take hold of life to its fullest.”

Each of you must give Each of you must give Each of you must give Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, as you have made up your mind, as you have made up your mind, as you have made up your mind,

not reluctantly or not reluctantly or not reluctantly or not reluctantly or under compulsion, under compulsion, under compulsion, under compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver. for God loves a cheerful giver. for God loves a cheerful giver. for God loves a cheerful giver.

(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Page 9: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

Page 9Page 9Page 9Page 9

Diocesan Events

The Ninth Annual Lay Leadership Retreat is coming up on March 4 - March 6, 2016. This retreat is designed for new and returning Bishop’s Committee members as well as wardens, clerks and treasurers. This year’s speaker is Canon Mary Parmer, a congregational development consultant. She currently serves as Director of the Gathering of Leaders, a national leadership gathering of young Episcopal clergy, and is creator and developer of Invite-Welcome-Connect. The cost of the retreat is $137-205 depending on room preference. You can register via the Diocesan website, http://azdiocese.org/digital_faith/events/3158962.

Chapel Rock Sunday: Bishop Smith has designated March 6th as Chapel Rock Sunday throughout the Diocese. On that day, the Bishop is asking each church and congregation members to support the Chapel Rock Campership Fund for the benefit of our children and youth. The experiences that our campers have at Chapel Rock are life changing and extraordinary. Every year, when we read camper evaluations, camper after camper says, "That was the best week of my summer!" It is fun, Christ-centered, and provides the opportunity to grow closer to God through the beauty and power of our Episcopal Church traditions. Please join with us in changing lives and help send children and youth to camp this summer! There will be a collection taken to support the campership fund Sunday, March 6th. You can also go to Chapel Rock’s website, www.chapelrock.net/donate.htm to contribute securely online.

Family Camp: (July 7-10) Unplug and Reconnect Family Camp is an opportunity to use your family vacation time to unplug from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with your children and with the God who made you a family. Chapel Rock is a place where there is space and time to listen to God and to each other. We will experience prayer, music, free time exploring the beauty of Prescott, and old-fashioned camp fun. Invest in your family, and come join us! For more information or to register, visit Chapel Rock's website.

Calling all Crafters! We are blessed to have many members who are gifted with their hands in making all kinds of crafts – so why not get together every week and enjoy making crafts together here at St. James?

Please look for the signup sheet, add your name and note the day/time that works best for you, as well as they day/times that you would be available to meet in the library.

We planning for a craft fair to be held at St. James in October, including beautiful fair trade gifts from SERRV, children and youth crafts to raise money for the children that we serve through Angel Tree, and a trunk sale with a portion of the proceeds for St. James. It would be great if our own crafters would like to donate some of their handmade gifts for the fair to support the outreach ministries of St. James. Thanks for signing up and huge thanks for sharing your incredible gifts!

St James supports

UMOM

at the

Annual Birdsong Luncheon

Sunday, February 28

Page 10: Matters of Life and Death - Amazon S3 · March 2016 Matters of Life and Death ... the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides us into more expansive generosity in our ... Tickets will

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.

Flowering the Cross: Everyone is invited to bring flowers from their gardens on Easter morning to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and flower the cross on Easter Sunday. This is an especially striking and beautiful way to symbolize the resurrection life!

Page 10Page 10Page 10Page 10

2016 Lenten Study: Romero: A study of transformation through faith

Join our Deacons each Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8 pm for a soup supper, ending March 16ending March 16ending March 16ending March 16thththth. This five week

study is based on the 1989 (PG-13) movie “Romero”.

Romero (1989) is the true, compelling, and deeply moving look at the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador,

who made the ultimate sacrifice in a passionate stand against social injustice and oppression in his country. This film

chronicles the transformation of Romero from an apolitical, complacent priest to a committed leader of the Salvadoran

people. His strength in his faith led to his transformation and offers us insight into our own spirituality. This film stars

the late Raul Julia and is rated PG-13. A workbook will be provided. Our discussion and reflection will revolve around

each week’s themes found listed below:

Week 3 March 2nd 6:30 to 8:00 pm A culture of justice and purpose

Week 4 March 9th 6:30 to 8:00 pm Challenges & joys of the Good News

Week 5 March 16th 6:30 to 8:00 pm Faith in Action: Spirituality, Redemption & Love

Please feel free to drop in as often as you can. If you have any questions, please see Deacon Pat, Deacon Fritz, or Deacon

Robin ([email protected] or (480) 242-7178). See you Wednesdays!

Yes, Lent Madness continues!! Get your Halo on!! Open to all ages!!

Learn about these saintly folks, forecast the “winner”, and win the right to direct a donation to any of our St. James’ Ministries! This is a fun and engaging way for a very special kind of Lenten Devotion. Continuing through Lent, 32 Saints are paired off just like the basketball March Madness. Two Episcopal priests developed this idea as a way to help people of all ages to better understand those who have been instrumental in our Christian formation and Episcopal traditions. You can join the team by picking up one of the free booklets “The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness 2016: Saintly

Scorecard”. The booklets are next to the sound booth. Each booklet includes a bracket card at the back of the book; and new this year, prior Golden Halo winners ‘trading’ cards!! In our Fellowship

area a large poster-size bracket will follow the results on a weekly basis. Put your name on the

sign-up sheet with your pick for the Golden Halo by March 20th and be in the running to win the right to designate the Lent Madness Donation Pool to any of our St. James ministries and of course receive your own “Golden Halo”. The website for voting, videos and more can be found at www.lentmadness.org. For more information or questions, please see Deacon Robin. Get your Halo on!