Volume 9, Issue 8

August 2017

DDDD o you remember when strawberries were only available for a few weeks in summertime? Of course, global

markets, modern transportation and agricultural techniques have significantly increased the availability of a variety of fruit throughout the year. It was also interesting to be in tropical climes, and to taste and see some of the more unusual, exotic fruits like soursop, breadfruit, noni, fresh lychees, and dragon fruit. We were also blessed to pick and eat fresh papaya from the garden tree. Many of these tropical fruits are reputed to have medicinal properties, and are often high in antioxidants. In other words, fruit is good for us!

SSSS piritual fruit is also a force for good in our lives and part of our spiritual growth and development as followers of Jesus. As we

continue our season of growth in these numbered weeks after the Day of Pentecost, we have the gift of time to develop some new fruit in our lives, to nurture the fruit that we’re already growing, and to celebrate all that’s come to fruition in our personal lives, our community life, and all our ministries.

OOOO n the other hand, if we feel like our fruit isn’t growing, is dying on the tree, or not as abundant as we’d

hoped then there’s also the challenge of getting back on track with God’s help, refocusing on our spiritual lives, and getting grounded again. Here are some ways to rediscover and grow abundantly in God’s love and the fruit of the Spirit. First and foremost, re-connect. Christ came in the flesh to connect with us personally, and to reconcile the whole world to God in Himself. We follow Christ’s example, when we get connected with a healthy faith community and stay connected through regular participation in worship and other activities. Whatever is going on in our lives, the very best place to be is amongst those who love us unconditionally, and accept us without question or judgment. That is our spiritual family here at St. James! This is where we receive soul food to strengthen us for growth, love and encouragement to lift our

spirits, and plenty of opportunity to look beyond ourselves. Serving others is a great way to make a difference, grow in the fruit of the Spirit, and get our own lives in perspective.

PPPP raising the Lord and worshipping God is just a beginning! Our fellowship and hospitality extends far beyond Sunday

with prayers offered for all, and with times to gather and share for meals, for Christian formation, for Taizé style meditation, for healing, for centering prayer, for advocacy, and for other ministries to the broader community. Hospitality and welcome to all, respecting the dignity of all God’s children is a way of life that is alive in each of us every day. God is always present to us. The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness and kindness, gentleness, generosity, faithfulness and self-control) are always available to us wherever we are and whatever we’re doing.

AAAA s a foundational practice, we also connect with God in prayer. Our words, images or thoughts don’t have to be

fancy or perfect, after all, the Lord knows what’s in our hearts and minds. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Like every conversation it’s best when we don’t do all the talking, but take time to listen as well. By talking to God we open ourselves to God’s presence and love. By listening to God, we align our wills with God’s will. Just as we’re cut off from that estranged relative we haven’t talked to for years, if we don’t pray, we become cut off from God, from the source of all life and love. If prayer is difficult, then persistence is the key. From time to time, we can all feel like the man who knocks and knocks on his neighbor’s door asking for bread until the neighbor answers. God always hears our prayers. We don’t always get what we ask for (thank God!), but we do receive what we need. There’s no limit or boundaries to God’s love or ability to hear our prayers. Just like Jesus, we can pray without ceasing. As we draw closer to the Lord, the fruit of our lives invariably increases. So let it grow, let is grow, let it grow!

SSSSuuuussssaaaannnn++++

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

UMOM Meal Service

Page 3 Youth Group First Fruits

Page 4

Fellowship Opportunities Deacon’s Corner

Page 5 C FFA

Adult Bible Classes

Page 6 God’s Work

Acolyte Schedule Acolyte Training

Page 7

Evening of Music

Page 8 Around the Diocese

Children & Family Ministries

fruit everywhere

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 20th

6:30 pm

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From the Senior Warden On the road again… Willie Nelson’s iconic song describes the past two weeks. We recently

spent two weeks RV’n through northern New Mexico and returning by way of Colorado. I

freely admit that my love leans towards Santa Fe and Taos. My mother’s generation was the

first to leave the mountain where home was in the village of Truchas. The highlight from this

part of our trip was being able to revisit El Santuario de Chimayo. This is not just a holy site

for the Roman Catholic tradition, but more importantly it is a holy site for all who live within

this culture. Catholic and protestant alike believe in the power of healing of El Santuario. There

is a cultural relationship here that encompasses all. Our time of retreat here seeking healing was

beyond special. Oh, and if you ever get the chance, Rancho de Chimayo restaurant is the best you will find if you like New

Mexican food and Chimayo chile.

We took a couple of weeks finding cool comfort from the blistering temperatures in Tempe. Many nights were spent

sleeping above 8000’ elevation. The comfort we received from escaping the heat took many hours and miles to find. The

comfort St. James provides is as close as the corner of Warner and Rural Roads. For this comfort, it is great to be home!

Peace,

Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Update We updated the quarterly results to reflect the full second

quarter (April 1 through June 30) vs. the partial quarter

(April 1 through June 24) we reported last month. Total

Income is higher than budgeted due to contributions to the

Outreach Endowment Fund and special donations to Operating

Income reserve. We continue to do a good job of managing

our expenses to budget.

Please let us know if you have questions or would like

additional information.

In Christ,

Ann Marie Bartholomew (abellamybartholomew@hotmail.com) and

Mary Hovden (maryhovden@gmail.com)

Co-Treasurers

Total Income $72,829.97

Total Expense $61,010.75

Surplus / (Deficit) $11,819.22

Diocesan Support $ 2,083.35

Net Income $13,902.57

$57,172.74

$61,737.72

$-4,564.97

$2,499.99

$-2,064.98

Actual Budgeted

April 1 through June 30, 2017

“Faith, and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayerless life. The life of the individual believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer.” - - E.M. Bounds

St. James Monthly Outreach to our hungry neighbors is

at the UMOM Halle 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, August

11th. The Halle shelter is located at 3333 E. Van Buren

Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. It’s across the street from the

main UMOM campus on Van Buren. . Anyone who is 13 years

and up is welcome to be part of the team. Also, please

remember that if you sign up you are committing to show up,

otherwise we’ll be short staffed. If you sign up and can’t come

please arrange for a replacement.

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The end of summer and the start of school means a busy time for us and our families. VBS was a great success - we all had a great time learning about Jesus. We have been raising donations for Lost My Home Pet Foundation, a great community service project. The donations will be dropped off early next week. Thank you all who have made donations, they are much appreciated. The youth will be putting together more hygiene bags for the homeless on August 20th before lunch. Items we need:

� Snacks (Items that will not melt would be much appreciated) � Gallon size Ziploc bags

Treasure Hunter’s and EYC are to resume on Sunday August 20th 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Lunch will be tacos (if you would like to bring something to help please contact Eileen).

Main meal - Eileen will provide (taco meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, soft & hard shells and sour cream)

Desert - help welcome Drinks - help welcome

If you can sign up to help with to bring the main course for the lunches please let me know. Thank you.

⇒ September - ⇒ October - ⇒ November - ⇒ December -

The youth will be selling cork key chains for $2.00 each starting on Sunday, July 30th through August 27th. Our next fund raiser will be pumpkins made of corks. Sales will begin September 17th and continue through October 22nd. We will be collecting corks through the end of 2017!!

Thank you,

Eileen Flock eflock@cox.net

First Fruits Sunday, August 6th! We celebrate the first Sunday of each month as First Fruits Sunday. Thanks to all who already bring in non-perishable food items. Your gifts make a difference. This is a great way to put our faith into action, and to continue our Lord’s mission to care for, and feed our hungry neighbors.

The greatness of community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace and a soul generated by love. -- Coretta Scott King

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Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, August 24th 11:15 am

Biscuit’s

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

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

August’s book is “Unreliable” by

Lee Irby. We will meet Sunday, August 27th, after the 10:30 service at Panera Bread, 1707 W. Warner.

The second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm, all the ladies join together at a different restaurant for dinner. Please mark your calendars for the next 3 months. August 8th will be at B L D (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), 1920 W Germann, Chandler 85286; September 12th will be at Panda Gardens, 4730 Warner Rd, Phoenix 85044 and October 10th will be at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, 2530 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler 85224.

“The Courage to Transform”

One of the blessings as Director of Deacon Formation is to spend retreat time with our Deacon Candidates

and their companions/partners as they get closer to the time of Ordination. The wonder of deepening the

spiritual relationship with God and with a loving partner leads to a spiritual awakening of their

transformation. I am blessed and humbled to support them in their growth. At times, they find themselves

surprised by the courage it takes to listen and to try; not unlike the caterpillar who spends time in the

chrysalis (a transitional state) beating the newly formed wings hard against the walls of the cocoon…and

tiring at times. Yet, this is necessary for the pupa to change, grow, and develop into the next stage…for if

they don’t strengthen their wings in that claustrophobic environment, they will not survive and be able to

be free to experience the transformation into a butterfly. The courage to journey through a transformation

is something we all go through and we may not even realize we are doing so.

Each day we have the choice to strengthen in our faith, no matter the

incomprehensible events we may observe or find ourselves living. It takes

courage, gifted to us through God, to really listen to God, and to keep trying

our “wings”. I wish you the continued joy of transformation!

Joshua 1:9 - ‘… Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

Blessings,

Deacon Robin

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’

Thursday’s

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Room 4

All Men Welcome!

Wednesday’s 4:00 pm Room 5

Women

In the Word

Christian Formation For All (CFFA)

Our study of Hunger in the Bible is back. Come and share your thoughts and insights between services each Sunday at 9:45am in the library/chapel.

Our model is based on the four major compass points of well-being: physical hunger (strength), spiritual hunger (soul), emotional hunger (heart), and vocational hunger (mind). Within each area, we are studying topical Biblical passages and stories from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testaments. To conclude the study, we will also explore worldly hungers, and how Jesus reveals God’s will for authentic living. The more we know, the easier it is to choose God’s way to satisfy all our hungers.

Studying God’s Word is a vital part of our formation for living faithfully, and being empowered to share the good news of Jesus Christ .

Susan+

Other CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA OpportunitiesOther CFFA Opportunities

Youth Confirmation Classes resumes on Sunday August 6th after the 10:30 worship service.

Why We Do What We Do is the adult confirmation, reaffirmation and reception class for adults

looking to learn more about the Episcopal faith tradition, and literally why we do what we do. We

resume our class on Sunday, August 13th after the 10:30 service.

Centering Prayer for spiritual health is a wonderful spiritual discipline that increases our peace

and focus, our sense of God’s presence in our lives, and our ability to deal with life! All are

welcome and invited! Centering Prayers is 3:15-3:45pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Sanctuary.

Women in the Word, our Women’s Bible Study group continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew.

We meet in Room 5 of the preschool wing each Wednesday at 4:00 pm. Bring a friend!

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DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2017 August 6 John Barnabas C = Brandon BU = Aly

August 13 Pamela P./Simon C = Collin BU = TBD

August 20 Barbara C = Pam H. BU = TBD

August 27 Pamela P. C = Aly BU = Collin

Acolyte Schedule for August 2017

� � � � Come Join the Acolyte Team - Special Training Sunday August 6th! ����

Please join us for learning more about serving as an Acolyte and for Acolyte Training between services on Sunday, August 6th between services (9:45 to 10:20). Inviting anyone age 8 years and up… to join our brilliant and dedicated Acolyte Team! Our Acolytes serve faithfully and provide worship support every Sunday. We are especially in need of adding to our 8:30 am team. No previous experience necessary. If you feel called or want more information please contact Deacon Robin (robin.b.hollis@gmail.com or (480) 242-7178).

L ater this month, please look out for an important letter from St. James

inviting you to pray about your support and participation in God’s ministry and mission here. We have many fruitful ministries to celebrate and we have some exciting opportunities to look forward to in the coming year. More at the annual meeting! As a growing and vibrant community of faith, we’ve got plenty to be excited about.

P lease remember that when it comes to offering ourselves in God’s service,

it’s not all about money! On the back of the offering card you’ll see listed the different ministry teams, where you can find yourself making a difference. What door is God opening for you? What fruit of the Spirit is growing in you? Where are you being called to serve? As a lways , I we lcome the

opportunity to talk with you about your spiritual gifts, and about the awesome ministries of St. James.

B y all accounts, the majority of our income comes from your

generous gifts. It’s a significant help to our Treasurers and B i s h o p ’ s C omm i t t e e i n developing our 2018 budget, if we have an idea of what we have to work with. Don’t forget, we also offer online giving through SimpleGive – electronic giving made easy. Look for the SimpleGive button on our website homepage and click to get started. If you’re interested in planned or estate giving, then we can help with that as well. Our Outreach Endowment Fund is also up and growing. All donations are welcome to ensure that there will always be funding for outreach ministries at St. James.

O ur offerings are always made in good faith, grounded in gratitude,

and based on our anticipated income for 2017. If your circumstances change during the year for any reason, just let us know, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments. When it c o m e s t o r e s p o n s i b l e stewardship, your Bishop’s Committee works hard to ensure that we use all your gifts wisely. This year our ingathering will be Sunday September 24th. We really appreciate your help in returning your offering card on or before that date. As always, thank you again for your generous support of God’s mission and ministry through our faith in action at St. James.

P lease remember, your gifts make a difference!

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The talented musicians of St James & Friends once again will be presenting an evening of music for our enjoyment. This year we will be leaving

Broadway and traveling to other countries. We will be enjoying music from Ireland, Mexico, England, France, Italy, Germany, Argentina & Africa to

name a few places. So mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend this elegant evening of music, wine, cheese and other delectables. Invite your

music loving friends to join you for this entertaining evening.

The first three events have been incredible financial successes. A total of $10,000 was raised through ticket sales and the bids from the Silent &

Dessert Auctions. Last year exceeded all expectations by bringing in $4500. WE CAN DO IT AGAIN!! The success of these events is totally due to

the generous donations of time, talent, food, wine, and items for our silent auctions by the wonderful members of St. James. With your assistance this

year, we can do it again.

The first item on our agenda is for everyone to start looking for items for our Silent Auction. Since our theme is Music of the World, we would love to

have items from other countries. Think of items that would be appropriate for an Italian basket or Chinese or any country. What treasures have you

picked up on your travels that you have never used nor care for but others would. Other suggestions for donations are:

� Jewelry - costume, vintage, unique or unusual

� Tickets to a play, sporting event, etc.

� Gift cards - movie theater, Best Buy, restaurants, spas and more - your local grocery and big box stores have racks of them.

� Movie Night - DVDs

� Wine and cheese baskets, other spirits

� Sports memorabilia

� Musical instruments

� Games, electronic or otherwise - gently used is okay, raid your children's closets!

� Kits- unopened

� Books - never read

� Designer purses & other like items

� Your own hand made items - quilts, afghans, embroidered or appliqued pieces.

� Art of all types, drawings, porcelain, etc.

Let your imagination roam. We will take your lovely items and create baskets and pairings of all kinds. We will add food and other items of

interest. Therefore we will need your gently used baskets that you might have cluttering up your house. All sizes are welcome. I will be creating a list of

basket ideas if you with to create them on your own or just donate a few items to contribute to the basket. Look for the lists on the sign up table in the

near future.

Thank you so much for your loving generosity, without it our events would not be as successful and as fun as they have been.

If you have any questions or ideas please contact me.

Jill Leatherman, Home - (480) 284-4595, Cell - (928) 200-7046, email - nikman4444@gmail.com

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On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation

Godly Play Resumes August 13th

9:40-11:00 am

All Ages

Youth Gathering Sundays in Room 5 during the 10:30 service.

Sixth through twelfth grade.

Treasure Hunters Third Sunday of the month,

following the 10:30 service in the church.

Lunch, friends, faith forming bible story,

craft, games and music.

Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Third Sunday of the month,

following the 10:30 service in the library

Lunch, friends, faith forming bible study and perspectives on living our faith.

Sixth through twelfth grade.

Acolyte Ministry Children and youth fourth grade and older who wish to train and serve as an acolyte, contact Deacon

Robin Hollis (robin.b.hollis@gmail.com)

Cry Room & Nursery available for wee ones during all church services.

In addition to our Sunday and monthly faith formation for children and youth, watch for announcements

about service projects, and special fellowship events

throughout the year.

For More Information: Eileen Flock, Youth Minister (eflock@cox.net)

The Rev. Anne Ellsworth, Assisting Priest Godly Play

and Pastoral Care, annestjamestempe@gmail.com.

Around the DioceseAround the DioceseAround the DioceseAround the Diocese Council of Native American Ministry Spiritual Retreat and Planning Gathering: Please join with the Council of Native American Ministries, The Rev. Canon

Debbie Royals and special guest and spiritual leader, Mona

Polacca for an opportunity to experience Native American

spirituality and continue to engage with Native traditional

values and processes. Friday, August 11 Friday, August 11 Friday, August 11 Friday, August 11 –––– Saturday, August Saturday, August Saturday, August Saturday, August

12121212 at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive,

Scottsdale, AZ. Register for this event by going to: http://

www.azdiocese.org/digital_faith/events.

Ignatian Spirituality and Imaginative Practice: The Rev. Dr. Gil Stafford and The Rev Julie O'Brien will be

offering the presentation, "Ignatian Spirituality and

Imaginative Practice." Both have studied and practiced

Ignatian spirituality in their own ministry and life. The Rev.

O'Brien will be presenting "A Brief History and Background

of the Practice of Ignatian Spirituality." Stafford's

presentation will be on "Ignatian Spirituality, Spiritual

Direction, and Discernment from a Jungian Perspective."

Saturday August 12th, Saturday August 12th, Saturday August 12th, Saturday August 12th, 10 AM - Noon at Trinity Cathedral.

D-Backs Faith & Family Night: Friday, August Friday, August Friday, August Friday, August

25th25th25th25th. we're all sitting together in the same section, so

everyone will have more of an opportunity to chat with

fellow Episcopalians and Bishop and Laura Smith! Seating

Option: $22 - Lower Level Bleachers (section 141) (these seats

do have backs) A portion of every ticket purchased by using

this special offer will be designated for the Diocesan Council

for Native American Ministry. The ticket order deadline is

August 23, 2017August 23, 2017August 23, 2017August 23, 2017. Seating is Limited! Tickets can be purchased

online at http://www.azdiocese.org/baseball.html, by phone

(602) 462-4113.

National Recovery Ministry Gathering: October October October October

5th 5th 5th 5th ---- 7th7th7th7th. The disease of addiction touches us all, either

directly or indirectly. Education and community are two

ways we can fight back to help ourselves and others. This

fall, the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is hosting the annual

gathering of the international group: Recovery Ministries of

the Episcopal Church (RMEC). The 3 day event covers many

aspects of all types of addiction. Topics will include:

addiction within indigenous peoples; the current opioid

epidemic in this country; codependency; updates on

Episcopal recovery program actions and more. All are

welcome to attend. Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300

East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. East Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona 85034. Registration

for this event, hotel accommodations and the meeting

agenda can be found here: www.episcopalrecovery.org.