Volume 7, Issue 4

April 2015

The Mystery of Resurrection Life

D uring Lent the reading that really captured my imagination was this Gospel lesson

from John 12:24-25:

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and

dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this

world will keep it for eternal life.

J esus shares these words with his disciples to prepare them for His own death, and

how that will open the door for eternal life for all God’s people. Yet the reading

also speaks to us of how we die to self in order to live into our own resurrection lives,

in and through our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. In practical terms, what we’re really

talking about here is the difference between being tough skinned, and determined to deal

with life by relying on our own strength, or being resilient and fruitful through our life

in Christ.

L iving life on our own terms is a popular cultural myth, especially since so much of

our lives depends on others, or is directly impacted by the actions of others. Life in

Christ means that we’re willing to acknowledge our frailty and our flaws, especially so

that we come to depend on God’s strength, and listen to the Lord’s direction. Christ-

centered living is more likely to be filled with joy, peace, and an abundance of love,

because these are all characteristics of the Lord of all life. But the real difference

usually becomes apparent when life gets challenging. Living life on our own terms is

equivalent to being like an unplanted seed, with a tough outer shell, and a tremendous

amount of potential. We can live a long time in our own little world, before we finally die

inside, and become just walking, talking, husks. Life in Christ is the same as being a seed

planted in good soil, where the tough outer shell has been broken open, and we have

grown into a fruit-bearing plant.

M ake no mistake about it, we need courage to risk being vulnerable in relationship.

In fact opening ourselves to others is the only way to truly experience love,

because love is all about relationship. Once we’ve experienced love in relationship with

Christ Jesus and with one another, there’s no going back. Living in love means that we

can’t help but think of others, putting their needs before our own. As the source of all

love, God’s love makes it possible for us to realize all the potential inside of us. God’s

love makes it possible for us to grow and to bear fruit in our lives. The fruit of our

lives looks a lot like the way Jesus lived, full of compassion and mercy; sharing all that

we have to help others; and standing in solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed. At

St. James our fruit looks like great hospitality, beautiful music, and caring for our

children. Our fruit looks like water for the homeless, and blankets for the poor living

in colder climes. Our fruit looks like sending care packages across the world for

children who have so little. Our fruit looks like working within the systems of the world

to protect education for the next generation. Our fruit looks like making sure children

have school supplies, and walking to raise money to help homeless families. Our fruit

looks like giving food to help our hungry neighbors. Our fruit multiplies as we put

ourselves out there.

I n faith, we’re connected to the source of all life and love. The fruit keeps

growing, even when we’re experiencing tough times in our personal lives. One of

the best gifts of faithful living is our ability to cope and hope with whatever life throws

at us. The real secret of resurrection is having God’s love and hope dwelling with us,

and helping us to grow. Love and hope keep us flexible and fruitful. Let’s celebrate our

fruitful, flexible resurrection lives at Easter and every day.

Susan+

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Page 3

Vacation Bible School

Page 4 Hospitality Committee Fellowship Opportunities

Page 5

Congratulations! 3rd Annual Ladies Tea

Page 6 Moving Forward

Outreach Report

Page 7 Youth Group News Camp St James

Page 8

Holy Week Schedule Deacon’s Corner Acolyte Schedule

Page 9 CFFA

Living Compass The Art & Science of Love

Women’s Bible Study 2015 Lenten Study

Page 10

A Word from Father Steve Youth Service

Financial Snapshot Our overall financial condition is good. Income matches

expenses even before consideration of the support we receive

from the Diocese. Two things stand out looking at finances

year-to-date: Expenditures for specific projects are up very

considerably from this time a year ago. The major events here

were replacing the Preschool playground equipment, and

painting/refurbishing the sanctuary. Fundraising events and

donations covered these expenses, so they did not impact our

operating budget. The other noticeable aspect to the 1st

quarter: Income from Preschool tuitions is up about 25% from this time last year. Since our budget

assumed the Preschool would require support from the general fund, this is a welcome development.

Please continue your financial support for St. James: � Check, or cash, in your personal envelope. � Electronic giving: visit our web site: stjames.azdiocese.org Click on SimpleGive. � Text an amount to (480) 725-3889 (1st usage will ask for credit/debit card information.)

McKee Lundberg

Coffee Snob OK, I admit it I am a coffee snob. Personally I prefer my coffee without anything to sweeten or cream it. This way I am able to taste the tannins and the subtle variances of different coffees from different regions. I definitely prefer coffee from Central America. Specifically Costa Rica and Mexico. The aroma of grinding the beans before brewing in the morning is half the fun of drinking coffee. Both of my daughters are guilty of feeding my snobbish obsession. For Christmas they gave me a Cold Bruer Slow Drip cold brewing system. Oh, the anticipation of waiting 10 hours to brew a batch of Cold Brew makes this coffee taste even better. I cannot believe I am this much of a snob.

Even with my superficial obsession with all things coffee, I have realized where I can find that perfect cup of coffee. It is that cup of mass-produced, sometimes bitter or even stale coffee that you have while visiting with someone that means a lot to you. Sometimes we enjoy this cup of coffee while visiting nonstop and sometimes we hardly talk. But when having a cup of coffee with a friend, it doesn’t matter if it is fresh ground small batch coffee or instant coffee. It is the act of drinking it with a friend that makes coffee great. Ed always said that the coffee was great after church. You know Ed, you are right. This is truly where I have had my best cup of coffee.

Peace, Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Report

Year-To-Date through March 23, 2015

Total Income $66,185.53

Total Expense $66,168.97

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $16.56

Diocesan Support $8,750.02

Total Surplus / (Deficit) $8,766.58

From the Senior warden

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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

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 22nd

6:00 pm

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Vacation Bible School Sunday, June 21 — Thursday, June 25

6:00 — 8:45 pm

!!!!Send your kids on an icy expeditionSend your kids on an icy expeditionSend your kids on an icy expeditionSend your kids on an icy expedition

At Everest VBS, kids embark on the coolest adventure of the summer! Your kids will discover what it

means to hold on to God’s mighty power in everyday life. Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning

activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building Glacier games, make and dig into yummy treats,

experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God’s love,

and create fun crafts they’ll take home and play with all summer long. they all add up to making a life-

long difference in the lives of your children!

Eileen Flock will be our VBS Director again this year. We need lots of volunteers so stay tuned for more

details!!

Registration Forms Available in �e Nar�ex!

God’s Love Made Visible

We would like to welcome new members to the Hospitality team. Consider joining our team! Bonny Cassutt Dana Gault Kim Gillespie Pam Hollyfield Eugene House Mary Hovden (new Co-chair)

Prasanna Jacobs Larry Kenyon Rhonda Larson Gretchen Logan Pamela Paul

Look forward to new and exciting things to happen at St. James in 2015 and 2016.

St James St James St James St James

BookiesBookiesBookiesBookies A p r i l ’ s b o o k i s

Reconstructing Amelia by

Kimberley McCreight. We

will meet Sunday, April

26th, after the 10:30

service at Paradise

B a k e r y , C h a n d l e r

Pavilions, 940 N. 54th

Street, Chandler, 85226.

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Join Us

for Lunch!!

Thursday, April 23rd

11:15 am

Biscuit’s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix

(SW corner 48th & Elliot)

Tuesday April 14th 6:00 pm Bell’Italia PizzeriaBell’Italia PizzeriaBell’Italia PizzeriaBell’Italia Pizzeria

4909 E.. Chandler Blvd.4909 E.. Chandler Blvd.4909 E.. Chandler Blvd.4909 E.. Chandler Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Adult Singles Group

Join us for a movie and a meal afterwards!

Saturday, April 25th

1:30 pm

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

the Chandler Fashion Mall Harkin’s 20 Theatres.

We’ll then go to eat at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

For more info, contact Ellen Rose, (480) 208-3861,

or ellenrose1601@gmail.com.

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Congratulations!!Congratulations!!Congratulations!!Congratulations!!

You Are Cordially invited to the 3rd Annual St. James Ladies Tea

Date:Date:Date:Date: May 2, 2015

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

We will have a presentation by the Teavana Tea Shop and also Fantastic Raffle Baskets. We are going to need

people to help set up after Sunday services on April 26th and we will need people to bring spreads for sandwiches

on Friday May 1st. We will need cups, saucers, luncheon plates, tea pots and stainless flatware as well as people

to help set the tables April 26th to April 30th. We will need people to help serve on the 2nd and people to clean

up after the tea and set the chairs and tables for Sunday services on the 3rd. For tickets, or if you are willing to

help, please contact Ruth Flinn at oldrn@cox.net or Ellie Kenyon at ejkenyon6315@verizon.net.

Eileen Flock is looking for help to put together the 12 gift baskets to raffle off during the tea. Any contribution

you are able to make is appreciated; if you want you can get all the items for a whole basket or just bring in a few

items to contribute to a basket. Eileen needs all the basket items to the church by April 12th. Below is the list of

basket themes for the tea. If you would like a more detailed list please ask, Eileen Flock, (480) 586-1124.

Death by Chocolate

International Basket

Cookie Basket

Wine Basket

Candle Basket

Reading Basket

Gift Cards Basket

Beauty Basket

Italian Basket Dog Lover Basket Cat Lover Basket

To Ellie Kenyon for her selection as

UMOM Volunteer of the Year!

Our VIP legislative cluster from LD 18 has won an Arizona School Public Relations Association Award in the category of Community Organization for Contributions to Public Education for the work they did to support our local school district, Kyrene. Congratulations and kudos for all their hard work: Bob & Alicia Klassen, Ellie & Larry Kenyon, Robin Hollis, Lissa & McKee Lundberg, Jill & Jeff Leatherman and Robin Rio.

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Moving Forward Boldly! Notes from the Bishop’s Committee Retreat

As promised, your Bishop’s Committee have set the bar higher for 2015 and we’ve been working hard on our goals for this year. Here’s a summary of what you can expect to hear and see more of at St. James. Goals are just words without a plan! Our goals include specific plans for success and that includes YOU! We’ll be spending some more time leaning on the Lord and looking for the folks with the kind of spiritual gifts we need to make our goals a REALITY!!

1. Growth in size and resilience. Don’t be shy! Invite your friend to St. James – Easter is a great time to get those invites out there.

2. Caring for people and relationships, both in the St. James community and the broader community.

3. Reaching out to meet local needs. That means we’re going to become even better neighbors than ever before!

4. Continuing to be healthy: in body, mind and spirit. If you haven’t taken advantage of the awesome worship and Bible study experiences at St. James, now is the time!

5. Facility. Keeping our facility in tip-top shape – no more delayed maintenance!

6. Fearlessly trying new things. God’s plan is bold and often very different to what we imagine it to be. We’re staying open to listening and acting on God’s word.

7. Beware burn out! We’re asking all our ministry team leaders to keep their eyes on their most valuable assets – our members – to make sure that no one gets burned out. This, of course, is also part of caring for people and continuing to stay healthy. But it’s also part of matching our spiritual gifts with the ministries we’re involved in.

Wh[t’s Going On with Outr_[]h?

O ur connection with UMOM goes deeper than just raising money once a year at the UMOM walk for

homeless families at the Phoenix Zoo (as much fun as that is!!) Our own Ellie Kenyon is a regular volunteer at UMOM and was recently awarded Volunteer of the Year. Several members of St. James were at the recognition event to celebrate with Ellie. Congratulations Ellie, for all you do for the community, especially homeless families and their children. You are awesome.

S ome of you already know that I also volunteer at UMOM each week, offering a weekly women’s Bible

study on Tuesday’s at 1pm. It’s been a great blessing to me to be able to share in learning more about the good news of Jesus Christ with a variety of women, and to offer encouragement, support, prayers and blessings as well.

P lans are also in the works to have our youth more involved with UMOM, through taking time out to

prepare a hot nutritious meal and serving those who live at UMOM or those who need emergency help at UMOM’s Watkins shelter. To this end, we have applied for a grant from our partner church, St. Anthony’s-on-the-Desert. Please keep the folks involved in your prayers. I’ll let you know if we receive a grant.

T his month it’s also a great honor to give thanks to our Valley Interfaith Project members, who work so hard

with our elected officials and other communities to speak up for those who have no voice. Our VIP team members are part of the team that has won an Arizona School Public Relations Association Award in the category of Community Organization for Contributions to Public Education through the Kyrene school district. There will be a luncheon on Friday, April 10, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. Congratulations to VIP members: Bob & Alicia Klassen, Dn. Robin Hollis, Jill & Jeff Leatherman, Robin Rio, McKee & Lissa Lundberg, and Ellie & Larry Kenyon. This is well deserved recognition for your dedication and passion to protecting education!

L ast, but not least, please don’t forget that the first Sunday of the month is First Fruits Sunday. Your gifts of non-perishable food items are a vital and life-saving gift for our hungry neighbors. Please leave the food items in the bins located in the narthex near the front doors or the bright red bin next to the library door. Thank you all for making a difference in our community.

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The countdown to Everest VBS has begun! In less then 90 days we will be in full swing and the kids will be excited to come venture out with us to EVEREST. VBS Staff Meeting: I would like to have a planning session in preparation for upcoming VBS one Saturday in May. I encourage anyone who would like to volunteer to please come to this meeting so we can start to plan out the week of fun. Light snacks will be provided. More details to follow!

Work Dates: On April 11th we will have a painting party! We will get the foam down from the loft area, painting will begin and some carving of the foam to make Everest. Snacks will be provided 10am-12pm. Donations Needed: White paint, light blue paint, plastic drop cloths for the floor in room 4 and 5. Morning of Prayer & Reflection: April 25th at St Barnabas in Paradise Valley, Registration will begin from 8:30am-9am with a light snack (I plan on going and taking Brandon if any one needs a ride please let me know; we will leave the church about 7:45am.) It will be a morning of reflections and prayer with music. Cost for the Lunch is $5. I encourage you if you have a teen to have them come and participate in this Valley wide youth event. They may see or meet new friends that will go to Chapel Rock this summer. If you have any questions please let me know. Eileen M. Flock

Youth Group News

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!

Register Today For…

Camp St James Camp St James runs June 1st through June 19th, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Children 2 years to Kindergarten are welcome. The curriculum is based on a weekly theme. We will have arts and crafts, science, music, story, chapel, snack, games, dramatic play, outside play and water play days. Our focus will be on fun and socialization. Camp St James is divided into 3 weekly sessions. The cost for each session is $105 per student. Students may register for one, two or all three sessions.

Session 1: (June 1-5) Theme: “Dinosaurs”

Session 2: (June 8-12) Theme: “Cowboys & Cowgirls

Session 3: (June 15-19) Theme: “Pirates”

Visit our website for registration forms, or stop by the preschool to get one today!

DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

- - - April 2015 - - -

2015 April 4

April 5 C= Pamela

TB= Barbara & Henry C= Aly TB = Cam & Morgan BU= Steve

April 12 John B. C: Dylan BU=Abby

April 19 Pamela C = Kate BU=Aly

April 26 Barbara C = Collin BU=Cam

One Evening Service at 8:00 pm

C = John B. TB= Collin and Kyle BU= Steve

Acolyte Schedule for April 2015

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“Scents for our Souls”

During Holy Week we find ourselves immersed in and experiencing some of our centuries old worship traditions.

These traditions not only bind us to early Christians but can also help us focus on the liturgy. One tradition that we sometimes experience during this period is the “censing” of the altar and the Sanctuary. Using incense during the

service is a practice that has been with us for millennia.

Historically speaking, the use of incense in worship is found throughout the Bible in both the old and new testaments. The idea of the smoke as it permeates the Church, has been known to suggest mystery and “otherness and the scent makes it possible for worshippers to devote themselves to God with their senses rather than just their mind. During the service, the altar is censed, the offering on the altar is censed, and all the people are censed as signs that all are offered to God as a “pleasing offering.”

The censing of the people is a special way of saying that everyone present in the church is

counted as family and has a vital part to play in worship. Our Christian worship bursts forth out of our love of God and our desire to express that love. As such we are able to worship

the Lord ‘with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind, and with all our strength.’ Incense can be used also for home devotionals to enhance and strengthen our

meditations. It opens our senses and frees our mind.

Blessings, Deacon Robin

April 2 Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm

April 3 Good Friday 12:00 Noon & 7:00 pm

April 4 The Great Vigil 8:00 pm

April 5 Easter Sunday 7:00 am, 8:30 am & 10:30 am

Schedule of Worship

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Christian Formation For All — CFFA!!

Still looking for a great exercise program? Well here it is! Exercise your mind and spirit, strengthen

and grow in faith this year by joining us for an exciting series on the Gospel of Mark. We continue

our journey in the library between worship services. Please be sure to pick up your copy of the Gospel

of Mark workbook. It contains additional information, and weekly study questions that we’ll discuss

during our time together. We’ll also have a weekly presentation to get the inside track on Mark’s

agenda and themes. The Gospel of Mark is the primary gospel for this year’s weekly lectionary

readings, so come and get a great spiritual workout with CFFA.

DON’T FORGET. . .

Living Compass classes continue Sunday, May 3rd, after the 10:30 service. Potluck lunch & childcare provided.

The Art & Science of Love A Gottman Weekend Workshop for Couples

June 27th - 28th

8:30 am to 5:00 pm here at St. James. This workshop is designed to strengthen relationships through engaging presentations and experiential activities. If you have a strong relationship, this workshop will provide you with insights and tools to further closeness, friendship, and trust. If your relationship is distressed, this workshop will provide you with a greater understanding of your relationship and a road map for repair. The workshop will be led by Michael Brown, LMFT, a Certified Gottman Therapist. Cost: $550.00 per couple with a $50 discount for registering by May 27 and an additional $50 discount for members of St. James. Flyers are available in the Narthex with more information.

Wednesday’s 4:00 pm in Room 4

Bible

Study

2015 Lenten Study: Amazing Grace A study of grace, perseverance, and faith in action

Thank you to those you made this year’s Lenten Study a wonderful experience in fellowship and sharing. The soups were hearty, the salads and breads robust, and the desserts divine. Using the movie, Amazing Grace as the focal point, we found ourselves sharing personal insights and looking at ways to use our spiritual gifts making our Baptismal Covenant real and lasting. Our St. James’ Library now includes 2 copies of the DVD available for check out. Please avail yourself of this timeless story of how you can change the world and bring about social justice. Thank you for making this a special time! Deacons Pat, Fritz, and Robin

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A Word from Father Steve

Leave a Legacy

C ox Cable, which I patronize only because Larry the Cable Guy is one of

their installers, brings the magic of 200-some-odd channels into the discomfort of my home (the carpet, I’ve been told by cleaners, is “a couple of notches above a drop cloth” – but I digress). Some of those channels are mighty odd indeed. There’s round-the-clock Mexican boxing, the All-Reruns-All-the-Time network, “Christian” stations on which everyone seems mentally challenged, and the ever popular non-stop “infomercial” outlets. If this stuff came over the air instead by cable it would call for an air pollution advisory.

O n the bright side, though, most days channel surfing is the only real

exercise I get. But wait – there’s more! Some of the commercials (which I’m paying to watch) are actually pretty awesome. My latest favorite features esteemed financial advisor Alex Trebek (whose chief credential is sometime game show hosting), backed up by a trio who work in a school cafeteria kitchen, trying to hawk worthless death insurance policies to the gullible elderly. Taken together, Alex and the gals are sort of like Gladys Knight and the Pips. It’s quality entertainment at its best!

A few weeks back, delivered right to my door, was the usual collection of

junk mail. As I eagerly pawed through the stash, what to my wondering eyes should appear but a bulk-rate-imprinted envelope stating “Leave a Legacy” in boldface 48-point type. I opened it in the manner in which envelopes are opened at the Academy Awards.

I ’m not sure if it was from Dr. Trebek’s company or from another scam

operation (in tiny print at the very bottom of the pitch was the usual disclaimer: “No benefits paid if you die within 18 years, except in Nebraska”), but it doesn’t

matter. This was a pitch with a difference. It included a form so I could write my own obituary and thus be “remembered forever.” “Memory Eternal,” after all, promises the Orthodox Christian funeral liturgy. So I dutifully wrote my own obit.

"FORD, STEVEN. Born unwillingly and last week died equally unwillingly. He spent his 61 years on this earth as a member of the general public. During his working career he participated in both state and federal tax withholding programs. His loved one's [singular] loss is the morticians gain. In lieu of flowers, his wife Rebecca ("The Beckster") requests cash."

T here’s a point here, believe it or not. That point is this. All of us, I suspect,

have a deep inner need to “leave a legacy” of our brief time on this earth. And I don’t mean at all leaving money to relatives or institutions – “discretionary funds” for someone else. Why should anyone win the lottery because somebody dies? As Fr. Richard Rohr pointed out at recent retreat for diocesan priests, “Your last check should be written to the undertaker – and it should bounce!” What I mean is we all have a need, when we leave this

life, to have the world be a slightly better place because we were here.

A n uneduca ted, unsuccess fu l fisherman left a legacy two millennia

ago. “[Y]ou are Peter [Greek Petros = “Rocky”],” the Savior told him through a delightful play on words, “and on this rock I will build my church…” (Mt 16:18). Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi (+1226), left the legacy of its reformation; his namesake, the current successor of “Rocky,” is showing some promise of doing the same. Rosa Parks, through a simple act of civil disobedience, sparked a social revolution that’s still transforming the American landscape. A penniless Albanian-Macedonian named Teresa, a self-described “functional atheist,” left care for the indigent dying as her lasting memorial. And the legacy the very short life of my sister Arizonan Kayla Mueller already speaks for itself.

W e all have a deep spiritual need to “leave a legacy,” in the words of the

insurance-scam ad. In fact, we’re already constructing our legacies – writing our own obituaries, if you will. We’re “Git[tin’] ‘er Done” simply by being who we are.

A hospice patient (now dead) shared this with me once: “When you come

into my room and sit down and talk to me, I laugh so hard I forget I’m sick and dying.” More recently, a kind soul I haven’t seen in 40 years commented on one of my idiotic Facebook entries. “You have really brightened up,” she wrote, “the postings of my friends.” Another person, a parishioner here at St. James’, posted this: “You make me laugh on a daily basis.”

Perhaps that’s legacy enough.

Father Steve+

Sunday, April 12th at the 10:30 service

Come support our awesome kids!!