Volume 9, Issue 2

February 2017

D iscipleship isn’t optional for Christians. It’s the first requirement of Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and by Jesus’ instruction is to come before baptism. Sadly, it’s become more expedient to offer baptism first, rather than

teaching about discipleship. Compounding the problem, the body of Christ has often done a poor job at teaching, mentoring and guiding the newest members of the church in Christ’s commandments, and all the disciplines of a Christian life. In other words, teaching and encouraging discipleship.

T he results of the Christian community’s inaction are all too obvious. For example, even in the largest congregations, the statistics speak for themselves. Hundreds may attend Sunday worship services, yet often only a small percentage avail themselves of

Bible study or other Christian formation offerings. Instead of yearning to learn and grow in Christ, many of us walk away from the opportunity, which also means we miss out on learning from one another, and growing in faith.

A s we heard at the Annual Meeting, Christian formation is crucial to our discipleship, our intention to follow Jesus. In the appendix of his book, Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard puts it this way: “The priorities and intentions of disciples are forever

the same. A disciple of Jesus Christ desires above all else to be like Him… If we intend to become like Christ that will be obvious to those around us…. Discipleship can be made concrete by living out the gracious and inward transformations of faith, hope, and love.”

P racticing discipleship means putting God in Christ first in our lives, and that demands significant trust and faith, patience and perseverance. Living discipleship isn’t always easy! The world has a way of drawing us into following the path of least resistance, a

comfortable ‘go with the flow’ kind of living. Being a disciple requires commitment, and intentionality. It means taking time to discern God’s will, rather than just going along with the sweeping tides of the world’s ways. Yet we have to know how to practice discernment in order to stand firm in the integrity of our faith, even at times when living as a disciple of Jesus isn’t popular or fashionable.

D isciples live intentionally by learning and growing in the ways of the Lord. As we do, we notice that our vision of the world changes. As we stop focusing on our own agendas, and filling up our lives with want we want to do, our relationships

are also transformed. As disciples, right relationships are grounded in God’s peace and reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. Discipleship is indeed both a daily challenge and a daily joy. It’s also grounded in gratitude for all God has done for us, and continues to do for us. Disciples give thanks and praise to God, because everything we have, our being and doing, is all a gift from God. It’s time to get serious about our discipleship.

SusanSusanSusanSusan++++

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Items of Note

Page 3 Youth Group

Children & Family Ministries

Page 4 Journey to Jerusalem

Fellowship Opportunities Shrove Tuesday

Page 5

Ash Wednesday Confession & Reconciliation

Deacon’s Corner Acolyte Schedule

Page 6

2017 Lenten Study 2017 Lent Madness

Page 7 CFFA

Adult Bible Classes First Fruits

Community Outreach

Page 8 Lent-to-Lent Bible

Thoughts on Discipleship “Christian discipleship is not the product of some breakthrough in human insight, not a bold, new

philosophy of life, nor even a set of time-tested principles for happy and fulfilled living. Its heart and

center is rather a bald historical claim about what God has done...”

- Professor P. Mark Achtemeier

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

Wednesday, February 15th

6:30 pm

Treasurer’s Report

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From the Senior Warden

Thank you everyone, for everything! We just finished another year of growth. Not

just in the number of smiles every week, but also in what these smiles are doing

for St. James and our neighbors. Pastor Susan+ has honored me by asking me to

serve another year as the Senior Warden. I humbly accepted because I feel very

honored to be working with you. When I look at the past four years, where we

have come and where we are going I am stunned. My feelings are almost ineffable.

We have a special date coming up to keep in our hearts and prayers. Our exciting

journey with Pastor Susan+ began on February 7, 2013. Join me in wishing her a St. James Happy

Anniversary!

Peace,

Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Update Our numbers look very positive for the first month in the fiscal year. Your financial support helps us accomplish many things – including Godly Play – which is a wonderful program for children of all ages! I am honored to serve St. James as your new Treasurer. Please let me know at maryhovden@gmail.com if you have questions, comments, ideas, concerns, etc. about St. James financial matters. In Christ, Mary Hovden

Total Income $30,317.52

Total Expense $23,175.35

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $7,142.17

Diocesan Support $833.33

Total Surplus / (Deficit) $7,975.50

Year-To-Date through Jan. 29, 2017

Annual Meeting Results:Annual Meeting Results:Annual Meeting Results:Annual Meeting Results:

Bishop’s Committee: Ann Marie Bellamy-Bartholomew

Mary Hovden Tara Papaccio

Junior warden:

Tara Papaccio

Delegates to convention: Carol Justice Kim Gillespie Barbara Bell Gerry Carlston

Congratulations and thank you

for offering to serve!

Monday, February 20th The Church office will be closed in observance

of the Presidents’ Day holiday.

Wednesday, February 15th Taizé service will be held at 5:30 pm

February 21st to 23rd

Clergy Retreat There will be no Healing Service on Wednesday, February 22nd

Items of Note:

Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without discipleship is

always Christianity without Christ. always Christianity without Christ. always Christianity without Christ. always Christianity without Christ.

-------- Dietrich BonhoefferDietrich BonhoefferDietrich BonhoefferDietrich Bonhoeffer

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Before we know it, the school year will be over and

summer will be upon us. So. . .

I am looking forward to VBS 2017! This year it is a

rainforest theme. I am looking for some plastic vines and

trees or plants - if you have some of these items in your

home that I can borrow please let me know that way I

can start a list and plan each area. We will have some

work parties starting in March to create some fun

props to enhance each area for VBS.

Looking forward to our February activities:Looking forward to our February activities:Looking forward to our February activities:Looking forward to our February activities:

Feb 4 Youth Service Practice 6 pm - 8 pm

Feb 5 Youth service /Scout Sunday 10:30 am

Feb 10 Feed my starving children 6 pm - 8 pm

(you should arrive by 5:30 pm)

Feb 19 EYC & Treasure Hunter’s 12 pm - 2pm

If you can help with the Lunch, please let me

know. We need the following items:

Breakfast for Lunch:

Egg casserole or scrambled eggs

Pancakes

Sausage and bacon

Fresh fruit or fruit salad

Drinks

Thank you,

Eileen Flock

eflock@cox.net

(480) 586-1124 (cell)

On-Going Children and Youth Faith Formation

Godly Play Sundays in Room 4

9:40-10:30 am

All Ages

Weaving God’s Promises Sundays in Room 4 during the 10:30 service.

Kindergarten through fifth grade.

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 for Family & Children’s Ministries, annestjamestempe@gmail.com.

What is Godly Play? Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. Godly Play helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us! We meet in Room 4, Sundays, 9:40-10:30. After our story and feast, children help water the garden, take care of the fish and play on the playground together. Parents and caregivers are very welcome to stay. All Ages Welcome.

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I’m thrilled that we’re continuing to get out and get moving! As for the

walk to Bethlehem, you’re more than welcome to engage family and friends

to send in your walking, cycling, and jogging miles each week to

diana@stjamestempe.org or even better, fill out a card each week and

drop it in the offering basket. Caring for our bodies is, after all, great

stewardship and one of the ways we can give of ourselves to God.

Look for the mileage as we progress, as well as our fun moments between

Jesus and the disciples! We’ll be taking a polar route to Jerusalem out of

New York City, so our walk begins from Tempe heading northeast.

Tuesday, February 14th 6:00 pm BLDBLDBLDBLD

1920 W. Germann Road, Chandler

(Dobson & Germann)

Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, February 23rd 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 February’s book is “The Little

Old Lady Who Broke All the

Rules” by Catharina Ingelman-

Sundberg. We will meet Sunday,

February 26th, after the 10:30

service at The Paradise Bakery in

the Chandler Pavilions.

Shrove Tuesday officially ends the season after Epiphany and is the vigil before the beginning of Lent. So mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 28th and join us from 5:00 to 7:00 pm for pancakes (gluten free available), bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice and coffee. Tickets are $5 each and will be available at the door. If you’d like to help with this fun event (e.g.

serve, prepare food, etc.), there is a sign-up sheet at the back of the church. Contact Mary Hovden at maryhovden@gmail.com if you have questions.

All ladies from both services

please join us in fellowship (&

your guests are invited, too!).

Please contact Terri Beck at

(602) 502-1086 with any

sugges*ons or ques*ons.

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DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2017 February 5 Pamela C = Dylan

February 12 John B. C = Aly BU = Brandon

February 19 Barbara C = Brandon BU = Pam H.

February 26 Barbara C = Collin BU = Dylan

Acolyte Schedule for February 2017

Have you been troubled by anxiety lately? It may be personal - it may be the condi*on of our country..... it

may be many things! Of interest to us as Chris*ans is what we do with it.

Anxiety tries to fill us all much of the *me. However to passively accept this seems to me to deny our

rela*onship with God. It also opens the way for things like a furious self focus - so

self absorbed that there is less and less room for God's peace and love. It comes

down to orienta*on and this can definitely be a choice!

Take the *me to examine your focus. Invite God IN and anxiety OUT!

It may take repe**on and prac*ce but it will work.

God's peace!

Deacon Pat

Last Year’s Palms and Palm Crosses

We are once again collecting last year’s palm crosses and palms so that I can burn them and make the ashes for Ash Wednesday. This is such a prayerful and holy time for me, and I hope you feel the love and prayers that go into the process when you receive your ashes on Ash Wednesday (March 1st this year!) Thanks for your help! Susan+

Services on March 1st:

7:00 am 12:00 Noon

7:00 pm

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.

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2017 Lenten Study: Les Misérables – Transformation through Forgiveness, Redemption, & Love

Join us Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:15 pm for a soup supper each Wednesday beginning March 8th and ending April 5thbeginning March 8th and ending April 5thbeginning March 8th and ending April 5thbeginning March 8th and ending April 5th. Please sign up so we know how many materials to have available. Find the sign-up sheet on our fellowship table.

This five week study is based on the epic 2012 (PG-13) musical “Les Misérables” adapted from Victor Hugo’s timeless novel. Our Deacons will offer an opportunity for fellowship and study through the lens of biblical truths while examining how we can learn and apply it in today’s world. We will begin with a soup and salad supper followed by a course of study. All ages are welcome!

The story of Les Misérables is a story of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, redemption and love. It chronicles the transformation of Jean Valjean and his pursuer of justice, Inspector Javert who is rooted in the ‘Law’ believing people cannot change/transform. Valjean’s journey helps us to understand how mercy and grace can lead to transformation offering insight into our own spirituality. This film won 3 Oscars and 4 BAFTA awards. A workbook will be provided. Our discussion and reflection will include watching portions of the film followed by a discussion. The discussion will revolve around weekly themes such as:

Week 1 March 8th Introduction, overview, & discussion of the forgotten (beginning of the film)

Week 2 March 15th (more film) Mercy & Compassion

Week 3 March 22nd (more film) Redemption & Forgiveness

Week 4 March 29th Transformation and Reflection

Week 5 April 5th (scene review) Faith in Action: Spirituality, Grace, & 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 (robin.b.hollis@gmail.com or 480.242.7178). See you Wednesdays!

2018 Lent Madness is here!! 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. Beginning Thursday after Ash Wednesday (March 2nd), 32 Saints begin pairings just like the basketball March Madness. You can join the

team by picking up one of the free booklets “The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness 2017: Saintly Scorecard”. The booklets are free and are back on the sign up table. Each booklet includes a bracket card at the back of the book; and again 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. On the back table will be a projected winner sign-up sheet. Put your name and your pick for the Golden Halo by April 2nd 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”. Donations can be made by check and note in the memo section: Lent Madness.

The ‘winner’ of the 2016 Golden Halo was Dietrich Bonhoeffer! And our own Steve Wilmot predicted this champion. For the first time, responding to public outcries, Lent Madness

officials also bestowed a Silver Halo to the runner-up who was the mystic, Julian of Norwich. As the winner of Lent Madness here, Steve Wilmot decided where to allocate the $120 ‘pool’ and he selected the Youth Ministry! Thank you to everyone who participated last year!

The website for voting, videos, copies of the bracket and more can be found at www.lentmadness.org. For more information or questions, please see Deacon Robin (480.242.7178). Get your Halo on!

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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 Prayer in the Bible study continues, with a close look at the Lord’s Prayer. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation between services at 9:45am each Sunday. Don’t forget, we learn from one another and there are no

right or wrong answers!

Susan+

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, February 10th. 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:

March 10 April 14 May 12

First Fruits Sunday, February 5th! 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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The LentThe LentThe LentThe Lent----totototo----Lent Bible Challenge: Lent Bible Challenge: Lent Bible Challenge: Lent Bible Challenge:

More from the ProphetsMore from the ProphetsMore from the ProphetsMore from the Prophets

A timely message this month from our Lent to Lent Bible challenge reading. We’ve been hearing more from God’s word about our Lord’s desire for social and economic justice, peace and mutuality, as well as for the covenant people to fulfill their commitment to

honor God by caring for widows and orphans, strangers and aliens in the land. This month we’ve had readings from the prophets Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, and the opening chapters of Zechariah. In other readings we’ve continued our re-reading of the second half of Matthew, and the gospel of Mark, along with the Psalms.

I t’s hard to believe that there’s only one month to our goal of reading the entire Bible which we began at last year’s Lenten season. I hope you too feel like you’ve learned a lot and have a deeper appreciation for all God’s children and God’s will for our lives through your

reading. Why not consider doing it all again?!

Here are some thoughts and questions to ponder from our recent readings:

� The prophet Obadiah is a vision of brevity! What is the message of hope that Obadiah shares in his vision, and to whom is the message addressed?

� The prophet Jonah is well known from the multiple stories about his experiences in the belly of the great fish. Why did Jonah resist God’s will at first? When you’ve been aware of your own resistance, how did God get your attention?

� What do we learn about God’s nature and character in Jonah 4?

� Why does the prophet Joel call the people to repent? (Joel 1)

� Our lectionary has just included the beautiful command from Micah 6:8. How do you (a) act justly; (b) love mercy (or kindness); and (c) walk humbly with God? Think of specific ways of being and doing in the world.

� In the vision of Nahum, Jonah would be delighted to learn of God’s judgment against the Ninevites. What is the downfall of Nineveh? Have you struggled with this issue in your own life?

� It’s been said that the silence of God is a great trial to humanity. In what ways do you find hope and encouragement in the oracle of Habakkuk?

� The prophet Zephaniah speaks of the coming “Day of the Lord” Where else do you hear that kind of language in Scripture, and what does it mean?

� What are King Josiah’s reforms? Why were they necessary and how do the people respond?

� As a follower of Jesus, what do you understand by building a house for the Lord?

� The Lord raises up prophets for the covenant people when their relationships have gone array. What is Zechariah’s call to the people and how does the prophet receive the message to be shared?

� Susan+