Volume 9, Issue 10

October 2017

Questions, Questions, QuestionsQuestions, Questions, QuestionsQuestions, Questions, QuestionsQuestions, Questions, Questions Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports Habitat for St. James

Page 3

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Page 4

Youth Group UMOM Walk

Page 5

Fellowship Opportunities God’s Work First Fruits

Page 6 C FFA

Adult Bible Classes Library News

Page 7

Thank You’s Acolyte Schedule

Page 8

God’s Work 7465

First Fruits

Page 9 Evening of Music

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 18th

6:30 pm

T here’s a special charm to that age when little children start asking the question why? It usually makes no difference what

our answer is, because there’s always more to know and understand. It’s like the unfolding and beautiful mystery of growing in faith, learning more about the Word, or discovering new gifts. We can always go deeper.

A s those of you who participate in Bookies already know, I'm still one of those people who will read the last chapter of

the book, even if I’ve only read a few chapters into the story. If you’re feeling incredulous, believe it or not, for some of us, reading the end of a book ahead of time rarely detracts from the pleasure of reading the rest of the book in sequence. We are all so different and yet so alike. All parts of Christ’s body, and even with our personal quirks, we’re all vital agents of God’s love, and have a purpose in life.

A rtists or manufacturers usually leave a signature or mark somewhere on their completed work. I think that one of God's

signature marks is that eternal question, why? When we finally exhaust all human answers the question often remains, and its purpose seems to be a simple invitation to turn and keep turning to God in all things through prayer and the study of God’s word. We may not get the answer in this life, but we have the pleasure and the inexpressible joy of knowing we will have the opportunity to ask for the answer face-to-face in our eternal life!

O ne wonderful part of our on-going transformation in Christ, is being blessed with wisdom and insight, according to God’s will. But

perhaps it’s more of a blessing when we can simply trust that God’s got it all in hand, and we can rest in faith and remain in God’s peace at all times. Paul expresses this peace in his letter to the Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

W anting all the answers and wanting them now reflects our pride and self-reliance, and it often leads us to a place of

hopelessness and despair, because as fallible human beings we will never know everything. As Paul notes, when we learn to be more dependent on God, then we can rest in faith, and God's peace will guard our hearts and our minds.

L earning to deepen our trust and faith in God alone may take a lifetime, but it is a significant part of our spiritual growth and

development. One of God's greatest blessings is giving us what we need, not necessarily what we want. It’s often in looking beyond the question of why to what God has actually done for us in response to our needs, when we see and take to heart the loving redemption that blesses us with peace. It takes us a long time to get there because it’s hard for us to let go of our sense of power and control, even though it is illusionary, and illusive. Perhaps the hardest lesson of faith is to fall before God in our moment of greatest need, and to open ourselves fully as we wait and listen for God to show us the way forward.

SSSSuuuussssaaaannnn++++

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From the Senior Warden Stress. There seems to be a lot of stress around us and in our lives. It feels like there is

more recently than in days past. We are always surrounded by stress in our lives, but

how we handle it matters. There are two kinds of stress the �irst of which is eustress.

This is the “good” stress that excites us and makes us more alert and in tune to our

surroundings. The feeling when an athlete feels before a contest. But there is also

distress. This is what we usually think of as stress. This is what gives not only

heartburn, but also serious medical issues. Much of this distress is a product of our

own environment. Many people seem to place a greater importance on cable television

and the Internet in forming their beliefs than in conversation with people of different backgrounds. Society

places higher expectations on individual choice schools and high stakes test scores than we do on learning and

child health. We do not like to talk about it because it is uncomfortable, but there have been 16 East Valley

students who have died by suicide already this school year. Students in the schools have noticed and are taking

stress seriously; we as a community have to take this seriously also. Our children’s lives depend on it.

Our community at St. James can be and is a place of refuge from the affect that stress, both eustress and distress,

have on us. At our last Bishop’s Committee meeting, we discussed how it seems that we can communicate with

each other without concern of our backgrounds. Our community of faith is there for everyone with open red

doors.

Peace,

Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Update In looking at the quarterly financials:

� Total Expenses are above budget; we had some maintenance expenses

and air conditioning expenses are much higher during the summer.

� Net Income continues to be positive because of a generous operating

reserve donation and support from the Diocese.

� You can’t see this detail from the table, but membership contributions

continue to lag well below budget. We hope giving increases now that

we’ve started the regular program year, parishioners have returned

from vacation, etc.

As we start preparing the 2018 budget for your approval at the January 2018 Annual Meeting, please let us know if you

have questions and/or comments.

In Christ, Ann Marie Bartholomew (abellamybartholomew@hotmail.com) and

Mary Hovden (maryhovden@gmail.com)

Co-Treasurers

Total Income $59,680

Total Expense $60,057

Surplus / (Deficit) $ -377

Diocesan Support $ 2,583

Net Income $2,206

$53,879

$56,358

$-2,479

$2,479

$0

Actual Budgeted

July 1 through September 25, 2017

�a�itat for St� �am�� �a�

We need your help on Saturday, October 28thSaturday, October 28thSaturday, October 28thSaturday, October 28th from 8am to 12noon8am to 12noon8am to 12noon8am to 12noon to assist with a few indoor and outdoor

projects. We’ll also serve all helpers a delicious lunch afterwards! If you can’t help, but would like to donate

funds or supplies, that would be great too! Contact Tara, 947pap@gmail.com, if you have questions.

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Ending Domestic Violence is EVERYONE’s Business! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence happens at every level of society, but should never happen at all. If you are in a violent

or abusive relationship don’t lose hope, because there is help, including the services offered by UMOM.

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or

denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional or verbal

abuse is often minimized, but the wounds are deep and lasting. Acknowledging the warning signs of

abuse is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear.

The most telling sign of an abusive relationship is fear and anxiety. If you feel like you have to walk on

eggshells or constantly watch what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up, chances are your

relationship is unhealthy and potentially abusive. Other signs that you may be in an abusive relationship

include a partner who belittles you, isolates you, or tries to control you, as well as experiencing feelings of

self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.

To determine whether your relationship is abusive, answer the questions below. The more "yes" answers,

the more likely it is that you're in an abusive relationship.

Do you:

• feel afraid of your partner much of the time? • avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your

partner? • feel that you can't do anything right? • believe that you deserve to be mistreated? • wonder if

you're the one who is crazy? • feel emotionally numb or helpless?

Does your partner:

• humiliate or yell at you? • criticize you and put you down? • treat you so badly that you're embarrassed

for your friends or family to see? • ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments? • blame you

for their abusive behavior? • see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?

You don't have to live in fear:

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at:

1-800-799-7233

www.thehotline.org

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Saturday,Saturday,Saturday,Saturday,

September 23rdSeptember 23rdSeptember 23rdSeptember 23rd

UMOM New Day Centers is pleased to announce that the 2017 Walk for Homeless Families & Youth brought in close to

$70,000! These funds will provide much needed resources to our families and youth, and for that we are so thankful to

our almost 1,700 participants, hundreds of volunteers, and many others who donated!

UMOM Walk for Homeless Families

I am sure you are all thinking the same thing: where has the time gone? We were just shopping

for back to school and now we are planning for fall break. This week I have been working on

Advent and leading up to Christmas. Here are a few dates to put on your calendars:

November 19 Youth Service

December 3 Advent event

December 10 Angel Tree Sunday

December 17 Christingle Sunday-Bishop’s Visit

December 24 One service at 9:30am for 4 Advent

Christmas Eve Services: 6:00 pm Family service (Godly Play - Christmas story)

8:00 pm Traditional service

We had a wonderful time last weekend at the zoo walking for UMOM. See pictures below.

Eileen Flock

Don't forget to sign up for our monthly service at the Halle Center beginning at 5pm and ending about 6pm on Friday, October 13th.

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Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

2530 W. Chandler Blvd,

Chandler 85224

October 10th 6:00 pm

Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, October 26th 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

October’s book is “Mrs. Grant and

Madame Jule” by Jennifer Chiaverini. We will meet

Sunday, October 22nd, after the 10:30 service at Panera Bread, 1707 W. Warner.

St Francis Celebration & Blessing of Animals

Sunday, October 1st

5:00 pm on the Patio

Potluck Supper to Follow!!

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

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

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

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

Friends, Family and Neighbor Dinner Social

Vincitorio's Restaurant 1835 E Elliot Rd Suite C109, Tempe, AZ 85284

Sunday, October 8th at 4:30pm

Invite a friend, neighbor or family member to join us for

an evening of friendship and fun ! ! ! The seating is limited to 30 people so sign-up early!

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’

Thursday’s

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Location TBA

All Men Welcome!

Wednesday’s 4:00 pm Room 5

Women

In the Word

Christian Formation For All (CFFA) We continue our study of Hunger in the Bible this month with more stories

of hungers gone array. We’ll continue the story of God’s response to the

idolatrous golden calf, take a closer look at problems of pride and deceit,

including our favorite trickster, Jacob. As we wind up this study, we’ll turn

again to God’s word for how to follow Jesus. Come and share your

thoughts and insights between services each Sunday at 9:45am in the

library/chapel.

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 is on Sunday October 1st after the 10:30 worship service in the

Library/chapel. Please bring a brown bag lunch and your binders!

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. Our

next class is Sunday, October 8th 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!

If your family has not yet been introduced to

The Chronicles of Narnia, we now have The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. And, it looks like

C.S. Lewis meant us to start the journey with

The Magician’s Nephew. We have that, too.

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DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2017 October 1 Pamela C = Collin BU = Aly

October 8 Barbara C = Pam H. BU = Collin

October 15 Pamela C = Aly BU = Allison

October 22 John B./ Simon C = Brandon BU = Pam H.

October 29 Elliot/Barbara C = Dylan BU = Allison

Acolyte Schedule for October 2017

UMOM has been the recipient of much of St. James’ Outreach this past spring, summer and fall. We have a large group (you know who you are and we thank you) of St. James Parishioners who volunteer their time, once a month, on a Friday night to serve dinner to the homeless ladies at the Halle Women’s Shelter.

Our own Pastor Susan volunteers to provide a Women’s Bible Study at the UMOM New Day Center at 3333 E. Van Buren Street each Tuesday afternoon. Thank you, Pastor Susan, for carrying the word of God to some who are desperately in need of it. If anyone would like a tour of the UMOM facility, please let Ellie Kenyon know at ejkenyon6315@verizon.net and she will see that you get a tour

Four of our church members are now members of the UMOM Women’s Auxiliary; they are Ruth Flinn, Barb Meyers, Carol Justice and Ellie Kenyon. These ladies have been working on the Walk for UMOM that was held on Saturday, September 23rd at the Phoenix Zoo and on Birdsong, the UMOM Luncheon, which will be held at the Heard Museum on February 25, 2018. We had four church members who volunteered at the UMOM Walk to pass out flyers for our Musical, our Ladies Tea, brochures describing our church activities and cup holders with the St. James logo on it to Walk participants at a sponsored table. The ladies who volunteered to do this were Jill Leatherman, Robin Hollis, Ruth Flinn and Carol Justice. We had about 20 members who participated in the Walk. We are the first church to host a sponsored table at the Walk in all the years UMOM has hosted the Walk. Way to go ladies and St. James!!!!!

A couple from the church and two of their friends each hosted a “Wine Tasting” in their neighborhood that benefited UMOM. Wines for Humanity provides a wine tasting in your home with an average of 9% to 12.5% of the proceeds from the wine sold at the tasting to be donated to UMOM New Day Centers for the prevention of homelessness in families with children. Many cases of wine were sold so UMOM should receive a nice check to help prevent homelessness in the Phoenix area.

Thanks to all of you at St. James who have provided time, talent, and treasure to support this very special outreach to UMOM.

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A big thank you to everyone who has already returned their pledge cards for 2018. This is a

huge help for our Treasurers in preparing the annual budget.

I f you haven’t received a pledge card, there are extras in the Narthex by the main doors, or please

let Diana know and she will make sure that you get one.

I t’s not too late to share from your abundance by making a pledge to God’s mission and ministries

here at St. James. Thank you!

First Fruits Sunday, October 1st! 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

“7465” – Together We Can Do It - Again!

… that is walk to Bethlehem! Get out your Fitbit, your pedometer, or use the health function on your smart phone to track your weekly miles walked (or cycled) and together we’ll cover the 7465 miles from Tempe to Bethlehem, enjoying a few sights along the way. Advent is such a special time in our church year that we’ll be

taking time to experience the joy of the journey, as we prepare to welcome the birth of Jesus once again, and live in eager anticipation of Christ’s coming again in glory.

The journey will begin on Sunday, October 8Sunday, October 8Sunday, October 8Sunday, October 8thththth and continue through Advent to Christmas. As we get stronger in body, we’ll also be taking care of ourselves in mind and spirit, renewing our commitment to healthy spiritual practices, and sharing some of our favorite spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God in Christ Jesus.

Mileage sheets will be available for you to complete individually or as a family over the weeks to Christmas. Drop your mileage sheets in the offering plate each week, or if you have to miss worship then please email your mileage totals to diana@stjamestempe.org and we’ll update our community mileage around the walls of the sanctuary.

The weather is cooling down beautifully, so we can all get out and about to enjoy God’s good creation. This is truly a fun activity for all ages! A weekly meditation booklet is also available to enrich your spiritual journey as well as your walk to Bethlehem. Find yours in the narthex on Sunday, October 8th.

14,930,000 Steps 7465 Miles

77 Days 1 Community

Walk to Bethlehem

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The program is set for this years Evening of Music theme of MUSIC OF THE WORLD and it is exciting.

This years event promises to be another sell out so if you haven't purchased your tickets you will want to get them soon. The doors will be opening at 5:30, you will want to arrive soon there after to find your table, get your drinks and appetizers, and view our incredible Auctions. There will be over 100 items on which to bid, not to mention the delectable desserts, and you will want to get your bids in early. Then settle in because we have an exciting pre-show of a Mariachi Band to serenade you while you are waiting for the show to start.

Bartholomew Faire, who appeared in our first Evening of Music, will be returning to entertain us with music of Elizabethan England and speaking of England a new group, The Black Wren Morris Dancers will perform 3 dances and tell us their history with the Anglican church. In addition we have the beautiful "Moonlight Sonata" being performed on the piano; "Scarborough Faire"; an Irish Ballad; music of Hawaii; an Italian pop set; and we are traveling to Germany for a touch of the classics with selections from the operetta "Die Fledermaus" There are even more selections but you will have to be there to find out what they are.

If you signed up to donate items for the Silent Auction please have them at the church by Sunday, Oct 15th so they can be prepared for display. Also remember to include a description and value so we can set the value and opening bid.

The Dessert Auction is always a big draw because who doesn't like to spoil themselves with sweet treats. We are in need of more "goodies". They can be homemade or purchased from your favorite bakery. Costco has really wonderful cakes, pies, & such for reasonable prices. Please bring these donations to church with you on the day of the Event, Oct 22 or before 4:00. If it is more convenient you may bring the items on Saturday, Oct 21 between 9:00 and 2:00. We will be in the Library preparing for the event.

If you signed up to bring food and beverages please bring them by the day of the Event before 2:00. You can bring beverages in the weeks before. We still are in need of bottles of sparkling water such as Pelligrino and sparkling non alcoholic drinks such as Martinelli's. Since we are adding Mariachis to the program we are also adding Corona beer as a selection and we need donations of this Mexican delight. It is currently on sale at Costco for a very good price. Please sign up for these items at church so we know they are coming.

We are all going to have a exciting time & it is all due to you, the wonderful people of St James . This great fund raising event is only successful because of each and everyone of your contributions. God bless you.

If you have any questions or even suggestions please contact Jill Leatherman, (480) 284-4595 or email me at nikman4444@gmail.com.