Volume 6, Issue 12

December 2014

Prepare the Way of the Lord “A“A“A“A re we there yet?” has become the

modern cliché of long distance motor travel with children. The tone of weary boredom questions whether the long road will ever lead us anywhere worth going. At other times there’s just fidgety impatience, buzzing with energy strapped too long in a car seat without a means of release. The air’s stale, the CD an annoying drone, and irrational squabbles seem to break out without warning or provocation. We generally don’t wait well, do we? Simply being has become a significant challenge.

IIII n the secular world, sometime during the period between Halloween (or earlier!) and

Christmas, we get the not so subtle pressure to buy a lot, and buy it early. Business does not want us to wait. For many retailers, Christmas shopping has become the essential trick that turns the red ink on their balance sheets into black. So much for remembering the reason for the season! We’ve become very good at getting things done according to secular cues. Doing, doing, done! Now what? How have we honored God in our doing, or prepared our hearts to receive our Lord Jesus? How have we ordered our lives and aligned our wills according to God’s will? Is there a better way? Yes, I believe there is.

IIII ’m not saying that it’s easy, because many of our habits have become deeply

ingrained. Change isn’t easy. It makes us feel uncomfortable and anxious. Taking the time to wait for Christmas and explore the possibilities of being during the Advent season of preparation will seem very strange at first. We may feel guilty for not doing the stuff of long habit. That’s a good time to remember how our old ways left us feeling exhausted and stressed out. One of the abiding messages of Advent is to simplify our lives, clear out the clutter, and make way for Christ’s coming again in glory, even as we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

LLLL et’s look at some of the possibilities of Advent. The collects that we read during

the four Sunday’s of Advent are helpful prayers that can lead us through each step of the way to Christmas. On the first Sunday of Advent, the collect begins, “Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light…” What might our works of darkness look like, and how does the light of Christ protect us?

OOOO n the second Sunday of Advent we pray, “Merciful God, who sent your

messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation; Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer….” It’s time to do a heart check, and as necessary, repent and confess our sins before God. This second week of Advent is a time to remember what word (Word!) we wish to live by.

“S“S“S“S tir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us….” By the

third week of Advent, we’re probably feeling a lot of pressure to conform to worldly expectations. At this point, it’s good to remember that God’s strength can help us to let go of the pressure to be a human doing instead of a human being. God’s grace and mercy will strengthen us and help us to take a different path to the celebration of Christ’s coming.

TTTT he final Sunday of Advent begins with this prayer, “Purify our conscience,

Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself….” It’s here that we experience the greatest joy of our Advent preparations. We’ve created, not just a little corner for Christ in our lives and our hearts, but a great mansion. We’ll celebrate Christmas when Christmas comes, but first let’s enjoy our Advent journey of preparation.

Susan+

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Page 3 Youth Group News

Page 4 Advent Event

Holiday Schedule

Page 5 Fellowship Opportunities

Preschool News

Page 6 Christian Formation Class

Adult Singles Group

Page 7 A Word from Father Steve

Annual Meeting

Page 8 Outreach Activities Fun at Build-A-Bear

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

December 17th

Financial Snapshot The month of October shows a slight loss on the reports. But this was due to the dates transactions posted. Financial activity was neutral, and our current year to date condition is improved slightly from where we were at the last newsletter. The 2015 budget is nearly complete; we expect an essentially break-even year. We will still rely on Diocesan support (now reduced to $40,000.00 from the total of $50,000.00 received in 2014); and there are financial goals we can’t reach yet. There is, however, one very positive step: In accordance with the policy of the national Church, in 2015 we will begin covering our eligible lay employees (those scheduled to work at least 1000 hours/year) with a defined benefit pension plan. Disability and death benefits begin at once; eligibility for pension benefits requires a 5 year vesting period. Defined benefit plans offer payments for life that are determined at the time of retirement, and then do not change no matter what happens in the financial markets. The stability of such plans can add peace of mind to retirement planning. We should feel a sense of accomplishment that we have taken this step to do the right thing by our employees. Goals that we needed to defer, most notably becoming a self-sustaining congregation, and restoring a normal salary to our Vicar, need your continued generosity. Thank you for your support.

Electronic giving is available on our web site: stjames.azdiocese.org Click on SimpleGive - or - text message: 480-725-3889.

McKee Lundberg

Thanksgiving. This is the time when we traditionally express our thanks for what we have in life. This is the long holiday weekend that allows many families to gather and visit. Thanksgiving is a day of football games. It is also a day that after watching football game after football game on TV, football games spring up in the local parks where people think they can perform like the professionals on TV. There is a reason that some things should be left for professionals and not tried at home. Thanksgiving is also the eve of the most materialistic day of the year, Black Friday. A day of “full contact” shopping that will knock you down, hurt you, bruise you to the bone and then throw you to the wolves making you too exhausted to enjoy the rest of the weekend. I would like to express my Thanksgiving gratitude to St. James. Thank you for the strength that you have provided me and the strength that I have watched you give to others. Thank you for the gift that Pastor Susan and Steve have given us. Thank you for the fellowship that we share with each other each week. Thank you for new traditions like our Pre-Thanksgiving worship and soup supper. Thank you for the leadership you provide for our youth programs. Thank you for our youth that teach us, make us think and make us laugh. Happy Thanksgiving. Peace, Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Report

Year-To-Date through November 21, 2014

Total Income $226,290.69

Total Expense $245,722.83

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) ($19,432.14)

Diocesan Support $43,833.47

Total Surplus / (Deficit) $24,401.33

From the Senior warden

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Bob Klassen (Bishop’s Warden)

Larry Kenyon (Junior Warden)

McKee Lundberg (Treasurer)

John Barnabas

Gerry Carlston

Carol Justice

Chris Papaccio

Janie Studt

At Your Service:

Your Bishop’s Committee

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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.

Youth Group News

Angel Tree Party

Saturday December 13th 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

(Set up prior is 11am-1pm)

As part of our outreach to the community we put on a party for the Angel Tree families. Last year was such a great success I am hoping for more of the same this year. The day of the event I need help setting up the games, decorations, supervising the games and helping with serving the food. A photographer is needed to take photos of the Santa visit and during the event. Then we will process the photos and give them to the families. If any of these things interest you or someone you know please let me know. Thank you all for making this event such a wonderful experience for these families at this time of the year. The Treasure Hunters and the EYC Jr & Sr high need to be at the church around 12:30pm to get instructions on how the day will go and to help greet the families as they arrive for the event. If you have any questions please contact me at (480) 586-1124. We are looking for donations or help with the following items. The donations need to be at the church by Thursday, December 11th. Eileen M. Flock (480) 586-1124 Email: Eflock@cox.net

All youth groups will meet on December 21st. We will be meeting at the church for lunch and fellowship. At about 1:30 pm we will go the fire station on the corner of Chandler Blvd and Desert Breeze Blvd to deliver the Build-A-Bears and some cookies the men and women of the fire station. If you have not come to a youth group event for a while this will be a fun one to come too! Pizza will be included in the day’s events!

Hope to see you there…

Make and serve food - We will be feeding about 60-70 adults and children � Hot Dogs � Buns � Chips � Veggie trays � Fruit � Cookies and Bars

� Cupcakes for a cake walk � Lemonade � Ice Water � Coffee & Tea Decorations - � Balloons – blue and white � Table cloths - blue and white plastic � Balloon holders – blue, white and silver

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The 9th ((((Somewhat)))) Annual St. James Advent Event & Greening of the Church

Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 7, 2014 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 7, 2014 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 7, 2014 at 5:00 pm

Bring your favorite Potluck Dish to share!

Angel Tree PartyAngel Tree PartyAngel Tree PartyAngel Tree Party

Saturday, December 13th

2:00 pm

Children’s Christmas PageantChildren’s Christmas PageantChildren’s Christmas PageantChildren’s Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 14th

10:30 Service

December Taizé Service Wednesday, December 17th

5:30 pm

Christingle SundayChristingle SundayChristingle SundayChristingle Sunday

Sunday, December 21st

10:30 Service

Christmas Eve Services 6:00 pm Family Candlelight Service

9:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service

Christmas Day Service 10:00 am

December 28th One service at 9:30 am

Wednesday’s 4:00-5:00 pm

Room 4 of the Preschool Building

All women welcome!

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St James St James St James St James

BookiesBookiesBookiesBookies December’s book is The

Plum Tree by Ellen Marie

Wiseman. We will meet

Saturday, December 20th,

at 12:30 pm at Paradise

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

Pavilions, 940 N. 54th

Street, Chandler, 85226.

Please bring a “White

Elephant” book (wrapped)

for a Christmas gift

exchange. Max value $15.

Join Us for Lunch!!

Thursday, December 28th 11:30 am

Macayo’s

12637 S. 48th Street, Phoenix (48th and Warner)

Bible

Study

ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday December 13thDecember 13thDecember 13thDecember 13th

6:30 pm6:30 pm6:30 pm6:30 pm

Marcia Wright’s HomeMarcia Wright’s HomeMarcia Wright’s HomeMarcia Wright’s Home 2641 E. Amberwood Drive, Phoenix, 85048

Bring an appetizer or dessert to share!

Come support our preschool on December 5th & 6th. We will be hosting a rummage

sale from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm . If you have items you would like to donate, please

contact April in the Preschool office. Help us spread the word!! The preschool will be having a raffle and silent auction on December 15th at 6:00

pm in conjunction with our Christmas Program. Plan to join us in the sanctuary for

a fun night of entertainment by our wonderful St James Preschool

children. Admission is free. We have a number of amazing prizes to raffle including,

restaurant tickets, jewelry, movie passes and a tablet. We hope to see you all

there.

Blessings,

April

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Christian Formation For All — CFFA!!

Advent is Here! We continue our journey through Advent with our insightful authors and some very different

perspectives on Advent. Please join our lively discussion in the library between services. Each

week brings something new to the conversation, and we really need one another’s input. The journey

continues with…

This Sunday we focus on a portion of The Penitential Season, by

William Stringfellow. Stringfellow was an American lay theologian

and activist who died in 1985. As an Episcopalian, Stringfellow’s

activism centered on injustice in all its forms including racism, and

homophobia. He supported the ordination of women, and served

others in his profession as a lawyer often defending victimized

tenants and impoverished African Americans.

This week we hear from Evelyn Underhill’s work, The Light of the

World. Underhill, who died in 1941, was an influential English

Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist known for her numerous works

on religion and spiritual practice, in particular Christian mysticism.

In the final week of Advent we turn to The Coming of Jesus in Our

Midst, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran

pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of

the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity's role in the

secular world have become widely influential, and his book The Cost

of Discipleship became a modern classic.

December 7thDecember 7thDecember 7thDecember 7th

2 Advent2 Advent2 Advent2 Advent

December 14thDecember 14thDecember 14thDecember 14th

3 Advent3 Advent3 Advent3 Advent

December 21stDecember 21stDecember 21stDecember 21st

4 Advent4 Advent4 Advent4 Advent

Our regular Bible study takes a break on Sunday, December 28th for a single worship service at

9:30am. Bible study returns on January 4th with a special study of the Gospel of Mark. This

coincides with the gospel readings for our new liturgical year (year B), which began on the 1st

Sunday of Advent - November 30, 2014.

Adult Singles Group

Join us for a movie and a meal afterwards!

Saturday, December 27th

1:30 pm (tentative time)

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

Harkin’s Tempe Marketplace 16 Theatres.

We’ll then go to eat at Minder Binders.

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

ellenrose1601@gmail.com.

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A Word from Father Steve

Gifts from the Heart (and a Neighbor’s Yard) Y’all may recall (as some folks say in the American South) my furry and bewhiskered friend Tiger. He’s the fat cat (though not in the financial sense) that Becky and I rescued from Death Row at a county pound annex two years ago. “Pound” was an ironic place from which Tiger was adopted, since at the time he sported eighteen of ‘em. He’s probably ten years old now, and he’s slimmed down considerably. Longevity and fitness seem the natural results of a diet of low-fat cat food, supplemented by the occasional bug in flight and lizard on the hoof.

Tiger never imagined in his wildest dreams that he’d wind up with a little brother (given Becky’s and my age), but somehow he has. Pete, as neighborhood kids called him, is a very young alley cat who decided to take up residence on our patio. He’d wander off (as alley cats do), but he’d always come back – sometimes bruised and battered from fighting for something to eat, sometimes smelling like the inside of a dumpster. Then summer came, and as felines aren’t designed for 110 degree “dry” heat, in he moved (imagine that!). We got Pete to a vet, who in turn got Pete in touch with his “inner neuter.” At first Tiger merely tolerated The Petester, but now they seem to have forged something of a bond between them. They sleep inches apart, for instance, in the middle of what’s become the community bed; Becky and I get a couple of feet each on our respective sides. Life is good, and Pete certainly knows it.

As you read this the Christmas season is fast approaching. It’s the time of gift giving and receiving par excellence. I’m writing, however, two weeks before Halloween, and the Christmas gift marketers are already working overtime. And Pete, bless his heart, has fallen for their pitch. He’s already done his shopping (and giving, for that matter).

A week or so ago, Pete went out in the evening through the family room kitty door, and he returned about twenty minutes later. In his mouth was with a dollar store Halloween bat (plastic and felt, with a little string loop on its head to be used for hanging). He put it next to me on the sofa. Out he went again, returning with a bat that he

put beside Becky. Yet again he went out, coming home with a bat he gave to Tiger. These were purposeful, generous acts. It mattered not at all that he’d “stolen” the bats from a neighbor’s decorated bush. Pete was giving precious gifts to those he loves and who love him.

What an awesome little guy Pete is – a veritable parable (to coin a memorable phrase) of giving from one’s heart. He found some truly wonderful

things in a bush. The bats could be batted, pulled down and attacked, and even thrown up in the air and be caught with paws. Who wouldn’t love a dollar store bat? So one by one he collected them and brought them to us. And the most wonderful thing (at least from my point of view) is they didn’t cost him a cent. I've trained him well.

What are the wonderful things that we’ve found in life that make precious gifts we can give to those we love? Probably not Halloween decorations, but what about stuff like acceptance and admiration and respect? What if we expressed our gratitude to those we love simply for being who they are? How about offering forgiveness to others as we ourselves have been forgiven? All of these are precious things that we’ve found in life, so they make wonderful gifts to give. And, at least to Pete and me, the amazing part of giving precious gifts is it doesn’t cost anything at all.

Father Steve+

Save the date for our Annual Meeting and

potluck lunch which will be held on

Sunday, January 25th, 2015. We’ll elect

new members to the Bishop’s Committee

and celebrate all the great ministries in

God’s service here at St. James.

What’s Going On with Outreach?

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Blankets For Navajoland Many thanks to all who brought in blankets for our brothers and sisters in

Navajoland. You may have saved a life! The blankets will be taken up north the first

week of December to be handed out.

Big thanks to the St. James team who turned out to work at the Habitat for Humanity build in Glendale on November 22nd. We got a lot of drywall installed and had a great morning! This

Habitat for Humanity build is for the Nkumbuyinka family, and was well worth the aches that we woke up with the following morning! If you would like to know more about the Episcopal Coalition for Habitat for Humanity, please talk with Steve Wilmot. There are always opportunities to help at home builds across the valley, and your support is greatly appreciated.

December Outreach project

Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship and our Angel Tree party

will be Saturday, December 13th at 2:00 pm. All are welcome. Please be

sure to return your Angel Tree gifts unwrapped with the tag securely

attached to the gift by Sunday, December 6th at the latest. Thanks to

everyone for sharing God’s love with the child of a prisoner. Also, many

thanks to all who brought in turkey’s and non-perishable food items for

the Christmas food boxes that will be sent home with each family again

this year. What a blessing to serve and give!!

Thanks to Eileen, the children and youth of St. James, and all who donated cash to help make the life of a child in need brighter this Christmas season. Blessings to all!!

Build-A-Bear