Volume 7, Issue 12

December 2015

Slow - Children Crossing Advent is a season that includes patient anticipation as well as penitence. So it’s confession time. Some of you may be surprised to know that I have a hard time slowing down. In fact, it’s only by the grace of God that I made it past my first couple of years at school. One of the most frightening memories from my sixth year on God’s good earth was daydreaming on the bus ride to school and missing the bus stop. Okay, so I only missed the school by one stop, but that meant I had to cross two main roads, and a couple of smaller roads to get back on track. At 6 years old, sheer panic made crossing the roads hazardous. Plus, to make matters worse, even at that tender age, I had a strong aversion to being late, and that extra time on the bus, plus the walk back to school put me at serious risk of tardiness.

We can be sure of only two things this Advent season. The first is that we’ll all have a hard time slowing down to appreciate this glorious, and too often overlooked, season. The second is that Jesus will be right on time, just as he was all those years ago, and just as He will be at His coming again in glory. Now I fully realize that just shopping for groceries in the weeks before Christmas – that’s ADVENT – can become like a military exercise, requiring significant expertise in crowd control, subtle use of elbow weaponry, and enormous amounts of patience, however, we also have to contend with another challenge to our already limited time. Our email can become overwhelming as our in-baskets are bombarded with a cyber blitz of advertisements for on-line shopping opportunities.

So here’s our one, two, three best remedies for busy, busy, busy, frantic, frantic, frantic:

1) Come to the Advent book and Scripture study every week of Advent on Sunday morning at 9:45 am – it will help put Advent and Christmas into perspective.

2) Come to worship the Lord every Sunday at your preferred time (8:30 am or 10:30 am) – it will help us to slow down and remember what’s truly important.

3) Even if the thought of being ready for Christmas is overwhelming, come to the Wednesday evening healing service (5:30 pm in the library Chapel) just to help stay sane and grounded through all the madness.

Since Christ’s coming will be right on time, let’s be equally as intentional about preparing our hearts in this time of Advent. As someone once said, that involves moving the furniture of our hearts and minds around to make room for the manger, as well as making room for Christ to take His place on the throne of our hearts. This is also a great time to remember that we are beloved children of God offering ourselves to God’s service and in love and service to our neighbors. Ultimately, the only gift that matters this year and every year is the gift of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Everything else is just frosting on the cake, a little fun diversion, or maybe pondering, “What were they thinking?” As we cross into Advent – take it slow, look both ways, and cross with care!

Susan+

Look

Inside

For. . .

Page 2 Bishop Committee Reports

Page 3

Advent Hymn

Page 4 Advent Hymn, cont. Acolyte Schedule

Page 5 Youth Group News Community Outreach

Page 6

Fellowship Opportunities Advent Event

Page 7 In Appreciation

Bible Study Groups

Page 8 Christmas Dinner

UMOM Adopt-A-Family

Page 9 December Worship Schedule

Bishop’s Committee Meeting

Wednesday, December 16th

6:30 pm

Financial Snapshot

The past month showed income and expenses very much in line with each other. The year-to-date increase in our accounts is now $12,302.75. This is an improvement from our position a month ago.

Your unrestricted gifts are literally what keep the lights on, pay salaries, and so forth. Unrestricted member contributions are up from this time last year. Please continue your generous support for St. James.

You can contribute by check or cash, in your personal envelope, or: text an amount to: (480) 725-3889, or: use one of the following two links to our SimpleGive page. If you use SimpleGive, you can set up scheduled contributions if you choose. ♦ our web site: stjames.azdiocese.org Click on SimpleGive. ♦ our FB page: Click the “USE APP” button.

McKee Lundberg

I received the greatest gift possible a couple of weeks ago. I had the honor of giving the eulogy for my father. During a difficult time like this, I spent a lot of moments reliving memories of my family. I distinctly remember watching my dad work for days on end helping to prepare for Camp Christmas in the early 1960’s. Camp Christmas was a first Sunday of Advent tradition in the town where I grew up, Ganado, AZ, which is located on the Navajo Reservation. There was a hot meal of mutton stew and fry bread that was served to hundreds of Dine’ who came from many miles away. I still remember helping to stuff gift bags for and playing with the children who came, all the while watching my parents be exactly the good people they were. Fast-forward about forty years to several weeks ago. This October, I was in Albuquerque where I helped my father deliver dinners, as part of Meals on Wheels, to those he referred to as the “old people”. My dad was 89 years old and he showed no signs of slowing down. I also spent one afternoon chopping onions, carrots and celery for his chicken-pot-pie recipe that we took to Dismas House. Dismas House is a halfway house for non-violent offenders and it was just one more example of how my dad continued to educate his three grown children. We were always taught that no life is worth more than another and everyone deserves a second chance. Little did I know our time spent volunteering would be the last moments that I would spend with my father. Thank you, St. James for allowing me to receive this gift. The strength you gave me allowed me to eulogize my father. I have big footsteps to follow, but I feel I now have the strength to try. As the great philosopher Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot by watching”. Peace, Bob Klassen

Treasurer’s Report

Year-To-Date through Nov. 23, 2015

Total Income $219,647.63

Total Expense $241,094.94

Sub-total Surplus / (Deficit) $21,447.31

Diocesan Support $33,750.06

Total Surplus / (Deficit) $12,302.75

From the Senior Warden

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Things have been exciting in the “people’s

warden” world. An electrician found an

electrical short in the walls by the

narthex entrance. As a result new wiring

and new wall sconces have been installed

giving the entrance a nice new look.

Also, the glass for the “Cry Room” has

been installed thanks to the junior

warden’s friend, Rico Rodriguez. Rico did

an outstanding job of installing the new

window. Now parents have a place to

take their babies for privacy and to

reduce disturbance to others. The

lighting in the restroom hallway is much

brighter these days as the old lighting has

been replaced with new light bulbs that

are energy efficient.

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Reflecting on an Advent Hymn

TTTT he Season of Advent includes the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. There are many traditions connected with Advent. The most familiar is that of lighting candles on an Advent wreath. Another tradition involves singing

the verses of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The verses were based on ancient prayers known as the “O Antiphons” that were first sung in Latin. Most modern hymnals contain a version of this hymn, although the number and order of verses sometimes changes, as does the translation. Each verse of this hymn talks about Jesus coming into our world and uses a different name for Jesus.

TTTT he words to the hymn are below. Being very old, they may seem rather strange, so a brief explanation is given for some of the terms, along with a suggestion for reflecting on each verse. Sing a different verse each day of the week for the four weeks of Advent.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Child of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

TTTT his verse does not refer to the modern nation of Israel, but to all of God’s people (often called “Israel” in the Bible). It asks that Jesus help set people free. Who are people in the world who need to be set free? Where are some places where the good news of God’s love that Jesus brings can make a difference?

O come, O Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and help us in that way to go.

IIII n the Bible, Wisdom doesn’t mean knowledge or the things we learn from books. Instead, it’s when God’s Spirit is inside us and helps us know, deep in our heart, what is right and how God wants us to live. Talk about something you know by heart.

O come, O come, O Adonai, who came to all on Sinai high, and from its peace a single law proclaimed in majesty and awe.

AAAA donai is a Hebrew word used to refer to the name for God that Moses learned when speaking to God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Sinai is the mountain where God gave the Torah or Law to the people. Reflect on how Jesus helps us learn how to live in God’s way.

O come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem, from every foe deliver them that trust your mighty power to save, and give them victory o’er the grave.

Continued on page 4

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Reflecting on an Advent Hymn

JJJJ esse was King David’s father. King David was considered a great king and the people longed for a new ruler from the line of David. He was also a shepherd, and Jesus – who was descended from David – showed us that being a shepherd was a wonderful way to be a leader. Who are some people who show servant

leadership?

O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.

“K“K“K“K ey of David” was a name given to the risen Christ in Revelation 3:7 and celebrated that Jesus was God’s Messiah or special, chosen one, who would reconnect us to God when we were separated from God. Think (or talk) about times when you feel cut off from God and how you have gotten reconnected.

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by your advent here; love stir within the womb of night, and death’s own shadows put to flight.

DDDD ayspring was an old-fashioned way of meaning “new dawn” which is part of the song of Zechariah in Luke 1:78. Zechariah sang this song to his infant son, John the Baptist. This new dawn would bring about God’s mercy, bringing new life, love, and joy upon the earth. How has the birth of Jesus brought joy into your life?

O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind; O bid our bitter conflict cease, and be for us our Prince of Peace.

TTTT he prophet Isaiah spoke of a Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who would come and bring justice and righteousness. How can you help to bring peace in the world?

DATE 8:30 am Service 10:30 am Service

2015 December 6 Pamela C= Aly BU= Nyah

December 13 Barbara C= Natasha BU= Lindley

December 20 Pamela C= Pam H. BU= Brandon

December 24 6:00 pm Service

C= Aly Torch Bearer= Brandon & Dylan

9:00 pm Service C= Pamela P.

Torch Bearer= Barbara & Pam H.

December 27 One Service at 9:30 am C= Pam H.

Acolyte Schedule for December 2015

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!

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As Christmas approaches we all get busier and busier. Please plan time for the Angel Tree party

December 12th. The party prep starts at 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm; the party runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. It

is a small amount time for the children and teens to make a huge difference in the lives of others.

We will have some crafts, games, food and cake to add to the fun. We may even see a quick visit from

Santa. Everyone is welcome to come and join in on the fun and smiling faces.

Upcoming events:Upcoming events:Upcoming events:Upcoming events:

December 6 Advent event

December 12 Angel tree party

Sanctuary set up 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

December 13 Children’s Pageant at the 10:30 am service.

December 13 Treasure Hunters will resume in January

December 20 Christingle Sunday

Jr and Sr High EYC 12pm-2pm

Eileen Flock

Youth Ministry

Youth Group News

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, December 11th. 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:

January 8 February 12

March 11

It’s a Record!

A HUGE thank you for the 77 blankets donated for the people of Navajoland. What a blessing you are!!!

St James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James BookiesSt James Bookies

December’s book is

“Cathedral” by Nelson

DeMille. We will meet

Sunday, January 3rd,

after the 10:30 service

at The Paradise Bakery in

the Chandler Pavilions,

940 N. 54th Street,

Chandler , 85226.

Please bring a wrapped

book for the gift

exchange.

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Join Us

for Lunch!!

Thursday, December 17th

11:15 am

Biscuit’s 4623 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix

(SW corner 48th & Elliot)

Tuesday, December 10th

6:00 pm RigaTony’sRigaTony’sRigaTony’sRigaTony’s

1850 E. Warner Road, Tempe, 852841850 E. Warner Road, Tempe, 852841850 E. Warner Road, Tempe, 852841850 E. Warner Road, Tempe, 85284

Sharing Ourselves SaturdaySharing Ourselves SaturdaySharing Ourselves SaturdaySharing Ourselves Saturday

With the holidays fast approaching at a fran�c pace,

December SOS will take a bit of a winter nap.

But come January we will awaken with a movie night!

(The movie will be announced later in the month).

The 10th (Somewhat) Annual

St. James Advent Event Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 6, 2015 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 6, 2015 at 5:00 pmSunday, December 6, 2015 at 5:00 pm

Come join your St. James family for crafts, music and fun! It’s all about Angels this year as we make angels to top your tree,

to decorate your table and to hang on our tree.

Bring your favorite Potluck Dish to share!

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Make a Joyful Noise We are so grateful to John McIlray for playing the organ and to the wonderful choir who sing for us at the 8:30 service. Thank you to Carol Justice, Barbara Meyer, Jill Leatherman, Steve Wilmot, Bruce Solomon and Jeff Leatherman for bringing such wonderful music and joy to our early service. And we also want to thank Randy Maughan for his expert operation of

the audio booth each Sunday at the 8:30 service. What would we do without you?

Thanks also to our 10:30 music group. Thank you to Gerry Carlston, Audrey Spence, Tara Papaccio, Adam Peterson, Barbara Meyer, Jill Leatherman, Robin Hollis, Rhonda Larson, Jim Defazio, Robin Rio, John Hel and Janet Hermstein for bringing such wonderful music and joy to our 10:30 service. And we also want to thank Jason Houle and Curt Czarsty for their expert operation of the audio booth each Sunday at the 10:30

service. You are awesome!

To those who fold………….. We are indeed indebted to Jackie Disney for years of service and to newcomer to folding, Pam Tidd, who are here every Thursday to fold the special papers for mailing and the bulletins we get each week at Sunday Service. We truly

appreciate the work you do.

Take, Eat, this is my Body, To the Altar Guild: Alicia Klassen, Marcia Wright, Bob Klassen, Lissa Lundburg, Carol Justice, Rhonda Larson, Amy Sabiers and Carol Paulk who prepare the altar elements for us each Sunday, thank you for serving in this very valuable mission. These dedicated servants of the Lord can always use help. If you are interested, contact either Alicia or Marcia for more information. Thank you also to Bruce Solomon for so ably taking over

the flower ministry from Ellen Boccardi!

Wednesday’s 4:00 pm in Room 5

Bible

Study

Thursday’s

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Room 4

All Men Welcome!

CFFA

Advent

Adventure! Please join Pastor Susan+ in the library between worship services for the continuation of our Advent Adventure themed for

each week of Advent. We began on November 29th with the theme of hope. We’ll continue each Sunday of Advent with these remaining themes: peace, joy, and love. The readings come from great theologians and faithful saints, as well as the Bible, and we have plenty of time to discuss the study questions, making Advent come alive in new and surprising ways. Pick up your Advent Adventure booklet today!

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The Hospitality Team Invites

You to Join Us

For Christmas Dinner on December 25th

after the 10:30 Service. If you plan to join us on Christmas Day, please let Ellie Kenyon know so we can co-ordinate a fantastic meal for one and all. We will be asking everyone to contribute food, drink or assistance for the dinner. A turkey and/or ham/roast beef will be provided and we will ask that you provide one of the following: A side dish, a dessert and/or assist in the clean-up after the meal.

December Outreach project

Help UMOM Families this Holiday Season

You can help make the holidays a li&le merrier for children and families at UMOM. Here is one way you can partner with UMOM

this holiday season and spread some holiday cheer.

Adopt-a-Family Donors will receive a wish list containing the family's name, age, gender and holiday wishes. Please use this wish list as a guide in

your gi, dona�on. Please wrap your gi,s and a&ach a gi, tag to iden�fy each family member’s gi,. Please bring your gi,s for

each family contained in a large plas�c bag or storage container for easy transporta�on to the families. Place the family’s last

name on the outside of each container or bag to ensure that the appropriate gi,s are delivered to the families.

UMOM ask that gi�s be delivered to UMOM by December 14, 2015.

Flyers are available in the narthex to learn more about how you can Adopt-a-Family.

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

Sunday, December 13th

10:30 Service

Christingle SundayChristingle SundayChristingle SundayChristingle Sunday

Sunday, December 20th

10:30 Service

December Taizé Service Wednesday, December 23rd

5:30 pm

Christmas Eve Services 6:00 pm Family Candlelight Service

9:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service

Christmas Day Service 10:30 am

December 27th One service at 9:30 am