| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| The Copper State, the Golden Rule Dearly transfigured people of God, Last Sunday, we read about the “Golden Rule” or Jesus’ words, “do to others as you would have them do to you.” But, have you heard of the ‘other’ metal-based rules? In addition to the Golden Rule, there is the “Silver Rule.” This rule is the negatively stated version of the former; “do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.” What is the difference? You may ask. While both express similar values, centered on treating others rightly and compassionately, the positively stated Golden Rule, “do to others,” implies that to love our neighbors requires action (Huang, 2005). The Silver Rule’s negative-command tells us not to do wrong to others, but Christ’s command for the Golden Rule requires more than simply not doing wrong. Jesus teaches us that we are TO DO, TO ACT and serve on behalf of our neighbors. However, the Golden Rule in popular culture is often perceived differently than how Jesus taught and intended it. In modern culture, you may hear that the Golden Rule simply means to do for another person what you would have them do to you. Is that really what Jesus meant? To measure what is right merely by what you would want done for you? In answering that question, we have to keep in mind that humanity was gifted with God’s original blessing, created good and in God’s perfect image, and when our ancestors sinned, they brought sin into humanity and we inherited their mortality. All humans are born both with God’s original blessing and with our ancestors’ mortality and the inclination to sin that mortality brings with it. So, what did Jesus mean? Jesus teaches us that we are to treat others as the perfect image of God in which we are also created. According to the philosopher, Yong Huang, another way to describe this form of ethics is what he calls “the Copper Rule,” or “do unto others as they would have us to unto them.” In other words, it is not enough to treat others as you think they ought to be treated. We need to be in conversation and in communion with others to understand their needs, their trauma, their hurts, their woundedness, their joys, and their hopes. This is closer to the holistic approach taught by Jesus Christ as He invites us to be a part of God’s economy or oikonomia. This word, oikonomia, is directly from the Greek and means “household management” or “the science of management.” Jesus restores humanity to the household of God and being within the household of God is living in an economy that is not built on profit or self-interest. It is an economy that is built on upholding one another in love and in grace. What about those who do evil to us? Jesus did not command us to seek out harms’ way. Jesus does not want us to subject ourselves to abuse or evil. At the same time, Jesus does tell us that our neighbors include those who hate us and who are our enemies. In reflecting on the challenge of Jesus’ message to love even our enemies and those who hate us, I think about the arson case that destroyed St. Stephen’s Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, AZ. Yesterday, they released the transcripts from the sentencing. Instead of expressing remorse, repentance, or sorrow for what he had done, the arsonist, Eric Ridenour, said that he was proud of what he had done. He used hateful language to describe myself, our Bishop, the pastors of First Presbyterian Church, and the members of the churches. Eric Ridenour explicitly said that he wants to harm women in leadership and LGBTQ people. Even in the face of such hatred, we can learn something about God’s work among us and through us. 1) We did not treat Eric Ridenour as he treated us. When he visited St. Stephen’s Church in 2021, he expressed those same hateful views. He leveled a number of insults at me personally at our congregation. What did I do? I welcomed him and his wife and I gave them a tour of the sanctuary. After he had said those horrible statements, I still did not repay his unkindness with more unkindness. Instead, I told him that God loves each and everyone of us and I gave him a Book of Common Prayer. I remember very clearly saying, “if you want to know what we believe about Jesus, you can find it here. This is what we believe.” 2) We learn that it is not enough to just not be unwelcoming to people who come to our church. We need to follow the “Copper Rule,” the Golden Rule as Jesus intended it. We need to take actions that show we welcome all people to our church. We need to tell women in leadership and with careers that they are loved and affirmed here. We need to tell LGBTQ people that they are loved and affirmed here. I was among those who paid a heavy price, one that caused me direct trauma and harm, but I would do it all again because of the name of Christ. We live in the Copper State; let’s follow the Copper Rule. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
 The gates of hell shall not prevail; the cross of Christ remains our hope. (The crucifix survived the fire) |
| Fr. Caleb deeply values the connection with the members of our congregation and welcomes your input. Whether it’s through office or home visits, phone calls, or email, he is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any needs, or concerns, or simply want to chat. |
| This Weekend |
| Sunday, March 2, 2025 Last Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00am (spoken service – Rite II) Please see the Order of Worship in the pews or click here 10:00am (choral service – Rite II) Please see the Order of Worship in the pews or click here youtube.com/@transfigoffice7704/streams YouTube link (for streaming the 10:00am service) OR https://www.facebook.com/transfiguration.mesa Facebook link (for streaming the 10:00am service) Join us after the service in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, snacks and conversation! |
 ECW Meeting Saturday, March 1 | 10:30am Fellowship Hall Every woman who attends transfiguration is a member of ECW. Please join us for our monthly meeting and you will meet new ladies and be “in the know” about our church happenings. We meet at 10:30am followed by a potluck lunch. If you want to join the meeting virtually, here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7409401419?pwd=bWNIbGNsdHowY1JaYUM3NDZzdlgvQT09 |
 As we start our Lenten journey, we invite you to support the enhancement of our Stations of the Cross. This sacred tradition allows us to walk with Christ, reflecting on His Passion and sacrifice. We are seeking contributions to help cover the $800 cost of new icons that will enrich our church and deepen our devotion. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated. Please put “Stations of the Cross” in the check memo and if you are giving cash, on the envelope. Thank you for your generosity and for being a valued part of our faith community. |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: canned vegetables, instant potatoes and rice. For next week: canned fruits, pudding and gelatin. You can place your donations in the basket at the back of the church or in the bin in the Fellowship Hall. |
| The Week Ahead |
| Tuesday, March 4 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, March 5 8:30am Walking on Wednesday 9:30am Morning Prayer 12:00noon Ash Wednesday Service 6:00pm Ash Wednesday Service Thursday, March 6 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Stations of the Cross 7:00pm Compline Sunday, March 9 8:00am Worship Service 10:00am Worship Service |
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 Lenten Collection Wednesday, March 5 – Thursday, April 17 Transfiguration Daughters of the King is collecting the following supplies for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital chaplains: Bibles, Electric votive candles (+ batteries), Electric pillar candles (+ batteries), Different color highlighters, Kleenex, Different color pens (blue, black, red), New (not used) stuffed animals (plushies), Yellow legal notepads. Please look for a collection bin in the Narthex or the Fellowship Hall. |
 Book Club Friday, March 21 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom The March Book Club will discuss Back Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Ellen Jackelen will be the discussion leader, the Goodreads rating is 4.09, and click here for the review. In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage and themselves. |
 Spring Luncheon & Style Show Saturday, March 22 | 10:00am Fellowship Hall Join us for a fabulous ‘Hawaiian Delight’ Luncheon & Style Show!Doors Open: 10:00am to view and purchase clothing from New Image Fashion. Luncheon: 12:00noon, followed by an exciting style show. You will also be able to purchase tickets for beautiful raffle baskets and buy $2 grab bags. Tickets: $20 each (Only 104 seats available). Tickets will be sold after the 8:00am and 10:00am services in the Fellowship Hall. |
| Worship & Formation |
| Prayer and Reflection Sundays | 7:30am and 9:30am Parish House Chapel As a Christian community, fellowship and prayer are among the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Please, observe quietude when entering and exiting the sanctuary for worship so that members may greet one another quietly and also pray and light candles. For those in need of and seeking silence for prayer and reflection, we are opening the Parish House Chapel before each service for prayer. Please observe silence when in the chapel so that this may be a space for those in need of silent prayer and contemplation. Compline Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | 7:00pm via Zoom Compline/Evening Prayer is held via ZOOM. Meeting ID: 740-940-1419. Passcode: 514 514. Contact Barbara Press with questions at (847) 651-1396. Walking on Wednesday Wednesdays | 8:30am Apache Junction Library You are invited for a walk in the desert! We will walk for about 45 minutes on fairly level dirt paths on land belonging to the city park. Meet us in the parking lot behind the Apache Junction Library on Idaho. Lynn Graff and Laura Whayne will be there to guide you. Future plans, times, ideas are open for discussion. Contact Lynn Graff if you have questions or suggestions. Morning Prayer Wednesdays | 9:30am via Zoom Please join us via ZOOM to prayerfully start the day. Meeting ID: 740-940-1419. Passcode: 514 514. Contact Barbara Press at (847) 651-1396 for questions. Bible Study & Coffee Hour Thursdays | 10:00am Fellowship Hall Our Lenten bible study will be Genesis and The Book of Adam and Eve, a 6th century AD Syriac Christian text (see URL): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/398/398-h/398-h.htm. Please bring a snack to share. Morning Eucharist Thursdays | 11:45am Parish House Chapel Please join us in a small group setting as we celebrate Holy Eucharist. NOTE: This service will take a break during Lent, starting March 6 and resuming on April 17. Stations of the Cross Thursdays | 11:45am Parish House Chapel During Lent, please join us for this beautiful worship service. Prayer Requests A list of those on our prayer list is posted in the Narthex. Prayers are offered up at Compline, by the Daughter’s of the King, and in the Sunday Services. Please contact the Church Office with your requests and updates. |
| Ministries |
| Altar Flowers Weekly donations needed Altar flowers can be dedicated in honor of special life events such as birthdays and anniversaries, in memory of a loved one or as a general thanksgiving. If you would like to donate altar flowers, please sing-up on the flower sheet posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Ruby Seyffert will then reach out to you regarding any special requests. NOTE: When using Zelle or a check, designate ‘Altar Flowers’ in the memo field. Altar Guild Meetings as needed Sanctuary Sacristy Altar Guild members care for the altar, vestments, vessels and linens under the direction of the Rector, and prepare the altar and worship space for services including weekend worship, weddings, funerals and baptisms. Contact Barbara Press to volunteer or to learn more. Episcopal Church Men (ECM) Wednesday, March 19 | 6:00pm Fellowship Hall All men who attend Transfiguration are included in ECM. The group meets monthly to plant future projects and socialize. If you have questions, contact John Collins at (480) 406-3121. Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Saturday, March 1 | 10:30am Fellowship Hall All women who attend Transfiguration are included in ECW. The group meets the first Saturday of each month to plan their projects and activities with a potluck lunch following the meeting. For questions, contact Peg Wier. God’s Soup Kitchen Monthly cooking sessions Fellowship Hall Kitchen This group prepares delicious soups for those in need. The latest offering is Chicken Taco Soup (gluten free) located in the freezer in the Fellowship Hall kitchen. If you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, contact Miriam Waddington. Stitchery Ministry Thursday, February 27 | 1:00pm Parish House This group meets the second and fourth Thursday each month to knit, crochet, sew and quilt. In addition to giving to our own members in need, the ministry donates prayer shawls and other hand stitched items to hospitals, nursing homes, shelters and other charitable organizations. Contact Linda Jo Johnson if you have questions. Sunday Morning Ministry 8:00am and 10:00am services We are looking for committed individuals to serve in various roles during our Sunday services. Positions available include Acolytes, Chalice Bearers, Greeters, Readers, and including Counters who count the donations after the 10:00am service. This vital group plays an essential part in our worship experience and helps nurture the spiritual life of our community. Training and guidance will be provided to ensure you feel well-prepared and confident in your role. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the office at (480) 986-1145 or email officetransfig@gmail.com. |
| Giving |
| Second Sunday Offering Second Sunday of each month | 8am & 10am services This month’s loose plate collection will be donated to Gathering Humanity which is a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides essential goods to those experiencing resettlement and other vulnerable populations. Online Giving Pledging and financial gifts to the Church of The Transfiguration can be made using the following methods: For credit card or ACH gifts, you can use the QR code on the back of the weekly bulletin or this link: https://onrealm.org/EpiscopalChurchTransfiguration/GiveIf you prefer to use Zelle via your banking app, you can find the church via our email address: officetransfig@gmail.com Planned Giving “When my will/trust is read, what will my children and grandchildren learn about my values?” If you want to learn more about making a significant impact on Transfiguration and its mission, please contact the Church Office. |
| FYI |
 Birthday Blessings There are no parishioners celebrating birthdays this week but stay tuned for birthdays in next week’s newsletter! |
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| After a good discussion about the February Book Club’s selection, Cutting for Stone set in Ethiopia, a few from the Book Club visited Cafe Lalibela in Tempe. It was a very tasty and fun experience! |
 We have reached 1,000 “followers” on our social media ministry presence! |
 Annual Meeting If you were unable to join us for our annual meeting and would like to see the reports, please click here to read about and celebrate our accomplishments in 2024. |
| Around the Diocese |
 Discipleship Day Saturday, March 1 | 9:30am – 3pm Christ Church of the Ascension, Paradise Valley This one day gathering is to help you learn, inspire, and connect. Lunch will be provided and childcare is available upon request. Registration for this event is $30 per person. This event is open to all lay leaders and clergy within the diocese.Who should come to the Discipleship Day? Anyone who wants to grow in their faith and has a ministry of leadership in a congregation. That includes clergy and laypeople! Register Today |
 Diocesan Publication Please contact the church office if you would like to receive the Arizona Episcopalian, a free quarterly publication from the Diocese. To sign up for the weekly Diocesan email E-Pistle click here. |
| Who We Are |
 The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is an open and affirming Christian community in the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement. We acknowledge the living culture of the Salt River Pima and Maricopa people, the traditional custodians of the land we stand on, and pay tribute to the unique role they play in the life of this region. |
| Clergy and Staff Fr. John Caleb Collins, Rector transfigurationrector@gmail.com; office (480) 986-1145 or mobile (480) 980-1981 (call or text) Janice Scalzo, Office Administrator transfigbookkeeper@gmail.com Eileen Chandler, Interim Music Director Office hours: M-T-W-Th. 9am – 1pm Vestry Fr. John Caleb Collins, Chair transfigurationrector@gmail.com Wayne Smith, Senior Warden (480) 245-9310 wsmith17@cox.net Tom Kevern, Junior Warden keverntom@gmail.com Heidi Kinney, Treasurer churchtransfigtreasurer@gmail.com Diane Klock, Clerk Ben Brooks Anita Joy Bob Kistler Janet Krahn Jo Laslo Joe Myshko Ruby Seyffert Garth Seiple Jane Stoneback Social Media Tom Blum – website Fr. John Caleb Collins – Facebook page Mary Hovden – weekly e-newsletter (please send stories, announcements, photos, etc. to Mary here) Peg Wier, Joe Myshko, Frank George IV – worship service streaming |