| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, We have officially begun the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. During Lent, we spend 40 days in prayer, fasting, and repentance. As God’s people wandered the desert for 40 years and as Jesus prayed in the desert for 40 days and nights, we observe 40 days of Lent. While Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day were among my favorite holidays during the Church year growing up, because we received gifts in some form or another on those days, I loved Ash Wednesday. It was my favorite worship service at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. It may seem odd that Ash Wednesday was the favorite worship service for a 13 year old in Jr. High School, but it was. During Ash Wednesday and the following Wednesdays in Lent, Pastor Don Thompson or another Lutheran presbyter would wear the purple stole, the sanctuary was lit with candles, twigs and bare sticks replaced flowers, and traditional chanting accompanied the hymns. It was during one of these services that Pastor Don first told me that he thought I may have a call to be ordained to the priesthood. I brought my Bible, read along with the lectionary of the day, read the study notes along with the sermon, and above all loved chanting “Kyrie eleison,” or “Lord have mercy.” It is this simple prayer that can be the heart of our rule of prayer in our lives. I invite you to reflect on the words of the Jesus Prayer, based on this simplest of prayers, “Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner.” When we do not have the words to pray, pray this prayer. When we do not have time because we have to work more than 40 hours to provide for our family, pray this prayer. This prayer acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior, and God among us, that we are imperfect people who make mistakes, and that forgiveness and mercy are given to us by Jesus Christ through faith. The Ashes remind us that we need God’s mercy; they also remind us that we are all made from the same earth. The ashes are visible tangible symbols of our shared human nature. Our human ancestors are named “Adam and Eve” for a reason. The name “Adam” in English comes from the Hebrew, “Biblical Hebrew אָדָם (adam, “earth, man, soil, light brown”), from אדמה (adamah, “red earth, ground”).” The word “adam” describes how God made humankind from the earth and molded us in God’s own image. God also created “Eve” and the English name also comes from the Hebrew, “from Biblical Hebrew חַוָּה(ḥawwā) itself from Hebrew חַי (kháy, “alive”).” When God created “the one from the earth” (human), God also said “it is not good that humanity lives alone.” So, God created “life” or “a living humanity” for people to live together in community and family. People are naturally drawn to one another and, being in God’s own image, are meant to live in harmony and in unity with another as the Holy Trinity is in unity and harmony among the three persons who are one God. As a priest, I have seen how this is a major draw on Ash Wednesday. While I served as the Vicar of the Episcopal churches in Bisbee and Douglas, I offered “Ashes to Go” during the pandemic. People who were not able to gather in the sanctuary and receive ashes could pray with me outside and receive ashes on the street. People long for belonging, for community, and for love. Jesus offers salvation from sin, from death, and from loneliness. Jesus restores us to the “original blessing” that God intended for us at creation, frees us from death, and reconciles us through communion with God and with one another. As Episcopalians who are part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church through the Anglican Communion, I invite you to join me in praying the Jesus Prayer during the Lenten Season. Remember also that we are all made from the sam earth. We are all “Adam,” and we are all meant to be alive, “Eve,” in a community of faithful believers and disciples of Jesus. We have a calling to share that Good News and invite others to join our living worldwide community known as the Church. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
 Fr. Caleb offers “Ashes to Go” in Bisbee, AZ in 2021 |
| 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 9, 2025 First Sunday in Lent 8:00am (spoken service – Rite I) 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! |
 Second Sunday Offering Sunday, March 9 | 8:00am & 10:00am 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. |
 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. There were 87 lbs. of goods donated in February – thank you to Christine Farrell for all that you do! |
| The Week Ahead |
| Tuesday, March 11 9:00am God’s Soup Kitchen 4:30pm Vestry Meeting 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, March 12 8:30am Walking on Wednesday 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, March 13 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Stations of the Cross 1:00pm Stitchery Ministry 7:00pm Compline Sunday, March 16 8:00am Worship Service 10:00am Worship Service |
 Lenten Collection Wednesday, March 5 – Thursday, April 17 Transfiguration Daughters of the King, in partnership with Fr. Caleb who uses one of his days off to work at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, is collecting the following supplies for the Chaplaincy Department at the hospital: 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. |
 St. Patrick’s Social Sunday, March 30 | after the 8:00am and 10:00am services Fellowship Hall We will celebrate the life and ministry of St. Patrick with Irish Cream Coffee after the 8am service and Baked Potato Potluck after the 10am service. For the Baked Potato Potluck, members are invited to bring their favorite toppings to share in a potluck style. |
| 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 found here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/398/398-h/398-h.htm Please bring a snack to share! Stations of the Cross Thursdays | 11:45am Parish House Chapel During Lent, please join us for this beautiful worship service. 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, resuming on April 17. 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 Saturday, April 5 | 9:30am 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. Monthly meetings are held to plan for upcoming services, 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, April 5 | 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 Tuesday, March 11 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen This group prepares soups for those in need or homebound. For March, they will prepare Pasta e Fagioli. Their heartfelt efforts continue to make a positive difference in the community, one delicious bowl of soup at a time. If you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, contact Miriam Waddington. Stitchery Ministry Thursday, March 13 | 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. No previous experience required – the group can help you learn how to knit, crochet, etc. 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 | 8:00am & 10:00am 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 The following parishioners are celebrating birthdays this week: Dawn Vernon on 3/6, Pat Mullins on 3/7, Barbara Ewert on 3/7, Garth Seiple on 3/7, Julie Kiehne-Lamkin on 3/8, Granville Clark on 3/9, Annette Whitehead on 3/9, Ron Sparks on 3/12. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 Thank you to the Collins and Heitkap families for donating our new Stations of the Cross in memory of Wilma Collins and Nathan Heitkamp, both born on February 12. |
 Bob Kistler installed a cover for the Parish Office building attic access in order to conform with our fire protection standards. Thank you Bob! If you can help our Junior Warden, Tom Kevern, with other projects or repairs around our buildings and grounds, please contact Tom here. |
| Rector’s Gift Shop Narthex This wonderful space is stocked with the following gift items:In commemoration of St. Patrick’s Day, the mini statues of St. Patrick are 50% off or $6 each ($25 retail price)Prayer cards for $1Crosses for $1Small framed icons for $5Large wooden icons for $30All proceeds go to support the Rector’s Discretionary Fund which is supporting the Welcoming Committee and New Members’ Ministry. |
 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. |
 We have reached over 1,000 followers in our social media ministry! |
| Around the Diocese |
 Lent Madness begins today! It started in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenck. Tim came up with this unique Lenten devotion by seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church’s Calendar of Saints. So he combined his love of sports with his passion for saints and Lent Madness was born!The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single-elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move ino the area of saintly kitsch.You can learn more and participate by visiting https://www.lentmadness.org/ We hope you’ll participate fully this Lent and vote with reckless abandon! |
 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 |