Transfiguring Times – 8/7/25
The Rector’s Metamorpho-News Dearly transfigured people of God, I remember reading C.S. Lewis’ book, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, in elementary school. More than any other of his books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, the book captured my imagination as one sails with King Caspian and his fellow Narnians to the end of their world. Going island to…
| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
 Dearly transfigured people of God, I remember reading C.S. Lewis’ book, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, in elementary school. More than any other of his books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, the book captured my imagination as one sails with King Caspian and his fellow Narnians to the end of their world. Going island to island, one receives vivid details of green lands, deep blue waters, merfolk singing, and falling stars that live on Earth waiting to return to the heavens. I wanted each chapter to last. When the last page closed out the book, I felt that bittersweet feeling of a journey completed. I would never again read that book for the first time. It is hard to say goodbye. I want to capture that feeling. Maybe, that’s why the disciples wanted to capture the moment with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah? To contain it? Ministry is being an active part of God’s story, being written by the Spirit, a story into which Jesus became incarnate for us. Our lives are purposefully and intentionally interwoven together in the life of the Church. If we live into our baptismal vows, and we work at being in communion with each other, we are cognizant of the Church as a family. Following Christ is not always easy, far from it. Contrary to many Pentecostal “name and claim it” movements, New Age spiritualities and toxic positivity, just having a vision board and wanting something so much will not make life easier or accomplish those visions. No. To follow Jesus is to walk with people in pain, to be a person who experiences pain, and to share sorrow with our brothers and sisters as much as joy and happiness. It is not ‘safe’ to be a Christian. It is not always ‘safe’ to do the right thing, to stand up in the right moments. But, it is good, right, and full of hope. I am reminded of what C.S. Lewis wrote about Aslan in his books: “Is Aslan safe?” and the response, “No, but he is good.” Following Jesus is not safe, but it is good because He is good. I think it is fitting that, during August, we celebrate both the Transfiguration of Christ and the Dormition or falling asleep of the Virgin Mary. We are walking through the clouds of change. Like St. Peter, we may want to build a tent and keep the moment contained and controlled. We don’t want to let go of our power, of our control, of our status quo. We don’t want to move where the Spirit may be moving. However, before we know it, the cloud of mystery is enveloping us in the Spirit’s dance, and that dance is going to go on and on. We are swept away whether we want God to move or not. Like Christ, we are being transfigured into a new creation. Like Mary, his mother, we await our being taken into the arms of the Savior to live with Him forever with everlasting life. We’re being taken away by the clouds and will open new chapters of ministry. Like a book, we may miss the pages we have put down, but that feeling of adventure, through challenge and joy alike, awaits us in a new book and a new chapter. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
| 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, August 10 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 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 link (for streaming the 10:00am service) OR Facebook link (for streaming the 10:00am service) This Sunday is our church’s Name Day and we are going to celebrate the Transfiguration at both services. Also, please join us after each service in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, snacks and fellowship. |
 Second Sunday Offering Sunday, August 10 | 8:00am & 10:00am services This Sunday’s plate donation will go to the United Food Bank which partners with more than 120 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and hot meal sites across Arizona, changing lives by providing essential food support. |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: canned fruits, puddings, gelatin. For next week: boxed cereals and crackers. You can place your donations in the basket at the back of the church or in the bin in the Fellowship Hall. |
 Coffee Hour Donations We would appreciate receiving donations for our coffee hour after each Sunday service. Please leave non-perishable items in the basket provided or if you prefer to make a monetary donation, a donation box is also available. Thank you for your generosity! |
| The Week Ahead |
| Tuesday, August 12 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, August 13 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, August 14 10:00am Bible Study/Coffee Hour 11:45am Morning Eucharist 1:00pm Stitchery Ministry 7:00pm Compline Friday, August 15 10:00am Book Study Sunday, August 17 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service |
 Book Club Friday, August 15 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom August’s Book Club will discuss Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. The discussion leader will be Terrie Heller and the Goodreads rating is 3.74. Click here for the review. This novel is set in a dystopian future in which some children are genetically engineered for enhanced academic ability. As schooling is provided entirely at home by on-screen tutors, opportunities for socialization are limited and parents who can afford it often buy their children androids as companions. |
 Recognition of Bill Robinson Saturday, November 22 Sanctuary The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall will join us to officiate at a Celebration for Years of Service to recognize our very own Bill Robinson, iconographer and Chili Farm Director Emeritus, for his years of ministry at the Church of the Transfiguration. The time and order of service are to be determined. |
 25th Anniversary Celebration Date TBD, 2026 As we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our church sanctuary next year, we are creating a digital photo album to capture its history. We are especially looking for photos from the construction phase and any renovations or improvements since. If you have relevant photos or documents, please email them to Thomas Blum. Your contributions will help make this celebration truly special! |
| FYI |
 Birthday Blessings The following parishioners are celebrating birthdays this week: Rebecca Heitkamp on 8/8, Caryll Prokosch on 8/9, Lyndsey Sullivan on 8/9, John Trussell on 8/10, Heidi Kinney on 8/12, Warren Schuler on 8/13, Cynthia Schuler on 8/13. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 Bible Study Bible Study for August – September (The Book of Revelation, Left Behind, and why there is no Rapture): “Left Behind”. For more information and to order the book, click here. Bible Study for October – November (The Epistles of Paul and Always Reforming): “What it Means to Be Protestant”. For more information and to order the book, click here. |
 Rector’s Vacation Fr. Caleb will be on vacation from Sunday, August 17 through Saturday, August 23. |
| Summer Fun |
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| This week’s photos come from Rebecca Kevern. “I went to PA to visit my mom and other relatives. I am staying with an old friend of my parents and I went to church with her this morning. She goes to Trinity Lutheran in Lancaster, PA. Organized in 1730, this was the earliest church in Lancaster. At the time it had one of the most magnificent organs in colonial America. People still come just to hear this marvelous instrument. It also boasts fabulous stained glass windows including one by Louis Comfort Tiffany.” Please send your vacation and/or summer activity photos, along with a brief description/caption, to Summer Fun Photos and we’ll publish them! |
| 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 AZ time 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. Morning Prayer Wednesdays | 9:30am AZ time 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 We are currently studying The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations: Understanding the History, Beliefs, and Differences. Books are available in the Parish House office for $15. NOTE: There will be no Bible Study on August 21. Morning Eucharist Thursdays | 11:45am Parish House Chapel Please join us in a small group setting as we celebrate Holy Eucharist. NOTE: There will be no Morning Eucharist on August 21. Prayer Requests Updated Weekly 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 Donations requested for weekly flowers 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 sign-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, September 6 | 9:00am Sacristy Altar Guild members care for the altar, vestments, vessels and linens under the direction of the Rector. They 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) September meeting TBD | 6:00pm Fellowship Hall All men who attend Transfiguration are included in ECM. The group meets monthly to plan future projects and socialize. If you have questions, contact John Collins at (480) 406-3121. Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Saturday, September 6 | 10:30am Fellowship Hall All women who attend Transfiguration are included in ECW. The group typically meets the first Saturday of each month to plan their projects and activities with a potluck lunch following the meeting but will be taking a break for the summer. For questions, contact Peg Wier. God’s Soup Kitchen August Meeting Date & Time TBD Fellowship Hall Kitchen This group prepares soups for those in need and/or homebound. For July they prepared hamburger vegetable soup; containers are available in the Fellowship Hall freezer. 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, August 14 | 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, Offering Counters and Digital Ministry; we especially need help with the last two roles. These roles plays an essential part in our worship experience and help 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 Sunday, August 10 | 8:00am & 10:00am services August’s plate donation will go to the United Food Bank which partners with more than 120 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and hot meal sites across Arizona, changing lives by providing essential food support. 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 Did you know that planned gifts are philanthropic gifts made in the present that are received at sone future date and that they may be designated for specific purposes? To learn more, please click here for an informational brochure or contact the Church Office. Financial Report Click here to see the Mid-Year Transfiguration financial report. Hard copies are also available in the Narthex and in the Fellowship Hall. If you have questions, please contact Heidi Kinney. |
| Around the Diocese |
 Diocesan Convention Registration Open Join us for a powerful time of worship, connection, and community at the 65th Arizona Diocesan Convention: The Fabric of Faith. On October 10th & 11th, we will gather at All Saints’ Episcopal Church & Day School in Phoenix for our annual business meeting, keynote speaker The Rev. Dr. Wilda Gafney, Ph.D., a Eucharist, inspiring workshops, an evening reception, and time to explore our exhibitor hall. Early Bird Registration ends August 22nd, so don’t delay! Learn More Here |
 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-Pistleclick 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 Office (480) 986-1145 or Mobile (480) 980-1981 (call or text) Janice Scalzo, Office Administrator Heidi Kinney, Treasurer Tami Root, Interim Music Director Daryl White, Sexton Office hours: M-T-W-Th. 9am – 1pm Vestry Fr. John Caleb Collins, Chair Wayne Smith, Senior Warden (480) 245-9310 Tom Kevern, Junior Warden Doug Wynn, Deputy Warden Diane Klock, Clerk Anita Joy Bob Kistler Garth Seiple Jane Stoneback Janet Krahn Jo Laslo Ruby Seyffert Sharon Smorynski Social Media Thomas Blum – Website Fr. John Caleb Collins – Facebook page Mary Hovden – Transfiguring Times (please send stories, announcements, photos, etc. to Mary here) Peg Wier, Joe Myshko – Digital ministry |