Transfiguring Times – 8/14/25
The Rector’s Metamorpho-News Dearly transfigured people of God, This week, on August 15, is the feast day of St. Mary the Virgin, the Mother of our Lord. In The Book of Common Prayer, the Collect reads, “O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory ofyour eternal…
| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, This week, on August 15, is the feast day of St. Mary the Virgin, the Mother of our Lord. In The Book of Common Prayer, the Collect reads, “O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory ofyour eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen” (p. 243). Since the earliest days of the Church, Mary has been known as the Mother of God because her Son, Jesus, is both fully God and fully human. The title, “Mother of God” or “the birth-giver of God,” Theotokos in Greek, is meant to affirm that Christians believe Jesus is fully human, sharing our nature, and that He is fully God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Even in Scripture itself, St. Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, exclaims to Mary, “And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43). When Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, her cousin knew that the one Mary carried was her Lord God. At the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, the Ecumenical Council reaffirmed that Jesus is both God and human and, therefore, that Mary is the Mother of God. The Council determined that Mary’s example and her motherhood of the Lord is that of a role model pointing to Christ. This Ecumenical Council, one of seven, like the others, is recognized by the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran World Federation as “exercises of apostolic authority” and “recognizes their decisions as authoritative”, and so we honor and remember the Virgin Mary. In saying ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to accept Christ into her life, and to literally carry Him as His mother, Mary exemplifies how we should also boldly and humbly say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to be in our lives even if it comes with uncertainty and anxiousness about the future. In most paintings and depictions of Mary, whether icons or statues, Mary is holding Christ in her arms and is pointing to Him. This is meant to teach the faithful that Mary is pointing the way to Salvation and Jesus is the way. The earliest depictions of Mary are preserved in the Roman catacombs where Christians worshipped and buried their dead. One such image, of Mary nursing the infant Jesus, dates back to about 200 AD. This is considered one of the earliest preserved images of Mary. The oldest preserved Byzantine icon of Mary dates back to about 500 AD and is in Rome. In this latter icon, Mary is pointing her hands in prayer to Christ, again being a role model for Christians in how we are to pray for one another to Christ. These images continue to serve as the prototypes for icons and statues of Mary across cultures and across the globe. It was an icon and statue like these that I remember very clearly from my childhood, pointing me to a life of ministry in Christ’s Church. From as early as I can remember, my mom kept a diptych (double) icon on our family’s piano; one panel of the icon was of Jesus Christ Pantocrator and the left panel was of Mary, the Blessed Virgin. My parents bought this icon at the Griechische Kapelle “Greek Chapel” or St. Elizabeth’s Russian Orthodox church in Wiesbaden, Germany. I remember staring with a sense of holiness and peace at this icon on our piano. Another was the statue of Mary, Our Lady of Grace, on my Nana’s shelf above her bed. Mary stands humbly with a tenderness looking at you as if to say, “my Son has saved you.” This look of prayer and love helps to teach us that Jesus had a real human family, one that was loving and that was a family full of people just like our families. I keep a copy of the icons from the Greek Chapel on my desk and my Nana’s statue now overlooks my kitchen. In The Episcopal Church, we accept that much of Mary’s life is a mystery to us. What we do know with certainty comes from the Scriptures and what many of us accept as true also comes from ancient Church traditions about Mary’s, and Jesus’, family. We believe in what the Nicene Creed says, that Mary is the virgin mother of Jesus and that Jesus is God. When it comes to personal devotions and personal acts of piety that include the Virgin Mary, this remains a personal decision. A lot like the sacramental rite of Confession, we teach that “all may, some should, but none must” when it comes to asking the saints in heaven to pray for us. Some faithful Christians are content knowing that the saints in heaven already pray for us and they do not make the intercession of the saints a part of their personal devotions. Others take great comfort and encouragement in the intercessory prayer of the saints in heaven and do actively ask saints, like Mary, to pray for them. What unites the Anglican Communion, including The Episcopal Church, in our public worship is our celebration of the life of Mary and her faithfulness to the Lord on August 15 every year. On this day we remember that she said ‘yes’ to God’s plan of salvation, that she was brave in the face of social stigma and danger, that she accompanied her son during His ministry, that she stood by Him on the cross, and that she witnessed His Resurrection. We pray to God that we learn from the example of Mary to be faithful disciples of Jesus. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
  Left/Top: Madonna Advocate, My Lady the Advocate or Intercessor in Rome. The oldest extant Byzantine icon of Mary (circa 500 AD). Right/Bottom: The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, celebrates Our Lady of Walsingham in 2019, an important shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Church of England. |
| 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 17 Tenth 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) Please welcome Rev. Philip Stowell as our guest priest this weekend. Also, join us after each service in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, snacks and fellowship. |
 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 reviewThe book club Zoom link is: Launch Book Club To enter manually: Meeting ID: 740 940 1419 Passcode: 514514 |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: boxed cereal and crackers. For next week: canned or dehydrated soups. 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 designated basket at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall. 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 19 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, August 20 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, August 21 7:00pm Compline Sunday, August 24 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service ECM will serve breakfast after each service |
 Sunday Breakfast Sunday, August 24 | after each service Fellowship Hall ECM will be preparing breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes) after each service. A suggested donation of $7.00 will be collected at the door. |
 Ice Cream Social Sunday, August 31 | 11:30am Fellowship Hall Join us after the 10am service for a sweet time of fellowship and fun! All parishioners — whether you’ve been here for years or just arrived. Come meet friendly faces, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a delicious treat. Please bring your favorite toppings to share (e.g. nuts, cherries, sprinkles, chocolate sauce, etc.). |
 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: Bill Paleck on 8/18, Tami Root on 8/18. 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 Laura Whayne and Lynn Graff. “Kentucky is so very green with wildflowers scattered in fields and fencerows. We have enjoyed traveling backroads seeing healthy crops and young colts, calves, and goats. Still see an occasional lightning bug. Lexington is a fun place to explore. The weather has been hot and humid (ugh!) but we got a brief break with mornings at 65 degrees.” 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 will be studying The Book of Revelation, Left Behind, and why there is no Rapture): “Left Behind”. For more information and to order the book, click here. 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) Tuesday, September 16 | 6:00pm Fellowship Hall All men who attend Transfiguration are included in ECM. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month 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, September 14 | 8:00am & 10:00am services August’s plate donation of $320 went 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. September’s Second Sunday donation will to to Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS). SAMS Foundation is a global medical relief organization that is working on the front lines of crisis relief in Syria, in neighboring countries, and beyond to save lives and alleviate suffering. SAMS proudly provides medical care and treatment to every patient in need. 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 |