Transfiguring Times – 8/21/25
The Rector’s Metamorpho-News Note from Fr. Caleb: “Here is a column provided by the Rev. Mauricio Salomão Mugunhe, a priest in the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola. Please contact the church office if you can make a good-will offering to help support his seminary education.” Hello, My name is Mauricio Salomão Mugunhe. I was born in…
| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Note from Fr. Caleb: “Here is a column provided by the Rev. Mauricio Salomão Mugunhe, a priest in the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola. Please contact the church office if you can make a good-will offering to help support his seminary education.” |
 Hello, My name is Mauricio Salomão Mugunhe. I was born in Zandamela, in Inhambane Province, South of Mozambique on the 7th of January,1974. My Christian journey started when I was still very young, at the age of 7, when my mother took me to the church (Saints Peter and Paul Anglican Church) in my home village. I started attending Sunday school. The first time that I felt that God was calling me for ordained ministry it was in 1985. I was 11 years, and a lay minister was preaching using 1Samuel 3:1-15, the call of Prophet Samuel. Her message was so powerful, and at a certain time she said: “I’m sure that some of the children sitting here today, are being called by God like Samuel”. At that point and time, I felt that I was one of those children. From that time on, I started nurturing this feeling of being called to serve God and God’s people. When I was twelve, I received the sacrament of confirmation, and during the retreat before my confirmation, another lay minister shared a reflection based on Isaiah 6:1-8, the call of Isaiah. The man stated: “some of you, sitting here, are called by God like Prophet Isaiah. My teenage years were not easy. At the age of 14, in order to continue my studies, since there was no Second phase Primary School (grades 6 and 7) in my home village, I had to leave my parents at home and went to live with other two teenagers in Quissico, the District’s headquarter which was about 80 kms away from home. For two years, i.e., from 1988 to 1989, since there was no Anglican Church in that place, I started to attend Assemblies of God, and I learned a lot with their spirituality. It was at the peak of the civil war between the government’s troops and the rebels; for several times I experienced God’s protection as I traveled from and to school, on a road where there were so many attacks to civilian vehicles and many people were killed. In 1990, after completing grade 7, I had to be transferred from Quissico to Maxixe, about 180 km away from home, where there was a secondary School. During three years, I became an active member the youth group, and on my third year I became youth secretary. It was in that Parish where I took my final decision to accept my call for priesthood. This was not an easy process, because at the age of 18, I thought that it was not the right time to enroll at the Seminary. I joined Diocesan Theological seminary in Maputo, in February 1993. After finishing my first stage of theological formation I was not ordained immediately. In 2003 I was awarded a Scholarship by Saint James Church in New York City and I went to study for Diplomas in Theology and Ministry at the College of Transfiguration in South Africa, having completed in 2005 with distinction. I wanted to continue with my studies immediately when I finished my studies at the College of Transfiguration, I would love to continue my studies, but due to financial limitations. I returned to Mozambique, but since I was not ordained, I joined World Vision International were I served for 13 years. In 2016, I was called to be ordained as a Deacon and three years, I was ordained to the Priesthood. For almost 20 years I was looking for an opportunity to continue with my studies, but due to financial difficulties, I always couldn’t. Thank God, last year, after a long process, I was awarded a scholarship that covers half of my fees at Fuller Theological Seminary. Each quarter, I need to find people of good will who can help me to cover the other part of the fees. I thank God for Archbishop Josiah, Father John Caleb and the people of God at the Church of Transfiguration in Mesa for helping me to cover the costs for Spring Quarter that I was owing at Fuller Theological Seminary because I will be able to register for Fall quarter. May God bless you abundantly, Rev Mauricio Mugunhe |
| 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 24 Eleventh 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 join us after each service in the Fellowship Hall for breakfast prepared by the Episcopal Church Men’s Group. |
 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. |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: canned or dehydrated soups. For next week: canned meat and peanut butter. 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 26 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, August 27 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, August 28 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 1:00pm Stitchery Ministry 7:00pm Compline Sunday, August 31 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service Ice Cream Social after the 10:00am Service |
 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, syrups, etc.). |
 Special Anniversary Monday, September 1 We are so thankful for Fr. Caleb and want to celebrate the anniversary of his arrival at Transfiguration with prayers and thanksgiving. Please let him know how much we are glad to have him with us on this special day! |
 Book Club Friday, September 19 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom September’s Book Club will discuss The Measure by Nikki Erlick. The discussion leader will be Ann Pullinger and the Goodreads rating is 3.97. Click here for the review. |
 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: Margie Wauters on 8/21, Harvey Caldwell on 8/21, Jerry Schmidt on 8/22, Jerry Majerus on 8/23, Ed Ramspott on 8/25. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 New Kitchen Stoves We had to replace our old stoves because of new fire regulations. Our kitchen fire suppression system did not support the old stoves and the cost to upgrade our fire suppression system was far more than the cost of new residential stoves. Total cost of the new stoves was around $4,000. $3,200 for the stoves, plus another $800 for an electrician to correct safety violations in the Fellowship Hall kitchen and to help install the stoves. If you would like to donate toward the kitchen stoves upgrade, please write “stoves” in the memo line of your check. |
 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 Cindy Howell. “Visiting other churches when we travel is often a delight. Here are churches from Lake City, Colorado, population 413, elevation 8762. Episcopal, Catholic, Presbyterian and Baptist churches all founded in the late 1890s and lovingly restored.” 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 28 | 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 OpenJoin 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 |