| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, “Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine” (“I leave you free from both men”) – St. Marinus the Hermit Happy Labor Day week! Labor Day is an observance of the contributions of workers, particularly associated with the blue-collar working class, without which society could not function. It’s a celebration of all workers and laborers in America. In a way, it is a celebration of freedom, the freedom to rest. In Genesis, God’s creation includes a day of rest. This has always been interpreted as God wanting humankind to experience restfulness and time to be present with God. It is freedom from labor. It is freedom from being overworked. The Christian story has always been one of a struggle for freedom. While human members of the Church have misused their authority, power, and institutional organization, the original story of the Christian faith is the struggle for freedom from sin and oppression. Jesus was killed by the Roman Empire for refusing to submit to oppressive rule and because he is the Son of God, his death and resurrection are the source of healing and forgiveness for all creation. The message of freedom from oppression and sin is so closely connected to the Christian Gospel that it became a part of the development of the Latin language in the early Church period. While Western Romance languages like Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Catalan were influenced by the Classical Latin of the Renaissance, the Eastern Romance languages were isolated, preserving many archaic features closer to Vulgar Latin. In Romanian, the language of Romania and Moldova, the word for “to forgive” is “a ierta.” Forgiveness is “iertarea.” The root of these words is the Latin, “libertare,” freedom. When these early Latin Christians asked God for forgiveness, they asked God for freedom from sin. When they were assured of their forgiveness, they were assured of their liberty in Christ. This special connection between liberation and forgiveness has been preserved as a witness to the power of Christ’s grace and his message of liberation. Today, we also observe the commemoration of St. Marinus the Hermit whose last words were, as quoted above, “I leave you free from both men.” Marinus was born on an island near Croatia. He had to leave his home due to the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians at the time. When he settled, he dedicated his life to comforting the Christians in a labor camp who had been sentenced to hard labor for their refusal to worship the Emperor (at the time, the Roman emperors considered themselves to be gods; any Roman subject could be required to worship the emperor as a show of loyalty). Eventually, Marinus decided he wanted to grow in his faith and holiness by fleeing the oppression of the Empire and the temptations of society. A wealthy Christian woman gifted him a mountain where he established a monastery. Today, that mountain became the city state of San Marino, a small independent micro-state surrounded by Italy. Before he died, his legendary last words were “I leave you free from both men.” Marinus was referring to the Roman Emperor and the Pope. He was saying that, in his new eternal life in Christ, he was free from the earthly oppression of the Emperor and the domination that the Pope began to exert over other churches (as Protestants, we can appreciate his support for independence). His words, even if only legendary, were used as the inspiration for the support of a republic, a form of government with representative democracy. In Christ, we too are free. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
 Painting of St. Marinus appearing to the people of the Republic of San Marino. |
| 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, September 7 Thirteenth 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 coffee, fellowship and snacks and to celebrate Fr. Caleb’s 2nd anniversary with us! |
 Altar Guild Saturday, September 6 | 9:00am Sanctuary We are seeking dedicated individuals to join the Altar Guild. Members play a vital role in setting the altar table with holy sacraments and preparing the worship space. If you’re interested in serving in this meaningful ministry, please contact Barbara Press for more information at: 847-651-1396 or barbarapress02@gmail.com |
 Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Saturday, September 6 | 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. |
 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, puddings 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 at Transfiguration |
| Tuesday, September 9 9:00am God’s Soup Kitchen 4:30pm Vestry Meeting 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, September 10 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, September 11 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 1:00pm Stitchery Ministry 7:00pm Compline Sunday, September 14 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service |
 Peace with Creation: Witness for Creation Justice Tuesday, September 9 | 8:00am Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix Join us for a special worship gathering to mark the Season of Creation! Creation Justice Ministries is partnering with local faith organizations to promote “Peace with Creation” through public witnesses across the country. The event will include prayer, public testimony, and calls for urgent moral action in the face of worsening climate impacts in Arizona, including dangerous, excessive heat and attacks on sacred lands. Entry to the Desert Botanical Garden is included in your free admission to the worship service! |
 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. |
 |
 Vacation Fr. Caleb will be on vacation and out of the office from October 19 – 25. |
 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 a birthday this week: Ann Williamson on 9/6, Lyla Laiacano on 9/7, Nancy Kersten on 9/7, Diane Klock on 9/9, Arthur Vernon on 9/9. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
  Photos from last Sunday’s Ice Cream Social. What a sweet and fun morning! |
| Summer Fun |
  |
  |
| This week’s photos come from Terri Beck: “This is a beautiful rainbow outside my front door from my staycation at home in Mesa.” and Mary Hovden: “Rainbow from the back deck of our cabin in Show Low”. We’ll wrap up this column by the end of September. 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 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. 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 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, September 9 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen This group prepares soups for those in need and/or homebound. 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 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 |
 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. 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-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 |