| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, This month is the Season of Creation. During this season, churches come together in ecumenical gatherings to promote caring for the earth and our ecological systems. Loving Mother Earth is critical to embodying and living out the love of God. From my mother’s cultural heritage, as a mestiza Mexican woman, there is a legend about la corúa, the water guardian, a water serpent whose movements in the sands of the desert carve out the life-giving rivers. This mythical creature is like Nessie from Loch Ness or Chappy from Lake Champlain, only instead of living in a lake, it lives in and forms the rivers. If la corúa is killed, the river dies too. The message is clear. Don’t cut off your source of life. The earth is our island home of biodiversity in an interstellar sea. The Season of Creation asks us, how can we ask creation for forgiveness and commit to a better way towards balance and healing? This message is clearly expressed through the Scriptures as well. In Numbers 35:33-34, God speaks through the prophet, Moses, telling God’s people, “‘Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the Lord, dwell among the Israelites.’” Through the New Covenant of Christ, this applies to all of the world. Do not pollute the earth where we are. Do not defile the earth where you live and where God dwells for the Lord dwells among God’s people. Moses taught the Israelites that the land itself is holy because God lives among God’s people. This is as true for the whole earth as it was for Moses and the Israelites. The Bible even refers to the earth as our ‘mother,’ the source of our nurturing and growth, and the ‘mother’ to which we return at death. In Sirach 40:1-2, the Scriptures say “Hard work was created for everyone, and a heavy yoke is laid on the children of Adam, from the day they come forth from their mother’s womb until the day they return to the mother of all the living.” We remember that the name ‘Adam’ means “the one who is made of the earth,” and, when we die, we return to the earth, “the mother of all the living.” Does this scriptural passage change how we think about the earth? The earth is more than one of many planets in our Solar System. The earth is more than a place that we need to escape and go and terraform other planets leaving it behind. Our planet is ‘Mother Earth,’ our island home. In the Book of Common Prayer, we find these words in Eucharistic Prayer C, “At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.” What can we do to care for the earth and all forms of life that share this planet with us? Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
 Icon: Quetzalcoatl Christ (Quetzacoatl is the inspiration for la corúa) Credit: Br. Robert Lentz, OFM, a Roman Catholic Franciscan |
| 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 14 Fourteenth 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. |
 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. |
 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 16 6:00pm ECM Meeting 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, September 17 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, September 18 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 7:00pm Compline Friday, September 19 10:00am Book Club Sunday, September 21 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday 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. |
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 Brinton Elementary School Collection Supplies due by Monday, October 15 Collection Boxes in Narthex and Fellowship Hall Mesa Schools, including our neighbor, Brinton Elementary, have been in full swing for a month now. The classrooms were all decorated and well supplied for opening day, but now the teachers’ supply closet needs restocking. Teachers often have to use their own funds for everyday supplies, and they are most grateful to our generous congregation for the help that we give them. The school provided a list of the supplies needed (copies in the Fellowship Hall and in the Narthex plus collection boxes). The list is quite extensive, but the staff will appreciate anything we can provide. Thank you for your generosity and if you have questions, please feel free to call Jane Stoneback at (480) 572-1901. |
 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 |
 New Music Director Welcome to Polina Beymonov who is a pianist and has recently received her masters degree in Collaborative Piano Performance from Arizona State University. She has enjoyed collaborating with various musicians and ensembles throughout the years. Growing up attending a Slavic Baptist church, Polina has played at churches since she was 12 years old. She has played in a variety of churches since then, and enjoys learning new hymns and traditions of each church. She is honored and excited to be part of the Church of The Transfiguration starting this Sunday, September 14. Tami Root will serve as Music Co-Director and will lead our music the last Sunday of each month at the 10am worship service. |
 Transfiguration Buildings & Grounds by Wayne Smith, Tom Kevern, Heidi Kinney and Garth Seiple This article is the first in a 3-part series which provides a description, brief history and usage summary of the buildings and land comprising Transfiguration’s campus. This information is offered to enhance familiarity with our campus and assist parishioner understanding of building and land usage and associated financial issues. For the rest of the article: Click Here |
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| Photos from Tuesday’s Season of Creation service at the Desert Botanical Garden. For additional information about the Season of Creation, click here |
| Summer Fun |
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| This week’s photos come from Diane Klock: “We loved our time in New England this summer. We spent some time with our grandchildren in Vermont and also enjoyed the beach in New Hampshire.” 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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, October 4 | 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, October 4 | 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. Lord’s Soup Kitchen October date TBD | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen On September 9th this dedicated group made homemade Taco Soup which is available to pick up 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. Anyone wanting to volunteer for this ministry please call Miriam Waddington at 559-707-5810. Stitchery Ministry Thursday, September 11 | 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 |
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| 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 |
 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 Daryl White, Sexton Polina Beymonov, Music Director Tami Root, Music Co-Director Office hours: M-T-W-Th. 9am – 1pm Leadership Fr. John Caleb Collins, Vestry Chair Wayne Smith, Senior Warden (480) 245-9310 Tom Kevern, Junior Warden Heidi Kinney, Treasurer Doug Wynn, Deputy Warden Diane Klock, Vestry Clerk Anita Joy, Vestry Member Bob Kistler, Vestry Member Garth Seiple, Vestry Member Jane Stoneback, Vestry Member Janet Krahn, Vestry Member Jo Laslo, Vestry Member Ruby Seyffert, Vestry Member Sharon Smorynski, Vestry Member 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 |