| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! We are approaching our annual Blessing of the Animals here at the Church of the Transfiguration. This beloved service is in commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi who, also known for his care for the poor, is well-known for his deep love for creation and animals. It is highly appropriate that we celebrate the Feastday of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals during the season after Pentecost. This season is also known as Creationtide, or the growing season of the Church Year. That is why our sanctuary and vestments are decorated with green and symbols of plantlife. This season represents the life giving breath of the Holy Spirit to all of creation. On Sunday, October 5, we celebrate the Feastday of St. Francis and honor his life and memory by blessing the animals who are a part of our families and lives. Last year, we saw many new animals brought to our service. We blessed mice, bunnies, dogs, and cats and blessed horses and other critters from afar with their families showing off their pictures. The Holy Spirit is not bound to space and time and whether your animal companion is here in person or remembered through a photograph, they receive God’s blessing. This year I am hoping we will see some new critters! To be sensitive to members with allergies, we will have two services with two different setups for the blessing of the animals. At 8 am, you are welcome to bring photos of your pets and animal companions. If you have allergies to any animals, we invite you to attend the 8 am service. At 10 am, we welcome live animals. Please, bring your smaller animal companions in a safe habitat or container, and please bring a kennel or leash for your cats and dogs. I understand that all of our animals are loving and safe, but we don’t want to tempt their natural instincts when we have carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores all in the same room together! As you worship with us, you are welcome to walk around our church property outside if your animal companion needs to walk around and stretch. Our church property features beautiful desert gardens and plenty of ground, both sidewalk and natural, to walk around. Please, do not worry about any meowing, barking, squawking, or singing that your pets may do! It is a joyful music to the Lord to hear the sounds of nature. This is a special Sunday and we understand that our loving critters may want to join in on the conversation with God. I look forward to seeing you all at our Blessing of the Animals and I am excited to see what critters among God’s creation are present with us through photos and live! Blessing, Fr. Caleb |
 Fr. Caleb blessing the animals in 2021 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bisbee, Arizona. |
| 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 28 Sixteenth 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. |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: boxed cereals 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. |
| The Week Ahead at Transfiguration |
| Tuesday, September 30 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, October 1 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, October 2 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 7:00pm Compline Saturday, October 4 9:00am Altar Guild 10:30am ECW Meeting & Potluck Sunday, October 5 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service Blessing of the Animals at both services |
 Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 5 | 8:00am & 10:00am Sanctuary Live animal companions and their families are welcome at the 10am service. If you have allergies to certain animals, we invite you to attend the 8am service where families are welcome to bring pictures of their pets. |
 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunday, Oct. 12 | 11:30am Fellowship Hall After refreshments, we will enjoy table, board and card games. Everyone from both services is invited to celebrate with us. |
 Brinton Elementary School Collection Donations due by Monday, October 13 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. |
 Book Club Friday, October 17 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom October’s Book Club will discuss James by Percival Everett. The discussion leader will be Ellen Jackelen and the Goodreads rating is 4.46. Click here for the review. When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond. |
 Vacation Fr. Caleb will be on vacation and out of the office from October 19 – 25. |
 Jose’s Closet Collection Donations due by Friday, October 31 Collection Box in Narthex Daughter’s of the King is proud to support Jose’s Closet, an organization that provides resources for foster children and their families. We are collecting donations of:Hygiene products (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc…full or travel sizes welcome)Diapers (newborn through size 5)Your generosity will make a meaningful difference! There will be a basket marked Jose’s Closet in the Narthex for all donations. |
 Trunk or Treat Friday, October 31 | 5:00pm Church Parking Lot Please join us for our annual Trunk or Treat where we welcome our neighbors and their children for an evening of spooky fun, treats and delicious food! We will set-up and decorate at 5pm. Around 6pm the Tacos y Dogos Culiacán food truck will arrive, the children will visit our trunks for candy and everyone will enjoy our visiting food truck fare! |
 ECM Hosted Breakfast Sunday, November 2 | 9:00am & 11:30am Fellowship Hall The Episcopal Church Men’s group will be serving a delicious breakfast after both services. More details to come! |
 Stewardship Campaign Month of November Stay tuned for more details about our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, Tell Out My Soul. |
 Bill Robinson Recognition Saturday, November 22 | Time TBD 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. |
 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: Brian Mearon on 9/26, Paul Gutsch on 9/27, John Collins on 9/30, Toni Olsen on 9/30. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 Transfiguration Buildings & Grounds – Part 3 by Wayne Smith, Tom Kevern, Heidi Kinney and Garth Seiple This article is the third in a 3-part series which provides a description, brief history, and usage summary of the buildings and land comprising Transfiguration campus. This part is focused on the chili farm. The information is offered to enhance familiarity with our campus and assist parishioner understanding of building and land usage and associated financial issues. Read More |
 Beware of Scam Emails The Church Office has received reports that some of our parishioners have received emails that claim they are from Fr. Caleb and he is asking for gift cards and/or money. Please know that Clergy, Staff or other parishioners would never send out emails asking for gift cards or money. If you receive a suspicious looking email, please check the email address that is is coming from – they are fake email accounts/addresses. |
| Summer Fun |
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| This week’s photos come from Mary Hovden: “A young brown bear scavenging for food last month outside the donation center in Lakeside, AZ where I was preparing for a fundraiser for the Humane Society of the White Mountains. The little guy was only interested in what was in the pizza box!” 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, 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, October 14 | 6:00pm Fellowship Hall At this meeting, ECM will elect a new President/Leader, and a Historian/Note Taker. Anyone interested in leading this fine group of men or to be our historian, please contact John Collins at jartcol98@gmail.com or (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 Tuesday, October 14 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen In September 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 25 | 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, October 12 | 8:00am & 10:00am services October’s offering will go to Paz De Cristo which is a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing and support to people struggling with hunger, poverty and homelessness in Maricopa County, Arizona NOTE: September’s Second Sunday donation of $215 went to Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS). 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 |
 Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating 57 years By The Rev. Canon Susana Santibanez, Canon for Hispanic/Latino MinistryWe are celebrating 57 years of Hispanic Heritage Month. Since President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 named this celebration for a week, and in 1988, President Ronald Reagan for 30 days starting September 15 through October 15. It is very important to recall the time frame, because we also celebrate the Independence Day of five Latin-American countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. READ MORE… |
 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 |