| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, The Anglican Communion has news to celebrate from the previous week. The Crown Nominations Committee, the body responsible for nominating the new Archbishop of Canterbury, recommended, and the Monarch of the United Kingdom appointed, Bishop Sarah Mullally of London as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Since the office was established in 597 AD, this is the first time that a woman will occupy the office in the 1,400 year history of the office. This is only possible because of the 500 year history of the Reformation in the Church of England. In the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the Four Instruments of Communion along with the Anglican Consultative Council, the Lambeth Conference, and the Primates’ Meeting. This means that the office is one of four institutions that define membership within the Anglican Communion. Due to this role, the Archbishop of Canterbury is the “first among equals” among the bishops, a symbolic spiritual and ceremonial leader. While the Archbishop of Canterbury does not have any legal authority over the member churches, she will have symbolic and historical influence. We do not have any office like the “Pope.” Similar to the Eastern Orthodox churches, our structure is one of voluntary association through the Instruments of Communion. All bishops are equal and the Archbishop of Canterbury acts as a ceremonial leader among the bishops. Archbishop-designate Sarah Mullally will (symbolically) lead the third-largest communion of Christians in the world after the Roman Catholic (1.4 billion) and Eastern Orthodox (225 million) churches. The Anglican Communion has nearly 110 million members in 47 member churches across the globe. The Episcopal Church is one of these 47 member churches, with 42 provinces and 5 extra-provincial churches, and while we are relatively small (2.41 million baptized members and 1.6 million active baptized members), we have historically played a significant role due to the influence of the USA in the world. Let’s pray for Archbishop-designate Sarah, for her pastoral ministry, for healing in England, and for better relationships across the Anglican Communion. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
The Rt. Rev. Sarah Mullally, the next Archbishop of Canterbury |
| 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, October 12 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost and Indigenous Peoples’ Day 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. |
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunday, Oct. 12 | both services Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall In commemoration of Indigenous People’s Day, our Sunday liturgy will be from A Handbook for Native American Ministry, a liturgical resource approved by the Diocese of Arizona. After the 10:00am service, we will enjoy refreshments and table, board and card games. Everyone from both services is invited to celebrate with us. NOTE: Here is a picture showing the Indigenous communities in Arizona and Sonora. |
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, AZ. |
Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: canned meat and peanut butter. For next week: canned vegetables, instant potatoes and rice. 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, October 14 9:00am Lord’s Soup Kitchen 4:00pm Vestry Meeting 6:00pm ECM Meeting 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, October 15 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, October 16 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 7:00pm Compline Friday, October 17 10:00am Book Club Sunday, October 19 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service |
ECW 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. |
Rector’s Vacation Fr. Caleb will be on vacation from October 16 – 26. |
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 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm 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 the first 100 guests will enjoy our visiting food truck fare! |
Sunday, November 2 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall We use computers for almost everything in life…why not the study of the Bible? You are warmly invited to join us after the 8am service to learn of the work of The J. Alan Groves Center for Advanced Biblical Research (“The Groves Center”). Founded in 1983 as one of the first of its kind, The Groves Center is a leading institution in the world committed to leveraging information technology to the study of the Bible in its original languages. We will be joined by the senior leadership from the Board and the Center, and learn of the history and the continuing vital role the Center plays in the ongoing work of translating and understanding the Bible in Hebrew. There will be several hands-on exercises and examples for all to enjoy, and an invitation to help us in our crucial work. |
Stewardship Campaign Month of November Stay tuned for more details about our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, Tell Out My Soul. For Fr. Caleb’s Stewardship message, please click here. |
ECW Annual Rummage Sale Thursday, November 20 – Saturday, November 22 Fellowship Hall We are now accepting donations of all kinds except large furniture and appliances. There is a designated room for women’s clothing in the center of the Fellowship Hall with labeled containers to sort your donations into. Other donations go in the far west room of the Fellowship Hall. If you have questions about donations, please contact Jo Laslo. |
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: Tom Blum on 10/9, Kim Ball on 10/13. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
| Photos from last weekend’s Blessing of the Animals |
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. |
| 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 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. NOTE: There will be no Bible Study on October 16 and October 23. 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 October 16 and October 23. 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, November 1 | 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 After enjoying pizza, ECM will plan our next breakfast and 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, November 1 | 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, October 9 | 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, AZ. 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 you can make Transfiguration the beneficiary of your traditional IRA, 401(k) or 403 (b) which will help Transfiguration and save on your taxes? 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 |