Transfiguring Times – 12/11/25
The Rector’s Metamorpho-News Dearly transfigured people of God, Over Thanksgiving, I decided to go camping. Nothing fancy. I just put down my car seats and slept in the back of the car. As I was walking around at night, I looked up at the night sky above the Usery mountains and clearly saw the constellations…
| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, Over Thanksgiving, I decided to go camping. Nothing fancy. I just put down my car seats and slept in the back of the car. As I was walking around at night, I looked up at the night sky above the Usery mountains and clearly saw the constellations of Canis Major and Orion’s Belt. During Advent, many of the readings from the Gospel, Old Testament, and the Epistles direct the reader to watch the stars. The intention was to encourage the followers of Jesus to be attentive and watchful and not to become complacent. Christ, the eternal star and light, is the star to which we can always look in our spiritual navigation. When I see Orion’s Belt, it reminds me that we are in the Advent season. I can see Advent on the sky’s “map.” This love and hopeful waiting for light is shared in the Fall and Winter seasons with our Hindu (Diwali), Jewish (Hanukkah), Mandaean (little feast of the return to the Lightworld), and Zoroastrian (Winter solstice as “mid-year”) brothers and sisters, among others. That is why we put up lights on the church, our homes, our windows, and in the sanctuary. Light in this season is a symbol of hopeful expectation, for us centered on the expectation of Jesus Christ’s incarnation, and this hope is celebrated and honored with the exchange of gifts. In Sunday school, I remember we were taught to share our light with others, and we will perform that very concept on Christmas Eve as we light candles one from the other. We can embody the performative celebration of giving throughout the season and throughout the year. At the Church of the Transfiguration, we know that our giving takes place far beyond the walls of our buildings. Spread love. Spread cheer. Spread generosity. We spread Christ’s love in our actions and, when necessary, in our words. Please, let loved ones, visitors, and all who observe and celebrate know that they are welcome to join us for Advent at 8 am and 10 am and that we will be celebrating Christmas at our Christmas Eve services at 4:30 pm and at 7 pm (incense at this service) as well as on Christmas Day at 11 am. Blessed Advent journey to Christmas! Expectantly waiting for Christ’s Nativity with you all. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
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| 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, December 14 Third Sunday of Advent 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) We hope you will join us after each service in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, conversation and snack! |
 Angel Tree Sunday, November 30 – Sunday, December 14 Tree & Gift Collection in Narthex Please return your unwrapped present(s) with the tag attached for Brinton Elementary School children by this Sunday, December 14. Thank you for your generosity! Questions? Contact Jane Stoneback at (909)-581-2453 or (480)-572-1901. |
 Stewardship Campaign We are currently at 88% of our goal and 66 households have returned pledges. We would appreciate receiving additional pledges – online (see link below) or by completing a pledge card. Extra handouts and pledge cards are in the Narthex. For questions, please contact Mary Hovden. https://onrealm.org/EpiscopalChurchTransfiguration/AddPledge/pledge2026 |
 Second Sunday Offering Sunday, December 14 | 8:00am & 10:00am services December’s offering will go to Native Health which provides accessible holistic patient centered care to the Phoenix Native American population, to empower our community to achieve the highest quality health and well-being. |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: canned fruits, puddings and gelatin. For next week: boxed cereals and crackers. 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, December 16 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, December 17 9:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Compline Thursday, December 18 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45 am Thursday Morning Eucharist 1:00pm Stitchery Ministry 7:00pm Compline Friday, December 19 10:00am Book Club Sunday, December 21 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service |
 Book Club Friday, December 19 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom December’s Book Club will discuss Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner. The discussion leader will be Linda Soper and the Goodreads rating is 3.85. Click here for the book review. The Zoom link for the study will be in next week’s newsletter. |
 Christmas Gifts for Family in Need Due by Sunday, December 21 Church Office or Narthex There is a family in need that would appreciate our help. Please let Fr. Caleb know what items from the list below that you can shop for (new items only) and bring to church by Sunday, December 21 (wrapped and labeled if you’ve signed up in advance). Thank you for your generosity! Adult Woman Blouse medium, pant size 7, shoe size 9 Young Woman Blouse medium or large, pant size 10-11, shoe size 9 Young Man Shirt XL, pant waist 38, shoe size 11 Young Man Shirt XL, pant waist 36, shoe size 11 |
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 Annual Meeting Sunday, January 25 | after the 9am Service Fellowship Hall Save the date for our annual meeting where we celebrate our numerous ministries, elect Vestry members and learn more about our annual budget. Only one service the Sunday of the meeting with more details to come! |
 New Member, Confirmation, Reception, and Re-affirmation of Faith Classes March 2026 These classes will begin again in March. Please email Janice or Fr. Caleb to sign up and receive an enrollment form. Based on responses, exact dates and times will be determined. |
| FYI |
 Birthday Blessings The following parishioners are celebrating birthdays this week and next: Michelle McDaniel on 12/12, Elena Little on 12/13, Grant Wilhelm on 12/14, Brittney Andrews on 12/14, Linda Jo Johnson on 12/15, Natalie Zakaras on 12/15, Tom Kevern on 12/16. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 Rector’s Gift Corner The gift corner has new items just in time for Advent and Christmas. Jerusalem Cross: $4 Holy Spirit Cross: $4 Earrings: $4 Table or Desk Cross: $4 Rosaries: $7 We will soon have a variety of sterling silver and Cubic Zirconia crosses for the holidays with prices ranging from $18 – $40 each. |
| 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. NOTE: There will be no Compline the weeks of Christmas and New Year. 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 are currently studying What it Means to be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund. For more information or to order the book, click here. Copies of the book are also available in the church office for $10. NOTE: There will be no Bible Study & Coffee Hour on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and January 15. 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 Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and January 15. 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 Daughters 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, January 3 | 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. Daughters of the King January meeting TBD Fellowship Hall The sisterhood at Transfiguration, led by Lori McFadden, provides support and structure, as well as multiple opportunities to serve our community. Come to our next meeting and learn more! Episcopal Church Men (ECM) Tuesday, January 13 | 6:00pm Fellowship Hall ECM is for all men at Transfiguration and we will socialize and plan upcoming activities at our meetings. For questions, please contact John Collins at jartcol98@gmail.com or (480) 406-3121. Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Saturday, January 3 | 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, January 13 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen In December, this dedicated group made delicious Taco Chicken 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, December 18 | 1:00pm Parish House This group usually meets the second and fourth Thursday each month to knit, crochet, sew and quilt but will meet the second and third Thursdays in December. 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. All roles play 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, December 14 | 8:00am & 10:00am services December’s offering will go to Native Health which provides accessible holistic patient centered care to the Phoenix Native American population, to empower our community to achieve the highest quality health and well-being. 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 life insurance policy and that this is very easy to do? To learn more, please click here for an informational brochure or contact the Church Office. Financial Report Click here to see the Third Quarter Transfiguration financial report. Hard copies are also available in the Narthex. If you have questions, please contact Heidi Kinney. |
| Around the Diocese |
 Resources for Advent & Christmas The Episcopal Church wants to help you and your congregation share that Good News with each other and your neighborhoods, especially this Advent and Christmas. Find our free resources based on invitation, the Way of Love, racial reconciliation, faith formation, and more below. Resources |
 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) 245-9310T om Kevern, Junior Warden Heidi Kinney, Treasurer Doug Wynn, Deputy Warden Diane Klock, Vestry Clerk Ron Gurnee, Vestry Member Anita Joy, Vestry Member Janet Krahn, Vestry Member Kelly Laiacano, Vestry Member Jo Laslo, Vestry Member Garth Seiple, Vestry Member Ruby Seyffert, Vestry Member Sharon Smorynski, Vestry Member Jane Stoneback, Vestry Member Social & Digital Ministry 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, Sunday worship service streaming |