| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly baptized people of Christ, Happy Theophany! And “Merry Christmas”, again?! This last Sunday, we commemorated the Baptism of our Lord, Jesus Christ. That day, or Theophany, is the celebration of Jesus being revealed as God living among us. The word ‘Theophany‘ means “manifestation of God.” The Baptism of our Lord is a celebration that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. He is truly “Emmanuel” or “God among us.” We also had the tremendous joy of welcoming our newest, and youngest, member of the Church of the Transfiguration. Her parents, together with the congregation, also renewed their baptismal vows. When we are baptized, the water symbolizes new life and the Holy Spirit being poured out on the new Christian. The dipping in the water symbolizes the death of Christ and the rising out of the water symbolizes the Resurrection. The Sacrament of Baptism imparts the saving grace of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized. In the Episcopal Church, our rite of baptism includes the sanctification of water from the Mozarabic Rite, the Hispanic Rite of the Church in southern Spain that was under the Islamic Caliphate and independent from the Pope of Rome, and this prayer beautifully summarizes what we believe about Baptism, “Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.” I also mentioned Christmas, again, and how the season is not over in every part of the world. On January 18, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Jerusalem celebrates Christmas Eve. They are the only Christian church that celebrates Christmas this ‘late’ after December 25. While Western Christians, including the Episcopal Church, and Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate on December 25 and while many Orthodox Christians (Russian, Ethiopian, Coptic, Serbian etc.) celebrate on January 7, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Jerusalem celebrates on January 19. More than 2.6 billion Christians have finished their Christmas Day celebrations, but 10,000 Armenian Christians in Jerusalem will be celebrating with processions, candle lighting, and the Eucharist. What does this have to do with us? As Christians, our baptism reminds us that we are one body and we all share each other’s joys. There are more than 2.6 billion Christians, but our unique and beautiful cultural traditions and histories matter and are simultaneously baptized into the Christian faith with us. Our cultures are baptized. The Christian faith seeks unity but not necessarily uniformity. I keep my Christmas decorations up from November 18 (the date that St. Clement of Rome, in the second century, believed Christ was born) to January 20 to remind me that we are one body in Christ, one holy and catholic Church of all cultures and all denominations. Blessings, Fr. Caleb |
 Armenian Icon of the Nativity of Christ |
| 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, January 18, 2026 Second Sunday after the Epiphany 9:00am (choir service, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) Please see the Order of Worship in the pews or click here YouTube link (for streaming the 9:00am service) OR Facebook link (for streaming the 9:00am service) Please join us after the one combine service for our Annual Meeting and potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall. |
 Book Club Friday, January 16 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom January’s Book Club will discuss The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. The discussion leader will be Sue Burrough and the Goodreads rating is 4.08. Click here for the book review. The Zoom link is: Launch Book Club To enter manually: Meeting ID: 740 940 1419 Passcode: 514514 |
 Vestry Nominations Elected on Sunday, January 18 Annual Meeting There will be six open seats on the Transfiguration Vestry that we will vote on at the Annual Meeting. If you are interested in serving in this very important role, please contact Fr. Caleb. |
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| Annual Meeting Sunday, January 18 | 10:15am Fellowship Hall After a combined 9:00am worship service, please join us for our annual meeting. We will celebrate our ministries, elect Vestry members and Diocesan Convention delegates, learn more about our annual budget, participate in Annual Meeting Bingo, and enjoy a delicious potluck lunch! |
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| Stewardship Campaign We are currently at 95% of our goal and 74 households have returned pledges. If you haven’t already pledged, for purposes of funding our 2026 budget, we would appreciate receiving your pledge to Transfiguration. Either online (see link below) or by completing a pledge card. Extra stewardship handouts and pledge cards are in the Fellowship Hall. For questions, please contact Mary Hovden or the church office. Thank you for your support! https://onrealm.org/EpiscopalChurchTransfiguration/AddPledge/pledge2026 |
 Food Collection Superstition Community Food Bank Collected Weekly Suggested donations for this week are: canned or dehydrated soups. For next week: canned meat and peanut butter. 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, January 20 9:00am Lord’s Soup Kitchen 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, January 21 7:00pm Compline Thursday, January 22 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 1:00pm Stitchery Ministry 7:00pm Compline Sunday, January 25 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service w/Music |
 Out of Office Saturday, January 24 – Saturday, January 31 Fr. Caleb will be on vacation at the end of January. If you have questions or need assistance while he is away, please contact the Church Office. |
 American Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, February 7 | 9:00am-2:00pm Fellowship Hall Please sign up to give the gift of lifesaving blood. You can make an appointment via the link below (access the appointments times by our zip code of 85208) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. |
 Sunday Morning Ministry Training Sunday, February 8 | 9:15am & 11:15am Sanctuary For current, new and potential Sunday Morning Ministry servers; Acolytes, Chalice Bearers, Greeters, Readers, Counters, and Digital Ministry members. Fr. Caleb will review the roles and provide training. This vital group plays an essential part in our worship experience and helps nurture the spiritual life of our community. |
 ECM Breakfast Sunday, February 15 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Please join us for a delicious hot breakfast cooked by the men at Transfiguration. There will be one breakfast – in between both services. |
 New Member, Confirmation, Reception, and Re-affirmation of Faith Classes March 2026 – exact dates TBD Fellowship Hall 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. |
 Tiptoe Through The Tulips: ECW Spring Luncheon & Style Show Saturday, March 21 | 10:00am-2:00pm Fellowship Hall Tickets for this festive and fun annual event will be $20/each and sales will start soon! In the meantime we need parishioners to sign up to make themed raffle baskets and/or to bring items for grab bags. Please contact co-chairs Peg Wier or Jo Laslo for more information. |
| FYI |
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| Diane Klock took a prayer shawl to Dee Greiner this week. She loved it and let Diane take a picture to share with us! |
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| Photos from the this past Sunday’s baptism of Mary Jane and the renewal of baptismal vows for Chris and Marna. The icon is a Roman mosaic of Christ’s baptism. |
 Walking Group Date & Time TBD Various locations In past years, Walking on Wednesday has met weekly and walked on fairly level locations such as Prospector Park, desert trails behind the Apache Junction Library, Red Mountain Park and Gilbert Riparian Preserve. No cost involved. We want to start this group again but wanted some feedback. Is Wednesday or Tuesday better for you? Is meeting at 8:30am still good? Please let Lynn Graff know if you are interested and your thoughts to these questions. |
 Birthday Blessings The following parishioners are celebrating birthdays this week and next: Viktor Lokensgard on 1/12, Catherine Schuyler on 1/16, Pam Ramspott on 1/18, Mari Fennell on 1/20, Jennifer Zakaras on 1/21, Janice Scalzo on 1/21. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 Dear Archbishop Josiah and Fr John Caleb: Greetings in the name of the one who as born as King of Kings. I hope that this email finds you in good health. I’m fine by God’s grace. Through this, I would like to thank the Parishes of Saint John the Divine and Transfiguration respectively for the support provided towards my studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and update you on the progress done so far. The year 2024-2025 was positive, although I had some challenges due to delays in payment during the Winter term. But I thank God because it was possible to have good results in the majority of courses. Currently I have a pending bill for Fall term 2025, hence, I couldn’t register for Winter 2026. Once again thanks a lot for your support. May God continue to bless you abundantly. Mauricio Mugunhe+ NOTE: Fr. Mauricio Mugunhe is a student at Fuller Theological Seminary and priest in the Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola, the newest member church of the Anglican Communion. If you would ike to help him with his winter 2026 tuition, please contact Fr. Caleb or Janice in the Church Office. |
| 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 We are now studying The Way of the Pilgrim by Anna Zaranko (see Amazon link). Books will also be available in the Fellowship Hall to purchase for $15/each. NOTE: There will be no Bible Study & Coffee Hour on January 15 and January 29. 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 January 15 and January 29 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, February 7 | 9:30am 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, February 17 | 5:30pm 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, February 7 | 10:30am Parish House 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 20 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen Please join this group in making delicious soup for those that may need a warm meal. For questions please call Miriam Waddington at (559) 707-5810. Stitchery Ministry Thursday, January 22 | 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 several very important roles during both Sunday services:AcolytesChalice BearersGreetersReadersDigital Ministry (service streaming)Offering CountersIf you are interested in volunteering, please contact the office at (480) 986-1145 or email officetransfig@gmail.com. A training session will be offered on Sunday, February 8th after both services. |
| Giving |
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| Second Sunday Offering Sunday, February 8 | 8:00am & 10:00am services January’s offering of $393 went to Naco Wellness Center Initiative which is a partnership providing health care, garden and wellness education, and economic development to the residents of Ambos Naco (Both Nacos) on the U.S.- Mexico Border in Naco, Arizona (pop. 1,100) and Naco, Sonora (pop. 5,770). February’s offering will be for Camp Genesis at Chapel Rock which focuses on the special needs of children (ages 8-17) living under the stigma of having an incarcerated immediate family member. This special camp allows them to just be kids among other kids who understand what they are going through. 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 donate to the Transfiguration Endowment Fund today? You don’t have to wait to do this until your Last Will & Testament or Trust is executed. 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. Our year end report will be discussed at the January 18 Annual Meeting and copies made available. If you have questions, please contact Heidi Kinney. |
| Around the Diocese |
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 Council for Native American Ministry Quarterly Meeting Saturday, January 31 | 10:00am-2:00pm Saint Anthony on the Desert 12990 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale All are welcome to attend the quarterly meeting. Please click the button below for more details. Details |
 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 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 |