Transfiguring Times – 02/12/26
The Rector’s Metamorpho-News Dearly transfigured people of God, I have just returned from the annual Clergy Conference for the Diocese of Arizona. We had a wonderful time at Chapel Rock in Prescott, Arizona. Bishops, priests, and deacons gathered from across Arizona to reconnect, converse, and learn from another about ministry in 2026. Our keynote speaker…
| The Rector’s Metamorpho-News |
| Dearly transfigured people of God, I have just returned from the annual Clergy Conference for the Diocese of Arizona. We had a wonderful time at Chapel Rock in Prescott, Arizona. Bishops, priests, and deacons gathered from across Arizona to reconnect, converse, and learn from another about ministry in 2026. Our keynote speaker was the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, the Bishop of the Diocese of Minnesota. He addressed the clergy about the challenges of decline and growth in the Church. Bishop Craig encouraged us to examine new models of ministry and evangelism, emphasizing small groups and strengthening the core group of disciples who do most of the service and ministry of the Church. He brought a message of encouragement and hope when we can too often become gripped with despondency and disappointment. We are a people of hope and resurrection. His keynote caused me to reflect on what I have studied throughout the years, namely the shifting demographics and growth of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is both my academic interest and passion to learn about the demographic and missional trends of Christianity globally. In this case, it was quite appropriate to consider and reflect on where we are growing. We can become too accustomed to framing our experience of Church as being rooted in North America and, maybe, Europe. We wrestle with and study the decline in our region(s). However, we need to think expansively and reframe our conscious understanding of the Church to actively remember we live in fellowship with Christians around the world on all continents. The Anglican Communion is not declining; it is growing. Hear that. The Anglican Communion is growing, not declining. According to the World Christian Database, the Anglican Communion grows by about 1 million new members a year. The Episcopal Church may be experiencing localized decline, but we are also members of this wider family called the Anglican Communion, and we can learn from our brothers and sisters about evangelism, renewal, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we preach the risen Christ, we grow and reach new disciples of Jesus. Today, using data from the World Christian Database and national censuses, there are about 106,349,621 members of the Anglican Communion as of 2020-2025. More than three-quarters of these Anglicans live in the ‘Global South’, in the regions of Africa (69 million), Asia (9 million), and Latin America (1 million). While only about 27 million are found in the ‘Global North’ (North America, Europe, and Oceania), we shouldn’t be content to manage decline or give up. We should remember that we are a transfigured people and a people of the risen Jesus. As we prepare for Lent, let us center our hearts on what we can do to grow the body of Christ. 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, February 15, 2026 Last Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00am (spoken contemplative service, approximately 1 hour) Please see the Order of Worship in the pews or click here 10:00am (choir service, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) Please see the Order of Worship in the pews or click here YouTube link (for streaming the 10:00am service) OR Facebook link (for streaming the 10:00am service) Please join us after each service in the Fellowship Hall for coffee/tea, snacks and conversation. |
 ECM Breakfast Sunday, February 15 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall We hope to see you for a delicious hot breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes cooked by the men at Transfiguration. There will be one breakfast in-between both services. While a donation of $7.00 per person helps to support our efforts, all are welcome to attend. |
 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. NOTE: 73 pounds of food goods were donated in January and thank you to Lynn and Laura for taking our donations to the food bank! |
| The Week Ahead at Transfiguration |
| Tuesday, February 17 8:30am Walking on Tuesday 5:30pm ECM Meeting 7:00pm Compline Wednesday, February 18 9:30am Morning Prayer 12:00noon Ash Wednesday Service 6:00pm Ash Wednesday Service 7:00pm Compline Thursday, February 19 10:00am Bible Study & Coffee Hour 11:45am Thursday Morning Eucharist 7:00pm Compline Friday, February 20 10:00am Book Club 12:30pm Secret Sister Reveal Luncheon Saturday, February 21 8:00am Men’s Day Retreat Sunday, February 22 8:00am Sunday Service 10:00am Sunday Service w/music |
 Book Club Friday, February 20 | 10:00am AZ time via Zoom February’s Book Club will discuss Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley. The discussion leader will be Dea Podhajsky and the Goodreads rating is 3.74. Click here for the book review This is a story about that special someone: the one you trust, the one you can’t live without. For Ted Flask, that someone special is his aging companion Lily, who happens to be a dog. Lily and the Octopus reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all. |
 Secret Sister Reveal Friday, February 20 | 12:30pm Fellowship Hall The big reveal will be at a potluck salad bar luncheon. Please bring items for the salad bar, a side or a dessert. You can let Jo Laslo know what you will bring at (818) 825-3007 or Jfaith3844@aol.com (put Secret Sister in the subject line). There will also be a gift exchange so bring a gift for your Secret Sister. Put her name on the outside, add a clue about who you are and then reveal your identity inside the gift and see who can guess correctly—it’s always such fun! We’re looking forward to having a wonderful afternoon together! |
 Men’s Day Retreat Saturday, February 21 | 8:00am-3:00pm Fellowship Hall Open to all men at Transfiguration. A day of fellowship, bible study, walking the labyrinth, crafts and bonding. There is no cost to attend and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please call or email the church office if you plan to attend; there will also be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please remember to bring a Bible if you have one and we hope to see you there! |
 New Member, Confirmation, Reception, and Re-affirmation of Faith Classes March 2026 – exact dates TBD via Zoom Classes will begin in March online via Zoom. 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 are available in the Fellowship Hall after each service. For more information, please contact co-chairs Peg Wier or Jo Laslo. |
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| FYI |
 Birthday Blessings The following parishioners are celebrating birthdays this week and next: Ally Robertson on 2/12, George Stoneback on 2/14, Betsy Herron on 2/14, Fr. John Caleb Collins on 2/18, Chis Hodge on 2/18. Please wish them a very happy birthday and keep them in your prayers! |
 Office Volunteer Role Tuesdays-Thursdays | 9:00am-12:00noon Parish Office Office volunteers assist our Bookkeeper and Office Administrator, Janice, with addressing phone calls, preparing financial statements, welcoming new members, checking in on current members, preparing worship materials for Sunday, sending correspondence and other ministries. If you are interested in learning more or in volunteering, please contact Janice or Fr. Caleb in the Church Office. |
 Eight walkers, plus Sophie, for Walking on Tuesday this week! |
 Did you know? Donations for Project HELP Sanctuary Do you wonder what the little metal house is used for on your way to the altar? Every time you come up to the front to ask for prayers (for birthdays, anniversaries, travel, healing, other), it would be wonderful if you could put some change or bills in the little house for thanksgiving. Donations will go to Project HELP which is a community-based program committed to providing short-term assistance for families and students enrolled in the Apache Junction Unified School District. Thank you for your support! |
 Copies of the Transfiguration Annual Report are in the Fellowship Hall or you can access it by clicking on the link below. Annual Report |
| 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 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 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, March 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, March 7 | 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, March 10 | 9:00am Fellowship Hall Kitchen For February this group prepared delicious pasta fagipoli soupthat is in the Fellowship Hall freezer. Their dedication continues to bless our community, bringing comfort and kindness with every hearty bowl of soup. Anyone wanting to volunteer for this ministry can join us again in February. For questions please call Miriam Waddington at (559) 707-5810. Stitchery Ministry Thursday, February 12 | 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. Walking on Tuesday Tuesdays | 8:30am Apache Junction Library We gather in the parking lot behind the Apache Junction Library, 1177 N. Idaho Road. For no more than one hour, we will follow fairly level dirt trails that wander through the desert landscape with a great view of the Superstition Mountains. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a bottle of water! Contact Lynn Graff if you have any questions at 480-201-2939. |
| Giving |
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| Second Sunday Offering Sunday, March 8 | 8:00am & 10:00am services February’s offering of $487 will go to 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. March’s collection will go to Jose’s Closet which is a program that offers foster and adoptive parents a place where they can obtain clothes and other items for their children. It also offers a place where foster and adoptive parents can exchange clothes, cribs, strollers, toys or other equipment. 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 Year End Transfiguration financial report (staring on p. 15). Hard copies are also available in the Fellowship Hall. If you have questions, please contact the Church Office. |
| 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 Tami Root, Music Director Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am – 1pm Office Volunteers Anita Joy Ruby Seyffert Janet Krahn Juanita Quidera Office volunteers: Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-12noon Leadership Fr. John Caleb Collins, Vestry Chair Wayne Smith, Senior Warden (480) 245-9310 Tom Kevern, Junior Warden Ron Gurnee, Vestry Member Anita Joy, Vestry Member Janet Krahn, Vestry Member Jo Laslo, Vestry Member Barbara Press, Vestry Member Ruby Seyffert, Vestry Member Sharon Smorynski, Vestry Member Jane Stoneback, Vestry Member Doug Wynn, 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, Sunday worship service streaming |