All Things, All Saints'
March 16, 2023
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Welcome Home,
Father Perry!
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Thank You … and an Invitation
From Fr. Perry, Our New Rector
It has been an eventful week to say the least, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have met with so many people over my first few days here at All Saints’. Day 1 started at 8AM with the all school chapel service and continued with meetings and conversations throughout the rest of the day. I even met our mail carrier and shared a bagel with her! Since then, I’ve met with the staff, the vestry, the pastoral care team, our members at The Beatitudes, our Young Adults, our liturgy planning team, and more (it’s only Wednesday as I write this)! It’s been a wonderful week and my heart is so full – thanks to all of you who have brought cards, sent emails, brought bagels by the office, and just taken the time to introduce yourself and say hello. Our welcome has been warm and wonderful.
If I haven’t had the chance to meet with you yet, don’t worry…there’s a committee of dedicated volunteers who are putting together events that we’ll be starting after Holy Week and Easter. And that’s where the invitation part of this comes in. I really want to get to know you, to learn from you, and to hear what gives you hope, what keeps you coming back to All Saints’, and what you’re excited about for this season of our common life. So say hello, introduce yourself, and make plans to come to one (or more) of the meet-and-greet events as they’re announced. During this season of introductions, please be patient with me…I try very hard to learn and remember names and faces, but there are a lot of you and only one of me. And know that my family would love to meet you too: my wife Michelle, son Elias, and daughter Alayna (Aly is fine too) are all excited to be part of this community.
It’s been an eventful first week, and we are so excited about what’s happening at All Saints’. Thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as your Rector, and know that we are looking forward to great days ahead.
Faithfully,
Perry+
P.S.
We would love if you could share a photo or two of your old All Saints’ memories. Maybe a picture you all took at Easter, like the ones below, or something meaningful to you. We will be using these photos in the coming weeks to help us embrace the feeling of “Welcome Home” for Easter, and beyond.
Just send them to Nanette at ntowsley@allsaintsoncentral.org. If you only have great, old hard-copy photos, just stop by the office, and she will scan them for you.
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THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 19
We Welcome
Fr. Perry Pauley
and his family
to All Saints'
Enjoy Donuts
with the New Rector
After the 10am Service
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WAYFARERS CHILDREN'S CHAPEL
Sundays at the 10am Service
Children pre-k (4 years old) to grade 5
are invited to follow the children’s cross
after the Collect (at the beginning of the service)
to the Children’s Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, music, and fellowship.
Children will return to their families after the exchange of the peace.
Parents or caregivers are welcome to join their children
in the procession, but not required.
For Questions or to Volunteer, contact Chesirae Valentine
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WATCH OUR SERVICES & OFFERINGS ON
FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE
Just click on the icon for our Facebook Page or our YouTube Channel
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NEXT LIVESTREAM SUNDAY, MARCH 19
10AM Holy Eucharist ONLINE
LIVESTREAM on Facebook & YouTube
Premieres at 10am, but you can watch anytime after
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A Reflection from Chesirae Valentine |
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Last week, my husband and I attended Purim at Beth El Synagogue. A cacophony of colors and noise greeted us: children and adults in Star Trek and cowboy costumes, our rabbi clothed in her brightly buttoned hat and contagious joy; rattles, clappers and ribbon wands rattled, clacked and waved. Families and individuals met over tables spread with hamantaschen crumbs and candy wrappers. After a meal of chili, potatoes and the best popsicle I’ve ever had, we all gathered to read the megillah – The Book of Esther – together.
Every time I go to Beth El, I’m warmly embraced; my name is asked by several people, the rabbi always gives me her biggest smile. I’m always given an English/Hebrew book, a pamphlet to clarify aspects of the service, and an invitation to lunch afterward. I’ve been many times now, but each time the sound of chanted Hebrew startles and delights a dormant part of my soul. In an Episcopal church – or really, any reformed or Catholic service – I am conversant, if not fluent, in its traditions and sacraments. In a synagogue, I’m reminded of my more essential nature: I am a beloved stranger, walking in strange lands.
Reading Hebrew – whether sung in liquid, sparkling syllables or harsh, stumbling phrases is a communal task. The readings are split up between several people, all of whom can read Hebrew fluently enough to know when to turn the pages. I, of course, cannot, and so I listen carefully for the names I recognize – Moshe, Elohim, Shmuel – in the stories I’ve learned by heart. I can track the arc of the story by the excitement in the voices in those who read, and I listen carefully as I skim an English translation of the text, trying to pinpoint the exact moment I should sit, stand, or bow.
Purim, however, makes my listening significantly easier – any time the name Haman makes its way into a verse, the crowd boos, hisses and rattles. The architect of a genocide is still named, but his name is drowned by the cries of the descendants of those he tried to kill. There’s a lesson in that that even a stranger like myself can see.
The joy of Purim is infectious, but the moment that snagged my attention was the argument that Mordecai and Esther have in Chapter 4. “Perhaps,” whispers Mordecai, “You were born for a time such as this.” Surrounded by rattles and hisses (Haman’s name comes only a few verses after this line), I sympathized with Queen Esther’s fear – the boldness of Queen Vashti led to her exile and almost death; after that, how could Esther risk such a thing? But Mordecai’s answer is full of faith and hope – perhaps she was given the power, position and talents she has for this exact time, this exact situation. Perhaps she was born to be the salvation of the Jews, to shield her people from their imperial annihilation, the way countless of Jewish heroes have before and after her.
What makes Esther different, however, is the way her heroic actions are expressed. The Book of Esther is famous because it is one of only two biblical books not to have the name of God written in it – there are no explicit prayers, no commandments or prophets. Instead, its providence is clear: Vashti, Esther and Mordecai are the hands of God in the world; their actions will determine the fate of the Jews. The faith that they carry, the courage they cultivate, will be the solution or condemnation for an entire generation. They take this responsibility seriously; their lives are formed by their knowledge that God has no hands, features nor face in this time but theirs.
What would happen if we took the same approach to our lives? What if we too, took the words of Mordecai seriously, and believed that we were born for such a time as this? That Jesus will have no other face than ours, no other features than the relationships we build as the Body of Christ in the world? So often it is fear and doubt that hold us back from loving and just action: are we doing this right? Will we be accepted? What if we fail? What if I can’t act like a saint, but only like myself? What if I’m not faithful like Esther, wise like Mordecai, bold like Vashti? What if I don’t have the time, money, or talent?
But what Mordecai tells Esther is true for us too – we were born for a time such as this. Whatever we find ourselves in the midst of, we have the gifts and talents needed to shield others from the worst evils of the world. Like Esther, Mordecai and Vashti, we cannot let our doubt and fear overwhelm our call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Purim has four mitzvot (commandments) to complete: charity, gift giving, reading the Book of Esther, and partying. Here is what I, stranger though I am, will translate for you: give of yourself freely – your time, your talents, your smile and your welcome; receive gifts from others – their presence, their helping hands, their questions and concerns; read the wise words from holy women and men – their lives were given to rending you there are as many ways to be a saints as there are people in this world; and, above all things, be so loud in your joy and hospitable in your heart that even the stranger in our midst cannot help but celebrate.
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Pray. Learn. Serve. Connect. |
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Let us walk with Christ
in the Desert this Lent
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Adult Education Sundays at 9am in St. Barbara
Living Discipleship: Celebrating the Saints
Join the formation leaders of All Saints’ this Lent to learn more about the saints of the Church. Living Discipleship: Celebrating the Saints is a five-week exploration of the riches of God’s glorious inheritance made real in the lives of the saints who have gone before us. The saints witness to us what the life of faith looks like, lived out in real time, and they challenge us to live out our own discipleship more fully and fearlessly. They will inspire your Lenten journey. Join us in community to learn from these spiritual masters.
March 19, Grant Washburn on John Wesley
March 26, Deacon Patrice on Hildegard of Bingen
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In-Person Rosary Prayer
at 9:15am
in the Chapel
All Saints' Rosary Prayer Online
Every Sunday on Facebook & YouTube Premieres at 9:15am
but you can view anytime after.
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ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Wednesday Evenings
from 6-8pm:
Now closed for Confirmation.
But you are welcome to come to class for your own enrichment even if you don't plan on being confirmed or received.
This group is for adults who wish to be baptized, confirmed, or received into The Episcopal Church (including those already confirmed in other denominations), and Episcopalians who wish to reaffirm their commitment of faith. This is a group committed to support one another as we walk together the path of faith, following Jesus. We get to know each other, pray, and study the Christian faith in the Episcopal tradition. We will read together, “Walk in Love” Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. Parishioner Michael King is the mentor. To reserve your place, email cvalentine@allsaintsoncentral.org.
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Additional Opportunities for Prayer this Lent |
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Sacred Rest, in an Hour or Less
Plan to join Deacon Patrice for this Lenten season every Monday evenings through April 3. We will gather on Zoom at 6:30pm for 20 minutes of centering prayer and 30 minutes spent exploring ways to simplify our homes, priorities, schedules, and information intake so that we can think, pray, rest and just be. Plan to start your week in contemplation and community this coming Lent. No registration required. Watch for the zoom link as Lent approaches and share it with your friends and family!
March 20 Essentialism
March 27 The Authentic Self
April 3 What Does Enough Look Like?
Join Our Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 856 3657 1991
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EVENING PRAYER IN LENT
Please join us in celebrating Evening Prayer every Wednesday in March from 9:00 to 9:15pm in the Chapel. Evening Prayer will begin with a Lucernarium, the service of light, and continue with singing of canticles and prayers which will draw us not only into our own devotion but place us in the midst of the eternal prayer of the Church. The full choir will be present as we commit ourselves and the entire parish to Christ's protection.
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THIS SATURDAY, TAKE A MOMENT FOR YOURSELF!
LENTEN HALF-DAY PRAYER SESSION
sponsored by the Daughters of the King & The Young Adults’ Group
Spend a few hours at the church on Saturday, March 18; slow down your day; and expand your concept of prayer. Starting at 3:00pm, the afternoon is broken down into four parts -- Quiet Prayer and Exploring Prayer Through Art and Journaling, Taizé Prayer Service, Saturday Evening Church Service, and Lenten Supper of Soup and Bread. Enjoy all or only a portion of the program, as you have the time or the inclination. Read the full description by clicking here.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH Formation
SUNDAYS at 9am:
SUNDAY SCHOOL
for Children through Grade 5
in the Urbano Library in the Church Office
CLASP & Youth grades 4-12
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 19 at 9am
in the Youth Room in the Church Office
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Faith + Film
Lenten Fridays Family Movie Series
Join us for an evening of film and conversation. Bring your blankets, favorite snacks, and a $5 donation. We'll bring the popcorn, chairs, and beverages. Oh, and the movie! All movies will begin promptly at 7:10pm in St. Barbara.
March 29: The Princess Bride
April 19: The Prince of Egypt
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VIRTUAL WOMEN'S BREAKFAST WEEKLY ON ZOOM
All women are invited every Friday at 9:30am on Zoom. BYOC (bring your own coffee)! Click here and follow the instructions on your screen to join.
Meeting ID: 899 7988 3593
Passcode: 411001
Questions: contact Joyce Moderow
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VIRTUAL MEN'S BREAKFAST
WEEKLY ON ZOOM
All men are invited every Thursday at 8am on Zoom. BYOC (bring your own coffee)!, Click here and follow the instructions on your screen to join.
Meeting ID: 814 7721 6264
Password: 416506
Questions: contact Tom Walker at
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In-Person Women’s Breakfasts at 9am
Tuesday, April 11: First Watch / Park Central, 3110 North Central Avenue
Caring Crafters will be meeting at Panera Bread (20th St. south of Camelback) on the 3rd Thursday each month, we will meet a 4:00PM. Next gathering THIS Thursday, March 16. For more information contact SharronLuther@yahoo.com
20s and 30s Group
For anyone in their young adulting life, join other twenty- and thirty-somethings for fellowship, ministry, and evening services. The group meets the second Tuesday of every month. For questions, please email Chesirae Valentine at cvalentine@allsaintsoncentral.org
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SPECIAL IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES
to Reach Out This Lent
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Stuff the Blessings
(into our Blessing Bags)
April 2 -- the last volunteer opportunity this Lent! Come help the Daughters of the King pack blessing bags for our street dependent neighbors after the 10AM service in St. Barbara. No need to RSVP, all are welcome!
André House
Here is the link for signing up to serve dinner at our partner downtown mission helping the homeless.
March 19 from 3-7:15 PM, 10 spots available
Feed My Starving Children
Help make food product bags that save children around the world from a life of starvation.
Saturday, March 25 from 9:00am to 10:45am. 12 spots available
Prison Ministry
We will gather on March 21 at 6pm in St. Barbara to begin addressing Mother's Day cards to the women at Perryville. The women tell us that Mother's Day is one of the loneliest days to be incarcerated because it reminds them of their constant separation from their children. If you feel called to offer kind words to our incarcerated sisters, please join us.
If writing cards isn't your passion, please consider donating stamps. Stamp donations can be left in the offering basket or at the church office. We will send cards to almost 400 women and your stamp donation will ensure that every woman who has requested a Mother's Day card receives one.
Watch for upcoming in-person Lenten service date at NourishPhoenix
Donate to NourishPhoenix
NourishPhoenix serves the working poor with food, clothing, and other basic necessities. NourishPhoenix needs personal hygiene products (soap, body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste) and cleaning products like laundry detergent. They also always need non-perishable, protein-rich food, nutritious children's snacks, clothes and shoes (particularly men's and children's), and baby care products. If you can help, bring your donations to church at any time, and place them inside the NourishPhoenix cupboard inside the front door of the sanctuary. (Where we used to put ICM donations) Donation items need to be in a bag or a box. They cannot accept anything that is ripped, stained, or dirty, or is larger than a microwave.
MEALS OF MERCY
If you or a family member are struggling with a short term health crisis, are welcoming a new baby, or have faced a serious loss, the Meals of Mercy feeding ministry is here with a hot meal to give you the strength to get through. If short term meals support would be a blessing in your life, please contact Deacon Patrice Taylor at 623 242-4692 or palshatti@allsaintsoncentral.org. If you’d like to join us in feeding the body of Christ here at All Saints’ please contact Lois Francis at lm.francis@hotmail.com or call her at 602 214-0675. Contact Deacon Patrice for more info about the program at palshatti@allsaintsoncentral.org.
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Need Prayers? Use the DOK Request Cards!
Do you have a need for prayers that will be anonymous? These can be for concerns, illness, celebrations or whatever your heart carries. Fill out the blue card on the Welcome Table. One of the Daughters of the King will retrieve it and a message will be sent out to the chapter about your request, so each member can pray for you. The Order of the Daughters of the King’s pray daily and include those prayers that are requested. If you have any questions about the prayer cards or the Order of the Daughters of the King, please email Betsy Hollingsworth at brhollingsworth988@gmail.com.
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Welcome Home!
And we really mean it. You've heard most of the adages, such as "Home is where the heart is," or "There is nothing like home." It's all true. We hope you think of All Saints' as your Spiritual Home, and also your "Home away from Home" - your "Happy Place" and "Safe Harbor" for friends, family, and newcomers whom you may have not even have met yet. Home is a more than a place, it is a feeling. It's about comfort and joy, and a strong sense of belonging.
We hope you spend some time with us through this most sacred week in the entire Christian calendar and together, we can make Easter meaningful and memorable for you and your loved ones.
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Palm Sunday, April 1-2
5:00pm Saturday Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
8:00am Sunday Holy Eucharist in the Church
10:00am Sunday Holy Eucharist in the Church
Holy Monday, April 3
6:00pm Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
Holy Tuesday, April 4
6:00pm Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
Holy Wednesday, April 5
6:00pm Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
Maundy Thursday, April 6
7:00pm Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Last Supper, the Footwashing,
Stripping of the Altar, with incense and the Choir of All Saints’ in the Church
8:15pm The Watch in the Chapel through 12am.
Good Friday, April 7
12:00pm Stations of the Cross in the Church
12:30pm Choral Devotional in the Church
Watch for more details coming soon from Dr. Craig Westendorf on this year's devotion:
The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross by Joseph Haydn.
7:00pm The Liturgy of Good Friday and Veneration of the Cross
with the Chamber Choir in the Church
Easter Eve, Saturday, April 8
7:00pm The Great Vigil with the First Eucharist of Easter
with incense and the Choir of All Saints’ in the Church
Easter Day, Sunday, April 9
7:00am Outdoor Easter Eucharist in the Close
9:00am Outdoor Easter Eucharist in the Day School Pavilion
Traditional Easter Egg Hunt following the service
11:00am Festival Easter Eucharist in the Church
No incense at any Easter Day services.
If, by reason of illness or infirmity, you would like to receive your Easter season Communion at home, in the hospital, or in a nursing care facility; please notify the Church Office at 602.279.5539.
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EASTER 2023 Flowers & Music
Memorial Dedications
Remember your loved ones this Easter season.
This not only supports the Holy Week & Easter services,
but these ministries year-round.
Return the coupon in the bulletin or
email your dedication information to
PLEASE PUT "EASTER FLOWERS" OR "EASTER MUSIC" ON THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL
with your donation (by mail or the offering plate) by April 2 at 4pm.
All memorials received by this day will be included in the Easter Day bulletins.
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THANK YOU to the 186
who have made their pledge:
$587,555
Thank you for your prayerful consideration
to support All Saints’ for 2023.
Our goal is 100% participation.
No amount is too small.
For those of you who are still discerning,
we join with you in prayer and thanksgiving.
We hope you will join your friends by participating
in the financial support of our community
and its ministry in Christ.
Just as all are welcome at God’s table,
all are needed to do His work.
Pledge Cards are available in the narthex/lobby,
YOUR PLEDGE MAKES POSSIBLE:
+ beautiful Episcopal liturgy + glorious music + livestream & online services +
+ on-going pastoral care + educational & formational programs +
+ mission-driven service to local agencies & organizations & individuals +
+ fellowship connections +
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OUR PARISH FAMILY
This week, we pray for our beloved friends and family who have died.
May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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A HUGE THANK YOU
to everyone who has sent in their pledge. It really means so much, especially now.
Three Ways to Keep Current:
1. Sending your personal check to: All Saints' Church, 6300 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012
2. Use your bank's
online bill-pay
3. Through our secure, online system, REALM.
Call the Church Office and we can walk you through the process easily.
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PREPARE FOR SUNDAY
to view this week's readings and commentaries from Church Publishing.
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LENT III
10AM SERVICE
MARCH 12, 2023
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MARCH 12, 2023
FR. DAN BURNER
10AM SERMON
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Take the [Tuition Tax] Credit! You get the tax credit. They get an education.
Arizona taxpayers can receive a dollar for dollar tax credit up to the maximum listed below for contributions made to a qualified School Tuition Organization (STO), such as Arizona Episcopal Schools Foundation (AESF). A contribution to AESF is a simple way to help provide an exceptional education for deserving students with demonstrated financial need. Send your contribution to AESF and designate All Saints’ Episcopal Day School to ensure your tax dollars come back to our community. For more information, please visit https://www.allsaints.org/giving/tax-credit
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ALTAR FLOWERS UPDATE
A big thank you to all our members who have celebrated memorials and special occasions through altar flower dedications with a donation of $100 or more. It is one more way we enhance our worship to the glory of God. HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE, THERE ARE NO FLOWERS AT THE ALTAR IN LENT, BUT YOU CAN DEDICATE THE MUSIC FOR ANY PARTICULAR SUNDAY INSTEAD. FLOWER MEMORIALS RESUME AT EASTER.
TO HONOR YOUR LOVED ONES:
Please provide ample time for the request, with a minimum of 2 weeks before the date you want to commemorate. Send your dedication information to Nanette Towsley at ntowsley@allsaintsoncentral.org and either mail the check made out to All Saints’ with “altar flowers” on the memo line, or put in the offering basket at services.
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All Saints’ Legacy Circle
We can always thank God for the many blessings God has given us. And it is a gift to our family and friends when we ensure that our wills are up-to-date, and our affairs are in order. We encourage you to consider remembering All Saints’ Church in your Estate plans, by joining our Legacy Circle. The process is simple and there are information packets in the narthex. Please call Gary Quamme in the Church Office for more information.
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CHECK OUT THE
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
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This full-color 62-page
review of All Saints' in 2022
is available to view or print
We are trying to be good stewards of our physical resources, so if you would like a printed, hard-copy for pickup or mailed to you, please email
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CURRENT COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Your comfort, safety, and health are most important.
Our Current Protocol is MASK OPTIONAL.
If you have reason to wear a mask, please feel free to do so.
Otherwise, we look forward to seeing your smile.
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It is so good to welcome our new Rector, Fr. Perry! Stay tuned as you will hear and see more. But first, let us all enjoy this special space we are in right now: the last few weeks of Lent, as we prepare for the struggles of our Lord through Holy Week and the beautiful resolve and resurrection on Easter. We all are working hard with our volunteers and staff to make this year's most sacred week powerful and meaningful for you.
Thank you Holy Spirit for helping us keep it all together. We hope you join in all these festivities and opportunities for prayer, learning, serving, and connecting at All Saints'.
Thank you for allowing us to be your source for meaningful worship and an ever-present light of Christ in the world -- wherever you may be. May God bless you.
Faithfully yours,
Nanette Kryske Towsley
Your Director of Communications
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