All Things, All Saints'
January 7, 2021
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Weekly Online Worship Schedule |
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SATURDAY
January 9
5pm Epiphany I Prayers & Fellowship on Zoom
Meeting ID: 875 7863 0579 Passcode: 090286
One tap mobile +16699006833
SUNDAY
January 10
9am Epiphany I Prayers on Facebook & YouTube
10:00am Zoom Sunday Coffee Hour
Meeting ID: 812 4258 3540 Passcode: 918253
One tap mobile +13462487799
11am Virtual Sunday School on FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE
WEEKDAYS
Evening Prayer
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Reflection
from Associate Rector
Fr. Tim Yanni
This is not the reflection I had expected to have published for today. I wanted to wish you a happy New Year. I wanted to offer some anecdotes about New Year’s resolutions and how horrible I am at keeping them. I wanted to share with you some jokes at my own expense, poking fun at the reality that my weight tends to fluctuate around the end of the year. I wanted to begin 2021 with a little bit of fun and inspiration. When I woke up on January 6, I was feeling joy. I was feeling hope. I was feeling enthusiastic. But about 20 minutes after I submitted the reflection I had intended to share with you, a group of armed protesters, many of them identifying as “patriots”, stormed the United States Capitol building while both houses of Congress were in session. Our country was under attack from within. It did not seem fair or right to run with the jovial, light-hearted reflection I had written. Instead, I felt it was my duty as one of your pastors to offer some words of comfort. After all, our country is now wounded.
All Saints’ prides itself on its “big tent” identity. Many Episcopal churches have a sign up that says, “All Are Welcome.” But not every Episcopal church seems to mean it. I’m proud to say All Saints’ does. In a world of red vs. blue, our pews are filled with a lovely shade of purple. We have liberals, conservatives, and moderates. We pray together, we engage with one another, and we love each other. Most importantly, we share the Holy Meal together. It’s truly a beautiful thing!
Part of our identity means that it’s uncommon to discuss things like party politics from the pulpit. I have known many preachers to preach party politics and, like many of you, I find it off-putting. Instead of reading the scriptures through a lens designed by my political views, I prefer to shape my political views according to the teachings of Jesus. I try to ask myself, “what would Jesus do in this situation?”
I do not, with any degree of certainty, know whether Jesus would vote red or blue. For instance, I don’t know if he would support tax dollars funding social programs to feed the hungry, or if he’d prefer the private sector to take on this task. I do know that he wants us to feed the hungry. I also know that the word “politics” comes from a Greek word that means “the affairs of the people.” There’s nothing about politics that is inherently off limits. Any time you have people gathered, you have politics. Some political concerns simply need to be discussed.
Our nation is hurting. I believe it is safe to say that good people with conservative, liberal, and moderate political views join forces to denounce the actions of the rioters who stormed the capitol and endangered the lives of our elected officials.
Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, has issued a statement condemning what he called a “coup.” “The events at our Capitol today are deeply disturbing. We believe the actions of armed protesters represent a coup attempt,” Bishop Curry said. “Today’s protesters pushed through police barricades and forced their way into congressional chambers and … [are] threatening the safety of lawmakers, their staff and others who work in the Capitol complex. This threatens the integrity of our democracy, the national security of our nation, the continuity of government, and the lives and safety of our legislators, their staffs, law enforcement and all who work in the Capitol.”
Please join me and my clergy colleagues at All Saints’, as we unite with Bishop Curry, Bishop Reddall, and clergy throughout the Church of God, as we pray for healing. As Bishop Curry said, “Even as our nation’s Capitol is being endangered and assaulted, we pray that the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that God in his way of love, might prevail in all of our hearts.”
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. Amen. (BCP P. 821-822)
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UPDATE
2021 WELCOME HOME PLEDGE CAMPAIGN
THANK YOU!
222 have made a pledge for 2021!
So far we have raised $655,101.
Our Goal is $900,000
Last year at the same date:
262 pledges totaling $841,820.
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP.
If you need a new pledge card:
They are available in the Church Office, and on our website by clicking here.
We are hopeful that we can achieve 100% participation in this pledge campaign with whatever amount is comfortable for you.
We are grateful for every pledge—no matter how big or small.
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Pray. Learn. Serve. Connect.
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GATHERING TO GROW
New year, fresh start.
Time for a Covid mental and spiritual reset? Join the Gathering to Grow family! Find out why G2G makes such a difference in people’s lives. Alumni say:
“It’s something very personal and hope-giving.”
“I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this group.”
“I always find readings thought-provoking and enlightening.”
“This is something very special.”
“I am so amazed and grateful at how quickly and with such open arms and seeming no reservations you both whole-heartedly welcomed me.”
Lucian Taylor and Deacon Patrice Taylor are delighted to introduce the Spring 2021 session of Gathering to Grow starting Monday evening, February 1, at 6:30pm. First and third Mondays for six virtual sessions via Zoom. The dates are February 1, 15, March 1, 15, April 5, 19.
We will spend this Covid winter, Lent, and Easter together and, as always, walk life’s journey in community through pray, laughter, and learning. Lucian plans a fascinating bible study during which we will explore the idea of new beginnings by looking at the creation stories in Genesis, the Gospel of John, and Revelation. So start this new year with a new opportunity for community!
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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)!
and follow the instructions on your screen to join.
Meeting ID: 899 7988 3593
Passcode: 411001
Questions:
contact Pastor Emilie Finn
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VIRTUAL MEN'S BREAKFAST
NOW WEEKLY
ON ZOOM
All men are invited
every Thursday at 8am on Zoom. BYOC (bring your own coffee)!,
and follow the instructions on your screen to join.
Meeting ID:871 2079 2718
and Password: 169888
Questions:
contact Deacon Jim Bade at
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CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES |
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Looking forward to Confirmation Day 2021
when we are gathered together with our Bishop!
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There's still time to sign up for Youth Confirmation, 2021!
Youth Confirmation preparation begins on January 31! As students in grades 7-8 (or above) prepare to make their own mature commitment to their Christian faith and to the Episcopal Church, we will read and discuss the Gospel of Mark together, learn about the baptismal covenant and different practices of prayer, discuss with All Saints' clergy and adult mentors how our faith influences our daily lives and actions, and participate in service projects, both within the church and in the wider community. This year, Youth Confirmation will meet on Zoom on Sunday mornings from 11am-12pm. Students and their families are encouraged to attend the Eucharistic service on Sundays as well. Students will be confirmed by Bishop Jennifer Reddall on her visitation to All Saints' on May 9, 2021. The registration fee is $100 (scholarships are available). To sign up, contact Pastor Emilie Finn at efinn@allsaintsoncentral.org.
Virtual Sunday School - Sundays at 11am
Through stories, music, and hands-on crafts and activities, our Sunday School students will learn stories from the Hebrew Scriptures this fall, leading us into Advent and Christmas. In the spring, we will focus on the life and teaching of Jesus, leading us into Lent, and through Holy Week to Easter. We invite you and your family to join us virtually for this great adventure! Look for a new Sunday School video on our Facebook page and YouTube channel each Sunday at 11am. Don't forget to sign up for Pastor Emilie's "Friday Email," to keep yourself up to date with all that is happening for children and youth and their families at All Saints! For more information, or to sign up for the Friday Email, contact Pastor Emilie at efinn@allsaintsoncentral.org.
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Donate to Nourish Phoenix (formerly ICM) during this time of increased need!
Our outreach partner, ICM, has changed its name to Nourish Phoenix, but it's mission remains the same: To serve the working poor with food, clothing, and other basic necessities. In the last few months, Nourish Phoenix has seen a sharp increase in the number of clients reaching out for support, and there is a particular shortage of 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 in the red bins out in front of the main doors to the sanctuary. Contact Pastor Emilie Finn with any questions: efinn@allsaintsoncentral.org.
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LIFE NOTES
by Lucian Taylor
Shall We Dance?
T.S. Eliot has a line that fascinates me: “At the still point of the turning world”.
How is your turning world? Is it spinning out of control? Is it stuck at a standstill? Life on Planet COVID feels like one of these extremes: we’re either spinning so fast we cannot see clearly, or we’re moving so slowly we don’t feel alive. But neither is real.
Reality is found at the still point of the turning world. Yes, there is chaos and disruption right now. Yes, there is silence and aloneness. But Someone who loves us is present at the point where there seems to be only chaos or death.
The still point is God. The turning world is our hearts. While our hearts spin relentlessly from one moment of fear to the next, God remains at the center of our hearts, unmoving and unchanging, holding us and the whole spinning universe together in a cosmic dance.
“At the still point, there the dance is”, writes Eliot. What we find, at the still point where there is no movement, is not death, but life. We find peace, not chaos. We find at the center of our fear and aloneness the God whose heart beats in rhythm with ours, calling us to dance. To dance with this God in devotion and communion. To dance with each other in love and support. No one can truly dance alone. A dance requires a partner. It requires that we allow the still point of the turning world to be Someone else, so that we can dance joyfully, revolving around the One whom we cannot see, but who always sees us, who loves us and will never let us go.
“Except for the point, for the still point, there would be no dance. And there is only the dance.” We are neither the still point that orders this world, nor the random particles flung off this world in wave after wave of centrifugal force. We are beloved partners held in a dance, held by the One who made this world and made us, and who loves us. This means we can release our fear, and bask in these moments of laughter out on the dance floor, these moments we are alive. One day our dance, whether long or short, will be over. But on that day, the God who never left us will again take us into His arms, and will lead us out onto a Heavenly floor where we will dance in joy with our God and each other, forever.
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Contributions
Your 2020 Contribution Statement for income tax purposes will be mailed to you by January 31, 2021.
Take the "Tuition Tax" Credit!
You get the tax credit. They get an education.
Arizona taxpayers can receive a dollar for dollar tax credit 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
All Saints’ Legacy Circle
As a new year begins, we thank God for the many blessings God has given us. This is a good time to 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.
Planning on purchasing ANYTHING on Amazon?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support All Saints' every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Bookmark the link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/86-0133389 to support us every time you shop.
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OUR PARISH FAMILY
This week, we pray for our beloved friends and family who have died.
DONNA TINGOM
(Wendy Simeon's Mother)
ED REED
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
Call Barbara Anderson in the Church Office and she 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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Want to receive the Forward Day by Day
in the mail?
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Send an email with your address to ntowsley@allsaintsoncentral.org and we will "snail mail" you the new issue "old school" so you can enjoy the daily devotions.
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Worth Watching! Worship, Sermons & More |
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The Rev. Dr. Bill Lupfer
Interim Rector
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The Rev. Emilie Finn
Associate Rector
Mission & Family Ministries
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The Rev. Tim Yanni
Associate Rector
Pastoral Care & Connection
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Now it's our chance to start out fresh. Many of the actual things in our world from 2020 won't change immediately, but our attitudes and way of reacting can. Here's to the spirit of a seeing life through our gratitude, rather than our challenges.
We invite you to stay connected with us and allow us to bring you meaningful worship offerings at home. No matter where we are, we can BE THE CHURCH. Questions, ideas, thoughts, just contact me directly at ntowsley@allsaintsoncentral.org.
Faithfully yours,
Nanette Kryske Towsley
Your Director of Communications
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