All Things, All Saints'
February 1, 2024
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Meet Your New Leaders
Results from Annual Parish Meeting on January 28, 2024
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Anjali Abraham
Junior Warden for 2024
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Vestry Commendations 2024 went to Liz Scheffey and Scott Youngs
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
HOLY EUCHARIST
SATURDAY 5PM [Chapel]
SUNDAY 8AM [Church]
SUNDAY 10AM [Church]
WEDNESDAY 12PM [Chapel]
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Preview the Bulletins for this Weekend
NEXT LIVESTREAM
Sunday, FEBRUARY 4 at 10am
Sermons are recorded & posted mid-week
& our Eblast (scroll down).
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We hope you join us to celebrate Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ.
On Candlemas 2024, we will join in the ancient tradition whereby Christians take their candles to their church, where they are blessed and then used for the rest of the year. These blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World.
All are invited to bring UNSCENTED candles to bless.
If you would like your candles to be lit at this service, they must be in either a jar, on a tray, or a candle holder of some sort, then placed on the table where all those candles will be lit.
If you would like to bless candles, not to be lit, just for use throughout the year, bring the bundled tapers or pillars to be placed on the table by the altar for blessing. Altar servers will be on hand to assist you.
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A Reflection from Fr. David |
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The Presentation: Candlemas
Christ the Light of the World
Light – as astronomical body, as symbol, as metaphor – is the primary theme of the season of Epiphany: we have the star of Bethlehem which guided the Magi, Jesus as the Light of the World, and Jesus as the Light in our lives. On February 2 the church celebrates the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. We will celebrate the feast this Sunday at Evensong.
According to the Mosaic law, a mother who had given birth to a boy was considered unclean for seven days; moreover, she was to remain three and thirty days “in the blood of her purification”; for a girl the time which excluded the mother from sanctuary was doubled. When the time (forty or eighty days) was over the mother was to “bring to the temple a lamb in its first year for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or a turtle dove for a sin offering” (Leviticus 12.2-8); if she was not able to offer a lamb, she was to take two turtle doves or two pigeons; the priest would then pray for her and so she was cleansed.
Forty days after the birth of Christ, Mary complied with this precept of the law, she redeemed her first-born from the temple, and was purified by the prayer of Simeon the just, in the presence of Anna the prophetess. (Luke 2.22-40) No doubt this event, the first solemn introduction of Christ into the house of God, was in the earliest times celebrated in the Church of Jerusalem. But the feast then had no proper name; it was simply called the fortieth day after “Epiphany.” What this means is that in Jerusalem at this time, Epiphany was celebrated as the feast of Christ’s birth.
From Jerusalem the feast of the fortieth day spread over the entire Church, and later on was kept on the 2nd of February, since within the last twenty-five years of the fourth century the Roman feast of Christ’s nativity was placed on December 25th. The association of candles with this feast did not enter into common use before the eleventh century.
At one time, especially in the Western church, this feast was oriented toward Mary, and this was reflected in its name, “The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” But because this appeared to threaten the doctrine of the sinlessness of Mary, in modern times the Roman church reverted to the more ancient understanding of the Eastern church, which celebrated this day as the “Presentation of the Lord.” This more nearly conformed to its various designations in the East; “Coming of the Son of God into the Temple” (Armenian); “Presentation of the Lord in the Temple” (Egyptian); “The Meeting of the Lord” (Byzantine). The shift in title reflects a shift in emphasis: it is intended to be a feast of the Lord and not a feast honoring Mary. There is also an ancient practice of associating this feast with the blessing of the candles which would be used throughout the rest of the church year.
Since this feast takes place forty days after Jesus’ birth, it has an incarnational cast. Traditionally celebrated on February 2nd, the fortieth day after Christmas, it serves to make the end of the Christmas Season. This feast is also seen as the turning point towards the season of Lent. While Anna is portrayed as having a mystic’s awareness of the presence of God, Simeon is different; he had been promised that he would see the Messiah. Simeon came to the temple, in answer to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to find the child who was to be the ‘glory of Israel’. He did not expect to see anything special in the material way, but he did expect to recognize the child because he was a man of faith and knew that he would not die until he had seen the promised one.
The child was to be a ‘light to enlighten the gentiles’ — a light which dispelled the darkness of the ignorance and sin. Simeon did not look forward to a military triumph or an earthly kingdom, but to the reconciliation of humanity with God and the coming of the kingdom of heaven. He knew that there were those who would not welcome the light because they preferred the darkness, as it was a better cover for dubious deeds; that is why he said the child was destined for the rise and fall of many.
When Christ spoke of himself as the light of the world he said:
‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ (John 8.12)
It is a light given to those who have faith, who recognize Christ and choose his way; when Christ comes in glory the time for choice will be over. For those of us who live in the eschatological pause (between the coming of the kingdom and its final manifestation) there is a kindly light, but no overwhelming brilliance. At times the flame flickers and the light grows faint, but it never goes out unless we deliberately quench it by rejecting Christ.
The feast we celebrate is the last feast of Christmas; the candles which we bless and use are a symbol to remind us that Christ came to give us light and life. The relation between light and life is felt most keenly in the darkness of night, and during the dull days of winter. So, as you read this, the sun may be shining brightly, we may have to use our imaginations to get the full benefit of these light and darkness symbols and metaphors. Even in those parts of the world that are rich enough to turn night into day with the flick of a switch, darkness remains a threat and light a blessing. When we pray for the dead, we pray that ‘light perpetual may shine upon them’, that they will have life eternal in the radiance of heaven.
Simeon’s prayer became the night prayer of the Church through the ages. The Nunc Dimittis (the choir sings a setting at every Evensong) is among the most beautiful and enduring of all prayers; to have had our way illuminated and to depart in peace at the end of it, is the final fulfillment of a life lived in the service of God.
There is an ancient antiphon associated with Candlemas which sums up the piety of the feast:
The old man carried the child, but the child was the old man’s King.
A virgin gave birth to that child, yet remained a virgin:
the one she bore she also adored.
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Getting Our Sacred Home In Order
ABSOLUTELY
* AMAZING *
TEAM ALL SAINTS!
Our current total is:
$905, 560
from 226 people/families
We couldn’t do it without out you.
And there is a lot of ministry to do!
Goal: $900,000
WOW: + $5,560
It’s not to late to kick in!
The more we get,
the more we can do
for a world in need.
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to give your financial support for the mission and ministries we are called to do through this holy place. Please mail this form to All Saints' at 6300 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012, put in the offering plate at any service, bring it to the Church Office, or email to Christina Berlinger, our Director of Finance at
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Adult Education and Formation
Here's what's coming up:
February 4 at 9am: Anglican Sacred Music: Origins and Development with Fr. David Sheetz
When the Church of England authorized (required) liturgies in English, church music in English presented a problem – there wasn’t any! Come and learn how the early English church coped and developed.
February 11 at 9am: In the Valley of Shadows: A Depression and Suicide Primer, with Deacon Patrice Taylor
Depression and suicide are frighteningly common in our community. Understanding the risks and having the facts is the first step to allow you to support those suffering and might even save the life of someone you know. Join retired medical social worker Deacon Patrice for a quick primer, the information you need to help yourself or a loved one, and get self-assessment takeaways you can complete or share.
Sunday, February 11: Following the 10 AM service: Anglican Prayer Beads, with Deacon Intern Mary Brooks.
Did you know that there is such a thing as Anglican Prayer Beads? Come and learn some meditation techniques, the history of the beads, and how to use them as well. Along with learning how to pray the beads, you will have the opportunity to make your own set of beads. All the supplies will be provided. Come join Mary Brooks, Deacon Intern, as we explore the use of the beads.
The Deacon’s Bible Study
FIRST & THIRD TUESDAYS
Next gathering is February 6
We are exploring the Book of Proverbs, one of the Wisdom texts of the Old Testament. The morning edition is 10:30am in the Urbano Library for those who are available to meet in person. The evening session is at 7pm on Zoom. Questions or to get Zoom links? contact Deacon Patrice palshatti@allsaintsoncentral.org.
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Children, Youth & Families |
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Check out all the details directly
from the Children, Youth & Family Eblast,
Nursery
(for babies through 5th birthday)
Open Every Sunday
8:30 - 12 PM, drop off begins a little before 9.
Sunday School for PreK to Grade 5
This Sunday at 9am in St. Barbara
CLASP for Acolytes and Youth Grade 4-12
Sunday, February 18 at 9am in the Youth Haven
Small Saints Pew
This Sunday at 10am
Children's Chapel
This Sunday at 10am
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Walk in Freedom Shoe Drive
ENDS February 14
Do you have a pair of new or lightly used women's athletic shoes? Consider donating them to our Perryville Prison Ministry! Perryville Women's Prison often runs short of shoes to provide to releasees, and your donation will help women walk out of prison and back into society. To donate, please bag or rubber band pairs together to avoid separation, and place them in the red bins in the Church Narthex. All sizes and widths are needed.
This photo was taken after our 2018 Prison Ministry Shoe Collection for the Men's Prison at Lewis and the Women's Prison at Perryville.
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All Saints’ Episcopal Day School is proud to sponsor our seventh annual blood drive with Vitalant on Wednesday, February 7.
BLOOD DRIVE
Drive Details
Wednesday, February 7
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Manning Hall
New Blood Donors Needed!
If you have never given blood, Vitalant needs you. The number of Americans who give blood is declining. There is no substitute for human blood; many patients cannot survive without it. Giving blood is truly a selfless and heroic act that gives life to patients. Make an appointment to give blood today!
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SOCK DRIVE for ANDRE HOUSE DETAILS:
(To be donated instead of $20 for your Shrove Tuesday Chicken and Waffles)
Any kind of socks and any color
Any size, Men, Women, Kids
Brand new
The more pairs, the better!
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VIRTUAL WOMEN'S BREAKFAST WEEKLY ON ZOOM
Note New Sign In Info
All women are invited every Friday at 9:30am on Zoom.
Or, by going to
Meeting ID: 815 7132 4921
Passcode: 621441
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VIRTUAL MEN'S BREAKFAST
WEEKLY ON ZOOM
Note New Sign In Info
All men are invited every Thursday at 8am on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 851 1860 4653
Passcode: 379009
Questions: contact Tom Walker
Cell: 602-330-4687 text/talk
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Next Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, February 7 at 7pm
in the Urbano Library
“Galileo’s Daughter” by Dava Sobel
Next Women's In-Person Breakfast
Thursday, February 8 at 9am at Corner on the Market - 5345 N. 7th Ave. Southeast corner
NEW TO THE SAINT BARBARA GALLERY THIS WEEKEND:
“ENCOUNTERS WITH THE SPIRIT
WHILE ABROAD, 2022 – 2023”
A Photo Exhibit By Anne Kleindienst
February 2024
All exhibited photos are available for purchase as shown, with all proceeds from sales donated to All Saints’ Episcopal Church by the Photographer. Please contact Anne at 602.430.6912 or alkswm@cox.net if interested in purchasing any of the exhibited photos.
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EPIPHANY IV
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024
10am SERVICE
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EPIPHANY IV
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024
10am SERMON
THE REV. DR. PERRY PAULEY
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Need a Nametag for church?
or at the Church Office.
We want everyone at All Saints' to know your name.
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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.
Christina Berlinger is our Director of Finance. She is in the office Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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PREPARE FOR SUNDAY
to view this week's readings and commentaries from Church Publishing.
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All Saints’ Legacy Circle
Now is a good time to reflect on the many blessings God has given us, making it also a very 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. Please contact Lori Brooks in
TAX CREDIT - You take the credit, and students get the education.
All Saints' Day School partners with the Arizona Episcopal Schools Foundation (AESF) to continue our legacy of inclusivity and providing opportunities for all students. The State of Arizona allows individuals to claim a tax credit on donations to a School Tuition Organization. Those tax credits directly support our Indexed Tuition Program, providing direct and essential funding to our students who qualify for financial assistance. All Saints' Board of Trustees is committed to creating a school community that is truly inclusive, diverse, and accessible to a wide range of families.
The deadline to designate your 2023 tax dollars is April 15, 2024.
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Every night, when I leave the barn where my horse lives, I take a particular street to check out the sunset conditions. It varies from nothing special to spectacular on a routine basis. The photos aren't great quality photos in a technical sense, they are meant for me to be a reminder. I would love to make them more photographically perfect, but the mere act of pulling out my phone makes this little habit doable. So, as a result, I have the world's largest collection of photos of a few specific cacti, a few specific street lights, and one particular fence line. All this put together with a dollar and a half, and I cannot even buy a cup of coffee with it. But for some strange reason, I continue to do it. I live to clog the memory on my devices with more photos of "same." I guess it is no different than using the same toothpaste and applying it to the brush the same way. For me, there is comfort in repetition. Kind of like saying the Nicene Creed every week. Touché!
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Thank you for allowing ALL SAINTS' 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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