This Week's Pete's Epistle

19th September, 2024

"Invite, Support, Encounter"

From the Rector...

Dear Ones,

September is flying by! While we will no doubt revisit 100 plus degree days, we are in that post-torrid summer season-of fall in Arizona.

In October we will return to our focus on humanity's call to care for our precious earth and its creatures and peoples by using the Creation Care worship resources authorized for the Diocese of Arizona by our bishop. We will bless animals on Oct 5th at the 5:00 service outdoors.

Our solar project will help St Peter's save money, help APS manage expensive "demand surges" for electricity, and help our planet with this renewable and long-term energy source.

I invite you to donate a panel or panels if you are able, or part of one. Jayin and I were glad to be among the initial donors who have committed already before the project is a week old, to giving the first 40% or so of what we need for 82 panels that will last many decades. You can inform me or Carter Wilson what you plan to give, or just make a donation and note it "Solar," or "Rock of Ages Fund," and it will be properly counted.

Our prison ministry is working hard to incorporate new worship leaders, and let's pray for these great servants who are getting approved by the Department of Corrections, and oriented to help women in prison find healing and empowerment from God.

It is a blessing to share ministry with you.

Love,

James

Warden’s Corner

It’s been a busy couple of weeks since James returned from his summer “vacation”! Your Vestry met last week and took care of some important business including approval of the Solar Team contract with Obodo Energy Partners to install 82 panels on the south roof of Celebration Hall and connect to the APS grid. The total cost is about $107,000 that we hope to cover with donations, savings on our monthly electric bills, and a 30% rebate the government is offering to non-profits including churches! Look for more information on how we can all help in the near future.

Another item the Vestry discussed is the shortfall in income. One of our major sources of income for our annual budget is the Montessori Occupancy income which is the income the school program provides to the parish for its use of much of our space, lay leadership, and other staff work. This is based on 10% of the school income which is based on student enrollment and was estimated to be about $90,000 for 2024. Unfortunately this year the enrollment is down about 20 students (from 90 to 70) from what our budget was based on and that leaves us about $20,000 short in our annual income. Some of this can be made up by reducing expenses but we still need to raise some more money to break even this year. We will be asking for additional donations from our Faith Community to try to lessen this shortfall and if necessary other cost saving measures may be instituted – up to having Pastor James take a couple weeks off without pay – we don’t really want to do that!

Our Tele-Care Ministry will be starting calls next week so you can expect to hear a friendly voice checking up on all of us! There are several new members of this team and we're all looking forward to talking to everyone! The “Straight from the Heart” Art Show is continuing in Celebration Hall so be sure to check that out before the end of the month! Check the E-Pistle or Bulletin for all the exciting events coming up including hosting a Bishop from Kenya, the Blessing of the Animals, our Ministry Fair, a Dia de los Muertos event, and the Fall Festival.

As always – I appreciate everyone’s support of our services, ministries, and maintenance! It takes all of us to keep this operation running smoothly!

Tyler Dixon

Sr. Warden

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

Community Outreach Ministry Advisory Panel (COMAP)

Facilitator: Carolyn Beougher

Volunteer Coordinator: Martie Polk

“Straight from the Heart” Art Show This Saturday, September 7th thru 30th

Stop by Celebration Hall before or after services to see artwork created by women who are or were incarcerated at Perryville Women’s Prison. Tisha Weir, with her daughter Taylor Morris, are curating the exhibit and readily share information about the artists and their creative use with the challenges of available art supplies. The sale of beautiful and powerful works of art will benefit the artists as well as Bridges Reentry.

Ministry Leads: Jayin Wavrik, Dorothy Stevens, Deacon Gay Romack

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

September Prison Awareness Month

St. Peter’s continues to recognize September as “Prison Awareness Month” highlighting the ministries of incarcerated and post-incarcerated women at Perryville Women’s Penitentiary. Volunteers in our Prison Ministry host four weekly worship services on five different yards and a monthly service on the highest security yard. The women are welcoming and appreciative of these spiritual growth and worship opportunities to place their hope and trust in God regardless of their current circumstances and past history.

Magdalene House Crystal Garden and Magdalene House Rio Paseo offer safe housing for women to transition and reenter society with support, mentoring or training. Many of these residents participate in the services and ministries of St. Peters.

Bridges Reentry was founded by our own Deacon Gay Romack. It is a mentoring program that focuses on the journey of women from Prison Release Day to gain spiritual, emotional and economic health and realize their full potential of independence in their reentry to society.

“September Prison Awareness” giving envelopes are available at all services during September for financial gifts to these ministries that benefit the spiritual healing and wellness of the Perryville women in these programs. In Kind Donations of personal and comfort care toiletry items are being collected this month for the Release Day Backpacks and Magdalene House residents.

Ministry Leads: Jayin Wavrik, Dorothy Stevens, Deacon Gay Romack

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

Telecare Ministry

Telecare Ministry is designed to reach out with a phone call to each household represented in our parish. We implement this ministry twice a year to connect with our members and active participants. Please know we will be making these calls in late September and early October. We would love a few more to join our ministry team.

TeleCare Volunteer Kick-off Meeting: Wednesday, September 25 at 1 PM in Celebration Hall Conference Room

Ministry Lead: Barbara Wood

Contact: outreach@stpetersaaz.org

Save the Date:

Saturday/Sunday October 20/21

This year, The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona will be walking in the Phoenix Pride Parade and have a booth at the Phoenix Pride Festival.

Find all the information you'll need to volunteer with our Diocese as we support this annual event.

Save the Date: Saturday November 2

Volunteers Needed for Dia de los Muertos Booth

Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and the City of Avondale are co-hosting their annual Dia de los Muertos festival on the evening of Saturday, November 2nd. St. Peter's is participating for the first time with a booth at this beautiful, family friendly event. This is an important opportunity for outreach and to support our community because the event takes place just 5 minutes to the east of our church campus at the Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery (3900 N. Santa Fe Trail, Avondale). We need friendly volunteers to give away fun items and tell people about our church. If you would be willing to help staff our booth, please call or text Claudine at 623-237-1080. Even if you aren't able to volunteer, please make sure to come by the festival and check out our booth!

Save the Date: Sunday November 10 - St Peter’s Fall Festival and Picnic

Our annual collaborative event with the Montessori School Parent Committee will be Sunday November 10. We’re looking for 10 chefs to participate in the Chili Cook-Off and small businesses, vendors, artisans or craftspeople who would like to do a pop-up shop. Donations of raffle prizes will also be needed. All proceeds from this fun community event will benefit the building of a Sensory Garden which will replace the courtyard asphalt in front of the main school building.

Ministry Lead: Tyler Dixon

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

I-Help Back Up Support

Our I-Help team is in need of one or two substitute van drivers in the coming year. This ministry serves 8-12 adults who are currently unhoused and are a part of the Lutheran Social Services I-Help program. The time commitment is approximately 2 hours when called upon to transport the individuals to our campus in the provided van. The St Peter’s leadership team will provide orientation and training for anyone interested in supporting this active ministry.

Ministry Leads: Mike Ketcham, Michael Douglas

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

St. Peter's Youth Group

New day and time for regular youth group - Tuesdays, 6:45 - 8:15pm!

October 1 - Regular Youth Group at St. Peter's
September 24 - Pickleball and Ice Cream. Details to follow!

Save the Date

September 20 (Saturday) - Diocesan Youth Event at All Saint's Episcopal. We will not be attending as a group, but students who desire attend can sign up here.
October 5 (Saturday) - Dog Wash Youth Group Fundraiser, followed by Blessing of the Animals service. Afterward the youth group will going to service at Feed My Starving Children in Mesa from 7-9pm.
October 19 (Saturday) - Youth Group Movie Night! We will be watching 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted A Culture. Time and details TBA.
October 27 (Sunday) - St. Peter's Ministries Fair. Details TBA.
Coming in November...
November 10 - Fall Festival
November 25 - Potato Bagging with Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank

Young Adult Group

Our group is open to anyone between 18-39.

We have a lot of neat events coming up over the next few months on our group's calendar:

September Game Night. On Saturday, September 21st beginning at 6:30 p.m. we will have a very special game night in the library hosted by our rector. James will be teaching the young adults one of his favorite games: euchre. No experience is necessary. Come and learn this fun card game and spend some quality time with our awesome rector! Feel free to bring a snack to share if you would like.
Phoenix Pride Parade. Because Pastor James is no longer available to go sailing on October, 5th, we are now short an activity for October since we normally aim for two activities per month. I would suggest that our second activity be watching the Phoenix Pride Parade on the morning of October 20th. This is a fun event and we can cheer on the Episcopal diocesan parade contingent. It is a free activity, but it would be wise to carpool in advance. The parade begins at 10 a.m., but we should aim to arrive around 9:30 a.m. to help facilitate finding a place to park. We will need to meet at SP's at around 9 a.m. The parade usually ends around noonish.
Outdoor Activity TBD. On Saturday, October 26th, Mario and Catherine are going to host an outdoorsy event for the group. Details are TBD and will be shared closer to the event. Save the date! The weather will be beautiful at that point.
November Game Night. On Saturday, November 9th at 6:30 p.m. please join us in the library for our monthly game night. Our host this month will be Ian. As always, feel free to bring a snack and/or game to share

As always, feel free to invite friends to join in on any of our events. Our Instagram page is: SPYAGroup. Please share with anyone in our age demographic--friends, family, neighbors. All are welcome! There is no requirement (or expectation) that participants attend worship or hold any particular theological beliefs. We are a safe space for folks trying to figure out what they believe. We are here for anyone who would like to fellowship and build community with us. If you have questions, feel free to call or text Claudine at 623-237-1080.

Sunday Morning Hospitality

Please continue to join us in Celebration Hall for coffee, treats, and fellowship after the Sunday morning services.

The 9:00 meditation service has moved outdoors since the mornings have cooled down! .

It's time again! Men's Group this Saturday

Men’s Group is this Saturday in Celebration Hall beginning at 7:30AM. Please join us for breakfast and fellowship.

THE BISHOP IS COMING!

St Peter’s is being honored by a visit from Bishop John from Kisii, Kenya.

Bishop Reddall met him at Lambeth Conference in 2022 and he will be visiting Arizona this October.

Bishop Reddall would like us to host him at our Saturday night 5pm service on October 12th followed by a dinner.

We are looking for volunteers to help prepare a taco bar dinner for his visit. Sign up sheets will

be provided in the Narthex along with a list of items needed.

RSVP to the church office (623-935-3279) by October 4th for anyone wishing to share a meal, an idea

about what your ministry and what our church is like and he can share likewise.

St. Peter's Solar Project

Why go solar?

Creation Care: Installing solar panels helps us reduce our carbon footprint, honoring God's creation through sustainable energy use.
Financial Benefits: Solar energy lowers our church’s energy costs, allowing more funds to be directed toward ministries and community outreach.
Community Leadership: By going solar, we set an example of environmental stewardship, inspiring others in our community to pursue a greener future.

How You Can Help:

Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s will as we embark on this important project.
Donate: Your contributions can help make this solar project a reality.
Spread the Word: Encourage others to support our initiative for a greener future.

Together, we can glorify God by caring for His creation and ensuring a brighter, sustainable future for our church and community.

Stay tuned for more information about our solar project, and our plans for fund raising.

Montessori School

Our Montessori school is having their first Restaurant Night of the year on Thursday, Sept 26^th from 4:00-8:00pm at Bruster’s Ice Cream (9345 W Glendale Ave). Enjoy a cool treat and help the parent committee begin to raise funds for this year’s project of a Sensory Garden in front of the school buildings. Just mention St. Peter’s Montessori when you go.

Save the Date: Spaghetti and Bingo Night fundraiser on Friday, October 18^th. Details coming soon!

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

This week we pray for Trinity Cathedral

We also pray for our companion Diocese: The Diocese of Western Mexico, Bishop Ricardo Gomez Osnaya.

Read the weekly email newsletter for the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona here. This newsletter includes reflections from The Rt. Rev. Bishop Jennifer Reddall, news, events, and updates throughout the diocese.