This Week's Pete's Epistle

3rd April, 2025

"Invite, Support, Encounter"

Holy Week Schedule

Join us as we lead up to Easter Sunday for our Holy Week Services.

Sunday, April 13^th – Palm Sunday – regular service times with a donkey at the 10:00 am service

Thursday, April 17^th – Maundy Thursday with Agape Feast at 6:00pm in Celebration Hall

OR Maundy Thursday Worship at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary, no MEAL (stay tuned!)

Friday, April 18^th – Good Friday service beginning at 12:00pm

Saturday, April 19^th – Holy Saturday mini-Easter Vigil with Baptism beginning at 4:30 pm

followed by the Easter Celebration at 5:00pm

Sunday, April 20^th – Easter – regular service times at 7:45am, 9:00am, 10:00am

From the Rector...

Dear Ones,

We have had a number of gratifying worship experiences lately, and Holy Week is coming!

I am not sure we can do our Agape Feast this year. We need 3-4 folk to be the food preparing leaders, and we don't have them yet. We will give it one more week, then dial back to worship in the sanctuary only, no meal, for this year if we need to.

It is wonderful to have our solar array functioning. A great team made it happen, and many have contributed towards it. We are grateful for all involved.

In the challenging times we live in, being spiritual people, and being a community of diverse folk united in love and service is very important.

And love is always the way forward.

In Christ’s love,

James

Will You Pray With Me?

Carolyn Beougher, Senior Warden 2025

March turned out to be a busy month at St. Peter’s with a couple of things that needed immediate attention with seemingly quick responses or turnaround time. In the light of some changes, we are faced with opportunity. How do we look to God as a faith community to lead us in these times of change, varying needs and differences of ideas?

—A small group took the initiative to apply for a grant, writing a proposal that would improve our classrooms to benefit the parish, Montessori students and our unhoused ministries. It was a diligent effort led by Rebekah Singh that required knowledge from John Romack, Jr Warden Mike Bingham, School Administrator Diane Woodyard and myself as Outreach Ministry Coordinator. We submitted the grant with 2 hours to spare, learning a lot about grant writing in the process and now waiting to find out if there might be funding available to us.

—Hospitality on Sunday mornings has been a challenge over the last 12-18mos and an ongoing conversation at the Relationship Committee meetings among others in our Faith Community to find a workable solution for Sunday Morning Fellowship.

What is needed? What is wanted? Who is willing to be a part of this team?

—The functionality of the narthex for traffic flow and congestion has also been brought under consideration of the Relationship Committee, Facilities and Vestry. We have agreed to try opening it up during the Lenten Season, and you may have noticed some changes this past weekend as some of the bulkier furnishings have been repositioned. If we find workable solutions to the challenges, it will be wonderful, and if not—we have tried and learned……then continuing to look for good solutions.

—Lutheran Social Services announcing the closure of I-Help on March 29, a beloved Outreach Ministry of St. Peter’s for the last eight years. An emergency meeting was held mid-March of the churches and agencies involved with this ministry the West Valley. The overwhelming desire was to see if we can create a 501.3c together to make this a sustainable ministry on its own. As a group we committed to extending to April 30 to continue the program. Mike Ketcham is our ministry lead and St Peter’s representative to the steering committee for this effort.

How do we look to God as a faith community to lead us in these times of change, varying needs and differences of ideas? I pray that as God leads us in these challenges and opportunities, we would be united in the essentials of our faith together, display grace in our personal preferences or differences and show love at all times in our body of believers.

Will you pray with me?

—for God’s favor in the grant process

—guidance in our fellowship and hospitality offerings

—facility updates and usage

—the future of I-Help at St. Peter’s

In His Love with Prayer,

Carolyn

Movie Night - April 4th @ 6:30pm

Join us for a night of fellowship and fun with our Montessori school as we host an outdoor movie night on Friday, April 4^th. The movie will be "Trolls: Band Together".

Bring a blanket or chair and sit on the grass while we enjoy a family-friendly movie. Due to the chilly forecast we will be serving Hot Cocoa, Popcorn and Donuts. We will gather around 6:30 with the movie starting 6:45pm - 7:00pm.

Daughters of the King

The Daughters of the King will be holding their monthly meeting on Saturday, April 12 this month. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the Daughters, and what they do, you are welcome to attend. The meeting starts at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary for prayer. If you'd like additional information, please contact the Chapter President, Mary Lynn Geiger, at marylynn@webreflections.org

A Learning Group for Lent - Saturdays at 3:00 pm.

Pastor James is using the wonderful and easy to read brief book called Unabashedly Episcopalian: Proclaiming the Good News of the Episcopal Church, by Andrew Doyle.

Circle of Friends

If you want to meet new friends and catch up with old ones, then come and join the Circle of Friends. This group has no meeting agenda, no officers; we just share life stories in a comfortable place. Our next get-togethers are April 9 and April 23 at 1pm in the library. Hope to see you there! ~ Patty Prokosch

Leadership Role & Helpers needed for the Agape Feast

on Maundy Thursday, April 17th.

Last year a large crowd enjoyed a moving, spiritual meal and foot washing with a middle eastern themed meal. Vestry members helped serve the meal. Three Daughters of the King pioneered this wonderful worship experience and took great notes, and would love to hand the notes on to a new leader. They will even be available to consult with. Might God be nudging you to serve in this role? We are all praying for the right person to step up so we can enjoy this, often the favorite worship service of the year in parishes that do this.

Easter Egg Hunt: Help Us Help Others!

Children love to hunt eggs on Easter Sunday; but at St. Peter's, our egg hunts are more than fun. With each egg the children find, they will have an opportunity to “vote” on how to distribute donations among three charities. Last Easter we divided a total of $240 among Chapel Rock, Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank, and Saving Orphan Souls Animal Rescue. For the next couple weeks, we’ll be outside after each service collecting donations to add to “the pot”. We accept coins, bills, or checks!

Children’s Ministry Opportunities

We have recruited a few volunteers but are still building our team! To volunteer to assist in the Sunday morning nursery or children’s classes, or Vacation Bible School in June, please contact Debbie Quick, debra.quick@stpetersaz.org.

Vacation Bible School… I Wonder…VBS 2025

Mark your calendars, and plan for a fun-filled week of Vacation Bible School, June 16—20. In I Wonder… VBS, children ages 3-10 will learn what the Bible has to say about our unique gifts and personalities, and how we can use them to glorify God and build up each other. If you would like to assist in planning, prep, or implementation of VBS, please contact Debbie.

Diocesan Discipleship Days

Who should come? Anyone who wants to grow in their faith and has a ministry of leadership in a congregation. That includes clergy and laypeople!

What should I expect? A keynote address by the Rev. Jim Clark about healthy church culture, Bible Study led by Canon Anita, Time with Bishop Reddall, A choice of workshops on church finance/stewardship, Vestry/Bishop’s Committee orientation; the role of the Deacon in the congregation; and the Spiritual life, Brief presentations on a couple of diocesan ministries, Peer learning and sharing with others from around the Diocese.

When? April 5^th – Christ the King Episcopal Church, Tucson

April 26^th - Church of the Epiphany, Flagstaff

The vestry invites anyone who wants to join us to go to the Saturday April 5th : Day of Discipleship in Tucson! A group will be leaving Friday Morning to spend the afternoon exploring Tubac, a culturally rich artistic community about 45 minutes further south. They will spend the night in Tucson to be ready for the day of learning and engagement. Others will do a day trip to Tucson, leaving early Saturday. A third option is to do the Friday overnight leaving later in the day, and meeting the earlier group for dinner in Tucson. We are coordinating carpooling and accommodations. Please email your Senior Warden, Carolyn Beougher of your interest and preferences at cdbooher@gmail.com.

If you can’t make the April 5th date in Tucson, consider the final date, April 26th, 9:30a-3p. Church of the Epiphany, Flagstaff AZ.

World Labyrinth Day at St. Peter’s

Sunday, May 4, 2025. 9 AM Meditation Service Celebration

Every year on the first Saturday in May people around the world walk for peace in the meditative labyrinth vigil. St Peter’s will be honoring this experience together on Sunday May 4th. Please join us at the Labyrinth for labyrinth crafts , music, cookies and participate in this peaceful practice that unites energies across the globe as we walk for peace.

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

High Tea & Hats! (Gloves & Spats optional)

Saturday May 10, 2025. 3-5pm, Celebration Hall

St. Peter’s will be celebrating Spring with an Afternoon ‘High Tea’ Party. All are welcome to ‘dress up’ or ‘come as you are’ to this Fellowship event. All the fun of a Garden Party with indoor comfort out of the desert sun. This is a multigenerational event for everyone from the youngest to the wisest in our Faith Community. Details will be coming in the weeks ahead. Save the date and we hope to see you there!

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

Earth Day 2025

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.

St. Peter's will be recognizing Earth Day the following Sunday, April 27, which will include the blessing of our Solar System and a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the successful completion of our solar system installation.

St. Peter's Solar Project

GOOD NEWS. Last week, following their final inspection, we received PTO (Permission To Operate) from APS, allowing us to activate our solar system. We are now ‘on-line’ to start reaping the benefits of our investments in the form of reduced electricity bills as well as reducing our dependance on fossil fuels. The financial savings of the lowered energy bills will allow St. Peter’s to invest in other important ministries and projects.

The graph shows our energy production for yesterday (remember the clouds and rain!).

A huge thanks to everyone who has already contributed to this project. We have taken out a loan to fund the project in the short term, and still are in need of additional donations to fully fund the project. If you would like to donate to help pay off this loan quickly, please do so. Simply indicate “SOLAR” on your check or select the solar energy account online using your Realm access.

Donate one solar panel... $1,600

Donate a half panel.............$800

Donate a quarter panel .......$400

Donate one-eighth panel ....$200

Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

Community Outreach Ministry Advisory Panel (COMAP)

Facilitator: Carolyn Beougher

Volunteer Coordinator: Martie Polk

Undies for All

St. Peter’s is collecting Men’s and Women’s new underwear for the Native American Ministries “Undies for All” donation drive during the entire month of April. St Peter’s collects these packages of new underwear for the Native American Connections Rehabilitation Facilities and Shelters. Preferred sizes in both Men’s and Women’s underwear are L, XL, and 2XL. Please drop off your donations in the box in the narthex by Sunday, April 27, 2025. Ministry Lead: Rev. James Gamble Contact: outreach@stpetersaz.org

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! .

Tax Credit Opportunities

You can support St. Peter's Montessori School by making a tax credit donation to Arizona Episcopal Schools Foundation. You can receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your Arizona State tax liability--up to $2,910 ($1,459 for Individuals) --even if you’re receiving a refund. Donations made until April 15, 2025, can be applied to your 2024 taxes! These donations provide needed scholarships to St. Peter's students. Talk to your tax professional or visit www.az-esf.org/donate to donate directly. Be sure to specify St. Peter's as the recipient school.

A donation to Bridges Reentry, Inc. provides safety, sanctuary, and new pathways to justice involved women seeking a new start. When you donate, you can earn an Arizona tax credit! Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, taxpayers can donate up to $841 and get it back on their Arizona tax return. Here’s how it works:

· Step 1: Make your 2024 donation to Bridges Reentry of up to $470 for single filers and $938 for married joint filers.

· Step 2: File your Arizona taxes and claim the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit using Form 321. Bridges Reentry QCO (Qualifying Charitable Organization) Code is 22242.

· Step 3: Receive your dollar-for-dollar tax credit!

To learn more about this unique tax incentive, please visit the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Please note: This notification does not constitute tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for details that may apply to you.

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.

April 5: Diocesan Discipleship Day Tucson

April 10 & 11: I-Help

April 13: Palm Sunday

April 20: Easter

April 22: Earth Day

April 24 & 25: I-Help

April 21-May 4: TeleCare Ministry

April 25: Veteran’s Ministry

April 27: Earth Day Celebration - Blessing of the Solar System

May 3: World Labyrinth Day

May 4: St. Peter’s World Labyrinth Day Celebration

May 10: St. Peter’s Tea party

May 11: Mother’s Day

May 23: Veteran’s Ministry

May 9 & 23: I-Help TBD

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

This week we pray for St. Peter's, Casa Grande

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.