News around the Deanery
Mens Retreat
September 2025
The latest Arizona Anglican Deanery Mens Retreat was held September 5-7, 2025 in beautiful Prescott at Emmanuel Pines Retreat Center. We had 36 Men attend; with Bishop Phil Ashey joining us and doing Sunday Communion service and the event was MC’d by Dean Bob Fabey. We had Men at the event from Good Shepard Mesa, Charts Church Anglican, Kings Cross Tucson and Living Faith Tempe. This was also the third year we have opened up the mens retreat to your men, grade 7 or up if they come with their dad or guardian. This year we had 5 youth in attendance - Praise God!
The theme of the event was Matthew 4:17 - “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at Hand”. We explored what real repentance was, especially for men in our culture and time. We also grappled with Obedience and Faith. The format allowed Dean Bob to introduce a topic for about 5-10 minutes. This time was followed by a hour of small group facilitated discussion. We then wrapped up the time with a report out for all the small groups. Further, there wads time for eating together, to gather in fellowship and relaxation as well as a campfire Saturday night.
Dave Klampert lead the group in Worship music. A very talented musician, Dave and his music are always greatly appreciated by everyone. The Bishop, Rt Rev Phil Ashey also joined us. He sat in on our worship and discussions, ate with us and led us in Sunday Communion service at Emmanuel Pines.
We thank Dave for providing such fantastic worship music, Dean Bob for leading us in our discussions and Bishop Phil for joining us in fellowship and for leading our Sunday Communion service. I also want to the planning team - Ray Cheroske, Grif Sessions, and Sherman Weekes. Next Year we will again hold the AZ Anglican Mens Retreat - Sept 18-20, 2026 at Emmanuel Pines in Prescott AZ. If anyone is interested in being involved in planning next years Mens Retreat, please see Jeff Bisgrove (602-653-9996. jeffmbisgrove@me.com)
Arizona Anglican Mens Retreat- September 2024
About 35 men just completed another wonderful AZ Anglican Mens Retreat at Emmanuel Pines in Prescott Arizona. We have been doing these retreats annually for so long I have lost count. Each time they seem to get better.
This year, Deacon Blake Plympton lead the men in a study of 2 Peter 1 3-11. The theme of the mens retreat was “When the rubber hits the road - building our life through Christ” and we explored in depth this scripture. Deacon Blake lead us through the building blocks needed to create a life rooted in Christ - virtue, knowledge, self control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly love. While Deacon Blake led the work, most of the interaction, discussions and learning took place in small group discussion. Deacon Blake also orchestrated the music, which was wonderful as usual. This retreat was opened for all men - aged grade 7 up (if under 18 they need to come with parent / guardian). We were joined by Dean Fr Bob Faby as well. We started with a great meal, evening prayer and fellowship Friday night. Saturday was teaching followed up with a meal prayer, next steps and a bonfire. Sunday was a Eucharist service courtesy of Fr Leo Laney.
We want to thank the planning team (Sherman Weekes, Ray Cheroske, Teke Sankey, and Grif Sessions). We also want to thank David Klampert who had graciously agreed to provide the worship music until he was hospitalized. We are praying for your full recovery.
The picture below was taken Sunday at our communion service. Some of the people had left, so it was most but not the full complement. We were too into the fellowship and teaching to remember to take a picture. Next year we will add it to the agenda!
If you have never joined us for this retreat Men please consider it for the next year. If you want more information contact Jeff Bisgrove (jeffmbisgrove@me.com 602-653-9996).
Next Steps 2023
The Arizona Deanery Next Steps in Mission Conference 2023 was a time to reflect on the generous hospitality of God: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Director of the Always Forward Institute, Molly Ruch, was the plenary speaker.
The talks were:
Session 1 = Molly Ruch, “The Most Important Guest”
Session 2 = Molly Ruch, “The Welcomed Guest”
Session 3 = Jordan Stone from King’s Cross, “Lay Testimony on Women’s Fellowship Dinner”
Session 4 = Molly Ruch, “The Lavished Guest”
Session 5 = Karin and Eric Crawford, “Lay Testimony of Small Groups”