We ARE Church! Absalom Jones Commemoration 2026

Don’t Just Go to Church… BE CHURCH! was the theme of this year’s Commemoration of the Episcopal Feast Day of The Blessed Absalom Jones, a joyous, uplifting service held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Litchfield Park, AZ, honoring the life and ministry of the first African American priest in The Episcopal Church.

Inspired by her participation in this past summer's Diocesan pilgrimage to Kisii, Kenya, President Helenor Webb encouraged attendees to experience the "whole body worship" offered by the service, not just going to church, but being church.

... and Church, we were!

The Holy Spirit was powerfully present as 150 worshipers were touched to their souls by the inspiring sermon of The Rev. Dr. Robert Phillips and moved to their feet by the glorious music of featured performer vocalist Sandra Bassett and accompanist Kaelin Porter. Watch the sermon here or the full service here.

Stay tuned to this space for photos from the event, and make plans now to join us next year on Saturday, February 13, 2027 at Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix!