52
Spirituality
April 20 – May 3, 2013
Spiritual Reflections A little light in the darkness by Lynne Hartke
The children filed in for the finale of our weeklong festival at A World of Music. The kids had worked hard for their individual classes of musical theatre, singing, guitar, dance and rhythm. Now it was time to sing the last song, a song about letting their light shine in darkness. Daniel sang for his mom and two aunts. Sam and Eden sang for their brother, parents and grandparents. Dominic and Javier sang for their mom and baby sister. Voices raised. Faces shining. The children held battery-operated candles and sang to a packed crowd of family and friends with cameras flashing from all corners of the sanctuary. Julie sang for only one person. Her dad. And he wasn’t even at the church. He was lying in a room across town under hospice care. Julie’s gaze and voice focused on the cell phone her mom held above the crowd, capturing her daughter’s words.
Sometimes in our wanderings of faith, we step into a moment when we find ourselves rubbing shoulders with the divine. When the dust and weariness of our earthly travel falls away and we can see briefly, yet clearly, into the other side. Author Mary DeMuth calls this a thin place, “a place where heaven and the physical world collide…where eternity and the mundane meet. Thin describes the membrane between the two worlds, like a piece of vellum, where we see a holy glimpse of the eternal.” I found that thin moment, in a
young girl, who when faced with the unimaginable, offered the gift of herself. Her voice, a light in the darkness. “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lamp stand, that those who come in may see the light.” Luke 11:33 NKJV Lynne Hartke is the wife of Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler, 50 S. McQueen Rd. For information about A World of Music, a children’s music festival held at the church, call 480-963-7698 or visit worldofmusicaz.com.
Spiritual Reflections Share your spiritual reflections... The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sun area churches, temples, mosques and other religious and spiritual gathering places are invited to contribute their Spiritual Reflections in essay format by sending their thoughts, enlightening insights and other writings of a spiritual nature to News@SanTanSun.com. Be certain to put “Spiritual Reflections submission” in the subject line, and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your first and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website. Spiritual Reflections are printed on a space-available basis, and submission does not guarantee print. The opinions represented in this column are those of the author and not that of the SanTan Sun News.
www.SanTanSun.com
Don’t miss these performers
A classic music event featuring a concert pianist and a guitarist is set for 2 p.m. Sun., April 28 at Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Klara Kukumi-Zawilak, a concert pianist, made her chamber music debut at age 8 on the stages of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, Albania. As she grew up, she won silver medals four years in a row at the Albanian Young Pianists Competition and second place in Los Angeles. She divides her time between teaching at Mesa Community College, performing in concerts and her family. Alexander Zawilak is on the staff of Scottsdale Community College as an adjunct guitar professor. While in high school, he played in the St. Johns University Jazz Band, and studied jazz at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. While in high school, he also began to explore classical music. He played cello and upright bass in the St. Francis Prep String Orchestra. The church is also having a rummage sale on Sat., April 27 to raise money to send youth to Montlure Presbyterian Church Camp this summer. Donations should be brought to the church by Wed., April 24. For more information, visit chandlerpres.org.
Spirituality
www.SanTanSun.com
April 20 – May 3, 2013
53
New officers at Temple Havurat Emet See St. Stephen come to life The community is invited to the installation of officers at Temple Havurat Emet, 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 3 at the Lecky Center of the Ed Robson Branch Library, 9930 E. Riggs Rd., Chandler. Rabbi Janet Madden will talk about the opportunity she had to teach a conversion class to a progressive Jewish Community in Lodz, Poland. While there, she also was able to observe Yom HaShoah—the national day of observation regarding the Holocaust. She was also in Krakow and Auschwitz for this. The 2013-14 officers are Gloria Bitting and Gigi Stacy, co-presidents; Stefan Silverston, ritual vice president;
Barbara Schwartz, membership vice president; Gary Stacy, treasurer; Marty Kraus, recording secretary; Charlotte Currens, corresponding secretary; and Murray Siegel, Sharon Siegel and Sydell Rochman-Pascale, directors. The Sisterhood of Temple Havurat Emet will hold its annual installation of officers 4:30 p.m. Thu., April 25 at home of Margo Philbrick. The officers are Linda Brooks and Beverly Worthing, copresidents; Charlotte Currens, secretary; and Gigi Stacy, treasurer. Following the installation a light supper will be served. For more information, visit templehavuratemet.org.
Sisterhood is in charge
Annual service, luncheon, fashion show The annual Shabbat service of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood will take place 7 p.m. Fri, May 10 in the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes. Rather than Rabbi Irwin Wiener conducting the monthly service, sisterhood members will be in charge. The sisterhood’s final event of the season is 11:30 a.m. Thu., May 16 in the San Tan Ballroom of the Cottonwood Country Club, when the paid up, end-ofyear luncheon, including a fashion show courtesy of Dress Barn, is scheduled. Guests are also welcome at $20 per person., which includes a lunch of either Maui chicken salad or Mediterranean steak salad. Send reservations to 9006 E. Copper Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 and include the luncheon selection.
Donations of toys
Donations for the sisterhood’s ongoing “Toys from the Heart” Program, which provides holiday gifts to the kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School every year, can be made by sending a check for any amount made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249. Write “toys” on the memo line. Last year the sisterhood was able to distribute toys to more than 100 children.
Other sisterhood news
Note cards are for sale at all sisterhood meetings for $10 for a packet of 10. For more information, call Marilyn at 480-940-1916. Comments and suggestions are welcomed by the co-presidents. Call Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.
JUST 10 YEARS OLD: Cameron Ellsworth plays the part of Stevie, in the one-act play about the life of St. Stephen at St. Steven’s Catholic Church. Submitted photo
See a one-act play about the life of St. Stephen as seen through the eyes of a young child, 7 p.m. Fri., April 26 and 1 p.m. Sun., April 28 in the Great Hall of St. Stephen Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes. Refreshments
will be served after both performances. Stevie is played by 10-year-old Cameron Ellsworth, a fifth grader at Jane D. Hull Elementary School in Chandler. St. Stephen is played by Jared Brooks, a 17-year-old junior at Hamilton High School in Chandler. Terry Tafaya Earp, who has been writing plays since 1985 and had a major hit in 1990 with her lingerie-themed play “Skimpies,” is the playwright. John Schile, a parishioner who has appeared in more than 70 theatrical productions, is director. The music was composed by the church’s music director, Adam Thorne, who earned his sacred music master’s degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana. The production is a fundraiser for the church’s new St. Stephen’s Statue. There will be a free-will offering basket for donations. To reserve tickets, call Diane at 480-895-9266, ext. 107 or visit saintstevensparish.org.
Avoid the speed bumps
Learn about recovery, help starving children To find out how to get on the road to recovery, listen to the sermon on April 20 or 21 at Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Contemporary services are 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday. The Hispanic service is 11 a.m. Sunday.
Connecting Point
Celebrating 100 Years in Chandler
www.ChandlerMethodist.org
SUNDAY WORSHIP Traditional Worship ..........................9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children, Youth & Teens............9:10 a.m.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL .........9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
All Are Welcome. Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913
If you are new to CCC or the Christian faith, learn more about your faith and connect to others at CCC starting with Connecting Point, 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Sun., April 21. For more information or to register, visit chandlercc.org/connecting-point.
Pack food
A hands-on service project to feed tens of thousands in Haiti, Africa and Cambodia, where starvation and malnutrition are rampant, needs volunteers of all ages to participate April 30 through May 4. Day and evening shifts are available. Approximately 300 meals can be packaged in two hours per participant. The food being packaged is a specially formulated, fast-cooking,
rice-based combination of vitamins, soy, dehydrated vegetables and other nutrients that provide about 75% of a child’s daily requirement for a healthy diet in one serving. Lifeline Christian Ministries is partnering with the church for the project, which benefits orphans and families impacted by famine. Sign up at chandlercc.org/project285-2013.
Volunteer for God
It’s time to start thinking about volunteering for Vacation Bible School, which is a way to serve God, build relationships and love children. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/ volunteers-opportunities-for-vbs-2013.
54
Spirituality
April 20 – May 3, 2013
A feast for the eyes A guided tour on Thu., May 9 of the Phoenix Art Museum’s exhibit on advances in digital textile printing is the May fundraiser for the Shalom Chapter of Hadassah in Sun Lakes. The works of more than 40 designers are showcased in the amazing exhibit, which has received outstanding reviews. Plans are to meet in the lobby of the museum at 1625 N. Central Ave.
in Phoenix, at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will follow the tour in the museum cafe. Admission is $12, plus an additional $6 for the fundraiser. The museum is easily accessible by car or light rail, and Shalom will arrange car pools for anyone who is interested. For reservations or more information, call Judi at 480-802-4944 or Diane at 480-895-6917.
College student saves public land The film “Bidder 70” is being shown 12:30 p.m. Sun., April 21 in the Sanctuary at Valley Unitarian Universalist, located at 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. The film follows the civil disobedience of Tim DeChristopher, a University of Utah student, who in 2008 successfully bid $1.8 million on 22,000 pristine acres surrounding Utah’s national parks, even though he had no intention to pay or drill.
DeChristopher was indicted on two federal felonies with penalties of up to 10 years in prison, but when Barack Obama took office as president his administration agreed the land should be safeguarded and invalidated the entire auction. A collection will be made to cover the cost of obtaining copyright permission. For more information, call 480-8994249 or visit vuu.org.
Jewish heroes take the stage Children can spend Sun., April 21 with a Jewish hero from 12:15 to 2 p.m. at Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3875 W. Ray Rd., Suite 6, on the southeast corner at McClintock, Chandler. There will also be a parrot show and planting in the gardens. Youth Zone, a program designed for first- through sixth-graders, is for children to participate in activities, outings and meet new friends, says Rabbi Mendy Deitsch. “The club focuses on teaching children how to make this world a better place for all.” Children should bring a sack lunch. RSVP by emailing Masha@ chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333 for details.
Hospice myths debunked April 27 Learn about the myths of hospice during an Elder Care Conference presented by Hospice of the Valley from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., April 27 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Faith Community, 3450 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Lunch is included. Also, business cards, brochures and answers to questions will be provided from noon to 2:30 p.m. by representatives from various organizations, including Grand Canyon Planning Associates, Copper Creek Inn, the Area Agency on Aging, Kay’s
Assisted Living Referral Service, Jordan Oriental Medicine, Retirement Insurance Specialists, Schneider Health Insurance, Solterra Senior Living, Veterans Affairs and Visiting Angels. There will also be blood pressure checks. A $10 donation is requested, but no donation is requested to meet with the representatives. The deadline for reservations is April 22. For more information, call 480-899-1990, ext.136 or visit standrew-cfc.org.
www.SanTanSun.com
Spiritual Connections
Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com. The Big D 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sundays This program is designed to encourage and empower teens to deal with their feelings and the challenges raised during the divorce or separation of their parents. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com Celebrate Recovery 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Join in fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the 12 steps and Eight Recovery Principles. The group addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by meetings at 6:30 p.m. Free childcare for children ages 12 and younger. CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry Center Rooms 101-103 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: 480-722-0700, crnaz.com Celebrate Recovery 6 p.m. Fridays For those with chemical dependencies or other issues. Dinner followed by meetings at 7 p.m. Dinner: $3 adult, $1 child. Free childcare for children ages 12 and younger. Chandler Christian Church, Room B200 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: 480-963-3997, chandlercc.org Christian Business Networking, TriCity Chapter–Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers & Co. Café 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com
Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com DivorceCare for Adults 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sundays Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com DivorceCare for Kids 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sundays Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com East Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old. East Valley JCC 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Emily Malin, 480-897-0588, maline@evjcc.org East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once a month social activities such as dining, movies, plays, etc. for Jewish couples ages 45 to 65 years old. Info: Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net Forever Marriage Ministries, Wives Standing for Marriage Restoration Support Group 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays Support group of wives committed to marriage no matter the circumstances, offering hope, encouragement, biblical truths, fellowship and prayers, to stand together for the restoration of marriage. Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Patio Room 959 N. Val Vista Rd., Gilbert Info: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@ lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com Forever Marriage Ministries, God Honoring Wives Support Group 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Support group of women who believe in the sanctity of marriage, offering
www.SanTanSun.com teachings, sharing, fellowship and prayers. Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Patio Room 959 N. Val Vista Rd., Gilbert Info: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@ lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com GriefShare 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays A seminar/support group geared toward adults who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com Hearing God’s Voice 8:45-9:45 a.m. Sundays through March 10 For ages from junior high to adult. Childcare available. No charge. Trinity Christian Fellowship 50 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler Info: 480-963-7698, tcfchandler.org H.O.P.E.—Help Overcoming Painful Experiences 7 p.m. Tuesdays Free weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free childcare for children ages 10 and younger. Desert Springs Church, Room 106 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler Info: hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581 Monthly luncheon Iguana Mack’s 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812
Spirituality JumpStart 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays JumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school community outreach program serving “some of the poorest neighborhoods” in Chandler, offering snacks, games and teachings about Jesus to area children. Participants meet at Faith Family Church 11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler Info: Joanne Sweeney, 480-539-8933 Kid’s Sunday School 10-11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Chandler 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Chandler 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org Moms in Prayer International A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Info: Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, www. momsinprayer.org Monthly Women’s Fellowship 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month The monthly fellowship Bible study of the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona 250 W. Main St., Mesa Info: 480-232-3773
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)—Chandler Chapter 10 a.m.-noon first and third Wednesday of each month Faith-based “Caring Connection” for those who have loved ones with a mental illness, i.e., schizophrenia, depression, bipolar or anxiety disorder. Find support and share experiences with others. Risen Savior Lutheran Church 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Joan, 480-883-8871 Revive, Rebuild and Re-Engage 9:45 a.m. Sundays Class helps struggling couples to cope with marital issues and build their relationships with Christ. Chandler Christian Church 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info and registration: chandlercc.org Rosary Prayer 3 p.m. second Friday of each month St. Steven’s Catholic Church 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes Info: 480-895-9266 Spiritual Chat 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of each month Spiritual topics such as awareness, lucid dreaming, near-death experiences, outof-body experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance are discussed during Arizona Satsang Society’s Spiritual Chat sessions. Unity Church of Divine Love 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: vizzit@hotmail.com, 877-300-4949
April 20 – May 3, 2013
Send us your church, temple events Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to News@SanTanSun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.
55