56
May 4 – 17, 2013
Spirituality
www.SanTanSun.com
Spiritual Reflections
Serve others intentionally
We live in a cacophony of noise
by Barbara Dillard
Let’s be honest, we live in a cacophony of noise. Much is an outgrowth of living and as such is unavoidable. Responsibilities of work and family each add to the parade of sound that fills our days. Some fuel us with delight—the words of praise for a job well done, the laughter of our grandchildren and the greeting of that beloved pet when we return home. Others, not so lovely, rub like sandpaper—the morning alarm clock, the police siren behind our speeding car or the bickering of our children. But there is noise that we invite into our daily lives like a long lost friend. It is the noise of entertainment. And though we
welcome it, I fear it comes to us at great cost. Our culture’s obsession with media, music, gaming and apps can leave our heart tank on empty. Without time for quiet reflection, we enter into a danger zone where we hardly know ourselves, much less the God who made us. We become numb to the cry of our soul for meaning and purpose. There is a sweet spot in “quiet.” It’s a place to empty “self” and drink of the new mercies that God offers to us as we seek Him. There we will find the refreshment of Living Water and be
fortified for the road ahead. Entertainment has its place, but the temptation to overindulge must be slain each day. Silence and solitude still have the power to transform and renew, enabling us to hear God’s still small voice. We may then yearn for another world, but it will also enable us to live better in this one. Barbara Dillard is a resident of Old Stone Ranch in Chandler and affiliated with Redemption Gateway Church in Mesa. Visit Dillard’s blog at unswervinglyheld.blogspot.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.
Missionary event, abortion talk, summer camp in store at CCC Ladies will continue down the “intentional woman” path by exploring ways to be intentional about serving others, at “Being the Light,” 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sat., May 4 in room C100 at Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Read more and register at chandlercc.org/being-the-light.
ActsONE8 missions
The ActsONE8 missions weekend, a family friendly event where everyone has an opportunity to visit with missionaries one-on-one, is at a reception from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Sat., May 4, and after services on Sun., May 5. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/actsone8-missions-weekend.
Speak the truth
Learn how to speak to others about abortion with the confidence that your case is solid and your appeal is just, in the church’s TRUTH.Abortion classes on Thursdays through May 30. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/truth-abortion.
Summer camp
Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to sign the children up for summer camp. Camp 456 for fourth through sixth graders is June 29-July 3 at UCYC in Prescott. Visit chandlercc.org/ summer-camp-456. Bridge78 Camp for seventh and eighth graders is June 18-22 at UCYC in Prescott. Visit chandlercc.org/bridge78-summer-camp. Bridge 912 Camp for ninth to 12th graders is July 8-12 at CIY in La Mirada, CA. Visit chandlercc.org/bridge912summer-camp.
AVAILABLE FOR LEASE
$1,500 / 4,000 FT² SANCTUARY AND CLASSROOMS Epiphany Lutheran Church has sanctuary and classrooms available Sundays after 11:30 a.m. and weeknights. Sanctuary is 3,000 sq. ft. with a 300 square feet entry and a 500 square feet choir loft. There is plenty of parking and classrooms are available for Sunday school and adult classes. The space can accommodate up to 250 people. Church has great curb appeal and is at Alma School and Ray in Chandler. There is also a pastor’s office that can be included. Asking $1,500$2,500 per month depending on classroom needs.
PLEASE CALL CYNTHIA
480-963-6105
X223
800 W. RAY ROAD, CHANDLER