Spirituality
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June 15 – July 5, 2013
Spiritual Reflections
Sisterhood going to Hale Theatre
The yearly summer outing of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood to the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert is 3 p.m. Sat., Aug. 10, to see “Hairspray.” Tickets are $22. For more information, call Denise at 480-895-8665.
Spiritual Reflections: Really Seeing by Barbara Dillard
I have come to the age where glasses are a necessary evil. You know, the funky-looking ones that slide down the bridge of the nose while the wearer peers at you over the top. These little jewels live in every room of my house lest I should lose some. Without the magnification of these lenses much of my perspective on life would be handicapped. It’s a shame that there aren’t glasses that enlarge my heart’s capacity to love and accept others.
Maybe then I would see people as they really are: made in the image of God. You see, most of us have an eye disease—a lazy eye. That is, an eye too lazy to really see the person before us. We become overly busy and suddenly there is room for only one person’s perspective—our own. This creates a breeding ground for a critical spirit that misunderstands the motives of others. Isn’t it interesting how quick we are to judge ourselves based upon our intentions but others upon their behavior?
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.
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Rabbi is speaker
Rabbi Irwin Wiener is scheduled to be the first Sisterhood guest speaker for the season, 1 p.m. Thu., Sept. 19 in the Chapel House in Sun Lakes, followed by light refreshments.
October activities
The October meeting on Thu., Oct. 17, will be preceded by a new member luncheon. Then, on Tue., Oct. 29, the Sisterhood has arranged for a day at the races at Turf Paradise Race Track. Details will be announced Jesus challenged the crowd who was preparing to stone the adulterous woman to consider if they were without sin before throwing the first stone. An honest examination of our own selfcenteredness might be a great beginning to an accurate and compassionate view of others. And with this approach, the only lens we would need is a mirror. Barbara Dillard, a resident of Old Stone Ranch, is affiliated with Redemption Gateway Church. She blogs at Unswervinglyheld. blogspot.com.
Toys are needed
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
It’s not too early to send in dues, which are $25. Make the check out to SLJC Sisterhood and mail it to 3495 E. County Down Dr. Chandler, AZ 85249. Co-presidents Geri and Carol appreciate any comments or suggestions, and can be called at 480-305-0123 and 480-895-3168, respectively.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
Chandler United Methodist Church
Celebrating 100 Years in Chandler. Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913.
A Place of Love Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday
Hamilton High School Auditorium 3700 S. Arizona Ave. www.loc-az.org
480-899-1400
SUNDAY WORSHIP Traditional Worship ..................9:30 a.m. (June & July) SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children.....................................................9:40 a.m. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 24-28, 5-8 p.m., preschool (4 years old) - 5th grade 480-963-3360 • www.chandlermethodist.org • 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
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June 15 – July 5, 2013
Community helps kids get back to school School supplies, backpacks, shoes, socks, underwear and uniforms are needed for individuals, families, service organizations, businesses and faith communities in the largest school supply drive in the history of Chandler with the goal of providing 10,000 children with backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming 2013 school year. Operation Back to School Chandler—For Our Students is a collaborative effort involving the City of Chandler, various nonprofit organizations, churches, employers, school districts, business groups and others in the Chandler area. “This is not about any one organization or person, but about families and community coming together for our future in Chandler,” says Lori Tapia, director of the Family Resource Center at the Chandler Christian Community Center. “This is a collective effort to meet the needs of some of Chandler’s most vulnerable children.” Organizations helping coordinate Operation Back to School Chandler include For Our City—Chandler, the Chandler CARE Center, Chandler Christian Community Center, Chandler Education Foundation, Chandler Unified School District, City of Chandler Neighborhood Resources Division, CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Fans Across America, The Y, Boys & Girls Club, EV Jewish Community Center, Si Se Puede and ICAN. The donated items will be distributed to needy elementary, middle and high school students at a July 20 event. Organizations interested in sponsoring this event or already planning a back-to-school drive in Chandler should contact Leah Powell at lean. powell@chandleraz.gov. For more information, visit forourcity.org/ Chandler.html or call 480-782-2214.
Spirituality Adult day care offers respite for caregivers SanTan Sun-area adults needing temporary care are welcome at A Perfect Place, an adult day care and nonprofit organization on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School Rd., 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Staff and volunteers provide a loving and caring afternoon social program for adults that opens with a short devotion, after which everyone shares something about themselves. The fun continues with games, entertainment, snacks and a short session of chair exercises. Volunteers are welcome. Contributions from service organizations, personal donations to the program’s scholarship fund and Beanie Babies are greatly appreciated. For more information, call Judy Waltersdorf at 480-895-2892, ext. 3 or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.
Welcome the Sabbath together Members and nonmembers are invited to the Young Family Shabbat service and dinner 6 p.m., Fri., June 21 at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Rabbi Kenneth Leitner will lead the energizing service, which merges traditional prayers with family-friendly tunes, in the main sanctuary. The full Shabbat experience continues after the service with a vegetarian dinner. Adults are $4, children 12 years and younger $2 and families $10. Payments can be made either by check, made out to TBS-EV, or through PayPal. For more information, call 480-897-3636, email Rabbi@tbsev.org or visit tbsev.org.
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Free screening at Jewish Heritage Center Learn about Jewish farmers, 7 p.m. Tue., June 18 at a free screening of the documentary, “The Land Was Theirs: Jewish Farmers in the Garden State,” at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix. Tens of thousands of Jews set up farms in southern and central New Jersey between 1880 and the World War II. They lived in tight-knit communities based on ethnic identity and often ideology. The documentary focuses on one such community in Farmingdale, NJ. RSVP by calling 602-241-7870 or email azjhs@aol.com. A book discussion at the Jewish Heritage Center is planned for 7 p.m. Thu., June 20, focusing on “The Haunted Smile: The Story of Jewish Comedians in America,” by Lawrence Epstein. The free discussion will be led by Mark Sendrow, Heritage Center president. Music and dancing concludes June programming at the center, 1 p.m. Tue., June 25 with the free Israeli Scouts Caravan Program. For more information, call Lee or Sandy Shedroff at 623-376-8737.
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Spiritual Connections
Spirituality
H.O.P.E. – Help Overcoming Painful Experiences 7 p.m. Tuesdays Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If Free weekly small-group sessions helping you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in people overcome emotional pain caused Spiritual Connections, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com. by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free childcare for children ages 10 and Celebrate Recovery East Valley JCC Parent & Child younger. 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Playgroup Desert Springs Church, Room 106 Join in fellowship and celebrate God’s 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler healing power in our lives through the 12 Playgroup for parents with children ages Info: hope4all@comcast.net, steps and Eight Recovery Principles. The 12 months to 2-1/2 years old. helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org group addresses all types of habits, hurts East Valley JCC Jewish Women International, Avodah and hang-ups. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Chapter 1581 by meetings at 6:30 p.m. Free childcare Info: Emily Malin, 480-897-0588, maline@ Monthly luncheon for children ages 12 and younger. evjcc.org Iguana Mack’s CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry East Valley Jewish Couples Club 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Center Rooms 101-103 Offers once-a-month social activities RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler such as dining, movies, plays, etc. for JumpStart Info: 480-722-0700, crnaz.com Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays Celebrate Recovery age range. JumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school 6 p.m. Fridays Info: Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@ community outreach program serving For those with chemical dependencies cox.net “some of the poorest neighborhoods” or other issues. Dinner followed by Forever Marriage Ministries, Wives in Chandler, offering snacks, games and meetings at 7 p.m. Dinner: $3 adult, $1 Standing for Marriage Restoration teachings about Jesus to area children. child. Free childcare for children ages 12 Support Group Participants meet at Faith Family Church and younger. 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays 11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler Chandler Christian Church, Room B200 Support group of wives committed to Info: Joanne Sweeney, 480-539-8933 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler marriage no matter the circumstances, Kid’s Sunday School Info: 480-963-3997, chandlercc.org offering hope, encouragement, biblical 10-11 a.m. Sundays Christian Business Networking, Tri-City truths, fellowship and prayers, to stand Unity of Chandler Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa together for the restoration of marriage. 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Info: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org Offers members the opportunity to Patio Room Lift Your Spirit share ideas, contacts and business 959 N. Val Vista Rd., Gilbert 10 a.m. Sundays referrals. Info: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@ Hear inspirational messages and music. Crackers & Co. Café lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com Unity of Chandler 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Forever Marriage Ministries, God 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, Honoring Wives Support Group Info: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org christianbusinessnetworking.com 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Moms in Prayer International Christian Business Networking, Support group of women who believe A group of mothers who meet one hour Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter in the sanctity of marriage, offering 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of teachings, sharing, fellowship and prayers. each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. the month Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Info: Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, Offers members the opportunity to Patio Room www.momsinprayer.org share ideas, contacts and business 959 N. Val Vista Rd., Gilbert referrals. Info: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@ Monthly Women’s Fellowship Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler The monthly fellowship Bible study of Grief Care Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, the East Valley Chapter of Christian 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays christianbusinessnetworking.com Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers A place to come share your feelings or Christian Business Networking, just listen to others as we try to navigate to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” East Valley Chapter through our grief. You don’t have to do Best Western-Mezona 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays it alone. Offers members the opportunity to Epiphany Lutheran Church, south campus 250 W. Main St., Mesa Info: 480-232-3773 share ideas, contacts and business old church building referrals. 800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler, a Mission Church Seminar Room quarter mile south of Alma School Road 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert on the north side of Ray Road. Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, Info: griefcareaz@gmail.com christianbusinessnetworking.com
June 15 – July 5, 2013
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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