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Spirituality
July 18 - July 31, 2015
www.SanTanSun.com
Spiritual Reflections
A man who would not die in battle not a single bullet had touched him. He said: “By the all-powerful dispensations of For more than 150 years, a fascinating Providence, I have been protected beyond story appeared in virtually every student all human probability or expectation.” textbook in America, but, sadly, it has not Washington openly acknowledged that been seen for decades. It is the story of God’s protecting hand was on him. George Washington when he was 23 years Interestingly, 15 years later during a time of age and involved in the French and of peace, Washington Indian War, 20 years and a friend returned to before the American those same Pennsylvania Revolution. The woods. An old Indian colonists sided with chief, having heard the British in this war, that Washington had and most of the Indians come back to that area, sided with the French. traveled a long way Washington was a just to meet with him. colonel in the Virginia He told him that in the militia at the time, battle 15 years earlier, and when the British he had instructed his troops arrived, he braves to single out all and 100 Virginians the officers and shoot joined with General them. The chief said Braddock, a British that he had personally general. The troops shot at Washington were divided and 17 times, but without Braddock, Washington Senior Pastor Marc Drake. Submitted effect. Finally, the chief photo and 1,300 soldiers told his braves to stop marched north to drive firing at him. He then the French from Fort Duquesne, which is said to Washington: “I have traveled a long now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Then, while and weary path that I might see the young marching through a wooden ravine, only warrior of the great battle...I am come seven miles from the fort, they found to pay homage to the man who is the themselves ambushed with the French particular favorite of Heaven, and who can and Indians firing at them from tree tops never die in battle.” and from behind rocks. The result was a This is only one example of God’s slaughter. timely intervention in the founding of Yet, of the 86 British and American our great country. Therefore, let us never officers involved in that battle, forget our spiritual heritage, and let us Washington was the only one who had not give heartfelt thanks to God for it. From been shot down off his horse. Once the Columbus to the pilgrims to Washington battle ended, Washington gathered the to Lincoln, we have been blessed with remaining troops and retreated back to leaders who understood the fact that western Maryland. The next day he wrote God’s hand has been on this nation. The a letter to his family explaining that after Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose the battle was over, he had discovered God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12. four bullet holes through his jacket; yet
BY MARC DRAKE, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SUN LAKES SENIOR PASTOR
Spiritual Reflections Share your spiritual reflections The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sunarea 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. 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.
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is an established reform congregation that meets at the Sun Lakes Chapel on the second Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September through June. Submitted photo
Jewish congregation to hold Lay-led Twilight Service Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) will, on Friday, Aug. 14, offer lay-led Twilight Services in the Chapel House at 5:30 p.m. Meet new people, connect with Judaism and learn during the service. At the service new attendees can be introduced and members of the congregation connect with the folks. Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after the services at Sun Lakes Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend. The services and Onegs are great places to meet members, ask questions and learn more about the congregation. Planning is already underway for the Jewish holidays. SLJC will celebrate the High Holidays as follows: • Rosh Hashana Eve: Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. • Rosh Hashana: Monday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. •K ol Nidre: Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. •Y om Kippur: Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. SLJC dues are $150, which includes the High Holiday ticket. Additional tickets for guests, family, significant
others and friends can be purchased as outlined on the website at www. sunlakesjewishcongregation.org. The Book of Remembrance in which the congregation honors and memorializes departed family members and friends is under construction. Names must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 1, to be included. The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation invites everyone to come to the 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, service, during which the congregation will honor new members. Immediately following the service, congregants will celebrate the holiday of Sukkot by having Oneg in the Sukkah. On Sunday, Oct. 18, SLJC will have a new member event at the Chapel House from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. New members will receive invitations and will be encouraged to come and meet the rabbi, cantor board members and the committee chairs of SLJC. In addition, this will give new members a chance to meet other new members. A light snack will be served.
First Baptist Church, Chandler Come Visit Us! 480-963-3439 www.fbc.net facebook.com/FirstBaptistChandler
SUNDAY
19609 S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ 480-899-LIFE (5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org
Worship 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Spanish Worship 1:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY (Summer)
Student Wash Out Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.
3405 S. Arizona Ave. SAN TAN FREEWAY (202) QUEEN CREEK RD. OCOTILLO RD.
ARIZONA AVE.
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m. SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m.
All Are Welcome! APPLEBY RD.