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August 15 - September 4, 2015
Spirituality
Strong winds, deep roots himself. We must not despise the tools that God uses in our lives. We need the storms, For some reason, I’ve always enjoyed the trials, the criticisms and the unexpected thunderstorms, as long as I’m not out in circumstances. We may not want them, them. When I was growing up in the South, but we need them. They are all part of the my room had an unsealed roof and I still heavenly Potter’s equipment as He shapes remember that deafening sound as the heavy His children for His use and for His rain pummeled the house. glory. (See Isaiah 64.8; Romans 8:28.) There was just something God intends the strong winds to about a rip-snortin’, Georgia produce deep roots. frog-strangler that was It was William Cowper who exciting to me. wrote the hymn “This is a Fountain.” The Old Testament He was a man who battled severe book of Nahum says of the depression throughout his life and Lord, “In whirlwind and had seen attempted suicide. The day storm is His way, and clouds came, however, when he picked up are the dust beneath His a Bible and began to read Romans. feet” (1.3). Now, I may not It was there that Cowper met the know all that this means, God of storms, finally submitting but I do know that God Senior Pastor Marc Drake. to the one who had pursued him is in charge of all things— Submitted photo through so many desolate days and even the weather. You stormy nights. As a result, Cowper could say that nature is finally found peace in the midst of the theater in which the mighty power and the whirlwind. Although he did not cease majesty of God is showcased. having difficult days altogether, he now knew But, there are those other kinds of storms a strength and power with which to face the in life—the kind that no one enjoys. For storms of life. example, there are storms of deteriorating He wrote: health, uncertain finances, family issues “God moves in a mysterious way and difficult relationships with people. Yes, His wonders to perform; life has its storms, but if God’s way is “in He plants His footsteps in the sea; whirlwind and storm” (as Nahum puts it), His And rides upon the storm. way is surely in the other kinds as well. This You fearful saints, fresh courage take: means that no matter how unexpected and The clouds you so much dread heart-wrenching the developments of daily Are big with mercy, and shall break living may be, there are unseen purposes that In blessings on your head.” God is faithfully carrying out. How good to know that the God of So, whether it is a major storm of some storms is also the God of mercy. (See kind or a minor irritation, God is using them Lamentations 3:22-23.) to shape us, humble us and draw us to
BY MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR AT SUN LAKES BAPTIST CHURCH
www.SanTanSun.com
Sun Lakes UMC schedules events about grief, praying Sun Lakes United Methodist Church has added more public programs to its list of offerings through the end of the year. GriefShare Those who find themselves struggling to cope with grief and looking for healing and comfort should consider being a part of the GriefShare class, which meets at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. The 13-week class is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays from Aug. 27 to Nov. 19 in classroom one of the Education Building. The Rev. Jean Newell, associate pastor at Sun Lakes UMC, will be the facilitator. Each lesson is self-contained, so there is no need to attend every class. The $15 class registration fee covers the cost of the workbook. Register online with credit card at www.sunlakesumc.org, or with cash or check at the church office at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information, call (480) 895-8766. Space is limited. Praying for Color Want to pray, but don’t have the words? Ready to pray, but can’t sit still? Yearning to pray, but not in the same old way? Sybil MacBeth writes in her book, “Praying in Color,” “Praying in Color is an active, meditative, playful prayer practice. It is both process and product. The process involves a re-entry
into the childlike world of coloring and improvising. The product is a colorful design or drawing that is a visual reminder of the time spent in prayer.” Praying in Color requires neither memorization nor skill. Instead, it taps into the child in each of us. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, “Praying in Color,” will be offered in Classroom One of the Education Building at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. The workshop will be led by Pastor Jean Newell. The $5 registration fee covers the cost of materials. The deadline for registration is Thursday, Sept. 10. For more information, or to register, call the Sun Lakes UMC office at (480) 895-8766.
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.
Chandler Christian Church
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 those of the SanTan Sun News.
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m. SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m. 19609 S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ 480-899-LIFE (5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
Chandler United Methodist Church
Celebrating more than 100 Years in Chandler. Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913.
SUNDAY WORSHIP Traditional Worship.............8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children ........................8:40 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS ................................................ 9:45 a.m. NEW Adult Bible Study (Room 111) “Words to Live With” ..... 11:15 a.m. 480-963-3360 • www.chandlermethodist.org • 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.