Celebrate two decades of service with Faith Family Church
BY TRACY HOUSE
In October 1994, when Faith Family Church opened its doors, the congregation was meager.
“We started the church 20 years ago at Sanborn Elementary School in Chandler,” says founding and senior pastor Andy White. “We started in October and we advertised in newspapers and radio and our first service, nobody showed up.”
For the first six months, the congregation didn’t grow too much, but that all changed. Now Faith Family Church is celebrating two decades of service.
“By the time we got to our first anniversary, we had 80 people,” he says. “It was interesting because, in the beginning, I figured that God’s plan for the church was rapid growth, because I knew who I was. But really I think God’s little agenda was for us was to help develop our character as a church and we’ve been a very good family church for years.”
Faith Family Church has been involved in the community thanks to its Jumpstart Ministry, which reaches out to thousands of underprivileged children.
“We’ve given away over 600 bicycles and we have a big Christmas production for the kids,” he says. “We’ve actually seen a reduction in the crime in these areas. We’ve become well-known in these areas after all these years.”
As part of its outreach, Faith Family Church has small group meetings and ministries as well as mid-week service at 7 p.m. Wednesdays; and children’s ministry
on Sunday mornings and youth ministry at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
“We’re a rock-solid church,” White says with pride. “We’ve been on a journey like everybody else, but we haven’t had to back up and apologize for crazy things. We do our best to be a church that subscribes to the Bible. We don’t rely on fanfare or smoking mirrors.”
From renting space in schools to its current location, a 30,000-square-foot church built in 2009, Faith Family Church boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, White says.
“We have a child care with space for 120 children,” he says. “We have started a Christian school. It’s going to be kindergarten and first grade next year.”
This school year the church started Life Christian Academy, with a kindergarten program. The plan is to add an additional grade each year to 12th grade.
“We have a very warm, a very connected church,” White says. “We put a strong emphasis on relationships and building relationships. Because when it comes down to it, that’s what you need— you need friends, you need family to support you. You need people on your side and we really work hard to make that happen.”
Growing to 300 members, the church is strong on discipleship, White explains.
“We feel like our niche is we are a spiritfilled family church and that we are a part of the Rhema Bible Church Association,” he says.
Longevity is the key to Faith Family Church’s success. There are families who have stayed with the church since the beginning.
“I love seeing families grow and seeing kids that went from 2 years old, out there successful in business and having kids of their own. I plan on staying here until I’m done on Earth.”
The Faith Family Church’s 20-year anniversary fall festival is from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The event features a petting zoo, hayrides, a 50s band and games for the whole family.
From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Barry Perez of Harvest Time International will speak. Following that evening is the 20th anniversary Celebration of Seasons from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“We’re calling it the four seasons of praise,” White says. “We’re going to be
looking at the four seasons of our church— the first five years, our next five years.”
There will be guest speakers and people who were part of the church during its seasons. “It’s going to be interesting to the people who have been here all the way through.”
Bringing family together and worship, White says “the biggest compliment I ever get is when people say ‘This is a very balanced church.’ We don’t try to be extreme in one way or another. We try to be stable and balanced.”
The community is invited to the 20year celebration of Faith Family Church, 11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler. For more information about the church or the celebration, visit www.faithfc.org
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
A GATHERING OF FRIENDS: The public is invited to the 20th anniversary celebration of Faith Family Church, Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26. Submitted photo
Spirituality Spiritual Reflections
Empty shelves
The image of empty shelves haunted me for days after the recent SanTan Sun News article about the Chandler Salvation Army. Many of our own pantries are usually overflowing with an abundance that we take for granted. I move around outdated products, wedged between impulse purchases and items that will only feed my waistline unnecessarily. The comparison is just a bit convicting, don’t you think? Are we really free to spread our own tables with indulgences and feasting while others do without?
It’s so easy to let our eyes gloss over to all the need. Admittedly, we’re overwhelmed with the tragedies being played out on the world’s stage. But this is here, in our neighborhoods and communities where needy people walk right past us and into whose eyes we dare not gaze. While we wring our hands over the atrocities unfolding on the other side of the world, might not our hands be busied changing a corner of the world within our reach?
When children bear the consequences for an adult’s errant choice or life happening, we must step in and act. A hungry belly knows only
one thing: hunger. It thwarts education and childhood development, job skills and self-respect. And, in general, hope. The truth is, God owns everything, and we are only His managers. As author and pastor Randy Alcorn says, “We don’t own the store; we just work here.” Perhaps the question then needs to change from how much should we give to how much should we keep? If Jesus fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, dare we not feed the hungry with our own portions?
Won’t you join me this fall season and give? Open hands, palms up. Back to the Giver.
Barbara B. Dillard Redemption Gateway Church unswervinglyheld.blogspot.com
Spiritual Re
flections
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. 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 Perfect Place offers respite
A loving and caring social program for adults needing care and loved ones needing respite is offered from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except Thursday, by The Perfect Place, an adult day care and nonprofit organization on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School, 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
The program opens with a short devotion after which everyone shares something about themselves; activities follow, ranging from card playing to bingo to chair exercises and snacks.
Volunteers are welcome, and contributions from service organizations, personal donations to the organization’s scholarship fund and small stuffed animals are appreciated. For more information, contact Judy Waltersdorf at (480) 895-2892 or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Sunday Mornings
Traditional Worship7:30 & 11:30 A.M.
Contemporary Worship8:50 & 10:10 A.M.
Sunday School8:50 & 10:10 A.M.
Adult Forum Bible Study8:50 A.M.
OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Evenings
CORE (6th - 8th Grade)6:00 P.M. High School Youth Group6:00 P.M.
Church hosts fall events
Chandler Presbyterian Church hosts a variety of events this fall, such as Stewardship 2014 classes that launch in October
With a theme of “Our Purpose,” stewardship special presentations begin Sunday, Oct. 19, with “Care for Our Community,” followed by the Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 26; “Trust in the Power of Prayer” Sunday, Nov. 2; “Share Christ with Others” Sunday, Nov. 9; and a Dedication Sunday celebration with ice cream and balloons Sunday, Nov. 16.
A toy/infant toddler clothing exchange will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Guests can bring a plastic bag labeled with gender and size(s) and trade it for the next size they need. Baby toys are leave one, take one.
Chandler Presbyterian Church presents its annual fall festival, potluck and Trunk and Treat Sunday, Oct. 26, immediately following church. Guests can sign up to bring a salad, main dish or dessert, to work a booth at the festival or participate in Trunk and Treat.
In other Chandler Presbyterian Church news, the choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Everyone is welcome. Youth group for kids in grades fifth and higher meets Wednesday evenings. To learn more, call Jennifer Rake at (480) 215-5013 or visit www.chandlerpres.org.
Tri-City Baptist Church hosts Family Fun Night
SanTan Sun-area families are invited to a Family Fun Night from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Tri-City Baptist Church, 2211 W. Germann Rd., Chandler, on the southwest corner of Dobson and Germann roads.
The event will feature a petting zoo, balloon animals, game booths, a moonbounce, a cakewalk, food and more; admission and parking are free, with activities costing a nominal fee. Every child receives a free bag of candy, and guests receive 20 free tickets, with additional tickets costing $5 for 40.
To learn more, visit www. tricityministries.org.
EXPO EXHIBIT
GOOD DEEDS: The Jewish War Veterans, Copper Post 619, exhibited at the Jewish Expo earlier this year. The post raises money for Hospitalized Vets and Homeless veterans among its many activities. The post, one of the most active in the nation, earlier this year also dedicated a room at Grand Veterans Village as part of the Adopt-a-Room initiative, giving donors the opportunity to sponsor the complete transformation of a room during the Grand Veterans Village renovation. Thanks to their generous contribution, the former hotel room was updated with improvements to the electrical system, new flooring and furniture, fresh paint and a new kitchenette. The group’s next bagel and lox branch meeting is 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Sun Lakes Country Club Mirror Room, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes; Arizona hero Sgt. Cory Remsburg and his father will speak. To learn more, call Elliott Reiss at (480) 802-3281 or email elliottbarb@q.com. Submitted photo
October events at VUU
“People You Know Conversation Training,” teaching the dos and don’ts of deep listening and persuasive conversation, will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler.
Participants will practice with each other on tough topics like marriage equality, and leaders will work with the group to establish a concrete plan for conversations with “people you know” with built-in support “in case the going gets tough.” RSVP by emailing office@vuu.org or calling (480) 899-4249.
Theology on Tap returns
VUU’s the Rev. Andy Burnette takes his
popular “Theology on Tap” back out to the community at 7 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 in Ahwatukee.
For those who prefer a glass of wine or a nonalcoholic drink as they discuss Unitarian theology, Burnette will hold conversations on the three sermons that changed the course of Unitarianism in the 18th and 19th centuries at My Wine Cellar, 5030 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix. RSVP by emailing Burnette at revandy@vuu.org, with “Theology on Tap” in the subject line.
VUU provides a welcoming, diverse community that nurtures each person’s lifelong spiritual journey, creates a place of peace and celebration and strives for social justice and sustainable living. To learn more, call (480) 899-4249 or visit www.vuu.org.
Spirituality
SLJC hosts groups, Hanukkah dinner
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) is an established reform congregation that meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month at the Sun Lakes Chapel.
Services are a great opportunity to meet new people, connect with Judaism and learn. New attendees are invited to be introduced at the service and congregation members connect with these attendees. Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after the service at Sun Lakes Country Club; all are invited to attend. The Onegs are great places to meet members, ask questions and learn more about the congregation.
SLJC hosts its grand celebration of the Hanukkah Festival of Lights at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Oakwood Clubhouse. The event will include buffet dinner, entertainment and fun for all ages. Cost is $18 for adults, $10
for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for kids younger than 6. To learn more, call Shelly at (480) 802-3608.
The Men’s Club of SLJC is a social club for men who are members of SLJC. Monthly meetings are held featuring guest speakers on various topics, along with monthly dinners and visits to places of interest in the Phoenix area.
SLJC Sisterhood is a social group supporting both the congregation and local charities through an annual fundraising card party and ongoing Toys from the Heart program. The group holds meetings with guest speakers on the third Thursday of every month.
The SLJC Choir is looking for members; call Lana Oyer at (602) 5245936 if interested.
To learn more about activities and upcoming events, visit www. sunlakesjewishcongregation.org.
IBCS hosts evaluation team
International Baptist College and Seminary hosts a Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) on-site evaluation team Nov. 3 through 6.
The purpose of the visit is to evaluate and reaffirm the institution’s Category IV accredited status. Thirdparty comments are invited and may be addressed to TRACS, 15935 Forest Rd., Forest VA 24551.
TRACS is approved by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized institutional accrediting agency and appears on the Secretary’s List of App roved Accrediting Agencies, which is provided in the Higher Education Directory. TRACS is also recognized
by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
International Baptist College and Seminary is at 2211 W. Germann Rd. in Chandler. For more information, visit www.icbs.edu.
Funeral planning seminar
A free seminar on funeral planning will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Ceramics Room 7, at the Cottonwood Clubhouse, 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Chandler.
Denice Scholar, a representative from Mount Sinai Cemetery and
Mortuary, will speak about funeral traditions from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a question and answer session. Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP number of guests to Murray Siegel at msiegel.the@gmail.com.
Chapel treasure sale, restaurant raffle set for November
The Sun Lakes Chapel Board is hosting its 10th annual treasure sale and fourth restaurant raffle at the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes Country Club.
The treasure sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22. It will feature bargains on everything from furniture to knickknacks.
Those interested in donating can leave items on the back porch of the Chapel Center. If they are too large to move, call Butch at (480) 883-7095 or Marty at (480) 835-7766. No clothing, large televisions or electronics, or appliances will be accepted.
Top prize for the restaurant raffle is dinner for two at seven different restaurants. There will be at least 12 winners of multiple dinners for two.
The second prize is dinner for two at five restaurants, while third prize awards players dinner for two at four restaurants. The raffle winners will be drawn at the treasure sale at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Players do not have to be present to win.
Participating restaurants include, in alphabetical order, Abuelo’s, Asian Grill Restaurant, Black Angus, Chase
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.
Floridino, Iron Oaks, Keggan’s, Kona Grill, Majerle’s, Native New Yorker, Old Spaghetti Factory, Pitta Souvli, Red Robin, RigaTony’s, Silk True Asian, Sweet Tomatoes, Tao Garden, Uncle Bear’s and Village Inn.
Raffle tickets are $1, seven tickets for $5, 15 tickets for $10 or 35 tickets for $20. They can be purchased from congregation members or by calling (480) 802-3281. Raffle tickets will be sold at Safeway at 4970 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1, Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. All of the money from both events will go to the maintenance of the Sun Lakes Chapel and the Chapel Center, which hosts four congregations: The Sun Lakes Community Church, The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, The Sun Lakes Lutheran Church and the Sun Lakes United Church of Christ.
