CUMC celebrates Christmas Eve
SanTan Sun-area residents are invited to attend Christmas Eve worship services Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Chandler’s first church, Chandler United Methodist Church, 450 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler.
The 4 p.m. service will include communion, and the 6 p.m. service will include communion and candlelight. CUMC’s worship center is decorated with a Chrismon (“Christ” plus “Monogram”) tree, a tradition at the church for 52 years.
Chandler United Methodist Church is celebrating more than 100 years in Chandler. It is a full-service, multigenerational, multicultural church
offering ministry, services, programs and small groups for every age group. All are welcome.
Sunday school for children, youth and teens is held at 8:40 and 10:10 a.m. Sundays. Adult Sunday school class, the “Spirit Seekers,” is held at 9:45 a.m. Sundays. Traditional Sunday worship services are held at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sundays; fellowship hour with light refreshments is enjoyed between the two services. A nursery for young infants and children is provided.
A complete listing of activities and services at the church can be found at www.chandlermethodist.org; for more information, call (480) 963-3360.
Temple Havurat Emet hosts ‘Wolfman’
“The Wolfman” Tom Wolf will perform more than three hours of rock, western and disco music beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, in the Arizona Room at the Sun Lakes Country Club Phase I, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.
A cash bar and complimentary snacks will be available. Cost is $15, and tickets will be sold from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesdays Dec. 23, Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 in
at the ACE Hardware on Riggs Road, or Mondays Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 and Fridays Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Clubhouse.
Purchase and delivery to Sun Lakes addresses are also available by calling Jean at (480) 802-0185.
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.
SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation celebrates Hanukkah
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation will celebrate Hanukkah at a grand celebration of the “Hanukkah Festival of Lights” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.
The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum—the nine-branched menorah or hanukiah—one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical menorah consists of eight branches with an additional visually distinct branch. The extra light is called a shamash or attendant and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for practical use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves for purposes other than publicizing and meditating upon Hanukkah is forbidden.
The event is also scheduled to offer a buffet dinner and entertainment. Other Hanukkah festivities include playing dreidel and eating foods such as doughnuts and latkes.
Hanukkah became more widely celebrated beginning from the 1970s, when Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson called for public awareness of the festival and encouraged the lighting of public menorahs.
The congregation’s next service is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North. Services give congregants the opportunity to meet Rabbi Irwin Wiener, cantor Ronda Polesky and hear the choir.
New members are welcome and have the opportunity to meet congregants at the service and at the Oneg Shabbat following the service.
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.
At the January service the installation of the new board of directors officers and continuing board members will occur. The officers who have completed their term will be honored.
On Feb. 13, the SLJC Sisterhood will take the leadership role at the Friday night service.
Volunteers sought for St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores
The needs of the homeless and the working poor in Arizona continue to grow as the holidays approach. All St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores in the Valley are looking for dedicated volunteers who want to offer a helping hand in an effort to alleviate those needs.
“We need volunteers in three main areas,” says Ed Dubiel, director of retail operations. “Stores need folks that can test appliances, process clothes and do display and setup of the merchandise.”
St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores generate needed revenue and funds to support all the programs that the organization provides, including a free medical and dental clinic, more than 80 community pantries and five dining rooms.
The organization strives to provide resources to ensure families in need get to enjoy the festivities with programs, such as Adopt a Family and extra boxes of food delivered to people’s homes, during the holiday season.
“With the help of volunteers, we don’t add cost to processing this merchandise,” Dubiel says. “The idea is that volunteers have the opportunity to help the store bring the cost down, so more money can go toward feeding, healing, clothing and housing those we serve.”
St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores gave more than $700,000 worth of clothes and other products to people in need in Arizona in 2013. Those interested in volunteering should call the store where they would like to volunteer. The manager will meet with the individuals interested to see what kind of availability they have.
“Of course we want to make it fun for volunteers, so we are very flexible,” Dubiel says. “Our organization would not be what it is without wonderful volunteers willing to give their time to a worthy cause.”
St. Vincent de Paul’s Chandler location is at 2051 N. Arizona Ave. The manager can be reached at (480) 812-1156.
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m. SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com.
Bible study
Meets twice a month
Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives.
Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ, Chandler
Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882
Career Connectors
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to high-quality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits.
Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert Info: www.careerconnectors.org, (480) 442-5806
Christian Business Networking, TriCity Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays
Offers members the opportunity to
share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Crackers and Co. Café 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter
7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Chandler Christian Church, Room C100 1825 S. Alma School Road, Chandler Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. WednesdaysOffers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
Celebrate Recovery Men’s Step Study 5:30 p.m. Sundays Gender-specific accountability groups
that meet for 28 weeks and use the eight recovery principles. CrossRoads Nazarene Church 2950 W. Ray Road, Chandler Info: (480) 722-0700 or celebraterecovery@crnaz.com
East Valley JCC Parent and Child Playgroup
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2 1/2 years old.
East Valley JCC
908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler Info: Emily Malin, (480) 897-0588, maline@evjcc.org
East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range.
Info: Melissa, (480) 785-0744, beadlover@cox.net
Empower Model for Men
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays
The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer the practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85.
Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800.
Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives Offers hope to the hurting Valley wide through one-on-one Biblical marriage teaching, God-honoring wife discipleship and marriage restoration mentoring to wives seeking God’s will in the restoration of marriage. Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, www. forevermarriageministries.com, www. facebook.com/forevermarriages.
Grief Care
6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone.
Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building 800 W. Ray Road, Room 325, Chandler. Info: www.griefcareaz@gmail.com
Grief Share
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
A combination seminar and support group that meets weekly with people who understand because they have “been there” themselves. Fee for materials is $15, but scholarships are available.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: (480) 963-4127, www.htlutheran. com
Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays
Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Drive, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800
H.O.P.E. – Help Overcoming Painful Experiences
7 p.m. Tuesdays
Free weekly small group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger.
Desert Springs Church, Room 106 19620 S. McQueen Road, Chandler Info: hope4all@comcast.net, www. helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org
Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581
Monthly luncheon
Social Box Eateries
1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler RSVP: (480) 802-9304, (480) 655-8812
JumpStart
11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays
JumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school community outreach program serving “some of the poorest neighborhoods” in Chandler, offering snacks, games and teachings about Jesus to area children. Participants meet at Faith Family Church 11530 E. Queen Creek Road, Chandler Info: Joanne Sweeney, (480) 539-8933
Kids’ Sunday School
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sundays
Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Drive, Suite 4, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800, www. unityofchandler.org
Lift Your Spirit
10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Drive, Suite 4, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800, www. unityofchandler.org
Moms in Prayer International
A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Info: Liane Wright, (480) 699-7887, www. momsinprayer.org
Monthly Women’s Fellowship
6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month
The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.”
Best Western-Mezona
250 W. Main St., Mesa Info: (480) 232-3773
Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon) –
Chandler Chapter
7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts
Faith Community Church
1125 N. Dobson Road, Chandler Info: www.nar-anon.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) – Chandler Chapter
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. first and third Wednesday of each month Faith-based “Caring Connection” for those who have loved ones with a mental illness. Find support and share experiences with others.
Risen Savior Lutheran Church 23914 S. Alma School Road, Chandler Info: Joan, (480) 883-8871
Real Love Support Group
6:30 p.m. Thursdays
For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested.
Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Drive, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800
Re|Engage Marriage Program
6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Whether you’d rate your marriage a two or a 10, this class will help you reconnect.
Chandler Christian Church
