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Spirituality

February 15 - 28, 2014

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Blindness doesn’t stop well-known Michigan attorney Speaker overcomes obstacles to be successful runner, lawyer

BY BETH LUCAS

Each step was grueling.

In the dark, Richard Bernstein had to listen carefully to clues as he kept his pace. Sharp left. Soft right. Sharp right.

If he wasn’t born blind, Bernstein says he may have never completed his first marathon—let alone his 18th. When he first began running, he took it one mile at a time, learning to follow directional cues from a guide and follow his own instincts.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, Bernstein will speak about “Overcoming Obstacles: Finding Your Inner Strength” at Chandler’s Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life. The talk is free, although donations are encouraged.

“If I hadn’t been born blind, my life wouldn’t be anything remotely like the life I have now,” he explains. “It would be much easier. There would be fewer challenges and a less painful existence.

While my life certainly wasn’t the easiest, I am very thankful. I accept the life I have been given and live to the absolute fullest level that I can.”

That’s the message he hopes to impart on residents. He wants to inspire students, others facing a disability, and even public servants who can affect change—to develop powerful visions for their futures, and to improve lives of people with any handicap.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: Richard Bernstein speaks about overcoming obstacles at Chandler’s Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life on Feb. 20. Submitted photo

He wants parents to know that children with any handicap can do great things. He wants employers to hire people with disabilities, and see that handicap as a strength.

“People who have to deal with a lot of challenge and adversity are the people who know how to adapt,”

Bernstein explains. “Everybody has a person with a disability in their life, whether it’s a grandparent, parent, child, a sibling, a best friend.

“If people start to realize the true potential of their disabled child, their disabled relative, disabled friend, they will start investing in more programs and services that can be made available to people with special needs.”

Bernstein speaks for free throughout the country. His full-time job as a litigator with The Sam Bernstein Law Firm near Detroit allows him to take on cases aimed at just that: ensuring people who have handicaps have equal access to succeed and take part in life.

He has overcome many obstacles in his life. He had to memorize everything as a law student at Northwestern University. About a year and a half ago, he was struck by a bicyclist traveling at 35 miles per hour in New York City’s Central Park. The crash shattered his hip and pelvis.

But that didn’t stop him from running the New York City marathon in November, after learning how to walk again while in the hospital for 10 weeks.

His lecture will feature many of his legal successes, as well as a current lawsuit to make Central Park safer for people with disabilities including blindness. He has also succeeded in

ensuring people with handicaps have equal access to public transportation, and worked on a case to ensure disabled veterans can access their local college stadium.

Rabbi Mendy Deitsch says Bernstein was invited to speak to support the center’s efforts to “enhance the lives and motivate those around us to live a more fulfilled and uplifted lifestyle.”

“We all have things that inhibit our growth, but we do not necessarily have the tools to carry it out,” Deitsch says.

“And we felt that he would be a great living example and motivation to live a better and more focused life.”

Bernstein says athletics—specifically running—are the best way to overcome obstacles.

“I think athletics really connects with people,” Bernstein says. “It represents life at its core and life at its essence.”

He began running. One mile turned into two, which turned into five. Then 15. And before he knew it, he was running the length of a marathon—an achievement he credits to not focusing on marathon, but instead on taking one step at a time and celebrating each success.

“If I had been asked to run a marathon, I never would have done it. It would have been too overwhelming,” he says.

SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sunday Mornings Traditional Worship

7:30 & 11:30 A.M.

Contemporary Worship 8:50 & 10:10 A.M. Sunday School

Sunday Evenings CORE (6th - 8th Grade)

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High School Youth Group 6:00 P.M.

8:50 & 10:10 A.M.

Adult Forum Bible Study 8:50 A.M.

RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 23914 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85248 SW CORNER OF ALMA SCHOOL & CHANDLER HEIGHTS ROADS

Phone: 480-895-6782 • Email: info@RSLCS.org • Website: www.RSLCS.org

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But taking one manageable step at a time allowed him to achieve more than he could have imagined.

Before long, marathons were not enough of a challenge. Bernstein spent two years preparing for an ironman triathlon. That meant swimming 2.4 miles in the dark, often tangling with other swimmers or being pulled underwater by the rope that connected him to his guide. It meant riding a tandem bicycle and following cues closely to prevent major injury.

And he did it.

That is his goal when he returns to Arizona, a state he admits he “loves.” He returns to inspire guests to seek their passions, overcome their obstacles, and support others whose handicaps may limit both their resources and their access.

“Whatever it is that gives people a tremendous sense of intensity and energy. Whatever it is—that’s the kind of thing I want people to focus on and get excited about,” Bernstein says. “My goal is for people to find their own passion, to get excited about themselves and find within themselves what they really want to do.”

For reservations, call (480) 8554333, email rabbi@chabadcenter.com; or visit www.chabadcenter.com. The lecture takes place 7 p.m. at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life at 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler.

Beth Lucas is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

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Thrift store offers affordable prices, community support

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop manager Laura Cervi is often moved by the support her store gives to the Chandler area.

“To work here sometimes brings tears, for the good you can do for the community,” Cervi says.

Customers who purchase goods from Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop provide a helping hand to various Chandler-area organizations. Last year, the thrift store donated $85,000 to various nonprofit organizations.

Four churches—Holy Trinity, Desert Cross, Mountain View and Light of Christ Lutheran churches—created the store out of necessity, according to Cervi. Nonprofits needed the funds, which the store’s board of directors return to the community each April and November.

Betti Lechtenbert, a three-year volunteer and board president, says to receive funds the organization has to be a nonprofit and run on volunteers. Cervi explains the nonprofit organization must be hands on, helping people with food, housing, job market search and water in the summer.

“We were able to double our outreach in 2013 from 2012,” Cervi says. “We are hoping in 2014, we can continue that effort and give more.”

Some of the organizations that received donations last year include Chandler Care Center, The Pregnancy Care Center, Hope Community Medical, Matthew’s Crossing, Tempe Action Community Center and

HELPING HAND: Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop manager Laura Cervi and Betti Lechtenbert, a three-year volunteer and board president, are thrilled that their organization can help area nonprofits. STSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo

Neighbors Who Care. Lechtenbert says in addition to donating to a dozen different organizations, the board also directs funds to the founding churches.

Last year, the store increased its customer count more than three times from 2012 to 2013 due to deals posted on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ pages/Hidden-Treasures-Thrift-Store.

The 6-year-old thrift store held a soft opening in 2008 for the community. Cervi says there are 62 volunteers who donate their time. A large portion of the workforce

has been volunteering since the store’s opening.

The volunteers, Cervi says, take pride and ownership in a job well done.

With any nonprofit organization, Hidden Treasures Thrift Store is always searching for more volunteers to perform tasks such as accepting donations, sorting the donations, cleaning items, pricing the goods and putting them on the floor, as well as cashier work.

“If we continue to keep our volunteer SEE THRIFT STORE PAGE 66

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Pastor considers Arizona his ‘promised land’

THRIFT STORE FROM PAGE 65

supply going, we will be here to help out the community,” Lechtenbert explains.

She says when she quit her job in the medical field she needed something to fill that void. Now she volunteers about three and a half days a week.

“It’s a nice atmosphere to work in, very nonstressful,” Lechtenbert explains.

“The people that work here are very selfmotivated, very happy to be here. It’s fun to work with people because they are here because they want to be.”

Clothing is the main item that the Hidden Treasures Thrift Store sells. Other items include furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books, paintings and pictures, children’s toys and purses.

The store has constant sales due to the rotation of departments. Cervi says they always have clothing for $1 and $2 and the standard price for a ladies’ top is $4 and $5 for basic women’s and men’s pants.

Lechtenbert says clothing that the store no longer deems sellable at the end of the month is donated to The Dream Center in Phoenix, an organization that helps homeless.

“I’m hoping in the future we can expand on that and give them more,” she says.

In addition to the items for sale, the store also has a silent auction area for its customers.

“The items donated to us have an antique or collectible value or are unique,” Cervi says.

These items are placed in cases for individuals to bid on. Cervi says organizers check the silent auction items every night and, as long as individuals are bidding on

February 15 - 28, 2014

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

DONATED: All of the items for sale at the thrift store are donated by the community.

STSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo

the items, they remain. If there are no bids after seven days the item is pulled and replaced with another.

All of the items for sale at the thrift store are donated by the community. Cervi says some of those donations are made from an agreement with a company that does estate sales. She explains items that do not sell in the estate sale are donated to the thrift store.

The community can donate items Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Cervi says the donations can be made at the front or back door.

“We will give them a tax deductible slip if they ask for it,” she explains.

Hidden Treasures Thrift Store is located at 610 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For information call (480) 857-8310 or visit www.treasuresthrift.com.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

Tyronne Stowe found success during his career as an NFL player, but 11 years ago, he found his true calling with the creation of Gospel 4 Life Church.

“Now I’m playing on a different field, the stakes are higher for me now,” the pastor says. “I knew the Lord, I knew he loved me and he opened the door for football. I was not that great of an athlete. He did for me what I could not do for myself. I thank him for letting me live my dream, so I could fulfill my destiny...build the kingdom of God in the heart of his people.”

The church is built on five pillars of faith—first day living, first day giving, daily Bible reading, Scripture memory and fleeing idolatry.

Gospel, which translates to good news, is incorporated in the message of the church. Stowe says although individuals find themselves in different situations in life, that everyone is guilty of sin, the good news of the gospel is the way.

“We have been convicted of sin, but now we convicted to serve the gospel for life, it is a life sentence,” he explains. “Life is us living in faith every day.”

The congregation began in a storefront 11 years ago, and outgrew a

FINDING PURPOSE: Former NFL player Tyronne Stowe has found his calling as a pastor for Gospel 4 Life Church. Submitted photo

second location before moving to its current site at 19609 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. About 200 people gather at Gospel 4 Life Church at 10 a.m. Sundays for service. Bible study is offered at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, and fellowship at 4 p.m. the fourth Sunday

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of the month.

“I’m looking at options on expanding to a bigger sanctuary,” Stowe explains.

The church reaches out to the community as well in spreading the word. Every year, the congregation partners with the Chandler Christian Community Center and rents its courtyard to host a pre-Thanksgiving Day dinner to thank the community.

“We have a meal for that whole neighborhood to thank them for the start,” Stowe says of the first location of the church. “We feed about 400 people.”

Plates are sometimes sent home with individuals who do not have food for Thanksgiving Day. Any leftovers are given to the East Valley Men’s Center.

Gospel 4 Life Church also offers Joseph’s Pantry once a week for those

in need. Stowe says they fill the pantry with food from Trader Joe’s.

Stowe ministers to prisoners once a month. “(I’m) trying to see where we can be a blessing to people,” he says.

This year, the church held a teddy bear drive, so the youngsters of the church can bring their stuffed animals to East Valley group homes on Valentine’s Day. He says it’s about letting people know that they have not been forgotten.

“I’m going to love my people and challenge my people and push them to greatness,” Stowe explains.

Football Career Stowe played football for Rutgers University, which earned him the title of All American and MVP. He was

Chandler’s VUU busy in February Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Chandler hosts a variety of events in February.

The public is welcome to help members of the VUU Green Sanctuary Team (VUUGS) clean up a 1-mile stretch of Queen Creek Road west of Old Price Road in Chandler starting at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Participants will meet at the Circle K market and gas station on the corner of Price and Queen Creek roads at 8:45 a.m. to start cleaning by 9 a.m. Depending on how many people help, the crew is usually done by about 10 a.m. For details, contact VUUGS member Pam Swan at pdswan@ cox.net or (480) 467-8978.

VUU services begin at 10:30 a.m.

Sundays. “Preach-In on Climate Change” is the theme of the Feb. 16 service, led by the

Rev. Andy Burnette and the VUUGS group, as part of the Interfaith Power and Light Preach-In on Climate Change. At 4 p.m. that day, a community preach-in will be held, with a brief sermon by Burnette, hosted in the VUU sanctuary by Arizona Interfaith Power and Light.

Inspired by the Heard Museum’s exhibit about Indian schools, Burnette and Heard Museum Curator and VUU member Janet Cantley will explore the legacy of Indian schools in Arizona and across the country in “They Cut My Hair and Took My Name: Arizona’s Indian School Legacy” on Feb. 23.

A special exhibit on loan from the Heard Museum will be available for viewing in the sanctuary.

“VUU Night Out at the Phoenix Suns Game” is held Friday, Feb. 21, at US

CCC hosts conference, LifeWalk Chandler Christian Church hosts a two-day conference, “Praying with Faith and Purpose,” Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, where guest speaker Jonathan Graf will discuss the power of prayer.

A 2-mile Life Walk to raise funds for the Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler will be held from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Chandler Christian Church. Pledge forms can be picked up at the Caring ministry table in the church.

Chandler Christian Church is at 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. To learn more, visit www.chandlercc.org or call (480) 963-3997.

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inducted into the Rutgers University Hall of Fame.

Upon graduation, he entered the NFL, where he played middle linebacker for 10 years. He signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, then-Phoenix Cardinals and Washington Redskins before he finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks.

Stowe grew up in Passaic, NJ, and moved to Arizona after he played for the Cardinals in 1991.

“This is my promised land,” he says of Arizona. “This is where I always knew God. He came upon me and he taught me to be obedient here, so this is my promised land.”

His journey would not be complete without his wife, Elise, with whom he has been coupled since his freshman year of high school. The couple has four children—Brittany and Tyrah, as well as

two young boys, Zachariah and Samuel, whom they adopted after they took them into foster care.

“We got into foster care for Zachariah’s sake,” Stowe explains, which they have continued.

Stowe says the new playing field has been good to him.

“Life is good,” he says. “Serving the Lord has been a wonderful change and now we want to share that love with our peers and neighbors and friends in our neighborhood here.”

Airways Center. Each lower level ticket is $77.75 plus a $4 fee and includes a free Phoenix Suns jersey. Upper level tickets are $23.75 plus a $4 fee and include a free Phoenix Suns cinch sack. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket purchased for the Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs game will go to help fund VUU’s multi-generational service trip to Agua Prieta, Mexico. Tickets are available at www.nba.com/suns/ groupaide by using the promo code: Valley Universalist.

VUU also hosts a two-day couple’s retreat focusing on relationship enrichment from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at VUU, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Couples communication specialists and certified trainers Jeff and Renae Gallen will lead attendees to reaffirm the importance of their relationships in a relaxed, comfortable

setting. The workshop is nonfaith based and open to any committed couple wanting a deeper relationship, whether married or unmarried, same gender or opposite gender. Cost is $70 per couple, which includes workshop materials and lunch on Saturday, and child care if needed.

For more information or to register online, visit www.vuu.org/couplesministry or email couplesministry@vuu.org. To learn more about Jeff and Renae Gallen, visit www.bettermarriages.org.

Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation provides a welcoming diverse community that nurtures each person’s life-long spiritual journey, creates a place of peace and celebration and strives for social justice and sustainable living. For information, call (480) 8994249; check out the Facebook page at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Chandler AZ; or www.visitvuu.org.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

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.

Celebrating 100 Years In Chandler

www.ChandlerMethodist.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP Traditional Worship ..........................8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children, Youth & Teens............8:40 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL .........9:45 a.m.

All Are Welcome.

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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 in Chandler Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882

or three cans or boxes of food to be donated to the Food Bank at Chandler Christian Community Center. No previous yoga experience necessary.

Accompanying children can jump or skate during yoga session for $5.

Xtreme Air Jump ‘N Skate 910 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler Info: kristin@jacobswellumc.org

Celebrate Recovery 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Join in fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the 12 steps and Eight Recovery Principles. The group addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by meetings at 6:30 p.m. Free child care for children ages 12 and younger.

CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry Center Rooms 101-103 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: (480) 722-0700, www.crnaz.com

Christian Business Networking, Tri-City 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

Celebrate Recovery 6 p.m. Fridays For those with chemical dependencies or other issues. Dinner followed by meetings at 7 p.m. Dinner: $3 adult, $1 child. Free child care for children ages 12 and younger.

Chandler Christian Church, Room B200 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: (480) 963-3997, www.chandlercc.org Chandler Yoga for Food 6 p.m. Tuesdays All faiths, backgrounds, ages, and skill levels welcome. Yoga and stretching hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kristin Longenecker from Jacob’s Well United Methodist Church and led via Skype by Yogi Sheila Lively from www.StepLivelyNowllc.com. Guests should bring mat and water and wear comfortable clothes. Admission: $3

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 B202 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.

Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com East Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old.

February 15 - 28, 2014

East Valley JCC 908 N. Alma School Rd., 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, plays, etc. for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range.

Info: Melissa, (480) 785-0744, beadlover@ cox.net Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mondays Support group for wives committed to their marriages. Offering hope, encouragement, biblical truths, fellowship and prayers to stand together for the restoration of marriage.

Sozo Coffee House, private room 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, Marriage@ lisacmyers.com, www.lisacmyers.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 Rd., Room 325, Chandler, a quarter mile south of Alma School Road on the north side of Ray Road.

Info: www.griefcareaz@gmail.com Grief Share 6:30 p.m.-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

WebXtra:

739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: (480) 963-4127, www.htlutheran.com 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 Rd., Chandler Info: hope4all@comcast.net, www. helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581 Monthly luncheon Iguana Mack’s 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler RSVP: (480) 802-9304, (480) 655-8812 JumpStart 11:45 a.m.-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 Rd., Chandler Info: Joanne Sweeney, (480) 539-8933 Kid’s Sunday School 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Chandler 325 N. Austin Dr., 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 Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800, www. unityofchandler.org

WebXtra: For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “Spirituality.”

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.

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m.

Our church family already loves you.

We just haven’t met you yet.

Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday Hamilton High School Auditorium 3700 S. Arizona Ave. www.loc-az.org

480-899-1400

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19609 S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ 480-899-LIFE (5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org