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Spirituality

www.SanTanSun.com

Spiritual Reflections

BY JACQUELINE RAINEY

The men’s basketball league begins on

to children, women and abused animals.

He knew that through all those things I would know joy, I would smile and laugh without fear of something terrible happening. But what blows my mind the most is that He knew that I would one day come to the realization that I am His, I am a Child of God and now I am also a Survivor.—Jacqueline Rainey Jacqueline Rainey is author of “Through Whose Eyes: Rise, Child of God” and “Toni’s Blues.”

AUGUST 14 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22

SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sunday Mornings Traditional Worship

7:30 & 11:30 A.M.

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

Atheism is sermon topic next weekend

Adult sports

Jacqueline Rainey Submitted photo

Sunday Evenings CORE (6th - 8th Grade)

6:00 P.M.

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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Connect with God at CCC Author Dr. Frank Turek is speaking at services on the weekend of Sept. 14-15 about the sermon “Atheism is a Leap of Faith.” It is recommended for church members who have friends who don’t believe, because Turek will present evidence for God and for the other sermons during this series.

He will also present a special Equipping U seminar, based on his book, “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist,” 6 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 15. He’ll answer the four major questions many doubters ask. For more information and to register, visit chandlercc. org/atheist.

I am also a survivor For the moment, on this part of my spiritual journey, I see myself for what I am, a Child of God. It is written that He calls us each for His purpose and equips us with the tools we will need to be more than successful and fruitful for the calling He has placed on us. But what happens when we as children of God begin to see our struggles as being bigger than our calling or begin to view ourselves as being weak and being failures not only in our own eyes, but God’s eyes as well.

Most often we will not see our struggles or moments of weakness for what they truly are; a setup to be blessed. God doesn’t give us all that we need all at once. He builds upon us, adding what we need when He knows that we need it. He already knew the order of our lives and our destinies before we were even in our mother’s wombs.

He knew that I would be an abused child, a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault and eventually an addict suffering with multiple mental issues.

But He also knew that I was strong enough to not only survive them all, but to become an advocate in my own way

September 7 – 20, 2013

Wed., Sept. 11 and costs $55 per person.

Read more at bridgeccc.com/mensbasketball-schedule-standings. The co-rec softball league needs a few more women.

Games are played on Fridays. If interested, email Cheryl at cherylhoffman@ bridgeccc.com.

Take the pledge Parents with young children who wish to take the pledge to raise your child according to God’s word and God’s way are invited to the Family Dedication services on Sept. 21-22. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/familydedication-september.

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.

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Spirituality

September 7 – 20, 2013

Heroic police officer is keynote speaker Seventh Annual Prayer Breakfast is Sept. 10 Keynote speaker at the Chandler/ Gilbert YMCA’s seventh annual Prayer Breakfast is retired Phoenix police officer Jason Schechterle. He survived third- and fourth-degree burns to his face and torso in 2001 after he was struck from behind by a taxi exceeding 100 mph while sitting in his patrol car at a traffic light.

The event is 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tue., Sept. 10 at 1655 W. Frye Rd., Chandler and is open to the public.

After 52 surgeries Schechterle travels the country serving as a motivational speaker, sharing his story of hope and optimism. He lives in Phoenix with his wife and three children and describes himself as the “luckiest man alive.”

Also speaking are Spencer Zimmerman, Dayton Hayward, Miss Gila River Lisa Hohokimal Hendricks, Dr. Treva Kimbrough, Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, Gilbert Mayor John W. Lewis and Jessie Sands, executive director of the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA.

‘Spiritual diversity’ “I appreciate the work of the YMCA and the event committee for its efforts to always bring together a great program of inspirational thoughts and entertainment,” says Tibshraeny. “The City of Chandler is excited to host this annual event to celebrate the spiritual diversity of our community.”

“Our goal with the prayer breakfast is to bring together a diverse community of believers, to demonstrate how we are all unified as human beings and no matter what our faith is we all play a role in building stronger individuals, families and communities,” adds Staci Charles, past Chandler/Gilbert YMCA board chairwoman.

Entertainment will be provided by The Carpenters Men. Tickets are $15 per person or $250 for a sponsored table of 10. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 602-212-6111

Affordable family fun at Greek Festival The 30th semi-annual Greek Festival of Chandler is being held Oct. 4-6 at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 2716 N. Dobson Rd. in Chandler, just south of Elliott and Dobson roads.

Proceeds will benefit the church and related philanthropic activities and community charities.

Offered are traditional Greek foods, Greek imports, live Greek music, costumed folk dancing and a Kids Fun Zone.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. on Fri. Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 5 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 6. Admission is $3 per person and children younger than 12 are free. For more information, visit ATasteOFGreeceAZ.com.

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

480-899-1400

www.SanTanSun.com

Perfect Place adult care for seniors

Temple hosts Yom Kippur service and Break-the-Fast

Loved ones spend their time with staff and volunteers at The Perfect Place, a nonprofit adult day care program at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday starting in September.

A loving and caring social program opens with a short devotion, after which everyone shares something about themselves: where they grew up, what they did for a living, family life or favorite activities.

Activities continue through the morning with playing cards, bingo, a bean bag toss, entertainment, snacks and a short session of chair exercises.

Contributions from service organizations or personal contributions to the scholarship fund, as well the donation of Beanie Babies, are appreciated.

Volunteers are welcome.

For more information, call Judy Waltersdorf at 480895-2892, ext. 3 or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail. com.

A special high holiday service and Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast are being held at Temple Havurat Emet for SanTan Sun-area residents.

Yom Kippur services are at 7:30 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 13, and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sat., Sept. 14. Break-the-Fast is Sat., Sept. 14, immediately following the conclusion of Yom Kippur services. Cost is $12 per person, with no charge for children 3 years and younger; children ages 4 to 12 are half price.

Cost for both meals is $23 per person.

Active military personnel can eat either meal for free. Both meals will be catered and served in the Navajo Room of Phase I, Sun Lakes.

Nonmembers are welcome to attend services; cost is $75 per person, free for uniformed active military personnel and for children younger than 18 years accompanied by one paying adult.

To purchase a reservation, fill out a reservation form, make checks out to Temple Havurat Emet or T.H.E. and send to Linda Brooks, 26434 S. Saddletree Dr., Sun Lakes 85248-7276.

For more information or to obtain a reservation form, visit templehavuratemet.org or call Barbara at 480-388-0190.

Spirituality

www.SanTanSun.com

September 7 – 20, 2013

Watch film about mahjong to honor Grace Roth The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood mourns the passing of one of its founding members, Grace Roth. Known as “Amazing Grace,” she served on the Sisterhood board with boundless energy and wit in whatever capacity she was needed, whether as president or on the program committee.

“In no small part, because of her leadership and direction, Sisterhood has continued to thrive and can be proud of where it stands today,” says Joyce Spartonos, publicity spokeswoman.

To honor the memory of Roth, who loved to play mahjong, a film about several women whose long-term friendships developed as a result of regularly playing the game will be shown 1 p.m. Tue., Sept. 24.

Lunch will be offered first, at 11:30 a.m., before the “Tiles That Bind” is shown in the Oakwood Clubhouse in Sun Lakes.

Call Ruth at 480-802-9600 for more information and to make a reservation.

held prior to the Thu., Oct. 17 meeting.

Invitations will go out to all new members of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, as well as new Sisterhood members, sometime in late September. Following the luncheon will be the regular monthly meeting at 1 p.m. in the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes, featuring certified hypnotherapist Lynn Gasser.

Here they come A day at the races is planned at Turf Paradise Race Track on Tue., Oct. 29. The event is open to husbands, significant others, friends, etc. Cost is $25 and includes a buffet lunch, a race named for Sisterhood and covered indoor reserved seating. Send a check, made out to SLJC Sisterhood, to 25108 S. Mohawk Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. For more information and possible car pooling, call Myra at 480305-0533. Reservations close on Tue., Oct. 15.

Joint meeting Discuss rabbi’s book The subject of discussion on Thu., Sept.

19 in the Chapel House in Sun Lakes is “Living with Faith,” Rabbi Irwin Wiener’s new book, followed by light refreshments.

The discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

Save date for luncheon A new member luncheon will be

Guest speaker at a joint meeting with the Men’s Club will be Julian Wyatt, a 30year combat and disabled Navy veteran, 6 p.m. Wed., Nov. 6. More details will be announced.

Fundraiser at Chico’s Save the date for a Winter Shopping Spree fundraiser at Chico’s in the SanTan Village shopping center in Gilbert at 2 p.m. Tue.,

Dec. 10. Chico’s will donate 10% of all the purchases made by Sisterhood back to Shalom. Refreshments will be served.

Space is limited. For more information and reservations, call Judi at 480-8024944 or Diane at 480-895-6917.

Boost your energy Syd Hoffman, author of “All Day Energy: 100 Ways To Boost Your Energy...

Now!,” will address the topic of getting and staying healthy after middle age on Thu., Dec. 19. More details will be announced.

Donate to children The ongoing “Toys from the Heart” program, which provides holiday gifts to the kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School, is in need of donations. Any amount can be donated by sending a check made out to SLJC Sisterhood, 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249. Write “toys” on the memo line. More than 100 children received toys from the Sisterhood.

Time to pay dues Dues for Sisterhood membership are $25 and can be made out to SLJC Sisterhood. Mail it to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249.

Contact Ruthie at 480-802-8901 or Adrian at 480-895-7312 with any questions or comments.

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 Celebrate Recovery 6-8:30 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 childcare for children ages 12 and younger.

CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry Center Rooms 101-103 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: 480-722-0700, crnaz.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 childcare for children ages 12 and younger.

Chandler Christian Church, Room B200 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: 480-963-3997, chandlercc.org 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 & Co. Café 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

WebXtra: 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.”

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

Chandler United Methodist Church Celebrating 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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children..................................................9:45 a.m.

480-963-3360 • www.chandlermethodist.org • 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

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

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.

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