1-5-13 Santan Sun News Spirit

Welcome to 2013!by Chandler Christian ChurCh senior Pastor roger storms

It is a “clean slate” thus far. We carry into it hopes and fears. It begins with some baggage — the end of 2012 was shocking. So what is in store for us?

No one on earth knows! Oh, there will be those that tell you they know — the talking heads on TV, the book writers, even those in Hollywood. The fact is, they have no clue. Solomon, the world’s wisest man outside of Jesus wrote: “Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 New

Living Translation) Now this doesn’t mean that God causes evil and pain, rather He allows natural courses to take place. As Jesus says, “For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matthew 5:45)

In many ways what happens in our 2013 is what we make happen in our 2013!

The Psalmist writes: “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) In other words, think before you live! Don’t just let life happen – make plans and then follow them. Otherwise, your life will slip away and you’ll wonder where the time went! Remember

those resolutions you made in 2012!!!The Apostle Paul wrote: “So be careful

how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

So, how do we do this: grow in wisdom” and “live like those who are wise” and “make the most of every opportunity?”

By knowing what the Word of God says – I just quoted four verses – understanding what they mean, then putting them into practice!

That is what our upcoming program “40 Days in the Word” is all about. Helping each of us be wise as we live out our 2013 by living it according to the truth —God’s Word.

I encourage all reading this to fully engage in this program. I promise that when we are done in 40 days, you will be able to understand your Bible better than you ever have before.

Jesus said – Bible quote No. 5 – “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” (Matthew 7:24) Let’s build our 2013 – and beyond – on the solid rock!

Senior Pastor Roger Storms of Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, can be reached at 480-963-3997. Info: chandlercc.org.

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 [email protected]. 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.

Spiritual Reflections

Church hosts interfaith dialogue

Spanish immersion at Christian academy

A seven-week dialogue between Pastor Jay Cooper and guests representing Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism and atheism starts at 10:30 a.m. Sun., Jan. 6 at Jacob’s Well United Methodist Church, 250 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Attendees can ask questions at “Jesus, Mohammed & Friends: An Interfaith Dialogue.”

For information email [email protected] or visit churchremix.org.

A new Spanish immersion class for 4- and 5-year-old children starts Wed., Jan. 9 at Chandler Christian Academy, 301 N. Hartford St.

Taught by Marylou Godinez, the Spanish Immersion Early Learning Class is for children who do not yet understand or speak Spanish, as well as for children who are more proficient in Spanish. In this dual-language program, children learn developmentally appropriate, functional use of the Spanish language.

The “Lunch Bunch” class is from noon to 1 p.m. and the “Spanish Champs” from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students currently enrolled in the morning preschool pay an additional $225 per month; Spanish Champs is $285 a month.

For details, call 480-963-0748 or visit chandlerchristianacademy.org.

54 January 5 – 18, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

Service Times:Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.Servicio en español: Domingo 11 a.m.NE corner of Alma School Rd. & Germann Rd.1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler AZ 85286480-963-3997 www.chandlercc.org

January 5 – 18, 2013 55www.SanTanSun.com SpiritualityChange your financial future

VUU adds weekly Saturday service

Learn lifesaving hospital safety tips

Surefire, chili at St. Steven’sOne-woman play about martyred nun

A nine-week course to provide families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success is offered at various locations in Chandler. The course meets weekly, with a different lesson taught by Dave Ramsey on DVD, followed by a group discussion at the following locations:

• Chandler United Methodist Church at 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Classes begin 6:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 9. Info: Steve Gregory at 480-963-3360.

• Crossroads Church of the Nazarene at 2950 W. Ray Rd. Classes begin 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 13. Info: Ed Dean at 480-722-0700.

• Cornerstone Christian Fellowship at 1595 S. Alma School Rd. Classes begin 11:55 a.m. Sun., Jan. 20. Info: Rick Richards at 480-726-8000.

• Faith Family Church at 11530 E. Queen Creek Rd. Classes begin 6:30 p.m. Mon., Jan. 21. For Info: Joann Moore at 480-539-8933.

• The Springs Church at 6135 W. Detroit St. Classes begin 6:45 p.m. Wed., Jan. 23. Info: Angie Barker at 480-785-1850.

“This isn’t a boring financial class,” says Ramsey, author of four New York Times best-selling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover” and “EntreLeadership.” “We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information.”

Lessons include budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing.

The course is offered through churches and community centers. After purchasing a membership, participants receive a workbook, Dave Ramsey’s “Complete Guide to Money,” an envelope system and an audio CD library. Participants also have access to budgeting forms and an MP3 of all the lessons.

For more information or to purchase a membership, visit daveramsey.com.

To provide flexibility for the congregation, a weekly Saturday afternoon service will start at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation (VUU), 6400 W. Del Rio, Chandler. The regular Sunday morning services continue to be held at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a variety of options for youths, according to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Marci Beaudoin, including where families can feel comfortable attending the intergenerational Saturday afternoon worship service together.

A “Children’s Chapel,” she says, where children and youth can participate and lead a Unitarian Universalist worship in a setting that is developmentally appropriate, is a second option “for children 6 to 99.”

“During the Children’s Chapel experience, children lead and are led in singing and movement, lighting the chalice, sharing joys and sorrows, collecting a ‘button’ offering, hearing a story and sharing their feelings,” she adds. “They will be given the opportunity to participate in the ritual elements of worship in a meaningful way.”

As a third option, there will be childcare for children during the Saturday service, for infants to age 8, in room six of the RE complex. For more information, visit vuu.org.

Learn how to survive a hospital stay from Pat Rullo, author of “Speak Up and Stay Alive,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thu., Jan. 24 in the Great Hall at St. Steven’s Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes.

Participants are encouraged to bring their medications for a one-on-one

review by a Walgreen’s pharmacist. There will also be handouts, a raffle and book signing.

The program is free but a reservation is required. Call Diane Gray at 480-895-9266, ext. 107, or email [email protected].

The 3rd Chili Cookoff at St. Steven’s Catholic Church starts at 5 p.m. with a social cash bar, chili tasting at 6 p.m. and features Arizona country band Surefire from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Fri., Jan. 18.

Tickets are now available for $12 per person, or cost $15 at the door.

St. Steven’s Church is at 24827 S. Dobson Rd. in Sun Lakes. For more information, contact the church office at 480-895-9266 or visit saintstevensparish.org.

one-woman playMartyred Sister Dorothy Stang is

portrayed by Sister Nancy Murray in a story she wrote from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 3 at St. Steven’s Church.

Refreshments follow, with a meet and greet with Murray, a Dominican sister in Adrian, MI, who is the sister of actor and comedian Bill Murray.

Stang, one of nine children raised on an Ohio farm in a traditional Catholic family, began her ministry in 1966 in

Coroata in the state of Maranhao, Brazil. Before her murder in 2005, she was named “Woman of the Year” by the state of Para for her work in the Amazon region. She was posthumously awarded the U.N. prize in the field of human rights and was formally recognized by the Vatican as a modern day martyr.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church or online at saintstevensparish.org.

56 January 5 – 18, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’sevents and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to [email protected]. 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.

Send us your church, temple events

CENTENNIAL SUNDAY January 20, 2013Worship............................................9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY WORSHIPTraditional Worship..........................9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLFor Children, Youth & Teens............9:10 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL .........9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

All Are Welcome.

Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913

www.ChandlerMethodist.org

Centennial Sunday: January 20, 2013

Celebrating 100 Years in Chandler

Saturday, January 26th10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SLJC Sisterhood news

Heroes Youth Zone at Chabad

TCF raises funds for AidChild Women in the military and the distinct

and separate issues they face in the service is the topic for guest speaker Gabe Forsberg, strategic planner / women veteran coordinator for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, 1 p.m. Thu., Jan. 17 in the SLJC Chapel House at 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

Cards to play Mah Jongg in 2013 can be ordered until Jan. 31. Cards are $7 for regular-sized print and $8 for large print. Send

a check made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 9201 E. Crystal Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Include the names and addresses of each

person who is getting a card if ordering more than one.

Also, note cards are for sale at all Sisterhood meetings for $10 for a packet of 10. Cards can be ordered by mail by sending a check, made out to SLJC Sisterhood, to 6400 S. Granite Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249.

For more details, call Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.

It’s “the coolest Jewish club for Jewish kids” where youth in first- through sixth-grades can learn about the Heroes in this religion’s history from 12:15 to 2 p.m. monthly on Sundays at Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3875 W. Ray Rd., Suite 6, on southeast corner at McClintock, Chandler.

“Chabad Youth Zone is an innovative, unique and exciting program that gives your child the opportunity to participate in fantastic activities and outings, have lots of fun, and make great new friends,” says Rabbi Mendy Deitsch. “Most importantly, the club focuses on teaching children how to make this world a better place for all. Children

get to be a part of monthly social action adventures, and learn to share their kindness with others both locally and globally.”

He encourages children to bring a sack lunch.

Kids entertain seniorsChildren can learn from Avraham and

Sarah’s hospitality by preparing a lunch and host the residents of a local senior home from 12:15 to 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 13. It includes a cookie decorating presentation for first- through sixth-graders.

RSVP by emailing [email protected] or call 480-855-4333 for details.

A fundraising dinner for charitable organization AidChild, featuring speaker and AidChild founder Nathaniel Dunigan, is at 6:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 1 at Trinity Christian Fellowship (TCF), 50 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler.

Dunigan testified before the U.S. Congress as an expert witness in the identification of best practices of care for orphans living with AIDS and other vulnerable children in Africa. He was nominated for the World of Children

Award in 2004. AidChild has been chosen by the Ugandan

and American governments as a model of pediatric HIV/AIDS care for the entire continent of Africa. Two centers and a treatment laboratory serve the needs of more than 3,000 children and adults living with AIDS.

Tickets are $15. For To reserve a seat, call the church at 480-963-7698 or visit aidchild.org.

January 5 – 18, 2013 57www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

the big d6:30-8:30 p.m. SundaysThis program is designed to encourage and empower teens to deal with their feelings and the challenges raised during the divorce or separation of their parents.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

Celebrate recovery 6-8:30 p.m. WednesdaysJoin 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 101-1032950 W. Ray Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-722-0700, crnaz.com

Celebrate recovery 6 p.m. FridaysFor 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 B2001825 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-3997, chandlercc.org

Christian business networking, tri-City Chapter – Chandler, tempe, mesa 7:15 a.m. TuesdaysOffers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.Crackers & Co. Café535 W. Iron Ave., MesaInfo: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian business networking, Chandler bi-monthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the monthOffers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.

Chandler Christian Church, Room B2021825 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Maia, 480-425-0624, 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 Room4450 E. Elliot Rd., GilbertInfo: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

divorceCare for adults6:30-8:30 p.m. SundaysHoly Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

divorceCare for Kids6:30-8:30 p.m. SundaysHoly Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

east Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup9:30-10:30 a.m. FridaysPlaygroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old.East Valley JCC908 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Emily Malin, 480-897-0588, [email protected]

east Valley Jewish Couples ClubOffers 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, [email protected]

griefshare6:30-8:30 p.m. TuesdaysA seminar / support group geared toward adults who have suffered the loss of a loved one.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

hearing god’s Voice 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sundays, Jan. 6-March 10For ages from junior high to adult. Childcare available. No charge.Trinity Christian Fellowship50 S. McQueen Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-7698, tcfchandler.org

h.o.P.e. – help overcoming P ainful experiences7 p.m. TuesdaysFree weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free childcare for children ages 10 and younger.Desert Springs Church, Room 10619620 S. McQueen Rd., ChandlerInfo: [email protected], helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Jewish Women international, avodah Chapter 1581Monthly luncheonIguana Mack’s1371 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerRSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812

Jumpstart11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SaturdaysJumpStart 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 Church11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., ChandlerInfo: Joanne Sweeney, 480-539-8933

Kid’s sunday school10-11 a.m. SundaysUnity of Chandler325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, ChandlerInfo: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org

lift your spirit10 a.m. SundaysHear inspirational messages and music.Unity of Chandler325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, ChandlerInfo: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org

moms in Prayer internationalA 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 Fellowship6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each monthThe monthly fellowship Bible study of the East Valley Chapter of Christian

Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.”Best Western-Mezona250 W. Main St., MesaInfo: 480-232-3773

national alliance for the mentally ill (nami) – Chandler Chapter10 a.m.-noon first and third Wednesday of each monthFaith-based “Caring Connection” for those who have loved ones with a mental illness, i.e., schizophrenia, depression, bipolar or anxiety disorder. Find support and share experiences with others.Risen Savior Lutheran Church23914 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Joan, 480-883-8871

the Problem of evil9-11 a.m. six Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 8Explore the objections to God’s existence and seek some solutions. Presented via the Internet from a previously recorded live class in partnership with the Parish of St. Thomas the Apostle’s Institute of Catholic Theology. $25 per person.St. Steven’s Church, Great Hall24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes

revive, rebuild and re-engage9:45 a.m. SundaysClass helps struggling couples to cope with marital issues and build their relationships with Christ.Chandler Christian Church1825 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo and registration: chandlercc.org

rosary Prayer3 p.m. second Friday of each monthSt. Steven’s Catholic Church24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun LakesInfo: 480-895-9266

spiritual Chat 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of each monthSpiritual topics such as awareness, lucid dreaming, near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance are discussed during Arizona Satsang Society’s Spiritual Chat sessions. Unity Church of Divine Love325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, ChandlerInfo: [email protected], 877-300-4949

Spiritual ConneCtionSCall 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 [email protected].

Join us for our Young Family Shabbat Services!

— T H I R D F R I D A Y O F E V E R Y M O N T H —

Next Service: January 18th

Short service with lots of music and singing.Designed for, but not limited to families with children ages newborn to 7 years old. Led by Rabbi Kenneth Leitner.

3400 N. Dobson Road • Chandler • 480-897-3636 • www.tbsev.org

Temple Beth Sholom of the East ValleyAN EGALITARIAN CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATION