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Spirituality

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Spiritual Reflections Finishing the devil’s sentences

BY MATT JOHNSON PASTOR OF THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT CHANDLER CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Here’s a thought for the day: Maybe it’s not that God isn’t speaking to you, but that He’s already spoken.

God has spoken to you through His word Jesus the Christ, however, if you’re like me (and I think you might be) you’re more inclined to believe the devil’s whispers than to believe in God’s promises. It’s the same old tale, isn’t it? Eve knew God’s truth about the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, yet she chose to listen to the devil’s

whispers.

Listening to the devil’s whispers always leads to justification and condemnation.

God never uses justification or condemnation to get you to do what is right. That is the devil’s trick. Paul, the former persecutor of God’s church, wrote, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

You are free in Christ! There’s no need to justify your choices to yourself or the devil. He seeks only to deceive you so that he might condemn you with your own guilt

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.

January 18 - 31, 2014

and shame.

No! What we should be doing is finishing the devil’s sentences! Filling in his lies with God’s promises!

The devil may say, “You’re nothing...”

But I say, “I am nothing, but I know the I am!” (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58) “You’re weak…”

“That’s right but his grace is sufficient for His power is made perfect in my weakness.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9) “You’re ugly...”

“No you’re jealous, I was made in His image and you were not!” (Genesis 1:27) “You can’t do anything right...”

“That may be so but I can do anything He desires through Christ who strengthens me.”

(Philippians 4:13) “You’re a coward...”

“Sure, but I don’t have to be brave, my courage and my strength come from the Him who will never leave me or forsake

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me.” (Joshua 1:9) “You’re just a sinner...”

“I may make mistakes but they don’t define me for I know that when I confess my sin He is faithful and just and will forgive me my sin and lead me to right living!” (1 John 1:9) “You’ll never be good enough...”

“Correct again, but I am confident that He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 1:6) “You say I’m nothing?! I am nothing? I am not but I know who He is. He is I am!” (John 14:6a) God has already spoken! Choose to believe in His promises, chose His freedoms, and claim his promise. Don’t listen to the devil; instead finish his sentences.

Chandler Christian Church is located at 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information, call 480-963-3997.

One Church hosts ‘controversial’ sermon series through Jan. 26 Chandler’s nondenominational One Church hosts a “controversial” new sermon series Sunday mornings through Jan. 26.

The series, “When Christians are unChristian,” focuses on the role of Christians in current controversies in science, politics and pop culture. The series is based on the book “unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.

Upcoming sermons include “Christians are unChristian When Hypocritical” on Jan. 19, and “Christians are unChristian When Alienating Those Who Are Gay” Jan. 26. One Church meets at 10 a.m.

Sundays at Hancock Elementary School, 2425 S. Pleasant Dr., Chandler. For more information about One Church, visit onechurch.com, call 480-686-0395 or email info@onechurch.com.

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)

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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January 18 - 31, 2014

Spirituality

CCC offers groups for everyone Chandler Christian Church hosts a variety of groups and programs for all ages and stages of life in January and February.

Weekly life groups are now forming that accompany the church’s upcoming series on Acts, “Unleashed: Acts That Change the World.” Pastor-led groups meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays on campus starting Jan. 22; in-home groups are also offered.

DivorceCare, a nationally recognized faith-based program designed for those who are separated, going through a divorce or have been through one, begins at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 22, and runs for 13 weeks; attendees may join at any time. Cost is $15 for a workbook.

DivorceCare for Kids, children ages 5 to 12, runs concurrently and helps kids heal from the hurt caused by the separation or divorce of their parents. For more

information, contact Pastor Larry Daily or Jennifer Castillo in the church office at 480-963-3997, or register online for classes at chandlercc.org.

The Re|Engage marriage program meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Room C100; participants can join at any time.

Moms of little ones still have time to sign up for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups, meeting Wednesday or Thursday mornings.

A Winter Camp for fourth- through sixth-grade students will be held Fri., Feb. 7, through Sun., Feb. 9, at UCYC in Prescott.

Thanks to generous donors to the Hope of Christmas, CCC was able to deliver 250 food boxes and $3,000 in gift cards to 100 families.

Chandler Christian Church is at 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. To learn more, visit chandlercc.org.

Sun Lakes synagogue’s agenda includes winter events Two special events and a “loving” service just in time for Valentine’s Day are on the agenda at Temple Havurat Emet in Sun Lakes.

Vocal impressionist Tom Wolf, known as “The Wolfman,” performs at 3 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 26, in the Arizona Room at Sun Lakes Country Club. The no-intermission, three-hour performance features rock ‘n’ roll, country western and disco, and also takes requests. A cash bar and complimentary snacks will be available.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased Jan. 21 at Sun Lakes ACE Hardware, 9666 E. Riggs Rd., Chandler, or at the entrance of the Arizona Room at the Sun Lakes Clubhouse Jan. 20, 22, 23 and 24. Tickets can also be purchased for delivery by calling Jean at 480-802-0185.

Temple Havurat Emet’s annual fashion show takes the stage at 3 p.m. Sun., Feb.

23, at the Palo Verde Country Clubhouse.

Tickets are $24.50 and will be available for purchase at Sun Lakes ACE Hardware and Sun Lakes Phase One Country Club; home delivery of tickets is available by calling Jean at 480-802-0185. Proceeds will benefit Shelter Without Walls, a local home for victims of abuse.

A discussion on “Love, Jewish Style” will be featured at the service held at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 7 at the Lecky Center of the Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

Temple Havurat Emet is an egalitarian progressive community that welcomes all Jews as well as those exploring Judaism and those interested in conversion. For more information, visit templehavuratemet.org.

Brats and Bakers Dinner Feb. 23

The popular Brats and Bakers Dinner hosted by the Sun Lakes United Church of Christ will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23, at the Sun Lakes Country Club, phase one, in the Arizona room.

Everyone is invited, whether you are a

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VUU services include MLK, choir Chandler’s Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation offers a variety of upcoming services in January to welcome in the new year.

Worship Associate Barbara Face gives a lay sermon Sun., Jan. 19, called “Service is the New Charity: Exploring the MLK Day of Service Project.” In her address, she explores the role of service in the teachings of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in strengthening community, empowering individuals, bridging barriers and creating solutions.

A special worship service featuring a combined Arizona Unitarian Universalist Choir of about 80 voices will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 25, at VUU. Minister of Music the Rev. Kellie Walker leads the service on a theme of water and other Unitarian Universalist choir directors from Arizona will assist.

Walker continues the water theme with an all-music service at VUU Sun., Jan. 26, which includes some of the choir music from the choir festival the day before.

The service features the adult choir and congregational singing.

Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation provides a welcoming, diverse community that strives for social

justice and sustainable living.

VUU services begin at 10:30 a.m.

Sundays. The VUU sanctuary is wheelchair-accessible and has a hearing loop installed.

Couples retreat at VUU A two-day workshop focusing on relationship enrichment will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 28, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., March 1, at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Couples communication specialists Jeff and Renae Gallen will guide attendees in reaffirming the importance of their relationships in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

The workshop, hosted by the VUU Couples Ministry, is nonfaith based and open to any couple desiring a deeper relationship. Any committed couple is welcome, whether opposite gender, same gender, married or unmarried. Cost is $60 per couple, which includes workshop materials and lunch on Saturday and child care if needed.

To learn more, visit bettermarriages.org or vuu.org.

VUU is at 6400 W. Del Rio St. in Chandler. To learn more, call 480-8994249 or check out the Facebook page at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Chandler AZ; or visit vuu.org.

Chabad center hosts new classes Two new classes are offered in January and February at Chandler’s Chabad of the East Valley.

Talmud 101 is taught by Yehoshua Bedrick, a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America, Mondays in January and Wednesdays Feb. 5 and 12. The class seeks to answer questions such as: What is the Oral Law? Who wrote it down and why? What is its relationship to the Written Law? Why are there two Talmuds and what is the difference?

A second class, “The Concise Book

of Mitzvoth,” is held Sunday mornings throughout January and February. The course is a practical overview of the 271 Mitzvoth that can be done in our everyday live, using the text “The Concise Book of Mitzvoth (Sefer Hamitzvos Hakatzar)” by the Chafetz Chayim.

All are welcome to both classes; RSVP is recommended.

Chabad of the East Valley is at 875 N. McClintock Dr. in Chandler. To learn more, call 480-855-4333 or email youth@ chabadcenter.com.

member of SLUCC or not. Tickets are $10.

The menu includes brats, pulled pork and baked potatoes, as well as desserts.

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Barry.

“There is always good food and great company,” Georgia Ames says.

The Sun Lakes United Church of Christ meets every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. in the Sun Lakes Chapel located directly across from Sun Lakes Country Club. For more information call the church office at 480895-1557.

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Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation honors new, outgoing boards The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) is an established reform congregation that meets at the Sun Lakes Chapel at 7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month. 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 members of the congregation connect with these attendees at the Oneg Shabbats held immediately following the service.

On Fri., Jan. 10, Rabbi Irwin Wiener conducted a very special service to honor the outgoing board of directors and to induct the new officers.

The choir recognized the new board of directors in a song dedicated to them. The new president is Martin “Marty” Silverman. Silverman brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his position. His goal is to increase membership of the congregation,

create a caring community and provide enhanced communication for all congregants.

One committee that has been formed is the Caring/Bereavement Committee.

This committee’s role is to assure that members of congregation are cared for by SLJC, and the leadership of the congregation is aware of events including milestones, illnesses and deaths within the community.

SLJC has many committees and opportunities to get involved these include a very active Men’s Club and Sisterhood. Upcoming events include a Passover Seder and a Purim Party. The Israel Committee had a talk by Wiener on the current status of Israel and developments in the country last week.

For more information, call 480-8956066 or visit sljc.org. Services are held at the Sun Lakes Chapel for All Faiths, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, 85248.

Events slated for SLJC Sisterhood Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood’s annual card party will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tue., Feb. 18, at the Oakwood Clubhouse in Sun Lakes.

The event will feature lunch, a day of games and a chance to win door prizes and bid on gift baskets. Cost is $25; all proceeds raised will be donated to local charities, including Hospice of the Valley, Chandler CARE Center and the Sun Lakes Fire Department. Checks should be made out to SLJC Sisterhood and mailed to 24529 S. Lakeway Circle SW, Sun Lakes AZ 85248.

The deadline for ordering Mahjongg cards is Feb. 1. Regular size is $8; large print are $9. Checks made out to SLJC

Sisterhood should be sent to 3085 E. Waterview Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249. If ordering more than one card, list each person’s name and address.

The Toys from the Heart program is already gearing up for the 2014 holiday season; donations are requested so SLJC Sisterhood can continue to supply gifts to needy children. Checks in any amount can be made out to SLJC Sisterhood, marked “toys” and mailed to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249.

Questions, comments or suggestions are welcomed by SLJC Sisterhood CoPresidents Carol at 480-895-3168 and Geri at 480-305-0123.

Church hosts women’s Bible study Alma School Road Church of Christ hosts a free six-week Bible study for women from 6 to 7 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 16.

The study explores Luke 15:11-32, the story of the prodigal son, through the

perspective of “The Prodigal God” by Tim Keller. Child care is provided.

Alma School Road Church of Christ is at 445 N. Alma School Rd. in Chandler.

For more information, visit aschurch.org.

January 18 - 31, 2014

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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 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 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, 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 child care 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, TriCity 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 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, 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, christianbusinessnetworking.com East Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old.

East Valley JCC 908 N. Alma School 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-yearold age range.

Info: Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives 7-9 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, lisacmyers.com, 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 SEE SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS ON PAGE 66

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Spirituality

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SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS FROM PAGE 65

800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler, a quarter mile south of Alma School Road on the north side of Ray Road.

Info: griefcareaz@gmail.com Grief Share 6:30–8:30 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, 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 childcare for children ages 10 and younger.

Desert Springs Church, Room 106 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler Info: hope4all@comcast.net, 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 10-11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Chandler 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: 480-792-1800, 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, 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 of 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

January 18 - 31, 2014

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) – Chandler Chapter 10 a.m.-noon first and third Wednesday of each month Faith-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 Church 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Joan, 480-883-8871 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 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info and registration: chandlercc.org/ reengage Rosary Prayer 3 p.m. second Friday of each month St. Steven’s Catholic Church 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes Info: 480-895-9266 Spiritual Chat 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of each month Spiritual topics such as awareness, lucid dreaming, near-death experiences, outof-body experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance are discussed during Arizona Satsang Society’s Spiritual Chat sessions.

Silent auction and art show benefits foundation First United Methodist Foundation Silent Auction and Art Show is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Fri., March 14, at Zelma Basha Salmeri Art Gallery, 22402 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. Tickets are $65, which includes hearty hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Transportation is an additional $10.

Call 602-263-5013 for more information.

This evening out will benefit the foundation, which includes scholarships, missions and programs of the church. Tickets should be purchased by Mon., March 3, by coming to the office at 5510 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Celebrating 100 Years In Chandler

www.ChandlerMethodist.org

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

Our church family already loves you.

We just haven’t met you yet.

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

Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL

All Are Welcome.

Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913

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

SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m.

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

Hamilton High School Auditorium 3700 S. Arizona Ave. www.loc-az.org

480-899-1400

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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.

Unity Church of Divine Love 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: vizzit@hotmail.com, 877-300-4949 Women’s Life group 10-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Friday of each month All women are invited to a Bible study and discussion of how the lessons can relate to our current lives. Every lady brings something different to the group and learns from each other to get to know new friends.

Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ Sun Lakes Country Club Chapel Center 9230 Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Jan Olson, 480-802-7457 or Joy King, 480-588-1882