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Spirituality

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October 19 - November 1, 2013

Spiritual Reflections Baptism in the desert The congregation gathers around the swimming pool, sandaled feet treading on the hosed-off pool decking.

“A baptism is like a wedding,” the pastor says. “It is a public declaration to a private love story with Jesus. You promise today to follow Jesus in sickness and in health. For richer. For poorer. We are witnesses today of that commitment.”

A woman and a man stand next to the

pool steps, the turquoise water waiting for the immersion of a soul.

“I want to be a student of Jesus,” the woman says when asked why she is here today.

“After searching and questioning,” the man says, “I’ve come to accept what my childhood self already knew to be true.”

As they step in the water, cameras record the moment. The pastor prays and

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.

baptizes them. They come up from the water dripping of Christ life, symbolically leaving their I-will-do-things-my-way selves in the water. Friends and family encircle them in squishy, smiling hugs. The newly baptized leave a damp imprint on everyone they touch.

So begins the adventure.

As a married couple must learn how to live a new shared oneness, so Christ followers must learn to leave that do-itmy-own-way self behind. I’ve found my bossy self knows how to hold its breath.

For a very long time.

Ceremonies are a way to remember.

One of the benefits I’ve discovered of attending a wedding is I am reminded of my own past vows. As I watch the bride and groom gaze into each other’s eyes, I remember why I fell in love with my husband.

Today, as I watch ripples widen around two new believers and I hear their words, I am reminded of my own faith. My own decision. As a witness to their story, I find myself in the pages.

Lynne Hartke blogs at www. lynnehartke.com. She is the wife of Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler, 50 S. McQueen Rd. For information, visit www. tcfchandler.org or call 480-963-7698

Cornerstone couple shares compassion, prayer for Harvest India

BY TRACY HOUSE

Talk to Darren and Stacie Shaw for just a few minutes and you’ll understand why they are so passionate about their work with Harvest India.

The couple traveled to India in January as part of a group of 25 volunteers from Cornerstone Church to work with Harvest India, a charitable organization that provides support and prayer for India’s outcasts. In their two weeks traveling, the Shaws worked with orphans, lepers, the elderly and infirmed. They are planning to return in January for an extended period as a vision trip and to offer skilled help.

Darren explains they are “Trying to expand our reach and you can never do enough, but we’re just trying to a little bit more.”

The vision trip is to witness what Harvest India is doing and come back to advocate for India. The skilled trip is for those who can provide services—doctors, carpenters, dentists, teachers—to share their skills. The Shaws will be leading these trips.

Stacie explains that when they travel to India they will be bringing funds to support the local economy as well as personal items that can be used.

“One of the many, many times that I SEE INDIA PAGE 62

SEPTEMBER 29TH THROUGH OCTOBER 20TH

SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sunday Mornings Traditional Worship

7:30 & 11:30 A.M.

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

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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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Spirituality

October 19 - November 1, 2013

INDIA FROM PAGE 61

broke down crying was when I saw, in the corner of the room, they all had a little box, maybe the size of a deck of cards, and in it they had maybe a piece of soap and a toothbrush. That’s all they had. That’s their grooming kit. And I was just devastated by it.”

In addition to toiletries, the Shaws are putting together small personal gifts, cross necklaces and barrettes, to give to the children and others helped through Harvest India. They’ve organized the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon at Cornerstone for volunteers to come in and help make gifts.

“We’re trying to get as much personal

stuff as possible this year,” Darren says.

He explains that before it was about going to India and then coming back and advocating, but now he says, “Our goal is to say you’ve done some good, now what?”

Darren mentions that for those who can’t afford to go on the trip, being involved in making the gifts, is a way to still have a personal connection.

While they were in India, Stacie says the children attached themselves to her, holding her clothing and hands. “They want so much to have an attachment to another person.”

As Christians in India, because of the caste system, Darren says, “When you go there you are held in such high regard by these people, yet you’re there to sever them. It’s really impactful.”

SPECIAL TIME: Spending the day with the kids at the Harvest India schools. The Shaws fed them, taught them and played games.

Submitted photo

Setting Records

Preparing to Serve

The Shaws spent their own money to travel to India. Darren says it is one of the reasons it’s so hard to have people go.

“Giving donations is something that makes us uncomfortable,” Darren says, “So we’re trying to fix some of that by having more events.”

One event that not only raised money, but set a world record was the pie fight sponsored through Cornerstone Church.

Breaking the record with 815 individuals participating, the Guinness World Record Books verified that Harvest India had the official record for the largest pie fight, breaking the record held by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The “fight” lasted one minute earning every participant an official certificate from Guinness. The event raised funds through entry fees for Harvest India.

Stacie says the group will meet before it goes to prepare for the January trip, but “there really isn’t a lot you can do. You really have to have a heart that’s open to do it.”

“For both Darren and I, we had never prayed for anyone else,” she says. “We had prayed for our children and each other, but to go up to a complete stranger that you see in need and say, ‘Can I pray for you?’ was something that we had never done. You’re just so moved by what you see when you’re there, you just do it. If your heart is ready for it, it’ll just happen for you.”

They had seen pictures and had talked about what they would see, but Stacie says “You just have to go and do.”

The Shaws have made a 10-year commitment to be stewards for change through Harvest India in leadership roles.

You do not have to be a member of

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CORNERSTONE SUPPORT: One of the three orphanages that Cornerstone supports; each orphanage houses 40 children. Through monthly sponsorships, Cornerstone has provided these children food, shelter, clothing and education for just $35 a day per child.

Submitted photo

Cornerstone to participate. All Christians are welcome. “This is a hard one to go on,” Stacie cautions, “because it’s such an emotional ride you take on this trip.

You have to be prepared emotionally and spiritually to do it.”

To find out more information about how to donate or to help with the personal gift crafts, contact Stacie Shaw at 480-5289638 or email darrenandstacie@gmail.com.

For information about Harvest India visit harvestindia.org.

Cornerstone Church is located at 1595 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.

Spirituality

www.SanTanSun.com

Offerings from CCC Chandler Christian Church looks forward to the fall season and has plans for new ministry programs and community outreach.

Check out membership Community members who are interested in membership with the church are invited to Connecting Point on Sun., Oct. 20 to learn more about membership at CCC. Read more and register chandlercc.org/class.

Pro-life dinner, dance, auction Knights of Columbus #3121 will have its annual fund raiser for St. Mary’s ProLife Ministry Sat., Oct. 26, at its hall at 644 E. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. followed by a live auction.

Tickets are $15. Call 480-963-4372 to purchase or reserve tickets.

Building Bridges Chandler Christian Church is holding dessert nights Oct. 22, 23 and 27 to introduce more people to its Bridge Builders program, and to introduce new initiatives such as debt classes and new mission projects. Bridge Builders is the theme for fall stewardship at CCC, and seeks to “build bridges from CCC to the local community and beyond making a transformational impact on people worldwide for Jesus Christ.”

Have a happy and safe Halloween Check out a free and safe trick-ortreating option Wed., Oct. 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. Come in costume with the whole family, and kids can go from trunk to trunk for Halloween candy. Food will be sold at a reduced price. The church is also asking for donations of candy and help decorating trunks to make this event a success. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/ trunk-or-treat.

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.

October 19 - November 1, 2013

63

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

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

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

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

Celebrate Recovery 6 p.m. Fridays For those with chemical dependencies or other issues. Dinner followed by

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.”

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

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

480-899-1400