Spirituality
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Spiritual Reflections To love with skin BY LYNNE HARTKE
Skin is amazing. Our skin reacts to wind, temperature, humidity and light and is the first line of defense against disease. Skin is tough enough to endure the pounding stress of a marathon runner yet sensitive enough to respond to the shiver of a cool breeze. Through our skin we feel the softness of a baby’s cheek, the silkiness of a flower petal, the stiffness in a new pair of jeans and splash of ocean waves. We are not covered with feathers or scales or fur. We are covered with skin—a stretched thin transmitter sending important information to our brains. “More than any other species,
our skin is designed not so much for appearance as for relating, for being touched.”—Dr. Paul Brand The story of Christmas is God coming to earth as a baby, entering this world with skin, becoming Emmanuel, God with us. With us in the scratchy hay in the manger and the soft swaddling of strips of cloth in the hands of his mother and the warm breath of Joseph on his face. With us with feeling, pain and fatigue. With us with skin. Now it is our turn—to love with skin. To be God-in-us to others. What do we do when we encounter the incredible pain of a hurting world? The tendency is to pull back and step away, but the essence of our
faith asks us to do the opposite. Love with skin steps forward, even closer, because skin was meant to be touched. Skin that is numb isn’t healthy. We must move closer into the breathing-groaning-writhing mess of this world. Closer to the elderly. Closer to the troubled teen. Closer to the homeless. This is love with skin. This is the story of Christmas. Lynne Hartke blogs at lynnehartke. com. She is the wife of Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler, 50 S. McQueen Rd. For information, visit tcfchandler.org or call 480-963-7698.
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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
December 7 – 20, 2013
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Spiritual Reflections
VUU makes music in December
Break free from reciprocal love PASTOR MOE REDDING LIGHT OF CHRIST CHURCH
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you,” Matthew 6: 3-4. The Heavenly Father wants to break us free from reciprocal love. You know, loving others as long as they love us. He wants to develop in us the kind of love He has for us: unconditional and never-ending. He pours out His love and blessings upon us regardless of our response, or any response. If you’re like me, even saying thank you to Him for His blessings is a rarity! Jesus says that when we give to those in need, try to give secretly. Perhaps you know someone who is going through a tough time financially. It could be that the Lord puts on your heart to give him/her a couple hundred dollars anonymously, with a note that might read: “Your Heavenly Father loves you. He
told me to give this to you.” Maybe a person’s need is encouragement during a very difficult time. If so, the Lord might move in your heart to get him/her a card with a reminder of the Lord’s love, strength, power and peace. And make it anonymous! Jesus is clear: The Father will reward secret servants. Also, if the person doesn’t know who cared for them, who do they thank? Perhaps they will lift up prayers of praise and thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father. That is only right, since it is through the Father that we were inspired to care and to pass on what He has first given us. He should get all the praise! When we learn to give in secret nothing can stop us. Our reward comes from the Father. One last thing: the reward the Father gives you can never, ever be taken away! All praise, thanks, honor and glory are His! Your brother on the Journey, Moe Redding
Folk singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet returns to VUU for a free mini-concert at 4:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 7. Brennet has independently produced and released 10 CDs since 2002 on her own label, Flaming Dame Records, including her latest collection, “Live.” Attendees are asked to bring canned goods for the Chandler Christian Community Center and a free-will offering for Brennet. Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation is at 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. To learn more about Namoli Brennet, visit namolibrennet.com.
Annual VUU Arts Fest ahead Jewelry, painting, fiber arts, pottery, silks, glass, ceramics, soaps and more will be on sale at the 10th annual Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation Holiday Arts Festival, a oneday indoor arts festival fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14. In addition to local artists in a holiday environment, holiday music will be performed by strolling carolers, and holiday cookies and cafe food will be available for purchase. The VUU Green Sanctuary (VUUGS) team will have a display featuring “green” demonstrations and workshops, including making a puzzle-piece picture frame ornament. To learn more, email artsfestival@vuu.org; call 480-899-4249 or visit vuu.org.
Programs for all ages at East Valley JCC in Chandler The East Valley JCC in Chandler has programs available for everyone, including specialized classes. Programs available include classes like Baby and Me Yoga, a class seeking to help infants and caregivers bond and build trust; Playgroup, bringing East Valley families together at local play areas to socialize and
let the kids play and J-care, where kids have both time for games and a calm and quiet space for homework during after-school care. Some unique programs include Am Yisrael Chai, where kindergarteners through sixth-graders learn what it means to be Jewish; as well as Israeli dancing for adults.
The East Valley JCC has been educating children, families and the community for more than 40 years. The center has provided generations of local individuals with quality learning opportunities rooted in values and traditions. Through services and programs, the East Valley JCC promotes and strengthens these values and identities by
meeting the needs of individuals and families of all races, religions and cultures. The East Valley JCC is located at 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. To learn more visit evjcc.org, contact info@evjcc.org or call 480-897-0588.
Our church family already loves you. We just haven’t met you yet. Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday
Midweek Advent Services
Hamilton High School Auditorium 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
December 4 12:30 & 6:30 P.M.
www.loc-az.org
480-899-1400
December 11 12:30 & 6:30 P.M.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
December 18 12:30 & 6:30 P.M.
Chandler United Methodist Church Christmas Eve, December 24 Communion and Candles at All Services.
3:00 & 5:00 P.M. - Upbeat service with carols & songs led by the worship band with candlelight 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. - Traditional service with organ and candlelight; choir at 7 P.M. 9:00 P.M. - Traditional worship with carols and candlelight
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.
Christmas Day, December 25 9:30 A.M. Service of Carols. No Communion.
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
19609 S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ 480-899-LIFE (5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org
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Spirituality
Risen Savior welcomes senior pastor Risen Savior Lutheran Church celebrated the installation of its new senior pastor, Ronald Burcham, on Sun., Oct. 20. Members, visitors and area clergy attended the event that ushered in a new season of ministry for Risen Savior. This service of celebration was highlighted with musical offerings by the congregation’s vocal choir, handbell choir, organists and contemporary worship team. A special brass choir accented these offerings. The celebration was followed by food served by Risen Savior’s youth. Burcham comes to Risen Savior from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale, IA, where he served for more than 20 years, building it from a small to large congregation. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Concordia University Ann Arbor (MI), and his master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Burcham serves on a national pastoral leadership board and is a frequent presenter at church conferences. Burcham and his wife, Michelle, have four daughters—Emily, Alyssa, Madison and Mackenzie. He is a motorcycle enthusiast, avid reader and enjoys tinkering with antique radios. Risen Savior has four worship services on Sundays. It also sponsors an early childhood program (infant to age 5) and an elementary school program (kindergarten to grade 6). Risen Savior hosts The Perfect Place—an adult day care program for seniors in the Sun Lakes and the South Chandler area. For more
WELCOMED: Senior Pastor Ron Burcham celebrates with wife, Michelle, three of their daughters and one of their granddaughters. Submitted photo
information about the church or its schools, visit the church’s website at rslcs. org or call 480-895-6782.
Volunteers, donations welcome at The Perfect Place The Perfect Place seeks volunteers willing to donate time and funds. At The Perfect Place, adults in day care spend time with staff and volunteers in a specialized program, which incorporates a short devotion and sharing into social activity. Participants share details about themselves: where they grew up, what they did for a living, family life or favorite activities. Games continue throughout the day, such as playing cards, bingo, a bean
bag toss, entertainment, snacks and a short session of chair exercises. Service organizations are welcome to contribute, and personal donations to the scholarship fund are greatly appreciated. Donated Beanie Babies also help, and enable the Perfect Place to better serve the community. A Perfect Place and Risen Savior Lutheran Church are located at 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information about helping, or if you believe a loved one would benefit from this service, contact The Perfect Place. Call Judy Waltersdorf at 480895-2892, ext. 3 or send an email to ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.
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Stress management seminar scheduled SanTan Sun-area residents are invited to learn Kabbalah-based stress management techniques at “Mind in Control—Behind Enemy Lines,” a seminar led by Betty Kaplan Memorial Lecture guest speaker Dr. Gill Heart, at 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 8, at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Heart was born and raised in Israel and served for more than six years in an elite special forces unit in the Israel Defense Force (IDF). He earned his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from London University and moved to the United States, where he became an entrepreneur. Heart’s seminar focuses on stress management and the application and implementation of Mind in Control techniques using Special Forces IDF methodologies. Suggested donation for attendance is $10. Reservations are requested. For more information or to make reservations, call 480-855-4333 or email rabbi@chabadcenter.com.
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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
ace p S d e Limit er Now! t Regis 480-963-6105, Ext. 211 800 West Ray Road South Campus • Chandler www.RayofLightPreschool.org
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 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
2013-2014 PROGRAMS 9 A.M. - NOON 3-Year-Old Class Tuesday and Thursday Monday, Wednesday and Friday Monday thru Friday 4-Year-Old Class Monday, Wednesday and Friday Pre-K Class Monday thru Friday
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-year-old 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
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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.
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.”
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.