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Spirituality
August 17 – September 6, 2013
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See child star Lisa Whelchel at One Church TV actress to speak Sept. 8 BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
The last year has been a rocky road for actress Lisa Whelchel, best known as preppy Blair Warner on the ‘80s TV show “The Facts of Life.” She and her husband divorced, all three of their children moved out and she tied for second place after a grueling run on “Survivor: Philippines.” “It’s been a big year of transition,” says Whelchel, 50, calling from her California home. “I’ve been just discovering the grace of God in an experiential way more than I’ve ever known just in my head.” Relying on her faith, Whelchel moved forward. She relocated to California from Texas and has been a favorite on the speaking circuit since 2009. She
will speak to the congregation of One Church at 10 a.m. Sun., Sept. 8. The church is located in Hancock Elementary School at 2425 S. Pleasant Dr., Chandler. For more information, call 480-6860395, email info@onechurch.com or visit onechurch.com. “I don’t consider myself a preacher or a teacher, but I really love to share what God’s done in my life,” Whelchel says. “Anytime you find something that has made a difference in your life, you want everybody to know about it. It’s an opportunity for me to just talk from my heart about what I’ve learned and maybe it would help somebody else.” Whelchel began her spiritual journey at age 10, when she visited a “little church just down the street from my
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.
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
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
house by myself.” At that young age, she couldn’t express how the experience affected her. “Now I can say that my heart had found its home,” she says. “Even at that young age, I just knew this was how I wanted to spend my life—telling other people about Jesus and learning more about Him myself. I really had a sense that I needed God and I needed His love.”
Relied on faith She relied on her faith during her run on “Survivor: Philippines,” a series of which Whelchel is a fan. “I watched every episode, every season,” she says. “I wanted to be on it. I thought it would be hard but, hey, I can do this. It is a lot harder than it looks on TV.” To prepare for the competition, she attended wilderness school to learn how to make fire and shelter. She trained with Navy Seals to experience swimming in the ocean. “I really did prepare a lot, but nothing can truly prepare you,” she says. Now Whelchel is yearning to return to acting. She explains that she loved being a wife and mother, but now comes the next chapter of her life. “But I came face to face with the season of my life where I needed to support myself, and my kids were
SCHEDULED TO SPEAK: Lisa Whelchel, who appeared on “The Facts of Life” for nine years as Blair Warner, will make a guest appearance at One Church on Sun., Sept. 8. Submitted photo
grown,” Whelchel says. “I kind of asked myself, ‘What do I want to be when I grow up?’ The answer was the same. I would love to do something I enjoy and I enjoy acting. I’m giving it a try and we’ll see if it’ll work.” Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.
Spirituality
www.SanTanSun.com
August 17 – September 6, 2013
It’s time to Chompie’s celebrates the connect at CCC Jewish New Year Family worship, mission to Davao City
Traditional Rosh Hashana menu available for dine-in or takeout
Learn more about becoming a member of Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, at the Connecting Point class, 3:30 p.m. on Sun., Aug. 18. To register or for more information, visit chandlercc.org/ connecting-point.
A Rosh Hashana holiday dinner will be served by Chompie’s from 5 p.m. to close Wed., Sept. 4, at its restaurants in Scottsdale, Chandler and Paradise Valley. The traditional six-course dinner includes appetizers, entrees, sides, soups and dessert for $29.95 per adult and $14.95 per child. Reservations are strongly recommended for the dine-in event. Rosh Hashana, or the Jewish New Year, begins the evening of Wed., Sept. 4, and ends on Fri., Sept. 6. The Rosh Hashana menu includes:
Family worship The next Family Worship Night, Got Water?, is Fri., Aug. 23. To register or for more information, visit chandlercc.org/ fwn-got-water.
Mission to Davao City As John and Gina Allcott start their mission in Davao City in the Philippines to help lift children out of poverty, church members are asked to read more about sending Filipino missionaries to other nations at chandlercc.org/allcott.
Translators needed The Hispanic ministry is looking for individuals who can translate during parent teacher conferences at San Marcos Elementary for a couple of hours on Wed., Aug. 28 or Thu. Aug. 29. If interested, call Miguel Estrada at 480963-3997, extension 124.
Starters: • Glass of kosher wine or grape juice • Fresh baked challah and apples and honey
Appetizer Choices: • Gelfite fish with beet horseradish • Chopped liver with red onion garnish
Soup Choices: • Chicken soup with matzo ball • Beef barley with mushroom
Potato Choices: • Large crisp potato latke with apple sauce • Roasted potatoes with caramelized onions
Vegetable Choices: • Glazed carrots or old world Tzimmis
Entrees Choices: • One-half roasted chicken with savory stuffing • Tender braised brisket of beef with pan gravy • Steelhead salmon filet with dill butter • Roasted breast of turkey with savory stuffing
Dessert: • An assortment of holiday cakes. The complete Rosh Hashanah menu is available at Chompies.com. There is also a 2013 Rosh Hashanah Holiday Take-Out Menu available. Pick one up at Chompie’s or download the menu at chompies.com. Chompie’s is located at 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. For more information, call 480-398-3008.
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Adult day care is ‘Perfect’ Seniors are invited to participate with others 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 also 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday starting in September. Loved ones spend the morning with staff and volunteers who provide a loving and caring social program, which 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 480-895-2892, ext. 3 or email ThePerfectPlace85248@ gmail.com.
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Spirituality
August 17 – September 6, 2013
Seventh annual Prayer Breakfast is Sept. 10 at YMCA Heroic police officer is keynote speaker Retired Phoenix police officer Jason Schechterle will headline the Chandler/ Gilbert YMCA’s seventh annual Prayer Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Tue., Sept. 10 at 1655 W. Frye Rd. in Chandler. The event is open to the public. Schechterle 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. Fifty-two surgeries later, he travels the country serving as a motivational speaker, sharing his story of hope and optimism. Schechterle 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.
Celebrate new year at the library Get ready for the Jewish New Year with songs, dancing, finger-plays and stories to engage children and adults, 4 p.m. Wed., Aug. 21 in the second floor Copper Room at the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St. “This is an opportunity to learn more about the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana through literature, some Hebrew words and lots of movement,” says Pam Morris, MS.Ed., the early childhood director at the East Valley JCC. “Children and adults can feel comfortable asking questions, learning new traditions and finding out the meaning of some of the themes of the holiday.” For more information, call 480-8970588, email pam@evjcc.org or visit evjcc. org.
A Place of Love Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday Hamilton High School Auditorium 3700 S. Arizona Ave. www.loc-az.org
480-899-1400
‘A great program’ “The City of Chandler is excited to host this annual event to celebrate the spiritual diversity of our community,” says Tibshraeny. “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.” “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 Carpenter’s 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 or email glabenxz@ vosymca.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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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
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
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.”
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
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 .........................9:30 a.m. (August) SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children.....................................................9:40 a.m. 480-963-3360 • www.chandlermethodist.org • 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.