58 December 1 – 14, 2012 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

Invitation to God-sized planby lynnE HarTKE

Last Christmas, with our daughter’s upcoming wedding on the calendar, conversations involving tulle, guest lists and cupcake flavors were the norm at our house.

Not only wedding plans, but life plans. Talk about life after college graduation, about careers and setting up an apartment. Important after-the-wedding-and real-life-begins conversations.

hanging around a soon-to-be-married couple made me wonder what Mary experienced when the angel showed up and told her that she was about to become the mother of God’s son. Mary was also engaged to be married, betrothed to Joseph. Wedding

plans were in full swing. Life plans were being made. Mary was counting the days until she would be the wife of a carpenter in the small town of Nazareth.

Then the angel showed up with his “Fear Not” message, from Luke 1:26-38. Mary’s carefully laid plans were turned upside down with the realization that God was inviting her to a plan and a purpose that were bigger than she ever imagined.

God is still in the invitation-extending business. Like Mary, we have the opportunity to accept and then begin an adventure we

never dreamed possible – a mind-blowing journey that blasts our tightly held plans to smithereens.

We might wonder with Mary, “how is it possible?”

God never calls us to a purpose that does not also include his power. The angel told Mary, “And the power of the Most high will overshadow you, verse 35.” The overshadowing power of God. I like that. I need that.

With God on our side, nothing is impossible. Like Mary, we too, can carry a God-sized purpose and plan inside us, waiting to be birthed.

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

Spiritual Reflections

CCC features holiday colors, festive events

Show your holiday spirit at Chandler Christian Church throughout the holidays.

From now until the end of the Christmas season, the congregation is encouraged to wear the featured holiday color of the week, like white or silver Sun., dec. 2. For the list of colors, visit chandlercc.org/colors-of-christmas/. That night, families with children between 4 years old and sixth grade are invited to attend Family Worship Night’s “Countdown to Christmas” 4:30 to 6 p.m. To register, visit chandlercc.org/count-down-to-christmas-fwn/.

“Air1 and the Bridge” presents a free “Club Awesome Live” tour at 6:30 p.m. Tue., dec. 4, featuring 7eventh Time down, kJ-52 and Manafest. The Bridge is open to all ages. Read more at bridgeccc.com/events/concerts/.

Aspiring musicians and singers can audition for the worship team 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sun., dec. 9 in the Worship Center. No appointment is necessary.

For married couples, Re|Engage continues to meet at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Its focus is to help reignite, reconnect or resurrect your marriage through teachings and small-group discussions. To register, visit chandlercc.org/reengage/.

Lynne Hartke Submitted photo

December 1 – 14, 2012 59www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

Hanukkah story time at library Howl of a time with Temple Havurat Emet

Wonderland lights up Chanukah

CCC features holiday colors, festive events

Interactive Chanukah story time is 4:30 p.m. Tue., dec. 4 at the downtown branch of the Chandler Public Library, 22 S. delaware St.. The children’s library is on the second floor and the story time will be held in the story time room.

Pamela Morris, assistant Early Childhood Education director of the Early Childhood Learning Center at the East Valley Jewish Community Center, leads singing, dancing, crafts and stories related to the eight-night Jewish holiday.

For more information, email info@evjcc.org.

Also known as “The Wolfman,” Tom Wolf performs at Temple havurat Emet from 3 to 6 p.m. Sun., dec. 2 to the Arizona Room at the Sun Lakes Clubhouse, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd.

Performing for more than 25 years, Wolf favors tunes by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Ray Orbison and Patsy Cline.

Tickets are $10 each and are on sale Mondays and Fridays at the clubhouse and Thursdays at Ace hardware, 9666

E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information or to buy tickets, call 480-802-0185.

Rabbi Janet Madden and Cantor Nancy Cohen offer those 18 years and younger a return of the popular children’s service at 6:30 p.m. Fri., dec. 7 at Temple havurat Emet, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Regular service follows at 7:30.

For more information, visit templehavuratemet.org.

Chanukah is a festival of lights, latkes, spins of the dreidel and songs. Now families can add a free, hands-on Chanukah Wonderland to their list dec. 6 through 16 next to its McRay Plaza location, 3875 W. Ray Rd. Suite 6, at McClintock, Chandler.

“It is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” says Rabbi Mendy deitsch, director of Chabad of the East Valley.

Adults and children can experience the holiday in a modern and meaningful way through a crafts corner, computer center, olive press demonstration and a trip through an inflatable dreidel moonbounce.

“Judah the Maccabi” guides children in building menorahs and dreidels with Legos who then enjoy a movie in the Chanukah theatre.

A project of Chabad of the East Valley, Chanukah Wonderland opens its doors to the community from noon to 7 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

In the spirit of gift giving, families are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for children with special needs.

Chabad also holds an afternoon of ice-skating, food, music, raffles, prizes, crafts and a public lighting of an ice menorah when Chanukah on Ice! takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sun., dec. 9 at Polar Ice, 7225 W. harrison St., Chandler. Admission: $10 with skates; non-skater, $7.

Call 480-855-4333 or visit Chabadcenter.com for more information.

PresChooLers heLP needy

ACTS OF KINDNESS: The children at Ray of Light Christian Preschool, 800 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, spread the joy of Thanksgiving and helped those in need by holding a food drive for the Chandler Christian Community Center Food Bank. Submitted photo

60 December 1 – 14, 2012 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

Service Times:Sat. 5:00 PM, Sun. 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:15 AMServicio en español: Domingo 11:00 AMNE corner of Alma School Rd & Germann Rd1825 S. Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286480.963.3997 www.chandlercc.org

December events at Unity of ChandlerMeditation, healing music, spiritual alignment on calendar

Join dr. Mary Meadows when she shares her knowledge during an evening program that starts with vegetarian potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. and then a breath meditation workshop at 7 p.m., Fri., dec. 7 at unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin dr., Suite 4, Chandler. A $10 donation is requested.

Meadows created “Breath of Light,” a breathing and meditation technique to use for managing pain, releasing stress

and cleansing the body of emotional trauma.For details, call 480-440-8231.

awakening journeyExperience the sounds

of music and frequency in meditation when Zephryn uses indigenous instruments, such as crystal bowls, bells, flutes, autoharp, voice and piano, 7 p.m. Wed., dec. 12. A $10 donation is requested.

Participants are asked to dress comfortably for a breath and yoga warm-up that precedes the program, which can be watched sitting up or lying down. Bring a mat or blanket if lying down.

For details, call 480-774-9844.

love, laughter, musicInternational performing

artists Armand and Angelina presents an evening of classical, pop and original songs, as well as stories and humor 7 p.m. Fri., dec. 14. Among selections they will perform are their versions of Ave Maria, the theme from Romeo and Juliet, and original love songs.

The duo also holds a workshop to teach playing the

flute at 1:30 p.m. Sun., dec. 16. A $35 donation is requested for the performance.

For details, visit armandandangelina.com.

Come ready to work, celebrateAn evening program that

combines planetary work and spiritual alignment with a celebration of the Winter Solstice is 7 to 10 p.m. Fri., dec. 21. Featured guest is Maria Lucia, book author and founder of the Choose Love 2012 campaign. donation is $11.

Those planning to attend are asked to move into a spiritual preparation three days before the gathering by spending time in stillness and alignment.

Visit chooselove2012.com for more details.For information about these programs, call 480-792-1800

or visit unityofchandler.org.

Dr. Mary Meadows

Maria Lucia Submitted photoMEDITATIVE MUSIC: Zephryn plays indigenous instruments on Dec. 12. Submitted photo

Armand and Angelina Submitted photo

Hanukkah stories, songs shared

Fun activities for children

Miss Leslie of The Syndi Scheck yad B’yad Preschool at Temple Emanuel brings a whole “latke” fun to the temple’s hanukkah Story Time & Book Fair, 10:30 a.m. Sun., dec. 9 at Changing hands Bookstore, 6428 S. McClintock drive, Tempe.

Preschoolers and their families listen to a few hanukkah stories and sing some of their favorite holiday songs. Afterwards, attendees can shop for books to take home, with 20% of proceeds from each purchase going directly back to Temple Emanuel.

Leslie Scheck is the director of The Syndi Scheck yad B’yad Preschool at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, which serves Reform Jewish families in the East Valley. The Temple is at 5801 S. Rural Rd. in Tempe. For information, visit emanueloftempe.org or call 480-838-1414.

Children in grades one through six are invited to light the ice menorah at the Chabad youth Zone’s Chanukah on Ice activity, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sun., dec. 9 at Polar Ice Chandler, 7225 W. harrison St., Chandler. Those who sign up get entry to ice skate as well as passes for crafts and activities.

“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 of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3875 W. Ray Rd., Suite 6, Chandler. “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.”

To RSVP, email Masha@chabadcenter.com.

December 1 – 14, 2012 61www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

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

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

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

All Are Welcome.

Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913

www.ChandlerMethodist.org

Church holds arts festival

WORKS OF ART: Shoppers browse original art at last year’s Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Holiday Arts Festival. Submitted photo

Original works by local artists will be on display and for sale at the Valley unitarian universalist Congregation’s 9th annual holiday Arts Festival from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sat., dec. 8 at 6400 W. del Rio St., Chandler.

Proceeds support local charities and the congregation’s spiritual programs. Lunch will be available for a nominal fee.

For more information, call 480-899-4249.

SLJC Sisterhood wraps up seasonGift wrapping is Thu., dec. 13 for the Toys

from the heart program sponsored by the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood. Toys will be distributed on the morning of Tue., dec. 18 to the kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School in Chandler. Call committee co-chair Trudie at 480-883-7749 to learn more.

donations for toys can be made by sending a check in any amount made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 3495 E. County down dr., Chandler, AZ 85249. Write “toys” on the memo line.

Celebrate Chanukah in styleReservations are now being accepted for

the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation’s annual Chanukah Celebration at 6 p.m. Sun., dec. 16 at the Oakwood Ballroom in Sun Lakes which includes a meal and entertainment by Thaddeus Rose.

The cost is $45 per person. Send a check, made out to SLJC Sisterhood, to 25803 Eastlake dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Include a dinner preference – chicken piccata or baked dover sole. Send all the checks for a table in the same envelope.

For more information, call co-chairs Judy at 480-802-4944 or Marcia at 480-802-9455.

other sisterhood newsThe strategic planner / women veteran

coordinator for the Arizona department of Veterans’ Services, Gabe Forsberg, discusses women in the military and the distinct and separate issues they face in the service, as guest speaker of the SLJC. The program is at 1 p.m. Thu., Jan. 17, 2013 in the Chapel house at 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

The deadline to order Mah Jongg cards for

2013 is Jan. 31, 2013. 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 information, call Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.

save the date for card partyMark your calendars for the Sun Lakes Jewish

Congregation Sisterhood’s annual card party at 10 a.m. Tue., Feb. 12, 2013 at the Oakwood Ballroom in Sun Lakes. The menu includes a trio salad lunch with fresh fruit and dessert.

The cost is $25 per person. Send checks, made out to SLJC Sisterhood, to 570 N. Scott dr., Chandler, AZ 85225. Indicate which game you are playing and ensure all checks for lunch and game tables are sent in one envelope. Anyone who is unable to put together a full game table will have it done for them.

An array of baskets will be raffled and a silent auction for St. Jude’s Children’s hospital will feature, along with several other items up for bid, a reconditioned golf cart. There will also be door prizes, cash awards and a bake sale. Call Myra at 480-305-0533 for details about donating baked goods.

For more information or to donate new merchandise for baskets, call co-chairs Mary at 480-802-9855 or Susie at 480-883-7117.

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.

Send us your church, temple events

62 December 1 – 14, 2012 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

(childcare provided)

Sunday Adult Bible Study: 9 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School: 9 a.m.

NewPreschoolEXPLORING MY

WORLDPRESCHOOL

NowEnrolling!

Please Join us for ourChristmas PageantDecember 16th, 10:30 Service

Christmas Service: December 24th

6 p.m. Lessons and Carols11 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion

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.comCelebrate 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.comCelebrate 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.comChristian 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.comChristian business networking, E ast 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.comDivorceCare 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.comEast 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, maline@evjcc.orgEast 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, beadlover@cox.netgriefshare6:30-8:30 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.comH.o.P.E. – Help overcoming Painful 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: hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.orgJewish Women international, avodah Chapter 1581Monthly luncheonIguana Mack’s1371 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerRSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812Jumpstart11:45 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, 480-539-8933Kid’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.orgMoms 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.orgMonthly 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: 480-232-3773national 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, 480-883-8871revive, 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.orgrosary Prayer3 p.m. second Friday of each monthSt. Steven’s Catholic Church24827 S. dobson Rd., Sun LakesInfo: 480-895-9266spiritual 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: vizzit@hotmail.com, 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 News@SanTanSun.com.