Nov. 17 – 30, 2012 51www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

We enjoy our religious freedomby Father Pierre

Our country amidst many pitfalls has enjoyed religious freedom since we were founded. As much as I have taken it for granted, I realize that this is not true in most of the rest of the world. Our religious freedom has not been won easily. It has come at the cost of much bloodshed, misunderstanding, alienation and criticism, and as imperfect as it may be, it is ours.

Many have come from other countries to be able to practice their faith without fear of being killed or imprisoned. Most of us, Lord, believe in You with a very small percentage who don’t. I believe that we can live in peace in serving You, Lord, because You love us

all. But knowing that we are a nation founded under You, as our protector, we have called upon You in battle and in times of thanksgiving. It hurts me to see Your name slowly disappearing from our public buildings, our schools and our official documents. You are the Creator and the center of the Universe, the source of life, the giver of life and I promise to keep You and Your word present before me and to promote religious freedom in whatever way I can serve the good of the community.

Father Pierre Hissey is pastor of St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes. Info: saintstevensparish.org, call 480-895-9266.

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

Thanksgiving meal donations needed

Impoverished families need adoption

Church serving Thanksgiving feast

Food items are needed for the Chandler Presbyterian Church’s Thanksgiving Feast at Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC).

People are welcome to donate cooked or frozen turkeys, dinner rolls, boxed dressing, large cans of green beans, large cans of corn, boxed mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, bottled water, pies, cakes, ice, fruit punch syrup, and/or paper plates, plastic silverware, paper napkins and plastic glasses.

Nonperishable items must be dropped off on Sunday morning, Nov. 18 or between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mon., Nov. 19 through Wed., Nov. 21 at Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.

Uncooked turkeys must be dropped off on Sun., Nov. 18. Cooked turkeys, rolls, desserts and ice should be taken directly to the CCCC, located at 345 S. California St., Chandler, between 3 and 5 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 21. Info: 480-963-3821.

The Adopt-A-Family program at St. Steven’s Catholic Church is now underway, with sponsors needed to accept a gift guide for toys, clothing, household items and food items for a Christmas dinner.

Many adoptees are referred by clergy from the Catholic Church or members of St. Vincent de Paul, who help deserving families complete an application during required home visits.

Sponsor applications are in the parish office, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes.

For more information, call 480-895-9266, ext. 200.

Local residents are invited to the 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day Citywide Feast, 5 to 8 p.m. Wed., Nov. 21 at Chandler Christian Community Center, 345 S. California St., Chandler.

The community outreach is offered by

Gospel 4 Life Church, 19609 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Tyronne Stowe and First Lady Elise Stowe.

For more information or to make a donation, call 480-343-0022.

52 Nov. 17 – 30, 2012 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

19620 S. McQueen Rd.Chandler, AZ 85286480.726.0399

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

Temple offers concert, kids service

Sisterhood plans for holidays

Special events for music buffs and children are in store at Temple Havurat Emet, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

The first features singer Tom Wolf, also known as “The Wolfman,” who performs 3 to 6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2 at the Arizona Room at the Sun Lakes Clubhouse, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd. Wolf has been performing for more than 25 years and favors tunes by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ray Orbison and Patsy Cline, among others.

Tickets are $10 each, and go on sale Mondays and Fridays at the clubhouse and Thursdays at Ace Hardware, 9666 E. Riggs Rd. For more information or to buy tickets, call 480-802-0185.

For those 18 years and younger, Rabbi Janet Madden and Cantor Nancy Cohen offer a return of the popular children’s service at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 7. Regular service follow at 7:30.

For more information, visit templehavuratemet.org.

The kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School in Chandler are receiving gifts for the holidays from the Toys from the Heart program sponsored by the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood.

Toys are distributed on the morning of Tue., Dec. 18, and gift wrapping is Thu., Dec. 13 at the home of committee co-chair Trudie. Call her at 480-883-7749 to learn more.

Donations for the program 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.

Other Sisterhood newsMah Jongg cards for 2013 can be ordered for $7 for

regular-sized print and $8 for large print. Send a check made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 9201 E. Crystal Drive, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. The deadline for orders is Jan. 31, 2013. Include the names and addresses of each person who’s getting a card if ordering more than one.

Hear Gabe Forsberg, strategic planner / women veteran coordinator for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, talk about women in the military and the distinct and separate issues they face in the service, as guest speaker of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood. The program is at 1 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Chapel House, at 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

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.

adult bible study11 a.m. TuesdaysBook of John, Chapters 7-9.Chandler Presbyterian Church, Room 51500 W. Germann Rd., ChandlerInfo: chandlerpres.org

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.com

Celebrate 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.com

Celebrate 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.com

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.

Nov. 17 – 30, 2012 53www.SanTanSun.com SpiritualityChristian 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.com

Christian business Networking, east 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.com

DivorceCare 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.com

east 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 JCC

908 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Emily Malin, 480-897-0588, maline@evjcc.org

east 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.net

GriefShare6:30-8:30 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.com

h.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.org

Jewish Women international, avodah Chapter 1581Monthly luncheonIguana Mack’s1371 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerRSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812

JumpStart11:45 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, 480-539-8933

Moms 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.org

Monthly 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: 480-232-3773

National 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, 480-883-8871

revive, 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.org

rosary Prayer3 p.m. second Friday of each monthSt. Steven’s Catholic Church24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun LakesInfo: 480-895-9266

Spiritual 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

Women’s bible study9 a.m. SundaysLiz Higg’s “Bad Girls of the Bible”Chandler Presbyterian Church, Pastor George’s study1500 W. Germann Rd., ChandlerInfo: chandlerpres.org

54 Nov. 17 – 30, 2012 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

New PreschoolEXPLORING MY WORLD PRESCHOOL

Now Enrolling!

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

(childcare provided)

Sunday Adult Bible Study: 9 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School: 9 a.m.

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