October 6 – 19, 2012 59www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

Lost and found timeby LyNNE HARTKE

When my oldest son was in elementary school, he lost a jacket, so I stopped in the school office to go through the lost and found. The secretary pointed me to a large cardboard box in the corner of the back room — a really big cardboard box.

I felt like I was dumpster diving as I moved aside a Spiderman lunchbox and a basketball. I shook a Beauty and the Beast thermos and hoped it didn’t contain week-old chunky milk. I tossed aside hats and school binders, until finally I found my son’s blue sweatshirt.

I wish I could find lost time as easily.

The 45 minutes I waited at the doctor’s office. The 30 seconds I spent behind each red light on the way to work. The 10 minutes in the checkout lane. The half-hour wait each week for music lessons.

We live in a culture that doesn’t like to waste time. We view waiting as lost time and do everything to avoid it, filling the space with multitasking, impatience and snapping at those who slow us down.

What if instead of losing time, we found it? All those minutes when we are forced to wait due to circumstances beyond our control? What if we viewed

it as found time? Found time to pray. Reflect. Sit in silence. Found time to read a magazine. Or a book. Found time to talk to a friend. Or a spouse. Or a child. Found time to listen to God.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Next time you find yourself waiting, choose to embrace the found time.

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.

Spiritual Reflections

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Spiritual Reflections

Lynne Hartke with husband Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship. Submitted photo

Church hosts blood drive

Help save a life by giving blood at Chandler Christian Church’s blood drive. The blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6 at 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

One blood donation can help as many as three people.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.bloodhero.com and enter the sponsor code ChandlerCC.

Desert Cross holds community festival

Food, retail vendors, children’s activities, raffles and a silent auction highlight Desert Cross Lutheran Church’s community festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Fri., Nov. 2 at 3225 S. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert.

Donations benefit a youth mission trip to Honduras, church ministries and other outreach programs. Nonperishable food items are also being collected for a local food bank.

For more information, contact Lisa Derra at 480-895-9923 or lisaderra@gmail.com. Visit www.desertcross.org for church details.

60 October 6 – 19, 2012 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

19620 S. McQueen Rd.Chandler, AZ 85286480.726.0399

Temple gets piece of Torah history

The community is invited to honor a part of history at a rededication ceremony for a Torah that survived the Holocaust. The ceremony, held during Temple Havurat Emet’s regular service, is at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 5 at the Lecky Center of the Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

The Torah’s history dates back to 1650 in Czechoslovakia and is on long-term loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust in London. The Torah “is a powerful symbol of the determination of so many who risked their lives and those who gave their lives so that a culture and religion could survive.”

Info: visit www.templehavuratemet.org.

St. Steven’s celebrates 25 years Homecoming dance, casino night to benefit church

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, St. Steven’s Catholic Church hosts a concert series beginning Fri., Oct. 5 with bluegrass music performed by Copper River Band.

Chandler Children’s Choir performs Fri., Nov. 9, and Tetra String Quartet highlights the Fri., Dec. 7 performance. The St. Steven’s choir’s Christmas concert is Thu., Dec. 20. All shows are $10 per person, and tickets can be purchased online or in the church office.

For more information, call 480-895-9266, or visit www.StStevensaz.org.

Homecoming danceEnjoy dinner and dancing as part

of the 25th anniversary celebration of St. Steven’s Catholic Church. The “Homecoming” dance is from 5 to 9 p.m. Fri., Oct. 26.

The band “Come Back Buddy” provides the music. A spaghetti dinner prepared by the knights of Columbus will be served and a host bar will be available.

Organizers are also putting together a slide show with prom

pictures of parish members. Pictures will be scanned at the church and returned.

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds go toward the church’s statue project.

For more information, call 480-895-9266, ext. 107.

Casino nightEnjoy games, gambling, food

and drinks at the second annual Casino Party Night in St. Steven’s Catholic Church’s Great Hall. The party, sponsored by the knights of Columbus Council #9678, is 5 to 10 p.m. Fri., Nov. 16.

Casino games include blackjack, roulette and craps. Tickets are $25 per person, which includes an all-you-can-eat gourmet hot dog meal and $200 worth of casino chips. There will also be a cash bar.

Proceeds go toward a St. Steven’s statue for the church grounds. To purchase tickets, call Dennis at 480-802-0775 or Al at 480-895-3955.

St. Steven’s Catholic Church is at 24827 S. Dobson Rd. in Sun Lakes.

Temple Emanuel celebrates holidays

Wrap up the High Holiday season, a time of “prayer, self-reflection and repentance,” with services at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Rd.

The holiday season concludes with Yizkor at 9:30 a.m. Sat., Oct. 6; Sukkot at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6; and Simchat Torah at 6 p.m. Sun., Oct. 7.

Temple Emanuel serves Reform Jewish families. To purchase tickets, call 480-838-1414 or visit www.emanueloftempe.org.

SLJC to hold services, sisterhood eventsSisterhood plans meetings, donations

Donate to those in need and hear informative guest speakers as part of Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood’s upcoming programs.

On Thu., Oct. 18, Nancy Brandon of Scottsdale Healthcare talks about improving brain function and keeping a sharp memory. On Thu., Nov. 15, Sue Ellen Allen of Gina’s Team speaks about how women leaving the prison system transition to life outside prison. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. in the Chapel House at 9240 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

The Sisterhood is also accepting donations for their “Toys From the Heart” program, which provides underprivileged children with gifts for the holidays. To donate, send a check made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249.

In addition, the Sisterhood seeks donations for baskets and auction items for their Card Party in February. Proceeds from the auction go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and proceeds from the basket raffles go to local charities.

To learn more, contact Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.

October 6 – 19, 2012 61www.SanTanSun.com SpiritualityChurch addresses uncertainties

Clear up spiritual doubts at the “YouTube Atheist” series at Freshwater Church. The series is from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Sundays through Oct. 14 at Centennial Elementary, 3507 S. Ranch House Pkwy., Gilbert.

Each Sunday, Pastor Jeff Jibben presents a clip from a YouTube atheist talking about a common religious doubt, followed by a researched response.

For more details, visit www.freshwaterchurch.net or call 480-559-9137.

Congregation recognizes B’Nai Mitzvah class

Celebrate the 2012 B’Nai Mitzvah class in a service officiated by Rabbi Irwin Wiener Fri., Oct. 12 at Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, 9240 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

Celebrants include Adrian Bendick, Arleen and Jeff Berke, Carol Biales, Myra Buckner, Arleene Forgang, karen Hasenfus, Phyllis Novy, Irma Shapiro, Susie and Larry Shapiro, Mary Swerdloff, Judy Weissman and Judy Wolin.

An Oneg Shabbat follows the services.

Students may honor a loved one by wearing one of their tallits or other garb that was used by them or another family member at a previous mitzvah.

For more information, call Gail at 480-802-1832.

Learn more about what may happen Dec. 21, reportedly the “end of the world” according to the Mayan calendar, at this seminar at Unity of Chandler Wed., Oct. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Find out about “inter-dimensional races of love, what they are planning, what a gateway is and how this new and powerful Divine Love entry is bringing new clarity to the changes necessary in the current planetary course.”

Maria Lucia, author of “Liberation, Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles” and founder of two Spiritual Heart

schools presents the seminar. The talk is for metaphysical audiences. A love offering of $11 is requested.

Sunday services announcedListen to inspirational messages

and music at Unity of Chandler’s services. Rev. Lori Fleming leads the services from 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays. Sunday school for

children is at the same time.Unity of Chandler is at 325 N. Austin

Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. For details, call 480-792-1800 or visit

www.unityofchandler.org.

Unity presents seminar, servicesMetaphysical seminar planned

Meetings encourage learning, friendship

Krafty bazaar in Sun Lakes

Temple Beth hosts Pastafest

‘50s Sock Hop, services at VUU

Girls can participate in fun activities and projects while learning about their heritage at Girls Night Out meetings at Chabad of the East Valley, 3875 W. Ray Rd., Suite 6, Chandler.

Attendees learn about the “positive contributions they can make to themselves, their families and the

Jewish community at large.”The meetings are for girls ages 11 to

13 and are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Upcoming meetings are Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. The cost is $10 per meeting.

To learn more, email Masha at masha@chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333.

A wide variety of handmade items will be on sale during the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church krafters’ annual bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 3 at Lindsay Hall, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

All items are made by the krafters, many in fall and winter colors, including floral wreaths and arrangements; doll clothing and doll beds to fit American Dolls; large exterior home wooden candles; carriers for any electronic reader; table linens, some geared

towards the Jewish holidays; wooden pumpkins and more.

Simple Treasures Boutique includes crystal, china and silver items and other household pieces. There’s also a jewelry section with an assortment of trinkets for personal use or as gifts.

Homemade food will be part of the bake sale, which organizers say “is always a major draw.”

“Our jalapeno jelly is always in big demand,” says publicist Sharon Slocum. Refreshments will also be available.

An evening of pasta dining under the stars with a face-matching game called Pasta-Punem Bingo is open to the community at 6 p.m. Sat., Oct. 27 hosted by Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler.

Attendees will match members’ baby faces, or punem, to their adult faces, with prizes for those who identify the most correct punems.

“The Pasta-Punem night is a great opportunity to gather new, long-time and prospective members for a wonderful evening of fun, food and friendship,” according to Temple Beth’s Barbara Tricoci.

Cost is $7 for per adults by Oct. 12 and $9 by Oct. 14. Cost for children

ages 6 to 12 is $5, and children younger than 5 are free. Admission at the door is $10 for adults.

Make reservations by sending a check, noting it is for Pastafest, to Temple Beth Sholom, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224. If using a credit card, call 480-897-3636 or email number of attendees to Michele at Pastafest@tbsev.org.

Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley is a conservative congregation founded more than 60 years ago and includes a sanctuary, social hall, religious school, Sholom Preschool, youth lounge, administrative offices and a Judaica shop.

For more information, call 480-632-0603.

Dig out bobby socks and pleated skirts and join the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation at a 1950s Sock Hop from 7 to 9 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6.

It’s part of the annual Cabaret entertainment with singers, musicians and dancers performing.

Refreshments, including root beer floats, served from a ‘50s era soda fountain are included in the price of the ticket, which is $8 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and younger or $20 for a family in advance; at the door, cost is $12 for adults, $6 for ages 12 and younger and students with family price of $25.

Babysitting is available with a suggested donation of $5, although Cabaret organizers say school-aged children will probably enjoy at least the first half of the show.

upcoming servicesNew minister Rev. Andy Burnette’s

service for 10:30 a.m. Sun., Oct. 7 is “I Think You’re Using That Word Wrong: The Ugly Legacy of the Doctrine of

Discovery.” It’s also Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Burnette will explore the history of The Doctrine of Discovery, which he says is “the foundation for a system of discrimination which is thriving in the U.S. today.” A choral ensemble from the choir will sing a Holly Near piece.

Then on Sun., Oct. 14, Mary Rothschild of the congregation will lead the service with “We’re All Values Voters!” by examining “the world of voting our Unitarian Universalist principles, what it entails and what it demands.” The Adult Choir will sing.

VUU is located at 6400 West Del Rio St., south of Ray at Mckemy, in Chandler. Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.vuu.org or call 480-899-4249.

62 October 6 – 19, 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.

Craft sale planned at church

Church coffee shop now open

Students are invited to grab some coffee while they study or relax Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Oasis Coffee Shop on the patio of Chalice Christian Church, 15303 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert.

Oasis Coffee Shop offers a complimentary espresso drink, coffee or tea. There is free Wi-Fi.

For more information, call 480-227-1442 or visit www.chalicechristian.com.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate reading with the annual Scholastic Book Fair Nov. 5 through 9 at the East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Books and other items will be for sale with proceeds going to the Early Childhood Learning Center at the EVJCC.

The week culminates with a performance of “Old MacDonald” by Arizona Puppet Theater as part

of EVJCC’s literacy project. The show is at 3:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 7 in the multipurpose room. Tickets are $5 for children ages 1 and older and adults are free. Snacks will be provided. For each book purchased at the book fair, buyers will receive a free ticket to the puppet show.

For more information, call 480-897-0588, visit www.evjcc.org or email info@evjcc.org.

Start your holiday gift shopping at Chalice Christian Church’s second annual Arts and Crafts Fair. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Oct. 27 at the church, 15303 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert.

The fair will feature crafts from vendors from around the state. In addition to arts and crafts, there will be a food vendor, bake sale and bounce house for children. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 480-227-1442.

Book fair to benefit youth

Raffle, sale to benefit chapel

Do some bargain shopping and support the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes at the eighth annual treasure sale. The sale is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fri., Nov. 16 and from 7 a.m. to noon Sat. Nov. 17 at the Chapel Center, 9240 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

The sale includes a large selection of items donated by people in the Sun Lakes area, including furniture, knickknacks, books and CDs.

To donate, leave items, excluding clothing and large electronics, on the back porch of the Chapel Center. For assistance with large items, call Harold at 480-326-1299.

The Chapel Board also organized a restaurant raffle. First prize is dinner for two at seven different restaurants. Second through sixth prize is dinner for two at five, four, three, two and one restaurants, respectively. Six additional prizes of restaurant gift certificates will be awarded.

Tickets are $1 each, seven tickets for $5 or 15 tickets for $10. Tickets may be purchased Oct. 20 at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., or Oct. 20 at the flea market at Phase One, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd. Winners will be chosen on the last day of the treasure sale and do not have to be present to win.

Proceeds from both events benefit the Sun Lakes Chapel, which hosts four congregations: Sun Lakes Community Church, Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, Sun Lakes Lutheran Church and Sun Lakes United Church of Christ. For details, call 480-326-1299 or 480-802-3281.

Reserve spot at Hanukkah celebration

Enjoy an evening of food and entertainment with friends at Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation’s Hanukkah celebration Sun., Dec. 16 in the ballroom of Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and includes a salad, a choice of baked Dover sole almondine or chicken piccata and dessert.

The cost is $45 per person and the dress code is cocktail attire. To make a reservation, send a check made out to Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation to 25803 Eastlake Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, and include your entree choice. For details, call Judy at 480-802-4944 or Marcia at 480-802-9455.

For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit www.SanTanSun.com and click on “Spirituality.”

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SHOPPERS: Visitors peruse the merchandise at last year’s Arts and Crafts Fair at Chalice Christian Church. Submitted photo