54 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

Oh! Lord I do need to be patient, thoughtfulBy FATHER PIERRE HISSEy

Help me to learn tolerance with those who disagree with me, whether I am right or wrong. These past several months I have witnessed so much disagreement and arguing among peoples; to the point of losing their temper, some even becoming irrational, refusing to speak to one another over current key issues. In all of this, Lord, where are You? I pray for the gift of having a difference of opinion, feeling strong about my faith, sticking to my guns without getting angry with someone who cannot agree with me, either because they do not have the gift of faith or do not understand. I cannot afford to assume bad will because we do not

hold the same opinion and cannot seem to come to terms. However, I cannot dilute my beliefs when it comes to matters of faith or morals, or to ease my conscience, because someone can talk louder than I can or is a better debater. In all things, I want to be true to You, oh Lord, and true to myself, and be able to leave a discussion or conversation at peace that I have been able to, at least, listen, say what I can and leave without hatred or discomfort in my heart. I can only do this, Lord, if I stay walking in Your presence.

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

VUU to start Saturday service‘Longest Night’ Dec. 20

a weekly Saturday afternoon service will start at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Valley unitarian universalist Congregation (Vuu), 6400 W. del Rio, Chandler. This is in addition to the regular 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning services.

In an email to members, Senior Minister Rev. andy Burnette says the additional offering is to provide flexibility for the congregation, and both services will be similar, yet slightly different.

“No matter which service you choose, you’ll hear the same announcements, the same sermon, and though the songs may be a bit different you will still be invited into a vibrant, exciting Vuu-style worship experience,” he notes.

The intergenerational Saturday afternoon service will include a variety of options for the children and youth, including where families can feel comfortable attending the worship service together, according to director of Lifespan Religious Education Marci Beaudoin.

She says a second option, “for children 6 to 99 years old,” will be a “Children’s Chapel,” where children and youth can participate and lead a unitarian universalist worship in a setting that is developmentally appropriate.

“during the Children’s Chapel experience, children will lead and be led in singing and movement, lighting the chalice, sharing joys and sorrows, collecting a ‘button’ offering, hearing a story and sharing their feelings,” she explains. “They will be given the opportunity to participate in the ritual elements of worship in a meaningful way.”

a third option for children during the Saturday service will be childcare, for infants to age 8, in room six of the RE complex.

‘Longest Night’ serviceTor those struggling with grief,

the loss of a loved one, divorce, illness, depression, job loss or other issues, or are just overwhelmed by the chaos of the season, a “quiet meaningful service” will be held at 7 p.m. Thu., dec. 20 in the Vuu Sanctuary. The “Longest Night service” will be a “calming service” where “mixed emotions can be acknowledged; and peace, comfort, and hope brought into the lives of those in need.”

Vuu is a welcoming, intergenerational unitarian universalist congregation with “no fixed creed … that nurtures each person’s life-long spiritual journey.”

More information at vuu.org.

Nominate a family that could use a little help this Christmas to receive gifts and a care package from the Heart of Christmas program, sponsored by Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. alma School Rd., Chandler.

Heart of Christmas donations; i.e., gifts, gift cards and care package bags, should be returned to the church by Sun. dec. 16.

For more information, visit chandlercc.org/heart-of-christmas-family.

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 55www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

hoLIday sPIrIt at ChaNdLer PresbyterIaN

EXPLORING: PPreschoolers at Exploring My World Learning Center at Chandler Presbyterian get in the holiday mood by making ornaments, decorating a tree for the church sanctuary and wrapping gifts. Showing off their holiday ornaments above are, from left, Tyler Rake, Alyssa Mills and Britton Peterson. A group of the youngsters, lower right, Liviya Torres, Charlotte Shimkus, Shane Beemer, Cameron White, Mackenna Murphy and Trejan Lebeau, help trim the tree while Mackenna Murphy and Charlotte Shimkus help at the gift wrapping station at the preschool, located at 500 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Info: exploringmyworld.com. STSN photos by Jane Meyer

It’s a night out for the ladies of Chandler Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m. Mon., dec. 17 at the home of LaVerne Walters, 24128 S.W. Lakeway Cir., Sun Lakes, who will make the main dish.

Guests should bring an appetizer, salad or dessert. Ladies are also asked to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the church in Sacaton.

For information, contact Jenn Rake at 480-963-3821 or office@chandlerpres.org.

It’s time to register for Mothers of Preschoolers, with new groups beginning in January on Monday nights, Wednesday mornings and Thursday mornings at Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. alma School Rd., Chandler.

For more information, visit chandlercc.org/mops-spring-registrations-2013.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. begins with a short devotion at the Perfect Place adult day Services, located on the campus of the Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School, 23914 S. alma School Rd., Sun Lakes.

after that, everyone shares something about themselves: where they grew up, what they did for a living, family life or favorite activities.

It’s all part of the fun at this social program, which continues through the afternoon with playing cards, bingo, a bean-bag toss, entertainment, snacks and a short session of chair exercises.

Volunteers are welcome. Contributions from service organizations or personal donations to the program’s scholarship fund and Beanie Babies are appreciated.

For more information, call Judy Waltersdorf at 480-895-2892, ext. 3, or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.

Recommend families for ‘Heart of Christmas’

Church hosts ladies’ night out

MOPS registration time

‘Perfect’ afternoons

Stop by for a look at Chandler united Methodist Church’s Chrismon Tree in the worship center, a 50-year tradition for the congregation.

“Chrismon” is a combination of parts of two words: “CHRISt” and “MoNogram.” a Chrismon is a monogram of Christ.

The Chrismons were made in 1962 by a group of women from the church. Most are white with gold decoration of beads, ribbon and other embellishments.

Chandler’s first church, Chandler united Methodist Church at 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd., celebrates 100 years in Chandler in January 2013.

Sunday school for children, youth and teens is 9:10 a.m. on Sundays. There are two adult Sunday school classes, the “Spirit Seekers” at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, and a 9 a.m. class.

Sunday worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Fellowship hour with light refreshments is enjoyed between the two services. Both worship services are traditional services. For more information, call 480-963-3360 or visit chandlermethodist.org.

56 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 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

50th anniversary of ‘Chrismon’ Tree at CUMC

“Chrismon” Tree Submitted photo

Party all night with Knights

Light Hanukkah candles

Celebrate winter solstice

Celebrate the season with the knights of Columbus Christmas dinner-dance Sat., dec. 15 at the Sun Lakes Phase I Ballroom.

Cocktail hour is at 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and catered by donna and the Southwest Grill Gang. Entertainment

and dancing run from 7 to 10 p.m. The cost is $20 per person.

For tickets, call Tom Phar at 480-802-0049, Joe Galassi at 480-895-1350 or Ed Berger 480-794-1734. For information, email RSVP@sunlakeskofc.org.

The SanTan Sun community is invited to the free annual Family Hanukkah Party, 6:30 p.m. Sat., dec. 15 at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 W. dobson Rd., Chandler.

There will be a lighting of the Hanukkah candles, activities for children, latkes and desserts. a cash bar is offered.

To RSVP, call 480-897-3636 or email chanukaparty@tbsev.org.

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

Those planning to attend the program,

held at unity of Chandler, 325 N. austin dr., Suite 4, Chandler, are asked to move into a spiritual preparation three days before the gathering by spending time in stillness and alignment.

For information, call 480-792-1800 or visit unityofchandler.org or chooselove2012.com.

Don’t let celebration go down drainFamilies who eat fried potato pancakes,

a traditional Hanukkah dish called latkes, while celebrating the Jewish holiday, are asked to save the cooking oil and bring it to Temple Emanuel of Tempe at 5801 S. Rural Rd. in Tempe so it can be recycled as biodiesel fuel.

all local families, whether Temple members or not, who wish to recycle any cooking oil should allow the oil to cool, then pour it into a closable container and bring it to the Temple. Pour it into the marked recycling barrel in the parking lot from REV Biodiesel.

REV also collects oil from restaurants around the Valley and processes the oil into environmentally friendly biodiesel fuel at its Gilbert production plant. The barrel is on site through the end of december.

“Recycling our latke oil may be just a drop in the bucket, but we hope to send a signal to our neighbors that our actions matter, and that together we can save the world,” says Rabbi dean Shapiro.”

For more information, call 480-838-1414 or visit emanueloftempe.org.

RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL23914 S. Alma School Road • Chandler, AZ 85248

Phone: 480-895-6782 • Email: info@RSLCS.org • Website: www.RSLCS.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES7:30 a.m. Traditional Worship8:50 a.m. Contemporary Worship8:50 a.m. Kids Church (Sunday School)8:50 a.m. Adult Forum (Bible Study)

10:10 a.m. Contemporary Worship10:10 a.m. Kids Church (Sunday School)11:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with Communion

Christmas Eve WorshipC O M M U N I O N A T A L L S E R V I C E S

3:00 p.m. Family Friendly Service with Carols & Songs Led by Worship Band5:00 p.m. Family Friendly Service with Carols & Songs Led by Worship Band7:00 p.m. Traditional Worship with Organ9:00 p.m. Traditional Worship with Organ & Candlelight Choir

11:00 p.m. Traditional Worship with Carols & Candlelight

Complimentary refreshments between services.

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 57www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

CHRISTMAS EVECandlelight Worship ........................4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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

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

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL .........9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

All Are Welcome.

Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913

www.ChandlerMethodist.org

Centennial Sunday: January 20, 2013

A Place of LoveChristmas Eve

Candlelight Service, 6 p.m.

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.Hamilton High School Auditorium

3700 S. Arizona Ave.www.loc-az.org 480-899-1400

Toys are distributed by the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood on the morning of Tue., dec. 18 to the kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School in Chandler. donations to purchase 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. For more information, call committee co-chair Trudie at 480-883-7749.

Reservations for ChanukahThe annual SLJC’s annual Chanukah

Celebration is 6 p.m. Sun., dec. 16 at the oakwood Ballroom in Sun Lakes. The cost, which includes a meal and entertainment by Thaddeus Rose, 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 information, call co-chairs Judy at 480-802-4944 or Marcia at 480-802-9455.

More Sisterhood newsGabe Forsberg, strategic planner /

women veteran coordinator for the arizona department of Veterans’ Services, 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.

Mah Jongg cards for 2013 can be ordered until 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.

Note cards are also 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 details, call Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.

Mark your calendara trio salad with fresh fruit and dessert is

served at the Sisterhood’s annual card party, 10 a.m. Tue., Feb. 12, 2013 at the oakwood Ballroom in Sun Lakes. 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 assortment 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.

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

SLJC Sisterhood gifting toys Christmas Eve candlelight servicea bilingual, multi-generational

family service with traditional Christmas scriptures and music is held from 7 to 8 p.m. Mon., dec. 24 at Trinity Christian Fellowship, 50 S.

McQueen Rd., Chandler.For more information,

call 480-963-7698 or visit tcfchandler.org.

Christian Academy adds Spanish immersion

Four- and 5-year-old children can learn Spanish in a new class starting Jan. 9, 2013 at Chandler Christian academy, 301 N. Hartford St.

The Spanish Immersion Early Learning Class, taught by Marylou Godinez, is designed both for children who do not yet understand nor speak Spanish as well as children who are more proficient in Spanish. In this dual-language program, children learn developmentally appropriate, functional use of the Spanish language, according to a news release.

“our program blends teacher directed and child initiated activities throughout the afternoon, as well as supports the acquisition of Spanish language and literacy skills,” says the academy’s ashley Price. “Through the meaningful and relevant content and engaging activities, children will acquire

Spanish fluency and the disposition to be lifelong learners.”

The “Lunch Bunch” class is from noon to 1 p.m. and the “Spanish Champs” from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students currently enrolled in the morning preschool pay an additional $225 per month; Spanish Champs is $285 a month.

Chandler Christian academy is a nonprofit, non-denominational independent Christian preschool through eighth grade “where the traditions and successes of Chandler Christian School are married to the vision and opportunity of San Tan Christian academy, creating a dynamic loving learning environment that embraces the future and relies on its past.”

For details, call 480-963-0748 or visit chandlerchristianacademy.org.

58 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

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

Christian 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 Room

4450 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 JCC908 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

Hearing God’s Voice8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sundays, from Jan. 6 to March 10, 2013For ages from junior high to adult. Childcare available. No charge.Trinity Christian Fellowship50 S. McQueen Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-7698, tcfchandler.org

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

Kid’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.org

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

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.