56 May 4 – 17, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

We live in a cacophony of noise

by barbara DillarDLet’s be honest, we live in a

cacophony of noise. Much is an outgrowth of living and as such is unavoidable. Responsibilities of work and family each add to the parade of sound that fills our days. Some fuel us with delight—the words of praise for a job well done, the laughter of our grandchildren and the greeting of that beloved pet when we return home. Others, not so lovely, rub like sandpaper—the morning alarm clock, the police siren behind our speeding car or the bickering of our children.

But there is noise that we invite into our daily lives like a long lost friend. It is the noise of entertainment. And though we

welcome it, I fear it comes to us at great cost. Our culture’s obsession with media, music, gaming and apps can leave our heart tank on empty. Without time for quiet reflection, we enter into a danger zone where we hardly know ourselves, much less the God who made us. We become numb to the cry of our soul for meaning and purpose.

There is a sweet spot in “quiet.” It’s a place to empty “self” and drink of the new mercies that God offers to us as we seek Him. There we will find the refreshment of Living Water and be

fortified for the road ahead.Entertainment has its place, but

the temptation to overindulge must be slain each day. Silence and solitude still have the power to transform and renew, enabling us to hear God’s still small voice. We may then yearn for another world, but it will also enable us to live better in this one.

Barbara Dillard is a resident of Old Stone Ranch in Chandler and affiliated with Redemption Gateway Church in Mesa. Visit Dillard’s blog at unswervinglyheld.blogspot.com.

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

PLEASE CALL CYNTHIA

480-963-6105 X223800 W. RAY ROAD, CHANDLER

$1,500 / 4,000 FT²SANCTUARY AND CLASSROOMS

Epiphany Lutheran Church has sanctuary and classrooms available Sundays after11:30 a.m. and weeknights. Sanctuary is 3,000 sq. ft. with a 300 square feet entryand a 500 square feet choir loft. There is plenty of parking and classrooms areavailable for Sunday school and adult classes. The space can accommodate up to250 people. Church has great curb appeal and is at Alma School and Ray inChandler. There is also a pastor’s office that can be included. Asking $1,500-$2,500 per month depending on classroom needs.

AVAILABLE FOR LEASE

Serve others intentionallyMissionary event, abortion talk, summer camp in store at CCC

Ladies will continue down the “intentional woman” path by exploring ways to be intentional about serving others, at “Being the Light,” 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sat., May 4 in room C100 at Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Read more and register at chandlercc.org/being-the-light.

actsONE8 missionsThe ActsONE8 missions weekend, a family

friendly event where everyone has an opportunity to visit with missionaries one-on-one, is at a reception from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Sat., May 4, and after services on Sun., May 5. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/actsone8-missions-weekend.

Speak the truthLearn how to speak to others about abortion

with the confidence that your case is solid and your appeal is just, in the church’s TRUTH.Abortion classes on Thursdays through May 30. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/truth-abortion.

Summer campSummer is right around the corner, which means

it’s time to sign the children up for summer camp. Camp 456 for fourth through sixth graders is June 29-July 3 at UCYC in Prescott. Visit chandlercc.org/summer-camp-456. Bridge78 Camp for seventh and eighth graders is June 18-22 at UCYC in Prescott. Visit chandlercc.org/bridge78-summer-camp. Bridge 912 Camp for ninth to 12th graders is July 8-12 at CIY in La Mirada, CA. Visit chandlercc.org/bridge912-summer-camp.

May 4 – 17, 2013 57www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

New Chandler church celebrates women

GoinG Green

CLASS ACTS: Preschoolers at Chandler’s Ray of Light Christian Preschool celebrated Earth Day recently by learning about the environment and recycling. Pre-K students in Mrs. McCabe’s class each decorated a paper bag to take home and reuse to collect recyclables, while Mrs. Wilcox’s and Mrs. Mendoza’s students each recycled newspapers by making hats. Children also released butterflies outside the preschool garden after learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. Ray of Light Christian Preschool is at 800 W. Ray Rd. in Chandler. For information about registration for the 2013-14 school year, visit rayoflightpreschool.org or call 480-963-6105 ext. 211.

One Church of Chandler honors all women, regardless of age, in its first annual Women’s Day Sun., May 12.

One Church Lead Pastor Ryan Gear will give a sermon called “God’s Daughters,” discussing the many women of the Bible who broke through the “glass ceilings” of their cultures. The sermon begins a new

series, “It’s All Relative(s): Your Family Past, Present and Future.”

One Church is a new nondenominational church meeting at Hancock Elementary School, 2425 S. Pleasant Dr., Chandler.

For more information, contact Pastor Ryan Gear at ryan.gear@onechurch.com or 480-686-0395.

Annual Shabbat service May 10 Final luncheon of season, fashion show

Rather than Rabbi Irwin Wiener conducting the monthly service, Sisterhood members will be in charge of the annual Shabbat service of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, 7 p.m. Fri, May 10 in the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes.

Season endingThe Sisterhood’s paid up, end-of-year luncheon,

including a fashion show courtesy of Dress Barn, is 11:30 a.m. Thu., May 16 in the San Tan Ballroom of the Cottonwood Country Club.

Guests are also welcome at $20 per person, which includes a lunch of either Maui chicken salad or Mediterranean steak salad. Send reservations to 9006 E. Copper Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 and include the luncheon selection.

Donations of toys The Sisterhood’s ongoing “Toys from the Heart”

Program, which provides holiday gifts to the kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School every year, is accepting donations by check for any amount made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249. Write “toys” on the memo line. Last year the Sisterhood was able to distribute toys to more than 100 children.

Other Sisterhood newsNote cards are for sale at all Sisterhood

meetings for $10 for a packet of 10. For more information, call Marilyn at 480-940-1916. Comments and suggestions are welcomed by the co-presidents. Call Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.

58 May 4 – 17, 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 B200

1825 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 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 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

Forever Marriage Ministries, Wives Standing for Marriage restoration Support Group 7-8:30 p.m. MondaysSupport group of wives committed to marriage no matter the circumstances, offering hope, encouragement, biblical truths, fellowship and prayers, to stand together for the restoration of marriage.Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Patio Room959 N. Val Vista Rd., GilbertInfo: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.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.

Chandler United Methodist ChurchCelebrating 100 Years in Chandler. Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913.

480-963-3360 • www.chandlermethodist.org • 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

SUNDAY WORSHIP Traditional Worship ...............9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children, Youth and Teens....................9:10 a.m.

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

Hadassah fundraiser visits art museum

The May fundraiser for the Shalom Chapter of Hadassah in Sun Lakes is a guided tour of the Phoenix Art Museum’s exhibit on advances in digital textile printing by more than 40 designers, which has received outstanding reviews.

Members should meet at 10:45 a.m. on Thu., May 9 in the lobby of the museum at 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Following the tour, lunch will be held in the museum cafe. Admission is $12, plus an additional $6 for the fundraiser.

Shalom will arrange car pools for anyone who is interested, and the museum is easily accessible by light rail. For reservations or more information, call Judi at 480-802-4944 or Diane at 480-895-6917.

What’s the Moshe Dayan controversy?

Talk about Mordechai Bar-On’s book, “Moshe Dayan: Israel’s Controversial Hero,” 7 p.m., Thu., May 16 at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix. The free discussion will be led by Lawrence Bell, Ph.D., the society’s executive director. Participants are strongly encouraged to read the book prior to the discussion.

To register, call 602-241-7870 or email azjhs@aol.com. For more information, visit azjhs.org.

May 4 – 17, 2013 59www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

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

Forever Marriage Ministries, God Honoring Wives Support Group 7-8:30 p.m. WednesdaysSupport group of women who believe in the sanctity of marriage, offering teachings, sharing, fellowship and prayers.Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Patio Room959 N. Val Vista Rd., GilbertInfo: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com

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

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

MOTHER’S DAYCELEBRATIONAND BRUNCH

10 a.m. Worship Followed by a FREE Brunch

Prepared by our MenRSVP to (480) 899-1400

Hamilton High School Auditorium3700 S. Arizona Ave. • www.loc-az.org