SanTan Sun; 07-04-15: Spirit

Ancient Paths

BY LYNNE HARTKE

“This can’t be the trail,” I said, brushing aside another bush, all prickly and thorny.

“I want to keep going a few more minutes,” my husband said. “The trail should be up in front of us.”

A few more minutes turned into 30. I gazed around. The ridgelines dotted with saguaro, prickly pear and sage all looked the same to me.

My husband pulled out a compass and topographical map. “I think we are in the wrong ravine,” he said. He pointed to a squiggle on the map. “We need to go back to where we know where we are.”

So back we went. Thanks to the rain the night before, our footprints were the only marks in the soft earth, in fact, I was convinced our footprints were the only steps ever to come down the arroyo.

Up ahead several stacks of rocks could be seen along the wash, cairns we had missed marking a juncture with three choices of direction. A few steps and we were on an established trail.

“Look what I found in the wash,” my husband said, pulling the white object from his pocket.

“An arrowhead!” I took the stone from his hand and turned it around in my fingers. It was easy for me to think, so far from the parking lot, that we were the first to walk that wash, but it was not so.

Generations of footprints had traveled before us. We had been walking on ancient paths.

Jeremiah 6:16 says, “This is what the lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient path, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Sometimes when we are lost, the way back can be found on an ancient path. Hartke blogs at www.lynnehartke. com. She is the wife of Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler, 50 S. McQueen Rd. Kevin Hartke is also the City of Chandler vice mayor. For more information, visit www. tcfchandler.org, or call (480) 963-7698.

Spiritual Reflections

Share your spiritual reflections

The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sunarea 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. 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.

Sun Lakes United Methodist Church introduces new pastors

Two new full-time pastors are joining Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in July. The Rev. Marvin Arnpriester follows the Rev. Jim O’Neal who retired in June. He will serve as senior pastor, and the Rev. Jean Newell will be associate pastor.

Arnpriester retired in 2011 after more than 40 years of ministry in Iowa and moved with his wife, Carolyn, to the Sun Lakes area. He came out of retirement to serve as interim senior pastor at Dayspring UMC from 2013 to 2014 and most recently was interim senior pastor at Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church in Phoenix.

Arnpriester is a graduate of St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. Throughout his years of ministry, he has served in many leadership roles both inside and outside the United Methodist Church system, especially in the areas of education and health. He is passionate about mission work, having traveled to Liberia, Guatemala and Mexico and

believes that the church “must address and seek to change those situations, which demean and dehumanize persons.”

He and his wife have two sons and four grandchildren. His son, the Rev. Jonathan Arnpriester, is senior pastor at Chandler United Methodist Church.

Newell comes to Sun Lakes UMC from Green Valley United Methodist Church in Henderson, Nevada, where she was associate pastor. After a 25-year teaching career, she graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, in 2002. She was then commissioned a probationary elder and served as an associate pastor in Mesa before becoming a full elder in 2005. Newell served two congregations in the Phoenix area for seven years as a solo pastor before moving to Nevada.

A mother of three, Newell has eight grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation to hold Lay-led Twilight Services

The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is an established reform congregation that meets at the Sun Lakes Chapel on the second Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September through June. Submitted photo

Lay-led Twilight Services will be held on Fridays July 19 and Aug. 14, in the Chapel House at 5:30 p.m. Services provide opportunities to meet new people, connect with Judaism and learn. New attendees can be introduced at the service and members of the congregation connect with these folks.

Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after the services at Sun Lakes Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend. The services and Onegs are a great place to meet members, ask questions and learn more about the congregation.

Planning is already underway for the Jewish holidays. SLJC will celebrate the High Holidays as follows:

• Rosh Hashanah Eve: Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

• Rosh Hashanah: Monday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m.

• Kol Nidre: Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m.

• Yom Kippur: Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. SLJC dues are $150, which includes the High Holiday ticket. Additional tickets for guests, family, significant

others and friends can be purchased as outlined on the website at www. sunlakesjewishcongregation.org.

The Book of Remembrance in which the congregation honors and memorializes departed family members and friends is under construction. Names must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 1, to be included.

The Sun Lakes Jewish congregation invites everyone to come to the 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, service, during which the congregation will honor new members. Immediately following the service, congregants will celebrate Sukkot by having Oneg in the Sukkah.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, SLJC will have a new member event at the Chapel House from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. New members will receive invitations and will be encouraged to come and meet the rabbi, cantor board members and the committee chairs of SLJC. In addition, this will give new members a chance to meet other new members. A light snack will be served.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Call 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.

SUNDAY

Celebration Service

10:30 a.m. Sundays

All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaithcommunity.org

Kids’ Sunday School

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sundays

Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800, www.unityofchandler.org

Lift Your Spirit

10 a.m. Sundays

Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800, www.unityofchandler.org

Celebrate Recovery Men’s Step Study

5:30 p.m. Sundays

Gender-specific accountability groups that meet for 28 weeks and use the eight recovery principles. CrossRoads Nazarene Church, 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Info: (480) 722-0700, celebraterecovery@crnaz.com

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

7:30 a.m. traditional worship

9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music

11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band

There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

MONDAYS

The Art of Parenting 7:30 p.m. Mondays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish

Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com

TUESDAYS

Career Connectors

9 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to high-quality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert. Info: www. careerconnectors.org, (480) 442-5806 see SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS page 70

Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter—Chandler, Tempe, Mesa

7:15 a.m. Tuesdays

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa. Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter

7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Room C100, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www.christianbusinessnetworking.com

Grief Share

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays

A combination seminar and support group that meets weekly with people who understand because they have “been there” themselves. Fee for materials is $15, but scholarships are available. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 9634127, www.htlutheran.com

HOPE—Help Overcoming Painful Experiences

7 p.m. Tuesdays

Free weekly small group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger. Desert Springs Church, Room 106, 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Info: hope4all@comcast.net, www. helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah

11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Info: Cyril, (480) 802-0243; Kathy, (480) 895-5194; Shirley, (480) 883-9159; or Joyce, (480) 802-4902.

Monthly Women’s Fellowship

6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month

The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona 250 W. Main St., Mesa. Info: (480) 232-3773

Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon)— Chandler Chapter

7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church, 1125 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Info: www.nar-anon.org

WEDNESDAYS

“A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays

The weekly group is an interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 5938798, www.interfaith-community.org

The Art of Parenting

9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com

Panic Healing and Meditation

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided meditation and healing for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Grief Care

6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler. Info: www. griefcareaz@gmail.com

Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle

7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Re|Engage Marriage Program

6:30 p.m. Wednesdays



(Summer)

 Student Wash Out Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.

Whether you’d rate your marriage a two or a 10, this class will help you reconnect. Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info and registration: www.chandlercc.org/reengage

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church

12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

THURSDAYS

Spiritual Chat

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. second Thursday of each month

A discussion of spiritual topics such as awareness, lucid dreaming, near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance during Arizona Satsang Society’s Spiritual Chat sessions. Unity Church of Divine Love, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: vizzit@hotmail.com, (877) 300-4949

Empower Model for Men

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays

The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Real Love Support Group

6:30 p.m. Thursdays

For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

FRIDAYS

Rosary Prayer

3 p.m. second Friday of each month St. Steven’s Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes. Info: (480) 8959266

Temple Havurat Emet

7:30 p.m. first Friday of each month Lecky Center, Robson Library. 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Info: www. templehavuratemet.org

Women’s Life Group

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. second and fourth Friday of each month

All women are invited to a Bible study and discussion of how lessons can relate to our lives. Every lady brings something different to the group and learns from others to get to know new friends. Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ, Sun Lakes Country Club Chapel Center, 9230 Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes. Info: Jan Olson, (480) 802-7457 or Joy King, (480) 5881882

SATURDAYS

Unity Drumming and Healing Circle 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27 Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love offering accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 5938798 or www.interfaith-community.org.

Spirit Night—Psychic Fair

4 p.m. to 8 p.m. third Saturday of each month

The “Lightworkers” offer a wide range of services including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Cash only. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: www.interfaith-community. org; heatherposey70@gmail.com

Unity Drumming and Healing Circle 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. fourth Saturday of each month

Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love donation accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 5938798, www.interfaith-community.org

OTHER

Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives Offers hope to the hurting Valleywide through one-on-one Biblical marriage teaching, God-honoring wife discipleship and marriage restoration mentoring to wives seeking God’s will in the restoration of marriage. Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, www.forevermarriageministries.com, www.facebook.com/forevermarriages.

Send us your church, temple events

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

WebXtra:

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.

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