The Center for Living Well offers certified yoga instructor class
BY TRACY HOUSE
Beginning in September, The Center for Living Well will offer a 200-hour Christ-centered yoga teacher training program.
The course, which consists of five modules, is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their yoga knowledge and practice, deepen their understanding of the Bible, teach Christ-centered yoga classes or lead a yoga ministry.
The center’s co-executive director Dawn Rutledge said this is its sixth training program. “This one is special, because in April we became registered with the Yoga Alliance, as a registered yoga school. We’re pretty excited about it.”
Trainees who successfully complete all five modules earn a 200-hour designation as a CCYL (Christ-Centered Yoga Leader). The training program enables graduates to register as an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hours) following training.
“Once they complete the program with us, all the requirements are met” to become eligible for the certification, Rutledge said. She clarified, though, that trainees who want to teach Christcentered yoga classes receive a CCYL designation. Those who are not Christian and/or want to teach secular classes receive a CYT designation (Certified Yoga
Teacher). Both are eligible for the RYT200 with the Yoga Alliance.
Distance learning is available and the center has more than 25 graduated instructors and trainers from the United States, Canada and Scotland.
“We intentionally keep our groups small because we do ongoing mentoring with them,” Rutledge said. “We’ve kept the groups under eight people each time.”
The five-module yoga training course runs September through February. The cost is $500 per module and the center does offer assistance.
“We offer scholarships and payment plans for people,” Rutledge said. “I would say probably at least half of our people have gone through with some sort of assistance, because we are a nonprofit.”
The Center for Living Well is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry providing yoga and whole-person wellness services, education, retreats and training.
“We do whole-person wellness,” Rutledge said. “We’re focused on holistic wellness with Christ at the center. We provide a variety of services. We do individual work with private clients and teach classes and training.”
Center for Living Well graduates will be leading the classes. Rutledge said many of the students who come in and go on to be instructors have been
practicing for some time, but “we certainly have had graduates come through who are brand new to yoga or Christ-centered yoga. It’s not required that they have experience.”
The training is a three-prong approach that includes yoga instruction, a Biblical studies component, and leadership and mentoring. For any yoga instructor certification, students must receive instruction in yoga philosophy; the Christ-centered designation focuses on studying Scriptures from the Bible.
“We want them to feel confident in teaching a Biblical message when they graduate,” Rutledge said.
Co-Executive Director Jennifer Miller is an ordained minister with a seminary degree who provides the tutelage for teaching the Bible. Students meet with Rutledge or Miller at least one hour a week for individualized mentoring and guidance throughout the modules.
The teachings are nondenominational Christian-centered and not based on a specific religion.
“We’ve actually have had individuals go through who wouldn’t necessarily call themselves Christians,” Rutledge said. “Those individuals, we prepare them to teach secular messages. They’re still teaching an inspirational message.”
In addition to yoga training, the faithbased center offers group and individual services, workshops and classes focused
on well-being and inner healing. The Center for Living Well is located at 1655 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 5. For more information, visit www. centerforlivingwell.org, email info@ centerforlivingwell.org or call (480) 5053825.
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.
Spiritual Reflections
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United Methodist Church
Dawn Rutledge performs a Thai Yoga Massage on Robin Norgren. Submitted photo
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation recruiting members
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) will begin the celebration of the High Holy Days on Sept. 13, the beginning of Rosh Hashana. The services incorporate the beauty and spirit of the holidays. All services will take place at the Sun Lakes Chapel, off Riggs Rd., in the Sun Lakes I development. SLJC dues are $150, which includes a High Holiday ticket. Additional tickets for guests, family, etc. can be purchased
as outlined on the SLJC website, www. sunlakesjewishcongregation.org.
Holiday Observances are as follows:
Rosh Hashana Eve: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13
Rosh Hashana: 10 a.m. Sept. 14
Special Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22
Yom Kippur: 10 a.m. Sept. 23
For further membership information, call Jeff Spear at (480) 556-1284 or write to Jeff.Spear46@gmail.com
Chabad Hebrew School opening doors
Members of the Jewish community of the East Valley, regardless of individual background or affiliation, are invited to take part in an opportunity to teach children about the Jewish heritage, culture and holidays at the Chabad Hebrew School. Every student at the school is encouraged to contribute and participate in each lesson, activity and discussion. All students participate in fun activities like honey dish craft, holiday cards, Yom Kippur slippers, Succah Hop, kosher label contest, olive oil press, menorah making, Hanukkah Carnival choir, Shabbat meal
for parents and students, Purim party, Matzo Factory and more.
Jewish History and Parsha lessons come alive in weekly updates in a scrapbook. The advancement each student makes by the end of the year in Hebrew reading is remarkable.
The school is open for children ages 5 to 13.
Classes, held on Sundays, start Sept. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call (480) 855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter. com or visit www.chabadcenter.com.
‘Widows, Orphans and Aliens’ discussion set for chapel
From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 5, Aug. 12 and Aug. 19, “Widows, Orphans and Aliens: The Political, Economic and Social Implications of the Biblical Version,” will be discussed at Sun Lakes Chapel Center, 9230 Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.
Free will offerings will be accepted.
This series will challenge preconceived ideas that the Bible is only for spiritual edification. It will call for political, social and economic revolution that overturns conventional wisdom and the current sentiment in the United States that individuals give more to the rich and let the poor and marginalized fend for themselves. The Bible portrays God as having a “special place in his heart” for widows, orphans and aliens. This is
because people who find themselves in these types of situations are particularly vulnerable to oppression, mistreatment and abuse.
So, what are the implications of the biblical text for political, economic and social commitments and obligations? The series will look at three texts over three weeks, first with a view to what the texts tell us about ancient Israel and its world, and then with a view to the challenges these texts present to our current realities of budgets, political alliances and social commitments.
For more information call Pastor Vernon Meyer at (480) 895-6317 or email slucc@wbhsi.net.
Temple Havurat Emet resumes normal services
At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, Temple Havurat Emet will resume its normal monthly services at the Lecky Center of the Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
Fashion show set for next year
The annual fashion show will be held on Feb. 28, at the Oakwood Country Clubhouse. The event will include fashion, lunch, raffle and door prizes.
High Holy Days services set Temple Havurat Emet has announced the schedule for their upcoming High Holy Days, which will meet at Lindsay Hall at the United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
Rosh Hashana:
• Erev Rosh Hashana services at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13
• Rosh Hashana services at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14
Yom Kippur:
• Kol Nidre services at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22
• Yom Kippur morning services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. Afternoon services will resume at 3 p.m. and Yizhor and concluding services start approximately at 5 p.m. Bring a Shofar and join the Shofar choir for the closing blast to end the Yom Kippur services.
Tickets are included in T.H.E.’s annual membership. Cost for nonmembers is $75. Deadline for tickets is Tuesday, Sept. 8. For more information and reservations, call Jean at (480) 802-0185 or Gigi at (480) 785-7767. News about the congregation can also be found at www. templehavuratemet.org.
East Valley Jewish Couples Club to kick off monthly meetings
The East Valley Jewish Couples Club will hold its 2015-2016 kick-off meeting at 12 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at a Chandler restaurant. The club meets monthly for fun, food and friendship. Members reside throughout the valley. Synagogue affiliation is not required and there is
no charge to join. Prospective members are invited to attend this kick-off and planning meeting.
For more information, call Eileen at (480) 802-4412 or email shapiroeil@ hotmail.com.
Second anniversary celebration at Pollack Chabad Center
Parents and children are invited to attend the community barbecue in celebration of the second anniversary of the opening of the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Chandler. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the center, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler.
Learn about the unique approach to children and early childhood education, the unique community, the programs for teens and kids, Chandler Jewish Preschool, Chabad Hebrew School, youth zone, adult education, Jewish Women’s Circle, Young Jewish Professionals and
holiday awareness programs.
The free event will also feature inflatable fun for all ages, popcorn and cotton candy.
The community barbecue and open house will provide a forum for parents to ask questions about the various programs, meet the warm and dedicated teachers and experience the unique educational environment.
For more information or to RSVP, call (480) 855-4333 or visit www.chabadcenter. com.
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. SUNDAYS
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
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 highquality 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
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) 963-4127, 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
Pray Up Your Life, Pray Up Your World
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday Celebration of the Unity World Day of Prayer with gong meditation, led by the Rev. Julianna Lewis, music by Jim Sorensen, gong meditation with Will Zecco, gong master. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 S. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 5938798, www.interfaith-community.org
“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
Meditation Moments
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday of the month
An interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as long time students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798 or www.interfaith-community.org
Re|Engage Marriage Program
6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
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
