BY MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR AT SUN LAKES BAPTIST CHURCH
For some reason, I’ve always enjoyed thunderstorms, as long as I’m not out in them. When I was growing up in the South, my room had an unsealed roof and I still remember that deafening sound as the heavy rain pummeled the house. There was just something about a rip-snortin’, Georgia frog-strangler that was exciting to me.
The Old Testament book of Nahum says of the Lord, “In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet” (1.3). Now, I may not know all that this means, but I do know that God is in charge of all things— even the weather. You could say that nature is the theater in which the mighty power and majesty of God is showcased.
But, there are those other kinds of storms in life—the kind that no one enjoys. For example, there are storms of deteriorating health, uncertain finances, family issues and difficult relationships with people. Yes, life has its storms, but if God’s way is “in whirlwind and storm” (as Nahum puts it), His way is surely in the other kinds as well. This means that no matter how unexpected and heart-wrenching the developments of daily living may be, there are unseen purposes that God is faithfully carrying out.
So, whether it is a major storm of some kind or a minor irritation, God is using them to shape us, humble us and draw us to
himself. We must not despise the tools that God uses in our lives. We need the storms, the trials, the criticisms and the unexpected circumstances. We may not want them, but we need them. They are all part of the heavenly Potter’s equipment as He shapes His children for His use and for His glory. (See Isaiah 64.8; Romans 8:28.) God intends the strong winds to produce deep roots.
It was William Cowper who wrote the hymn “This is a Fountain.” He was a man who battled severe depression throughout his life and had seen attempted suicide. The day came, however, when he picked up a Bible and began to read Romans. It was there that Cowper met the God of storms, finally submitting to the one who had pursued him through so many desolate days and stormy nights. As a result, Cowper finally found peace in the midst of the whirlwind. Although he did not cease having difficult days altogether, he now knew a strength and power with which to face the storms of life.
He wrote:
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea; And rides upon the storm. You fearful saints, fresh courage take: The clouds you so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head.”
How good to know that the God of storms is also the God of mercy. (See Lamentations 3:22-23.)
Sun Lakes UMC schedules events about grief, praying
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church has added more public programs to its list of offerings through the end of the year.
GriefShare
Those who find themselves struggling to cope with grief and looking for healing and comfort should consider being a part of the GriefShare class, which meets at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.
The 13-week class is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays from Aug. 27 to Nov. 19 in classroom one of the Education Building. The Rev. Jean Newell, associate pastor at Sun Lakes UMC, will be the facilitator.
Each lesson is self-contained, so there is no need to attend every class.
The $15 class registration fee covers the cost of the workbook. Register online with credit card at www.sunlakesumc.org, or with cash or check at the church office at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information, call (480) 895-8766. Space is limited.
Praying for Color
Want to pray, but don’t have the words? Ready to pray, but can’t sit still? Yearning to pray, but not in the same old way? Sybil MacBeth writes in her book, “Praying in Color,” “Praying in Color is an active, meditative, playful prayer practice. It is both process and product. The process involves a re-entry
into the childlike world of coloring and improvising. The product is a colorful design or drawing that is a visual reminder of the time spent in prayer.”
Praying in Color requires neither memorization nor skill. Instead, it taps into the child in each of us. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, “Praying in Color,” will be offered in Classroom One of the Education Building at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.
The workshop will be led by Pastor Jean Newell.
The $5 registration fee covers the cost of materials. The deadline for registration is Thursday, Sept. 10. For more information, or to register, call the Sun Lakes UMC office at (480) 895-8766.
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 those of the SanTan Sun News.
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p m SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a m
Senior Pastor Marc Drake. Submitted photo
Join temple family for High Holy Days
Temple Havurat Emet invites the public to join them in celebrating Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The services will include Shofar Choir.
Rosh Hashana:
• Erev Rosh Hashana services 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13
• Rosh Hashana services at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14
Yom Kippur:
• Erev Kol Nidre services at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27
• Yizkor and concluding service at 5 p.m. Tickets are included in T.H.E.’s annual membership and the cost for nonmembers is $75 per person. Uniformed military are free; family members of the temple’s members pay $50.
Shofar Choir has been practicing for months to prepare for the final blast as Yom Kippur concludes. Submitted photo
The deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, Sept. 8. For information and reservations, call Gigi at (480) 785-7767 or Jean at (480) 802-0185. For more information, visit www. templehavuratement.org.
Jewish Life center to celebrate second anniversary
Parents and children are invited to attend a community barbecue in celebration of the second anniversary 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 Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler.
Learn about the center’s approach to children and early childhood education, the 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.
Infant room opens at Syndi Scheck Yad B’Yad Preschool
Registration is open for the new infant room at Syndi Scheck Yad B’Yad Preschool. The full-time infant room for children ages 6 weeks to 12 months opened Monday, Aug. 10, at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Rd., Tempe.
Yad B’Yad’s loving and experienced infant room staff is committed to providing infants with a safe, secure, positive, stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment that promotes social, physical, emotional and verbal skills through nurturing and play. Infants
First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes
A Church of Joy
Committed to the perfect Word of God, living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and worshiping with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Dr. Marc Drake, Senior Pastor invites you to join in our traditional worship service at 9535 E. Riggs Road Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248 480-895-1088 www.fbcsl.org
Sundays:
Bible Study: 8:30 am | Worship: 10:00 am
Wednesday: Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30 pm
A respite for caregivers offered at The Perfect Place
Every Monday, Flo has somewhere to go. A short devotion, followed by a time of introduction and sharing with other participants and volunteers, welcomes her to The Perfect Place. Flo laughs during chair exercises, plays bingo and deals cards. A sense of competence and security is had through a repetitive nature of activities. Musical entertainment and a snack are provided once a month.
Located on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes, The Perfect Place is a nonprofit faith-based adult care center. The nonprofits volunteers are knowledgeable of Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities and various adult neurological challenges. Most of
the volunteers have had a loved one for which they were the caregiver.
Caregivers or family members who would benefit from The Perfect Place are asked to call Judy Waltersdorf at (480) 895-2892, or send an email to ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.
The Perfect Place is located at 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. Contributions from service organizations and personal donations to the scholarship fund allow the nonprofit financial assistance.
The Perfect Place is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
will develop a sense of identity and selfconfidence in a caring and compassionate environment.
At Temple Emanuel, they believe that “with each child the world begins anew.”
The Syndi Scheck Yad B’Yad Preschool creates a stimulating and nurturing Jewish environment where all children from infancy to age 5 may thrive, grow and blossom.
For more information on the program, call Rachel Wallach at Temple Emanuel at (480) 838-1414 or email her at Rachel@ emanueloftempe.org.
Hebrew School registration opens for Pollack center
Chabad Hebrew School will open its doors to the community to teach children about their Jewish heritage culture and holidays. Classes begin Sept. 6.
Chabad Hebrew School students are special and encouraged to contribute and participate in each lesson, activity
and discussion. All students participate in activities like honey dish craft, holiday cards, Yom Kippur slippers, Sukkah Hop, kosher label contest, olive oil press, menorah making, Hanukkah carnival, choir, Shabbat meal for parents and students, Purim party, Matzo Factory and more. All these activities help make Judaism a real part of the students’ lives.
Kids will learn about Jewish history and Parsha.
Classes, which are for students ages 5 to 13, are weekly and no membership is required. The innovative and stimulating program uses advance textbooks and methodologies.
Registration for Chabad Hebrew School is open for the upcoming year of 2015-2016. Hebrew School takes place at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, and will open Sept. 6. Classes are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday.
To schedule an appointment visit the school, call (480) 855-4333, email info@chabadcenter.com.
The Perfect Place offers a repetitive atmosphere of activities, providing a sense of competence and security for those who attend the adult day care. Submitted photo
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,
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) 2323773
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
Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday
Presented by Will Zecco, gong master. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow as desired. Love offerings will be accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798 or www.interfaithcommunity.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 long-time students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, 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.interfaithcommunity.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-ofbody 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
