The story of the unfrozen hand
BY DR. MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SUN LAKES
During World War II, while spending several years in a German concentration camp, Corrie Ten Boom was severely humiliated and degraded. When she was finally released she believed that, by God’s grace, she had forgiven even the guards who had so mistreated her. She began to share her story and the message of forgiveness all over the world.
One Sunday after she had spoken in Munich, Germany, Corrie was greeting the people when she suddenly saw a man coming toward her with his hand outstretched. He said to her, “It’s wonderful that Jesus forgives us all our sins, just as you say.” She remembered this man’s face. He was one of the leering, lecherous, mocking Nazi guards who had so humiliated her. Corrie’s hand froze by her side and she found herself unable to forgive. She thought she had forgiven everyone, but she could not forgive that guard standing there in front of her. She was ashamed of herself and prayed, “Lord, forgive me, I cannot forgive.” But as she prayed, something happened. Her hand was suddenly unfrozen. The ice of hate
melted and her hand went out as she forgave her former enemy.
What a powerful demonstration of God’s forgiveness flowing through an honest believer. We might call it the story of the unfrozen hand. But it was God who did the unfreezing. Sometimes people will say, “But I can’t forgive! The wrong done to me is too great.” But God doesn’t command His children to do something without also empowering them to do it.
Maj. Ian Thomas, a Christian leader, used to put it this way: “You can’t. God never said you could. Jesus can. And He always said He would.”
Perhaps your hand needs to be unfrozen today. The good news is that God can do it. Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Our lives do not have to be hijacked by an unforgiving spirit—something that takes us places we never wanted to go, doing things we never wanted to do, and becoming people we never wanted to be. There’s a way out! Through Christ alone we can be brought into peace, joy and true freedom.
Spiritual Reflections
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Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation lists upcoming events
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is hosting a meet and greet to introduce individuals to its organization from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.
Participants will be able to meet Rabbi Irwin Wiener and Cantor Rhonda Polesky, board members and committee chairmen. The Sisterhood and Men’s Club will be introduced.
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. Services are opportunities to meet new people, connect with Judaism and
learn. New attendees are invited to be introduced at the service and members of the congregation connect with the attendees. Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after the services at Sun Lakes Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend. The services and Onegs are great places to meet members, ask questions and learn more about the congregation.
For more information, contact Doris Codkind at Randor55@gmail.com or (480) 883-1378, or Jeff Spear at Jeff.Spear46@gmail.com or (480) 556-1284.
Hope’s Treasures Holiday Boutique returns
The Hope’s Treasures Holiday Boutique returns this year with quality handcrafted goods Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 14, at Hope Covenant Church, 1770 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. The hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, which features free pictures with Santa from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The boutique features holiday and home décor, decorations, gifts for kids and adults, stocking stuffers, jewelry, handcrafted apparel, comfort items and so much more. Shoppers are invited to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. For more information, visit www. hopechurchchandler.com.
Marc Drake. Submitted photo
Rabbi Irwin Wiener. Submitted photo
Nonprofit provides seniors care, a social destination
Daniel Tekunoff is a young entrepreneur, having started his own Web design business last year. He also plays classical guitar once a month for the participants of the Perfect Place. Tekunoff has credited the Allegro School of Music for helping him develop his gift.
“The Perfect Place is where God wants me to use my gift,” he said. “I think the Perfect Place is a place to minister to the needs of others.”
The Perfect Place, a nonprofit based adult care center, is located on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes. Its volunteers are knowledgeable of Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities and various adult neurological challenges. Most of them have had a loved one for which they were a caregiver.
For those who believe their family
Daniel Tekunoff plays classical guitar once a month at the Perfect Place. Submitted photo
or caregiver would benefit from this service, contact Judy Waltersdorf at the Perfect Place at (480) 895-2892, or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.
Perfect Place is located at 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. It 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.
Food drive to be held at Chandler Christian Center next month
It’s time to prepare for the food drive for Chandler Christian Center, which will take place Sunday, Nov. 15, in the parking lot of Sun Lakes Country Club. The hope is to collect as many bags of food as possible to stock the shelves of the Chandler Christian Center food bank to help those less fortunate in the community.
For information, call (480) 895-6317.
Drop off food for the Chandler Christian Center food drive Sunday, Nov. 15. Submitted photo
Fashions with Flair, other T.H.E. events set
Temple Havurat Emet is hosting Fashions with a Flair on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes. Lunch will be served and fashions will be from the Chandler Fashion Center Dillard’s.
The fashion show will include door prizes, raffle prizes and the annual hat raffle, with the $50 in $1 bills attached.
“The Wolfman,” otherwise known as Tom Wolfe, will return to the Arizona Room Phase 1, at the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd., for an afternoon of song and memories from the past. He sings songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s and often times bring people to their feet dancing the stroll, jitterbug and line dance.
The Black and White Gala and Auction will fund a new playground structure on the Chandler Christian Academy campus, as well as scholarships, technology and educational programs. Submitted photo
November’s Black and White Gala benefits Chandler Christian Academy
Chandler Christian Academy is hosting a Black and White Gala and Auction on Nov. 13, at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.
Registration and the silent auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and the auction program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45.
Funds raised from the evening will help Chandler Christian Academy build a playground structure on its campus and to fund educational programs, classroom technology and student scholarships.
The event will feature a seated dinner, a silent and live auction, raffles and games. Entertainment will be provided by local music group, The DanDan Noodles.
Black and white attire is requested. Tickets can be reserved by calling Chandler Christian Academy at (480) 899-9197 or at www. chandlerchristianacademy.org/auction. Chandler Christian Academy has been serving Chandler families since 1974. This is the school’s second year in their new location in South Chandler, on the campus of Desert Springs Church, just south of Tumbleweed Park on McQueen Road. Chandler Christian Academy’s goal is to educate and develop the whole person for the glory of God and help each child discover how to serve God with his or her gifts.
Food trucks, ministry featured at Walk Through Bethlehem
The event will be held Sunday, Jan. 24.
The Temple Havurat Emet meets on the first Friday of the month at the Lecky Center of the Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd, located behind the Robson Library in Sun Lakes, at 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Dr. Janet Madden and Cantor Dr. Nancy Cohen fly in from Los Angeles to lead the congregation in worship services each month.
The annual veterans service will be held on Friday, Nov. 6. The Hanukkah celebration is Dec. 4 and will include a potluck dairy dinner before the services.
For more information, visit www. templehavuratemet.org/.
First Baptist Church Chandler is having its annual Walk Through Bethlehem Live Nativity event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20. The three-day event will be held at 3405 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Admission is free.
There will be food trucks on location each night. Enjoy the cuisine from Focoso Wood Fired Pizza on Friday; Queso Good Quesadilla on Saturday and Burger Amor on Sunday. Make sure to stop by the free photo booth to capture memories. Begin the event by watching a live puppet show. Free crafts for the children and cookies, hot chocolate and cider are available for everyone.
Step back in time to the 14th century and listen to a brass band play, along with some carolers. After enjoying Christmas music, step further in time to God’s perfect time—a city where Christ the Savior was born—the City of Bethlehem. Merchants will show their wares and live animals will be present in the stable providing attendees with the opportunity to feed them.
For more information, visit www.fbc. net or call (480) 963-3439.
Sisterhood’s next meeting to be held at Silver Lining Ranch
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation
Sisterhood will take a field trip to Silver Lining Ranch, owned by Ron and Victoria Gindick, for its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12. Two Jewish farmers have returned to their ancient Jewish roots, growing much of what they eat on 2 acres of land with greenhouses, an orchard of fruit and nut trees, chickens and other gardens.
The Gindicks will open the meeting with a discussion of how their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle includes growing, harvesting, preserving and eating what they grow throughout the year. A walking tour of their farm will follow.
This event will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served.
There is plenty of parking, but those who wish to car pool should meet at the chapel parking lot by 10 a.m.
Call Barbara Reiss at (480) 802-3281 to car pool or drive. Contact Victoria Gindick for directions at (602) 616-4264.
In case of rain, the meeting will be held on Nov. 19.
Dues will be raised to $30 from $25 after Dec. 31. Donations are being accepted for Toys From the Heart.
The Bible Geek spoke at St. Mary-Basha Catholic School
St. Mary-Basha Catholic School kicked off its guest speaker series Tuesday, Sept. 22 with Mark Hart, “The Bible Geek.” Hart spoke to the SMB families about the challenges in raising children in a world that promotes and emphasizes social media and popular culture. Also in attendance was Dan Francis, who promoted his musical talent and his debut EP “The Walls,” which will be distributed through Capital Records this fall.
The Home and School Association at SMB has scheduled a series of guest speakers to speak to their families throughout the 2015-2016 school year.
Family Fun Night at Tri-City Baptist Church
Come enjoy the annual Family Fun Night at Tri-City Baptist Church from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The indoor and outdoor event will feature cotton candy, game booths, balloon animals, a moon bounce and a cakewalk. All children will receive free candy during the event.
Admission is free and food and activities cost a small fee. Tickets are $5 for 40 tickets. Guests will receive 20 free tickets.
Tri-City is located at 2211 W. Germann Rd. For more information, call (480) 2457900, info@tricityministries.org, or call www.TriCityMinistries.org.
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.interfaith-community.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
Silva Class and Meditation
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr.,
Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800.
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
Pranic Healing
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tune-up. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800.
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.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) 593-8798, www.interfaith-community.org