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
Chandler Christian Academy
Chandler Christian Academy is hosting a Black and White Gala and Auction on Friday, 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 its 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.
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 from 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 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.
Food drive to be held at Chandler Christian Center
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 more information, call (480) 8956317.
Food trucks, ministry featured at Walk Through Bethlehem
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 will be available.
Step back in time to the 14th century and listen to a brass band play, along with some carolers. After enjoying Christmas music, step into the city of Bethlehem. Merchants will show their wares and live animals will be in the stable providing attendees with the opportunity to feed them. For more information, visit www.fbc. net or call (480) 963-3439.
Drop off food for the Chandler Christian Center food drive Sunday, Nov. 15. Submitted photo
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 carpool should meet at the chapel parking lot by 10 a.m.
Call Barbara Reiss at (480) 802-3281 to carpool or drive. Contact Victoria Gindick for directions at (602) 616-4264.
In case of rain, the meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Dues will be raised to $30 from $25 after Dec. 31. Donations are being accepted for Toys From the Heart.
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation happenings
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is an established reform congregation of more than 400 members that meets at the Sun Lakes All Faith Chapel on the second Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. At the Sunday, Nov. 13, service, they will honor veterans and the Jewish War Veterans Post 619. Services are a great opportunity 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 these attendees. SLIC dues are $150.
The community represents a diverse and inclusive membership where all congregants are welcomed with warmth and respect. The members represent varied traditions, practices and beliefs and are dedicated to providing a place that meets the needs of the Jewish community. SLIC experience is enriched by rabbinic and lay leadership as educational, social, spiritual and religious programming is pursued to achieve a sense of kedusha-holiness within an individual’s life.
SLJC affirms the values torah—a commitment to Jewish learning to deepen knowledge and observance of Judaism; avodah—a devotion to Jewish worship, by
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.
creating varied opportunities for spiritual fulfillment; gemilut chasadim—an active engagement in the quest for greater justice, peace, acts of loving kindness and social responsibility.
The SLJC Choir and Cantor are known far and wide for the spirit and joy that fills the air each and every time they sing their melodious renditions of prayers and blessings. There are many members in the choir and they come from all expressions of faith. It may be called the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Choir, but it consists of individuals of all faiths.
The SLJC Choir is looking for members. Call Lana Oyer at (602) 524-5936, or go to rehearsal on most Tuesdays at 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sun Lakes Chapel Center.
In formation are several new social groups and Chavarah including a new member group, a Younger at Heart Group and a singles Ggroup.
The SLJC trip to Israel hosted by Rabbi Irwin and Sandi Wiener and Michael and Bety Dar is in the final stages of planning. There are 40 participants. Those interested in joining should contact Dar.
Fashions with Flair, other T.H.E. events scheduled
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 Dillard’s at Chandler Fashion Center.
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. On Sunday, Jan. 24, he will sing songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
The Temple Havurat Emet meets at 7:30 p.m. 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.
Rabbi Dr. Janet Madden and Cantor Dr. Nancy Cohen fly in from Los Angeles to lead the congregation in worship services each month.
The Hanukkah celebration is Dec. 4 and will include a potluck dairy dinner before the services.
For more information, visit www. templehavuratemet.org/.
VUU holds Volunteer Day
Those wanting to provide an act of kindness during Family Volunteer Month can clean, paint, garden or do crafts at the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Volunteer Day on Saturday, Nov. 14.
The VUU Volunteer Day is a project of the congregation’s stewardship committee, which coordinates fundraising activities and educates members of the VUU to help sustain members and the community.
Members of the public are welcome to take part in most events that run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6400 W. Del Rio St., in Chandler.
The volunteer projects include:
• Spruce up VUU—painting and cleaning the campus. Twenty-five volunteers needed
• Garden Preparation—cleaning up, weeding and planting in the garden. Twenty people needed
• Make Birthday Bags and Cards—Twenty people are needed to help make birthday bags with items to make and decorate a cake for the Save the Family. In addition, 10 people are needed to make birthday cards for the kids with birthdays who go to Save the Family;
letter writing to organization. No limit to participation.
VUU free film series on racism
A free film series called “Continuing the Conversations: Racism in Films” will be shown at VUU from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, Feb. 7, March 6 and April 10.
The films, in chronological order of the dates are “Belle,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Rosewood” and “Do The Right Thing.”
Movies will be held in the VUU sanctuary, and there will be a discussion after each showing.
“The films and conversations afterward will create a deeper understanding of how racist attitudes are embedded in our culture thereby supporting the practices of discrimination and brutality,” explained VUU member and co-coordinator Beverly McCormick.
She said the film series also supports the mandate for awareness issued at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly this year that “Black Lives Matter.”
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.
• UUJaZZ—Find out more about the VUU Social Action causes, which includes serving meals to and collecting toiletries for the homeless; fundraising for various charities and more.
Workshops will teach attendees how to advocate for social action causes, from
Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation provides a welcoming diverse community that nurtures each person’s lifelong spiritual journey, creates a place of peace and celebration and strives for social justice and sustainable living.
VUU is located at 6400 W. Del Rio St., in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 899-4249, or visit www.vuu.org.
‘Grief with Hope’ workshop to be held
On Saturday, Nov. 14, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church will host a four-hour, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., workshop entitled “Grief with Hope.” The Rev. Terri Hubbard from the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference will be the guest speaker. During the workshop, Hubbard will help participants understand the grief process, the uniqueness of each individual’s grief experience, and the importance of one’s own self care and faith journey.
The workshop is for all people who have experienced a loss, or many losses, which may lead to grief. Experiences may include death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, loss of health, losing a job, loss of financial stability, a miscarriage, death of a pet, loss of a cherished dream, a loved one’s serious illness, having your children graduate and/or leave the nest, or retirement. Everyone grieves differently, and healing happens at its own pace.
For more information, call (480) 895-8765 or visit www.sunlakesumc.org. Registration is $20 for the workshop. Register at the church office, or online, until Nov. 10.
Veterans musical program benefits the Wounded Warrior Project
At 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is presenting an evening of patriotic music featuring the SLUMC, the Hamilton High School and the ASU Men’s choirs. The event will be held in the church sanctuary.
The event will honor and recognize the veterans by service group, and there will be a sing-along of favorites. Ed Hermanski, history teacher at Hamilton High School, will present “Honoring Veterans and their Families.” There is no fee for attending, but a free-will offering will be taken, with the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Be sure to attend and visit the Veterans Memorial in front of the church while attending the event.
Christmas Cantata adds performance
The music department at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is busy preparing for the Christmas season and its popular Christmas Cantata. This year, the Chancel Choir will perform the cantata with a 20-piece orchestra, under the direction of award-winning music director Cris Evans.
This December, they will offer a new Saturday afternoon performance, in addition to the traditional two Sunday worship performances.
This season the Chancel Choir will sing the Christmas Cantata “The Mystery and the Majesty.”
“Each year during the Christmas season, we pause to consider the miracle of Christ’s birth. We are swept away by the wonder of it all, thrilled and amazed at the magnificent grace that brought God’s perfect light into our world of darkness,” the composer Joseph Martin said.
Cantata performances will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and at 8:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.
“This choral cantata will lift our spirits and lead us into worship of our Lord and savior,” said Evans. “Be sure to mark your calendar early for this wonderful event. And don’t forget to bring a friend.”
Bible seminar examines inconsistencies
Join Professor Rod Caruthers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in room 1 of the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church’s Education Building, when he discusses inconsistencies in gospels. This seminar will meet every Friday and conclude just after Easter. It starts with the birth of Christ and ends with his crucifixion and ascension. There is a small fee for seminar material. For more information, or to register, call the church office at (480) 895-8766.
SLUMC is located at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
Gospel 4 Life Church helps community
Gospel 4 Life Church, located at 19609 S. McQueen Rd. in Chandler, is excited about the goodness and greatness of God during this season. A mighty seed and harvest are being prepared to serve the local community in support of the 10th annual Thanksgiving Day Citywide Feast. Under the leadership of Bishop Tyronne Stowe and Lady Elise Stowe, more than 500 children, families and lost souls will be fed this Thanksgiving season.
Cornerstone’s Believe Boutique has expanded over 10 years
For more than 10 years, Cornerstone Church has been hosting the annual Believe Boutique to help raise funds for its women’s ministry. From its humble beginnings in one building with only a few hundred attendees, the boutique has grown to become one of the largest events of its kind in the East Valley with more than 3,000 attendees, across three church campus buildings and featuring
150 unique local vendors. This year goods will be featured from Flipped Bird and Vintage Rose Wraps.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Cornerstone Church, 1595 S. Alma School Rd. Stop by the MegaRaffle booth to earn a chance to win gift baskets from participating vendors. For more information, visit www. cornerstoneonline.com/boutique.
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
The Ministry of Community Outreach is made possible through abundant blessings and servant stewardship at Gospel 4 Life Church. Local residents are invited to attend the feast from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Chandler Christian Community Center, 345 S. California St. Contact the church at (480) 343-0022 for additional information.
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