and Detours
BY DR. MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SUN LAKES
The journey of life certainly has it detours and bumps in the road—and that’s probably putting it mildly! But the good news is that God is in charge and exercises perfect wisdom in working through the various circumstances of life. However, our response to trials and challenges is critical. Do you respond by drawing nearer to God and seeking His face more intently than ever? Or do you complain and become despondent?
Humorist Charles Lowery has suggested some questions for us: Do you see dark clouds in every silver lining? Do you find the difficulty in every opportunity? Do you wear black just in case someone dies? When you smell flowers, do you immediately look for a coffin? Do you shake your head instead of hands? He says that if you answered yes, you are going to be seasick for the entire voyage of life!
as we see in Psalm 86:7, “In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me.”
Secondly, don’t stop praising. Matthew Henry wrote: “Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” How true! Make sure that every day your praises ring out to the One who is eternally worthy of our whole-hearted worship. King David had been going through one of the most difficult times in his life (and he had quite a few!) but he declared, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). You see, in the most trying of times we can be assured that God is using trials and difficulties to produce greater Christlikeness in the believer.
Sun Lakes UMC offers free cab ride to holiday events
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church has a full lineup of Christmas events, and it doesn’t want anyone to miss out on its programs for lack of transportation.
In December, anyone who uses a cab service to attend one or more of the church’s Christmas programs will be reimbursed, compliments of SLUMC. Congregants can take cabs to any of the following holiday events, then mail in their cab receipts with their name and address to the church office at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes for reimbursement. For more information, call (480) 8958766.
Upcoming events include:
• Cookie Walk, 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Lindsay Hall. Fill an empty box, which is provided, with your choice of homemade cookies for the holidays for $10.
• Chandler Symphony Holiday Concert, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in the church sanctuary. Chandler Symphony Holiday presents “Deck the Holidays with CSO.” Tickets are $10 at the church office.
• Sun Lakes Chorale Holiday Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the church sanctuary. Tickets are $10 and available at ACE Hardware Sun Lakes only on Tuesdays.
• Chancel Choir’s Christmas Cantata “The Mystery and the Majesty,” 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 8:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, in the church sanctuary. This performance is free.
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. with the Chancel Choir and 7 p.m. with special music, both of which are in the church sanctuary.
So how should followers of Christ respond to the trials they encounter— whether physical, emotional, financial, marital or spiritual? First, cry out to God. That’s what people in the Bible did (as well as countless others down through the centuries). They learned that God brings His people to the place of utter dependence on Him. Sadly, we often come to that place squirming and resisting, grasping for this or that, trying to make something happen. But God wants us to simply cry out to Him such
Thirdly, remember that God is faithful. In fact, one of the purposes of adversity is that it takes away those things in which we trust so we can clearly see God’s faithfulness and put our trust in Him. As Christians we are pilgrims down here, not residents. But one day the journey of life will be complete and we will be home— our eternal home. In the meantime, we must keep trusting in our faithful God who leads us every step of the way and meets every need (Philippians 4:19).
Why not write the above three truths on a card and post it in a place where you will see it often: Cry out to God. Don’t stop praising. Remember that God is faithful!
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.
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.
Marc Drake. Submitted photo
Community invited to SLJC’s Shabbat service
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation will celebrate Hanukkah with a Shabbat service at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. In honor of the holiday, a special Oneg will follow.
Other 7:30 p.m. Shabbat services include:
• Jan. 8: Installation of congregational board, officers and committees
• Feb. 12: Service honoring Sisterhood
• March 11: Service honoring choir, Interfaith and Hadassah
• April 8: Yom HaShoah observance
• May 13: Service honoring Men’s Club
• June 10: Annual healing service and rabbi’s Bar Mitzvah year.
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is an established reform congregation that meets at the Sun Lakes Chapel on the second Friday of the month. Services allow the congregants 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.
Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after services at Sun Lakes Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend.
As part of its membership drive, SLJC is forming several new Chavarah. This is a
chance for new members to get to meet other congregants with similar interests or hobbies. A singles group is forming as well. Those interested in starting a group can contact Wende Levy at WLevy@his.com.
In other SLJC events, the Chandler Symphony Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd. The concert benefits Neighbors Who Care and is supported by the Interfaith Council, of which SLJC is a member. Included in the program will be a special performance by Shea Marshall featuring klezmer music.
Tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Sun Lakes Methodist Church office and on the day of the performance.
Sisterhood sets meeting date
The next meeting of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood is 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, in the Chapel Center.
A 10-year Chandler Police Department employee, Dan Shellum will speak about his move to Arizona to pursue a law enforcement career. He earned a master’s of criminal justice from ASU and, as part of his program, he studied counterterrorism in Israel.
Rabbi Irwin Wiener conducting Hanukkah services at Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. Submitted photo
At the meeting, donations to Toys from the Heart are appreciated.
Dues are $25 until Jan. 1; after which they go up to $30. Payments can be sent to Phyllis, at 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, 85249.
This year’s card party is forthcoming, but there are more donors to honor from last year including: Alan J. Discont, Salon Karizma, Pamela Schauer, Jennie DePreist, Michael’s Creative Jewelry, Scottsdale Pet Hotel/Laura Weissman, Southwest Medical Dermatology Inc., Arizona Family Dental, Barmar Inc., Energy Savings Group, Albertson’s, Safeway and Chandler Car & Driver.
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 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.
Shop early at Epiphany Lutheran Church’s boutique
Epiphany Lutheran Church’s holiday boutique and bake sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the church, 800 W. Ray Rd., Chandler.
More than 20 vendors will have holiday items available for purchase, including quilts and blankets, Norwex, Partylite Candles, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Avon, Mary Kay, jewelry, stained glass, wood crafts and other handcrafted items. Baked goods will also be available for purchase. The public is invited to attend.
For more information, call (480) 963-6105.
“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.
Rabbi Dr. Janet Madden and Cantor Dr. Nancy Cohen fly in from Los Angeles to lead the congregation in worship services each month.
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.
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. Sundays Feb. 7, March 6 and April 10.
The films, in order of dates are “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Rosewood” and “Do The Right Thing.”
Movies will be held in the VUU sanctuary, followed by a discussion.
“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
Church of Sun Lakes
The Hanukkah celebration is Dec. 4 and will include a potluck dairy dinner before the services.
For more information, visit www. templehavuratemet.org/.
Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly this year that “Black Lives Matter.”
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.
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., proceeding 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
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
