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Pastor returns from serving country

BY TRACY HOUSE

After six months in Kyrgyzstan, Air Guard Chaplain Mike Sproul has returned to his pastoral duties at Tri-City Baptist Church. In his 22-year military career, Sproul has been deployed overseas five times.

Sproul has been to Qatar and Saudi Arabia during the course of five years active duty where he was deployed twice to Desert Storm. He’s deployed three other times in his career. He joined the Air Force in 1991 and has been on active, reserve and guard duty.

“Some people get the reserves and guard mixed up,” Sproul explains. “They basically look the same except the guard is owned by the governor of the state and the reserves is owned by the president.”

Sproul grew up at Tri-City Baptist

Church, graduating from its Christian school in 1981 and its college in 1985. He went away to seminary school returning in 1996 as the assistant pastor—leaving active duty. The church moved from Tempe to Chandler in August 2009.

While deployed, Sproul was promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel. There are 85 lieutenant colonel and six colonel positions in the Air Guard for traditional guardsman.

“My posting is Europe,” Sproul says. “A few weeks a year I will go to Germany and do extra duty as the Air National Guard assistant to the command chaplain of the United States Air Forces Europe. It’s a pretty big deal actually. There are only six major commands that have this position.

“(When) you’re deployed enough times you kind of know what to expect. Every

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deployment is a little different. You go from really high energy, working six days a week, every week for six months. There’s no such things as holidays, three-day weekends, you don’t have any of that kind of stuff. It’s very much crisis, crisis, crisis. We were a very high operational tempo, bringing in 30,000 men and women in and out of Afghanistan every month.”

Sproul oversaw 18 repatriation ceremonies as part of his duties. While he was deployed, one of the jets on the base went down.

“It hit me because my son flies the exact same type of plane. Both the pilot and the co-pilot went to Air Force Academy, my son’s an Air Force Academy graduate,

a couple years behind them, but he knew them. As a human that hits you really, really hard because this is the plane your son flies and there was really nothing you can do. It was a massive mechanical failure and the plane crashed.”

As the pastor on base, Sproul says he organized the memorial service and dealt with the grieving servicemen and servicewomen.

“It’s traumatic. I don’t even know how to explain it,” Sproul says. “You don’t take on a professional air. You can’t be a pastor or chaplain and be a professional in the sense that you’re cold-hearted and unsympathetic. At the same time you know that if you fall apart, you can’t help

anybody. You have to try to hold it together the best you can and kind of stuff a little bit of your emotion and you have to be careful about just how much emotion you let out but at the same time you want the people to know you’re completely human and you’re hurting just like they’re hurting. That’s a tough thing for a chaplain to walk that road.”

Sproul mentions he was able to preach and hold pastoral and staff meetings while overseas thanks to technology. “I preached three times in different time zones.”

Returning to Chandler in October, Sproul says he deplaned on a Thursday night and was back to work on Friday. “Our church is doing well. I’m back to preaching, back to visiting.”

Sproul oversees the church’s school, school of fine arts academy, Bible college and seminary. The church sends out missionaries and is in the process of building 13 churches, an orphanage and a well in India.

“I just jump back in to taking care of people, administering to people.

“We’re a ministry that really honors our vets. We’re a ministry that seriously supports our military,” he says.

He mentions that while he was in Kyrgyzstan the principal of the Christian school, also a pastor, was in Germany for 77 days working with the wounded warriors coming out of the theater. “We’re just a ministry that appreciates the people that protect our freedoms.”

Tri-City Baptist Church is located at 2211 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. For more information, visit tricityministries.org or call 480-245-7900

Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

Winter events scheduled at CCC

Chandler Christian Church has a full slate of events scheduled for winter, beginning with a Bridge Builders Miracle Weekend Sat., Dec. 21, and Sun, Dec. 22.

The event aims to collect the remaining funds necessary to build Phase II of The Bridge as well as to help bring new people to the community in the United States, South America and India. Offerings can be made in one lump sum or through any combination of cash and a seven-month pledge. Payments can be made online through banks’ bill pay or through CCC’s online giving; cash, checks, stocks/bonds, or any other assets are accepted that can be immediately liquidated such as a car, jewelry or real estate. For more information, contact CCC’s Business

Administrator and Treasurer Dale Rycraft, at 480-963-3997 ext. 101. A 24hour prayer vigil for Bridge Builders will be held from noon Sat., Dec. 21, to noon Sun., Dec. 22, in Room C205, except for 10 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.

The church will host Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Tue., Dec. 24.

DivorceCare, a nationally recognized faith-based program designed for those who are separated, going through a divorce or have been through one, begins at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 22, and runs for 13 weeks; attendees may join at any time. Cost is $15 for a workbook. DivorceCare for Kids, children ages 5 to 12, runs concurrently and helps kids heal from the hurt caused by the

separation or divorce of their parents. For more information, contact Pastor Larry Daily or Jennifer Castillo in the church office at 480-963-3997, or register online for classes at chandlercc. org.

Volunteers who can offer a DVD player and a place to meet are sought to lead small groups for an upcoming Acts study in January; curriculum and training will be provided. If interested, contact Pastor Jeff Hinson.

A Winter Camp for fourth- through sixth-grade students will be held Fri., Feb. 7, through Sun., Feb. 9, at UCYC in Prescott.

Chandler Christian Church is at 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. To learn more, visit chandlercc.org.

Sun Lakes synagogue hosts winter events

Temple Havurat Emet hosts two special events this winter in Sun Lakes. Vocal impressionist Tom Wolf, known as “The Wolfman,” takes the stage at 3 p.m. Sun., Jan. 26, in the Arizona Room at Sun Lakes Country Club. The no-intermission, threehour performance features rock ‘n’ roll, country western and disco, and also takes requests. A cash bar and complimentary snacks will be available.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased Jan. 7, 14 and 21 at Sun Lakes ACE Hardware, 9666 E. Riggs Rd., Chandler, or at the entrance of the Arizona Room at the Sun Lakes Clubhouse Jan. 3, 10, 17, 20, 22, 23 and 24. Tickets can also be purchased for delivery by calling Jean at 480-802-0185.

The annual Fashion Show is set for 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23, at the Palo Verde Country Clubhouse. Tickets are $24.50

and will be available for purchase at Sun Lakes ACE Hardware and Sun Lakes Phase One Country Club; home delivery of tickets is available by calling Jean at 480-802-0185. Proceeds will benefit Shelter Without Walls, a local home for victims of abuse. For more information, visit templehavuratemet.org.

Wellness teacher training program set to begin

The Center for Living Well, a nonprofit wellness ministry providing Christcentered wellness education and training, is offering teacher training in January.

The Center for Living Well’s Yoga Ministry Leadership Training Program 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.

Five modules will be used for the training, each of which focuses on different elements of Christ-centered yoga ministry leadership development and can be done independently or in succession. Each module includes 38 hours of instruction, personal practice and mandatory homework.

The first module, “Foundations of Faith and Yoga,” will be held online from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 7 through 28, with instruction on introduction to the Bible; assimilating the word; yoga history, philosophy and theory, and breath work, mediation and prayer. Cost is $500 to take the first module and is required for those pursing a CCYL designation.

The second module, “Pose Construction and Anatomy,” is a four-day yoga camp held Wed., Feb. 5, through

Sun., Feb. 9. The third module, “Class Design and Sequencing,” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays March 4 through 25 for online training. Module four, “Business, Marketing and Ministry Leadership,” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays April 1 through 22 for online training. The final module, “Teacher Practicum,” is a four-day yoga camp held Wed., June 4, through Sun., June 8.

Those interested in participating can apply online at centerforlivingwell.org/ what-we-do/training. Information can also be found at info@centerforlivingwell. org.

The Center for Living Well’s headquarters is at 1655 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 5, Chandler. For more information, visit centerforlivingwell.org or call 480505-3825.

Christmas Eve, December 24 Communion and Candles at All Services.

3:00 & 5:00 P.M. - Upbeat service with carols & songs led by the worship band with candlelight

7:00 & 9:00 P.M. - Traditional service with organ and candlelight; choir at 7 P.M.

9:00 P.M. - Traditional worship with carols and candlelight

Christmas Day, December 25

9:30 A.M. Service of Carols. No Communion.

your church, temple events

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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.

Bible study

Meets twice a month

Members of the Women’s Life group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives.

Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ in Chandler Info: Jan Olson at 480-802-7457 or Joy King 480-588-1882

Celebrate Recovery

6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Join in fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the 12 steps and Eight Recovery Principles. The group addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by meetings at 6:30 p.m. Free child care for children ages 12 and younger.

CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry Center Rooms 101-103 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: 480-722-0700, crnaz.com

Celebrate Recovery

6 p.m. Fridays

For those with chemical dependencies or other issues. Dinner followed by meetings at 7 p.m. Dinner: $3 adult, $1 child. Free child care for children ages 12 and younger.

Chandler Christian Church, Room B200 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: 480-963-3997, chandlercc.org

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 & Co. Café

535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter

7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.

Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.

Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Celebrating 100 Years In Chandler

www.ChandlerMethodist.org

CHRISTMAS EVE

Candlelight Worship........................4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Traditional Worship..........................8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

For Children, Youth & Teens............8:40 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL .........9:45 a.m. All Are Welcome. Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913

East Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup

9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old.

East Valley JCC

908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Emily Malin, 480-897-0588, maline@evjcc.org

East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies, plays, etc. for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range.

Info: Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net

Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives 7-9 p.m. Mondays

Support group for wives committed to their marriages. Offering hope, encouragement, biblical truths, fellowship and prayers to stand together for the restoration of marriage.

Sozo Coffee House, private room 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@ lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com, facebook.com/forevermarriages.

PLAYTIME: East Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup. 123RF.com

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, a quarter mile south of Alma School Road on the north side of Ray Road. Info: griefcareaz@gmail.com

Grief Share

6:30–8:30 p.m. Tuesdays

A combination seminar and support group that meets weekly with people who understand because they have “been there” themselves. Fee for

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS PAGE 70

materials is $15, but scholarships are available.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

H.O.P.E. – 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 childcare for children ages 10 and younger.

Desert Springs Church, Room 106

19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler Info: hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581

Monthly luncheon

Iguana Mack’s

1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812

JumpStart

11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays

JumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school community outreach program serving “some of the poorest neighborhoods” in Chandler, offering snacks, games and teachings about Jesus to area children. Participants meet at Faith Family Church 11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler Info: Joanne Sweeney, 480-539-8933

Kid’s Sunday School

10-11 a.m. Sundays

Unity of Chandler

325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: 480-792-1800, 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, unityofchandler.org

Moms in Prayer International

A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Info: Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, www. momsinprayer.org <<link needs www>>

Monthly Women’s Fellowship

6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month

The monthly fellowship Bible study of 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

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) – Chandler Chapter

10 a.m.-noon first and third Wednesday of each month

Faith-based “Caring Connection” for those who have loved ones with a mental illness, i.e., schizophrenia, depression, bipolar or anxiety disorder. Find support

SPECIAL TIME: Whether you’d rate your marriage a two or a 10, the Re|Engage marriage program at Chandler Christian Church will help you reconnect. 123RF.com

and share experiences with others.

Risen Savior Lutheran Church 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Joan, 480-883-8871

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: chandlercc.org/ reengage

Rosary Prayer

3 p.m. second Friday of each month

St. Steven’s Catholic Church 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes Info: 480-895-9266

Spiritual Chat

7-8 p.m. second Thursday of each month

Spiritual topics such as awareness, lucid

dreaming, near-death experiences, outof-body experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance are discussed 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

Women’s Life group

10-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Friday of each month

All women are invited to a Bible study and discussion of how the lessons can relate to our current lives. Every lady brings something different to the group and learns from each other to get to know new friends.

Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ Sun Lakes Country Club Chapel Center 9230 Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Jan Olson, 480-802-7457 or Joy King, 480-588-1882