For some kids, Spring Break is a time to relax, get in some extra sleep, play video games and hang out with friends. But for two Chandler-area boys, Spring Break will be spent helping Haitians.
Part of Boy Scout Troop 172, Matthew Bade and Trung Nguyen are heading to Haiti as part of an 11-person group from St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Chandler. Their mission is to build bunk beds for children at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Orphanage in Jeremie, Haiti.
Matthew, 16, attends Brophy High School and will be working on his Eagle Scout Project while in Haiti.
“My project is kind of a subset of the church mission as a whole,” Matthew says. “The church was going to go build bunk beds anyway, so my project is raise the funds for and supervise building two of those beds directly.”
He explains the requirement for the Eagle Scout project is a leadership demonstration. “Take a leading role in building and assembling these bunk beds.” The group will build 14 bunks.
Matthew’s been involved in scouts for 10 years. This is his first trip to Haiti. To prepare for the trip, he says, “There have been a lot of vaccinations, but not as many as my father.” Matthew’s dad, Tom Bade, is serving as a volunteer for the 10-day trip.
The bunk beds will be assembled for the girls’ dormitory on this trip. The last group that went built bunk beds for the boys’ dorm. The church group will install mosquito netting in the dormitories as well.
Matthew says he’s looking forward to “helping people in general. It’s not a sightseeing trip; we’re going to help people improve their lives.”
His choice to build bunk beds as his Eagle Scout project involved several factors. “One of them was that I didn’t want to do something that was simple and had been done before, like build a garden or clear rocks for the forest service. I wanted to do something that would make a difference, a big difference and was kind of new.”
Matthew is building the beds from the ground up—literally and figuratively. He was also responsible for raising the funds necessary for the beds.
Also volunteering during his Spring Break is 15-year-old Trung, a a sophomore at Hamilton High School. The Eagle Scout says he’s heading to Haiti “so I can help out. It just feels nice to help others out.”
Trung says he’ll be working with everyone else building the beds and keeping the children entertained. To prepare for the trip, Trung says he had to get just one shot, for typhoid, and some medicines.
He chose to travel on the mission because Matthew and his father were attending. “It’s a coincidence that Matt and I are both in the same troop and we both go here (St. Andrew).”
Trung explained there are 70 to 80 children at the orphanage from 3 to 16 years old. The group is taking coloring books, toothbrushes and toothpaste and other personal items, as well as the
HEADING TO HAITI: Matthew Bade and Trung Nguyen will spend their Spring Break in Jeremie, Haiti, helping put together bunk beds for the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Orphanage. STSN photo by Tracy House
mosquito nets. The group of volunteers recently had a packing party at the parish to assemble and pack the donations and make sure all was in order before the journey. In anticipation of the trip, Trung says he received a list and pictures of the children.
“They also told us they were easily excited and we should be prepared for them to smile and give us handshakes and hugs. They also told us what they like to do, because they like to play a lot of different games, especially sports.”
This missionary opportunity is sponsored by St. Andrew the Apostle Church through the Haiti Outreach
SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Mornings
Traditional Worship7:30 & 11:30 A.M.
Contemporary Worship8:50 & 10:10 A.M.
Sunday School8:50 & 10:10 A.M.
Adult Forum Bible Study8:50 A.M.
Sunday Evenings CORE (6th - 8th Grade)6:00 P.M. High School Youth Group6:00 P.M.
ministry. The parish made a commitment in 2010 to support the orphanage. Matthew and Trung’s mission will be the parish’s fifth trip to Jeremie, Haiti. As a parish, St. Andrew counts more than 1,000 donors who have helped in this cause. St. Andrew the Apostle Church is located at 3450 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. To find out more about the parish or the Haiti Outreach program, visit www.standrewcfc.org or view a video at www.standrewcfc.org/haiti-outreach.php.
Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.
Duo complete VUUsica concert series
The Mikel and Meridith Duo from the Sugar Thieves blues band will wrap up the 2013-14 VUUSICA concert series at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, at the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6400 W. Del Rio St., in Chandler.
Nominated for “Best Local Band” by the Phoenix New Times for 2009, the duo of guitarist Mikel Lander and vocalist Meridith Moore will bring its high-energy showmanship along with its original songs, blues and even rock/blues-influenced standards to the VUUSICA concert.
Advance tickets are $12, or $15 at the door for adults, and $7 for students and 12 and
younger and may be purchased online at www.vuu.org. For more details, call the VUU office at (480) 899-4249.
Social classes, Calvin and Hobbes at VUU
Barbara Face talks about the Unitarian Universalist Beloved Conversation project, and how it is unfolding at VUU, in a March 16 service titled “Growing Beloved Conversation at VUU.” Participants provide testimonials of their experience in the Beloved Conversation workshop.
Then, the Rev. Andy Burnette looks at the
Spiritual Reflections
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The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sun area 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, and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your first and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website.
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GOD IS CALLING FOR UNCHAINED REVIVAL
many life lessons of the classic comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” in a March 23 service titled “Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes.” “Sharing the Light” is the theme of the March 30 pledge service. Burnette, Alison Cantley and Mary Rothschild share their stories about VUU and the role faith plays in their lives. Alex Isotov, Hillary Cully and the VUU Band provide music for the service. After the service is a special celebratory treat.
VUU services begin at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and generally last an hour and 15 minutes. The VUU sanctuary is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop installed.
Cornerstone hosts event for women
Women of all ages are invited to REMIX from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, March 31, at Cornerstone Church, 1595 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
REMIX is a free, semi-annual event with a vibrant, energetic atmosphere where women can refine their purpose through Christ with a mix of inspiration and play. Registration is not required. To learn more, visit www. cornerstoneonline.com/groups/remix or call (480) 726-8000.
British flair at Purim party
Chabad of the East Valley hosts its 16th annual Purim around-theworld party and its first Purim in its new building Sunday, March 16, at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler.
A Megillah reading will be held at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Britishstyle party, “Purim in England,” at 5 p.m. The event features a buffet dinner, special children’s program, hamantaschen, British-themed crafts and games and more. Guests are invited to masquerade in English attire or costumes of their choice. Cost is $25 per adult or $15 per child. To learn more or RSVP, call (480) 855-4333 or visit www. chabadcenter.com.
SLJC celebrates season
A full slate of activities, including two holiday celebrations, is on the agenda for Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
A Purim Party hosted by SLJC will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes. The evening will feature a Purim trivia challenge, prizes for best costume, a wide range of appetizers from congregants and traditional hamantaschen for dessert.
A special twilight service will be held Friday, March 28.
SLCJ hosts its Second Night Passover Seder Tuesday, April 15. Rabbi Irwin Wiener will conduct the service. The Seder will be presented by Heidi’s Events and Catering.
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is an established reform congregation that meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N., Sun Lakes. For more information, visit www. sunlakesjewishcongregation.org.
SLJC Sisterhood holds monthly meeting
Members attending the SLJC Sisterhood’s meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes 1 will hear from guest speaker Joan Sitvar and discuss the Shanghai Ghetto, a largely unknown piece of Holocaust history.
The ongoing Toys from the Heart program always welcomes donations; checks in any amount can be made to SLJC Sisterhood and mailed to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249.
To learn more about SLJC Sisterhood, contact Co-Presidents Geri or Carol at (480) 305-0123 or (480) 8953168, respectively.
Church holds rummage sale
A rummage sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, in the Chandler Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1500 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.
The sale will raise funds to send
youth to Montlure Presbyterian Church Camp this summer in Greer.
To learn more about Chandler Presbyterian Church, visit www. chandlerpres.org.
SPIRITUAL SPEAKER
books on life, loss and spirituality and offers workshops, seminars, in-service programs and retreats on grief, caregiving and spirituality. Call (480) 895-6317 or visit Churchman’s website at www. sacredtorch.com to learn more. 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.
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 p.m.-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, www.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, www.chandlercc.org
Chandler Yoga for Food
6 p.m. Tuesdays
All faiths, backgrounds, ages, and skill
Send us your church, temple events
Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to News@SanTanSun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.
levels welcome. Yoga and stretching hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kristin Longenecker from Jacob’s Well United Methodist Church and led via Skype by Yogi Sheila Lively from www.StepLivelyNowllc.com. Guests should bring mat and water and wear comfortable clothes. Admission: $3 or three cans or boxes of food to be donated to the Food Bank at Chandler Christian Community Center. No previous yoga experience necessary. Accompanying children can use Xtreme Air during yoga session for $5.
Xtreme Air Jump ‘N Skate 910 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler Info: kristin@jacobswellumc.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 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 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, www. 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, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
East Valley JCC Parent & Child
Playgroup
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Fridays
Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old.
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 p.m.-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, www.lisacmyers.com, www.facebook.com/forevermarriages.
Free Beginning Guitar Classes
6 p.m. Mondays
Jonathan Crissman, Arizona State University doctoral guitar student and Jacob’s Well United Methodist Church worship leader, teaches this free class for beginners. Classes for intermediate students are also available for a modest fee.
Gangplank Chandler
260 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler Info: jonathancrissman@hotmail.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: www.griefcareaz@gmail.com
Grief Share
6:30 p.m.-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,
WebXtra:
but scholarships are available. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: (480) 963-4127, www.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 child care for children ages 10 and younger.
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 a.m.-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
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
WebXtra: For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “Spirituality.”
