When Momi Robins-Makaila was introduced to the power of writing as an adult, she began to take stock in her life. Documenting her life story, she began a healing process of sorts and realized she liked the person she became.
āItās very therapeutic,ā says the Chandler resident, a teacher at Willis Junior High School. āI tell all my students, āNow just write and be truthful. Just write it.ā In the writing it reveals so many things.ā
Her latest book, āRescued By a God I Didnāt Know,ā helped Robins-Makaila further her healing process once she embraced her struggles. She became honest about her fears while focusing on Christ.
Originally from Hawaii, RobinsMakaila says she knew she wanted to be a writer after working on her high school newspaper and yearbook.
āI had always known I wanted to write, but never knew what I would write about,ā the teacher of 12 years says.
Her ļ¬rst book, āCandy Canes and Cokeā began her healing journey.
āThat is a raw and very dysfunctional book that came when I realized my son had this cocaine addiction,ā RobinsMakaila says.
She says, too, her relationship with her ex-husband was very dysfunctional from the beginning, which she believes is where her sonās addiction manifested.
āWe crave relationships so much that
we will take whatever we get,ā RobinsMakaila says. āI wanted the relationship so bad that I wanted to escape my reality. Even though the relationship was bad, I chose to stay in it.ā
Once the book was published, she still felt a void.
āI realized it was good and it helped me heal, but it didnāt give me what I needed. I had known that I wasnāt living the life I was meant to live,ā Robins-Makaila says. āThe second book helped me.ā
āRescued By a God I Didnāt Knowā blossomed after learning the real story behind Jesus and the salvation that he offers. She explains that it made her realize she was not on her own.
āEach chapter talks about a struggle that I was going through and how I was able to strengthen that relationship with God through that struggle,ā she explains.
Once the author learned about the Bible, the Scriptures and the promises Jesus made, she was able to take a step away from herself and understand it was not about her.
āThere is nothing that I have ever gone through that hasnāt worked itself out,ā she says of her past.
When she began writing her second book, she went to school and earned her second masterās degree in Christian leadership with a focus in pastoral care. Her ļ¬rst masterās degree is in education.
āIf I focus on what He did for us, I am rescued,ā she says. āI donāt have to beat
RELEASE: Chandler resident Momi Robins-Makaila released her newest book, āRescued By a God I Didnāt Know,ā which shares her journey of ļ¬lling a void. Submitted photo
myself up for worrying or doubting or not wanting to put myself out there.ā
Now she wants to empower others. She says that women are interested in her book because they seek connections and relationships. She says she hopes the book will show women that once they are honest with themselves, they will see growth and improvement that will guide
them in the direction of becoming closer to the life and person they are striving to become.
āRescued By a God I Didnāt Knowā is available on www.amazon.com or www. momirobins-makaila.org.
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.
AUTHOR: Momi Robins-Makaila, a teacher of 12 years, released her second book āRescued By a God I Didnāt Know.ā Submitted photo
NEW
Groundbreaking ceremony set for community center expansion
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Chandler Christian Community Center is preparing to break ground for an expansion that will better accommodate clients.
The ofļ¬cial groundbreaking is 7 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the center, 345 S. California St. CEO Trinity Donovan says the entire community is invited.
A nonproļ¬t organization founded as a food bank, Chandler Christian Community Center has been in the city since 1966. To accommodate the food bank and the family resource center programs, the center underwent an expansion, which was completed in February 2013.
The center soon found it needed more space to better provide its services so it obtained federal funds
from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which was administered through the City, to add 1,300 square feet to the back of the existing building.
Donovan, who serves on the city council but did not vote on or discuss the CDBG matter due to the conļ¬ict, says the space will allow them to provide better quality services.
She says the construction company anticipates that the machinery will be there the day of the groundbreaking.
āThey will start digging the foundation that morning,ā she says. āThe equipment will be ready to go after we are done with the groundbreaking.ā
The project, which will also include improvements to the existing buildings, as well as added storage space, is
HAVING FUN
SUMMER EVENTS PLANNED: Sun Lakes United Church of Christ hosts services each Sunday, but it has three special events planned this summer. The fellowship committee invites the public to attend an ice cream social on June 22, a hot dog picnic on July 6, or āpie dayā on Aug. 19. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ is located at 9240 Sun Lakes Blvd. For more information, call (480) 895-1557 or visit www.chandler-sunlakesucc.org/. Pictured above are members of the fellowship committee: Roseann Hiles, Bob Miller, Dan King, Penny Fox, Joy King, Dolores Gilbert, Frank NaĆÆve and Susan Hayward. Not pictured is Pat NaĆÆve. Submitted photo
expected to be completed in November.
It will also provide a bigger ofļ¬ce for the Community Action Program, which provides clients with rent and utilities assistance, as well as programs for goal setting to obtain better paying jobs.
āMost of the space we are expanding into for the C.A.P. ofļ¬ce,ā Donovan says. āWe have people who meet individually. It will allow us to give them better space for one-on-one interviews for helping them with their needs.ā
The additional space will accommodate senior programs, which provide hot meals for Gilbert and Chandler seniors, and the Interface Homeless Emergency Lodging Program. Case managers for that program help clients with job searches and housing.
āThat position is the most recent
position we were able to add in February,ā says Donovan, adding the case load is 35 clients.
Last year, 1,598 individuals volunteered more than 35,000 hours at the Chandler Christian Community Center. More than 750,000 pounds of food was donated to the center last year for its food projects.
āThe community is a big part of us being able to serve those needs,ā Donovan says. For more information, visit http:// chandlerfoodbank.org/ or call (480) 963-1423.
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
Chabad of East Valley hosting Tikun Leil Shavuos, ice cream party
Keeping with the age-old tradition of staying up and studying all night in honor of the holiday of Shavuos (the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai 3,326 years ago), Chabad of the East Valley is hosting its annual all night study of inspirational, intellectual energetic and fun classes.
Tikun Leil Shavuos, or āall-night learning,ā will be held from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the Pollack Chabad for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Only adults are welcome to this free event.
This year, the following topics will be discussed: Is gambling acceptable in Judaism?; Is boxing an acceptable profession?; Do men have laws of modesty?; Can you ride a bike on Shabbos?; How much should someone spend on a pair of Teļ¬llin or mezuzahs?; It is a Mitzvah to buy a Torah Scrollāwhat if you canāt afford it?; What
are my responsibilities in giving Tzedakah; and I canāt afford to give my kids a Jewish Educationāwhat should I do?
For more information, email rabbi@ chabadcenter.com. All presentations will be followed by questions and answers and open discussion for 15 to 25 minutes. Reservations are required.
The center is also hosting a Shavuot holiday ice cream party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, for all moms, dads and children. The party is free but reservations are requested.
Celebrate the holiday of Shavuot in a ācoolā fashion. Hear the Ten Commandments read from the Torah, then create an ice cream delicacy.
For more information, call (480) 855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter.com.
Jungle adventure awaits Cornerstone kids
A kickoff event for Cornerstone Churchās Kidz Kamp 2014, featuring a free concert for the whole family, will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 2.
The jungle safari-themed camp runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, through Friday, June 6. Campers will āExplore the Nature of God!ā through Bible stories, crafts, snacks, music and games. Cost is $40 per child, including a T-shirt and all supplies. Cornerstone is at 1595 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. To register or learn more, visit www.cornerstoneonline.com/kidz-kamp.
Temple Havurat Emet takes break from formal services
Temple Havurat Emet may be taking off June and July from its formal services, but it will be holding its informal services during those two months.
In June, it will hold services at the home of one of its congregants. Be sure to check the website, www. templehavuratemet.org, for information about the date and location.
The July informal service will be held at Cottonwood Country Clubās Phoenix Room, 25630 S. Brentwood Dr., Sun Lakes, on July 18.
In August, the congregation will return āhomeā to the Lecky Center of the Robson Library with its formal Friday night service.
May services at VUU
The remaining weeks of May hold two more services for Chandlerās Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
The VUUās high school youth will lead the service Sunday, May 18, which will include the 201314 Religious Education Teacher Recognition and high school senior bridging ceremonies.
The Rev. Andy Burnette will discuss āA Quiet Revolutionā Sunday, May 25, focusing on how listening is a revolutionary act in U.S. culture and how Unitarian Universalists can improve at it. Members of one of VUU Congregationās Chalice Circles will also be part of the service.
VUU services begin at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and typically last an hour and 15 minutes.
The VUU sanctuary is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop installed.
Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation provides a welcoming, diverse community, located at 6400 W. Del Rio St. in Chandler. To learn more, call (480) 899-4249 or visit www.vuu.org.
Spiritual Reļ¬ections
Share your spiritual reflections...
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 āSpiritual Reflections submissionā 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.
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 that of the SanTan Sun News.
Church looks to summer
Chandler Presbyterian Church is launching into summer with a variety of activities.
Teacher Recognition Day is Sunday, May 18; Bibles will be presented to fourth graders and seniors. A pool party will also be held the same day right after church at the Rakeās house; guests should bring swimsuits.
Enrollment has begun for Vacation Bible School to be held Monday, June
2 through Friday, June 6; visit www. chandlerpres.org to register. Volunteers are needed for the Sunday morning PowerPoint ministry; interested parties with knowledge of PowerPoint should speak to Pastor George.
Chandler Presbyterian Church is at 1500 W. Germann Rd. in Chandler. For more information, visit www. chandlerpres.org or call (480) 963-3821.
Keep kids busy at vacation Bible school
Children in preschool through fifth grade are invited to attend Workshop of Wonders Vacation Bible School from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, June 23, through Friday, June 27, at Chandler United Methodist Church, 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Workshop of Wonders is an interactive Bible-based program featuring activities, games, music, crafts and science projects. Cost is $15 per student or $25 per family, if enrolling before Sunday, June 1, or $20 per student and $30 per family, if enrolling after. Discounts and
scholarships are available.
Registration ends Sunday, June 15. Registration forms and information are available online at www. chandlermethodist.org or at the church office during regular hours. Registration will also be taken Sunday mornings after 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services.
For more information, visit www. chandlermethodist.org or contact Steve Gregory at (480) 963-336 or steve.chandlerumc@gmail.com.
Health centerās workshop to help with anxiety relief
Anxiety is serious. Find relief by attending True Health Centersā free True Tranquility Workshop 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at 3220 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, Chandler.
Trouble focusing or constantly feeling stressed and anxious may be signs of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a serious illnessāthe most common mental illness in America, affecting more than 40 million individuals. True Health Centersā True Tranquility Workshop will enable all attendees to share their concerns and symptoms in a safe and healing environment. Join True Health Centersā experts as they help participants recognize the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder and help ļ¬nd relief. True Health Centers will be providing food, catered by Costa Vida, to those who RSVP.
For more information about the True Tranquility Workshop (valued at $50/person) or to RSVP, visit www. truehealthteam.com/true-tranquilityworkshop-may-27th/.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
Call ahead to conļ¬rm 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 Womenās 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. 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
Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter ā Chandler, Tempe, Mesa
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
Send us
your church, temple events
Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or templeās 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 veriļ¬cation purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the ābestā or āhighest qualityā setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.
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
Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter
7:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
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 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.
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 donāt have to do it alone.
Epiphany Lutheran Church, south campus
Desert Palms Church
Seek first the
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 ābeen thereā 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
H.O.P.E. ā 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
Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581
Monthly luncheon
Iguana Mackās 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 āsome of the poorest neighborhoodsā 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
Kidās 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:
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 āSpirituality.ā
