BY LEE MERRILL
Spiritual Reflections
When life is hardBlessed are the peacemakers
Are you in the middle of a stormy season? Is life not turning out as you hoped? Do you feel like giving up? Hear God whisper to your soul: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
When life becomes too heavy to bear, you’re in the perfect position to lay it all in God’s hands. God never intended for you to do life in your own strength. He longs to hold you up and fill your soul with peace. Hear God sing truth over you: “Cast your cares on [me] and [I] will sustain you; [I] will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22 NIV).
Even if you don’t see how your situation can ever get any better, know that God is an expert at bringing beauty from ruins. He loves to rebuild, restore and redeem. Hear God speak life into your situation: “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Hard times are a blessing in disguise because they urge us to look to God for help. Without grief, we’d never experience his comfort. Without questions, we’d miss out on his answers. Without struggle, we’d bypass his provision. Hear God pour hope into your empty cup: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).
Don’t give up. When life is hard, lean into God’s tender embrace. He loves you, he sees you and he cares.
A Southern magnolia transplanted in the Arizona desert, Lee Merrill is a Bible study teacher at Heart of Mesa church and a blogger at www.prayergifts.net. Her first book, “Prayer Gifts While You Wait: Grace for as Long as it Takes” is available on Amazon.
BY LYNN HARTKE
We sit in a circle, women with ages spanning five decades. We open up the Bible and talk about how the words penned in those pages are a part of our everyday loving, doing and walking-around life. We memorize portions together, whole chunks of passages, because we know living this loving/doing/walking life can take huge chunks right out of us.
We who are the image bearers of God need the breath of His words flowing off our tongues, in our minds and bathing our hearts. We are memorizing the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), the first public teaching of Christ, and letting the truth-words percolate into our cracks, tiny splintering places we all have. We study fourteen words in this lesson: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called songs and daughters of God” (v. 9).
Fourteen words. Easy to memorize. Difficult to live out. Fourteen words to change a life, to heal a nation, a marriage or a friendship.
Peacemakers, not peace fakers: people who actively work at bringing peace into their relationships, into their spheres of influence. It is not for the faint of heart.
Women share deep, the cracks where words have percolated truth: peace for a family struggling with unforgiveness, peace while walking through sickness, peace during a granddaughter’s divorce, peace in transition, peace in a struggle with hopelessness.
Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, friends—we place hands on shoulders and pray we can make peace where there is chaos and disorder, that we can bear the image of our Father. When we walk into a room, into a situation, into a life, people will know, “Here
Spiritual Reflections
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comes a peacemaker.”
Where do you need to make peace?
Lynn Hartke blogs at www.lynnehartke. com. She is the wife of Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship, 50 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. To learn more, visit www.tcfchandler.org or call (480) 963-7698.
Excellence in Christian Care and Early Childhood Education
Summer learning at SLUCC
A weekly seminar discussion of the historical and cultural world of the Bible is led by Pastor Vernon Meyer, Ph.D., of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, beginning July 9. A summer book study of “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life” by Karen Armstrong will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sundays, starting July 13.
Sun Lakes United Church of Christ is at 25635 S. Sun Lakes Blvd. in Sun Lakes. For more information, call (480) 895-6317.
CCC hosts
‘Crazy’ series
“You Make Me Crazy,” a series of sessions discussing how people can work on more positive relationships with others, is offered on weekends throughout July by Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.
Upcoming sessions include “Patriotic Weekend,” July 5 and 6; The People Pleasing Trap! The Dangers of Being a People Pleaser and How to Overcome It,” July 12 and 13; and “How to Handle Crazy Makers! Dealing with Difficult People and Surviving,” July 19 and 20. To learn more, visit www.chandlercc.org
‘You are a Masterpiece’ presented by Knights of Columbus
The award-winning pro-life video “You are a Masterpiece” will be presented from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 644 E. Chandler Rd., Chandler. An ice cream social follows.
The presentation is sponsored by the Fr.
Patterson Knights of Columbus Council No. 3121 and the AZ East Valley Pro-Life Alliance. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. To RSVP, call (480) 216-7217 or email Life@EVProLifeAlliance.org. DVDs will be available at the event for a $15 donation.
VUU serves up summer sermons
A variety of mostly lay-led sermons is on the agenda in July at Valley Unitarian Universalist (VUU) Congregation, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler.
VUU member Barbara Face and Worship Associate Obi Duru lead the July 6 service called “A Space Oddity: Beauty, Truth and the Overview Effect,” an outer space view of relations on Earth for Independence Day, accompanied by classic patriotic songs. Congregation member Duke Mertz reflects on expecting to be “born again” in the religious tradition of his childhood and what it means to him now in the July 13 service, “What It Means to be Born Again,” led by Worship Associate Lynn DeMuth. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is the central theme for the July 20 service, with its motifs of compassion and understanding; congregation member Patrick Whorton and Worship Associate Obi Duru present the service, titled “Pulling a Harper Lee.”
VUU’s the Rev. Andy Burnette returns
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
- 8th
P.M.
to the podium July 27 and is inspired by the Amanda Palmer song, “In My Mind.” Burnette asks what it means to live in the moment in the 21st century in the service, “I Still Have a Tattoo to Get: Reflections on Living in the Moment.”
VUU services begin at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and last about an hour and 15 minutes. VUU offers a welcoming diverse community that nurtures each person’s lifelong spiritual journey, creating a place of peace and celebration and strives for social justice and sustainable living. For more information, call (480) 899-4249 or visit www.vuu.org.
SLJC announces dates for celebrations
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, an established reform congregation, meets for a Twilight Service at 5:30 p.m. the second Friday of July and August at the Sun Lakes Chapel House.
Services are an opportunity to meet Rabbi Weiner, Cantor Ronda Polesky and hear the choir, as well as a great opportunity to meet new people, connect with Judaism and learn. New attendees are invited to be introduced at the service and connect with members of the congregation.
This year’s High Holidays will be celebrated by SLJC as follows: Rosh Hashana, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 and 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25; Kol Nidre, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; Yom Kippur 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. The Book of Remembrance in which departed family members are honored and memorialized is under construction; names must be received by Sunday, Sept. 8, to be included.
SLJC dues are $150 per person, which includes a High Holiday ticket. Instructions to purchase additional tickets for guests as well as more information can be found online at www.sunlakesjewishcongregation. org.
Spirituality
Center for Living Well extends online auction
The Center for Living Well is a 501(c)3 non-profit Christ-centered wellness ministry dedicated to providing people with tools to become a healthy, integrated self, dependent on God, in community with others. These programs include Christ-centered yoga, mindful eating, nutrition, Bible study, marriage and parenting offered as weekly classes, workshops, live streaming over the Internet and at retreats. Interested in knowing more or bringing them to your church group, organization, or event?
Contact the Center for Living Well at info@ centerforlivingwell.org or (480) 505-3825.
Center for Living Well welcomes tax deductible cash and in-kind donations. For more information or to donate, visit the website or email info@centerforlivingwell.org.
The center has extended its online fundraising auction deadline through July 7 due to the holiday and every dollar received will be matched by an anonymous donor.
Whether you’re looking for something unique for yourself, searching for a gift for a special someone, or looking to add a little adventure to your life, you’re sure to find something in the auction. Every bid helps support the centers cause. The success of this online auction depends on spreading the word to as many people as possible.
Visit the Center for Living Well website at www.centerforlivingwell.org for more information. The Center for Living Well is located at 1655 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 5, Chandler.
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, Chandler
Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882
Career Connectors
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays Next: July 22
Nonprofit organization connecting professionals to high-quality 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
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 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. Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
East Valley JCC Parent and 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. 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 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, 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. 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 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
Kids’ 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
Spirituality
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
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.-12 p.m. 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 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: www.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
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)
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m. SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m.
19609 S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ 480-899-LIFE (5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org
895-5194; Shirley, (480) 883-9159; or Joyce, (480) 802-4902.
Spiritual Chat
7 p.m.-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
Temple Havurat Emet
7:30 p.m. first Friday of each month Lecky Center, Robson Library 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes Info: www.templehavuratemet.org
Women’s Life group
10 a.m.-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
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.”
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