If Lei-Sa Anderson has one goal in mind for her organization’s forthcoming conference, it’s to inspire and motivate women throughout the Valley.
Anderson, a co-pastor at World Outreach and Bible Training Center in Maricopa, is helping organize “Released! Walk, Run ... Fly 2014 Women’s Conference,” set for Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.
It is the follow-up to an event last year that highlighted identity and selfesteem.
“This is the sequel,” Anderson says. She says now that women know who they are, this conference will help answer the question, “What are you going to do with that information?”
The conference begins at 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, youth will have a selection of activities, as well as two breakout sessions. A private lunch will also be held for them.
“Our church strives to be a multigenerational church,” Anderson says.
For the adults, the conference will feature vendors, breakout sessions and workshops, as well as a fashion show luncheon Saturday afternoon with a speaker.
“The fashion show is going to be featuring some of our vendors that offer merchandise,” Anderson explains.
CONFERENCE: Pastor Melva Henderson will be a keynote speaker at “Released! Walk, Run...Fly 2014 Women’s Conference” this September. Submitted photo
“We wanted to promote some of the businesses and local shelters. We wanted to give those women an opportunity.”
The breakout sessions and workshops are wide ranging, geared toward parenting, senior citizens, pastoring, and one that highlights health and wellbeing.
“It’s going to be a good time,” Anderson says.
Keynote speaker Pastor Melva Henderson will be accompanied by other local pastors to share the message. Anderson explains people spend a lot of time tearing one another down.
“The people around you are waiting to be impacted, but you are staying the same,” Anderson says. “We are repeating
the cycle of tearing each other down, instead of building one another up.”
Last year’s conference was eyeopening for Anderson. She says some women transformed right in front of her because they did not like who they were. To have the opportunity to watch women change impacted Anderson’s life.
“I was changed myself,” she says.
Anderson says the conference will help impress upon women that they should grasp what they can, so it will stay with them and change them, as well as motivate others to be the best they can be.
Conference tickets are $50; youth admission is $40.
Tickets can be purchased at www. eventbrite.com/e/released-walk-runflylllace-womens-conference-2014- tickets11072920403?aff=es2&rank=68. For more information, visit www. worldoutreachbtcmaricopa.org.
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Mornings Traditional Worship7:30 & 11:30 A.M.
& 10:10 A.M.
& 10:10 A.M.
One Church explores controversies
Beginning Sunday, Aug. 3, One Church of Chandler will explore some of the most controversial and emotionally charged issues, with a series of sermons called “Brave: Courage to Build Bridges Instead of Walls.”
During the series, Pastor Ryan Gear will address topics such as immigration, wealth inequality, gun control and same-sex marriage, looking at how followers of Jesus can thoughtfully wrestle with the difficult issues society faces and humbly agree to disagree.
Services are held from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Sundays at Perry High School, 1919 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert. To learn more, visit www.onechurch.com or email info@onechurch.com.
Service, film to honor day of mourning
An evening of reading and discussion of the Book of Lamentations by candlelight will be held Monday, Aug. 4, at the new Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler.
The free service, which honors the day of mourning for the destruction of the first and second temple in Jerusalem on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av more than 2,000 years ago, will be followed by a screening of the contemporary film “Unsettled,” a critical look at Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza.
Fast begins at 7:25 p.m., followed by the service at 8 p.m. and the film at 9 p.m. RSVP is recommended.
For more information or to RSVP, call (480) 855-4333 or visit www.chabadcenter.com.
SLJC plans ahead for fall, winter events
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC), an established reform congregation, will meet for a Twilight Service at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Sun Lakes Chapel House.
Services in the chapel will resume in September at 7:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. New attendees are invited to be introduced at the service and connect with members of the congregation.
SLJC celebrates Rosh Hashana at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24; and 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25; Kol Nidre at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; and Yom Kippur at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. The “Festival of Lights” Hanukkah Celebration, featuring dinner, potato latkes, dreidels and a happy party,
will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Iron Oaks Country Club. Admission is $18 for adults, $10 for children and free for children younger than 5.
SLJC dues are $150 per person, which includes a High Holiday ticket. Additional tickets for guests, family, significant others and friends can be purchased as outlined at the SLJC website at www.sunlakesjewishcongregation. org.
The SLJC Choir and Cantor is looking for members from all expressions of faith. Call Lana Oyer at (602) 524-5936 if interested, or come to a rehearsal from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. any Tuesday starting Sept. 2 at the Sun Lakes Chapel Center.
PCC hosts open house for church leaders
An open house for local pastors and church leaders is hosted by Pregnancy Care Center (PCC) of Chandler from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 20, Chandler.
Church leaders are invited to tour the center, explore volunteer opportunities and have lunch at the open house.
PCC is a local Christian ministry offering free services to women with unplanned pregnancies. To learn more or to RSVP, call (480) 374-2994 by Thursday, Aug. 7, or visit www.pccchandler.com.
Spirituality
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
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
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
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m.
WORSHIP 10 a.m.
S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ
(5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org
Chandler United Methodist Church
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, on the north side of Ray Road near Alma School 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.
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
