SanTan Sun News: Spirituality - Jan. 23, 2016

Hope Covenant Church to offer workshop about abuse

BY ALISON STANTON

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Yvonne DeVaughn understands how hard it can be for people to talk about domestic violence and sexual assault.

As national director of Evangelical Covenant Church’s Advocates for Victims of Abuse (AVA), DeVaughn also knows how important it is to educate as many people as possible about all aspects of abuse, and offer resources on how to get help.

From 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Hope Covenant Church in Chandler will hold an event called “Pain In Our Midst— Healing Roads to Healing Community.”

DeVaughn, who is a member of the church, said the free event will be hosted by AVA and will include a panel discussion and guest speakers who will share their stories of abuse and healing, as well as a breakfast and a question-and-answer period.

“Our congregation seems to be very open to issues in the community and this is one of them,” DeVaughn said.

“Our church has a history of working with people who are overcoming domestic violence or childhood sexual assault.”

In addition to raising awareness about abuse, DeVaughn said she hopes the event will empower survivors to seek the help that they need, as well as disprove some of the myths about abuse.

“People may think that it doesn’t happen in church families, but that is not true,” she said.

“We want to make it a safe place to

break their silence, and not be afraid to talk about their issues. It’s also important to learn how we can walk with someone and support them when they are being abused.”

Because domestic violence shelters are typically prohibited from talking about religion with their guests, DeVaughn said the upcoming event will also help people who are wondering how abuse will affect their faith.

“We can bring support from the spiritual side,” she said.

“We’re not trying to duplicate the community agencies. We are trying to partner with them and get to know them so we can point people to them.”

Ivia Hess, a member of Hope Covenant Church who is helping with advertising for the event, said everyone is welcome to attend.

“For many people domestic violence starts in their teen years, and retirees may still not be dealing with abuse issues, and this could really help them,” Hess said.

Friends and family members of abuse victims are also welcome.

“Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them, but everybody will be touched by some type of abuse at some point. If not now, it will be later. We just want as many people as possible to come, and we are just there to inform them.”

Hope Covenant Church is located at 1770 S. Dobson Rd. in Chandler. For more information, visit http:// hopechurchchandler.com.

Spiritual Reflections

Popeye moments

BY DR. MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR, SUN LAKES BAPTIST CHURCH

One of my favorite cartoons when I was growing up was Popeye. You may recall that when something really terrible was happening, Popeye would say, “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more!” Well, his grammar wasn’t the best, but I think most folks can identify with his frustration. Tensions surface, pressures mount, stress builds, and before you know it you feel like saying, “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more!” Had any Popeye moments lately? Well, we’ve all been there at one time or another (perhaps too many times to count).

But I have found powerful help in God’s Word for those experiences of pressure and stress. Consider the following passages:

In quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15). Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him (Lamentations 3:25). Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7a). The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His loving kindness (Psalm 147:11).

It’s also good to ponder the words of Psalm 131—a wonderful tonic for troubled

hearts. In this short but profound Psalm, we read the words of a man who is not overwhelmed by busyness or consumed by pressures. He is not spinning into free fall because of anxiety and stress. Rather, he is quiet before the Lord. Is that really possible in a world that is like a tumultuous sea threatening our little ship on every side? Yes, it is possible! For those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior have a Father in heaven who loves them, hears their prayers, and is strong to deliver them in time of need. Furthermore, according to the Bible, they have the hope of a better country (a heavenly one) and the assurance that their conquering Savior has defeated death and has delivered them from it as well!

How good it is to know that in our daily lives God is able to make His powerful presence known and to bring peace and quiet to our noisy spirits. And not only is He able to do it, He delights to do it. As the great British preacher, Charles Spurgeon, said: “Because He’s the living God, He can hear. Because He’s a loving God, He will hear.” Yes, there’s a peace from God that surpasses all comprehension (see Philippians 4:6-7). We don’t have to be controlled by Popeye moments!

Spiritual Reflections

Share your spiritual reflections

The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sunarea 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. 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 those of the SanTan Sun News.

Nudelman to speak at first Sisterhood meeting of new year

Merle Nudelman will discuss “Metamorphosis: Insight and Change Through Poetry” during the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood’s first meeting of the new year at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.

Speaking at the Chapel House at Sun Lakes, Nudelman will cover the connection between creative expression, loss and healing.

She will speak about why she began to write poems and the power of the creative process to open new paths of compassion, understanding and peace with what was and with what is. She will unpack the profound gifts that this work has brought to her as she expressed and honored her family’s experience during and after the Holocaust.

Nudelman, a lawyer, poet and educator, has published four books of poetry with Guenica Editions in Canada.

“Borrowed Light,” her first collection, won the 2004 Canadian Jewish Book Award for Poetry. Her books and poems have garnered prizes and have appeared in literary and educational journals, anthologies and zines.

She leads workshops on creative writing and on healing through words. She is working on a book of nonfiction. She is also poetry editor of the literary journal Parchment

In other Sisterhood news, the reservations deadline is Jan. 15 for the Feb. 2 card party.

As always, donations for Toys from the Heart are always appreciated. Donations, as well as dues payments ($30), can be sent to Phyllis, at 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ, 85249.

For more information, call Suzy Zeigler at (480) 460-5574.

The Perfect Place aids seniors needing day care

Donna Anderson plays the piano and patrons and staff at The Perfect Place usually listen. Now they sing along.

Participants, who have become comfortable with Anderson, sing everything from holiday favorites to hits of their past. The lyrics come from participants who smile as they realize they remember.

Anderson, who is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, heard about The Perfect Place from another volunteer. She enjoys playing for patrons and the facility because they are appreciative.

The Perfect Place is located on

the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. It is a nonprofit, faith-based adult care center. Its volunteers are knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities, and various adult neurological challenges.

For more information about The Perfect Place, call (480) 895-2892, or email theperfectplace85248@gmail. com. Ask for Judy Waltersdorf.

The Perfect Place is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

‘Duck Dynasty’ star to lead men’s conference

Led by special guest Jep Robertson from “Duck Dynasty,” the Legacy Men’s Conference comes to Cornerstone Church from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Besides Robertson, speakers include Albert Tate, Ron Merrell and Tim Beal. Music will be led by Brian Wurzell and Ryan Axtell.

The rates are $65 for early bird before Feb. 8; $75 after Feb. 8. The student fee is $35. Email info@legacycon.com for groups of 10 or more. To register please visit www.legacycon.com.

Cornerstone Church Chandler Campus is located at 1595 S. Alma School Rd. Call (480) 726-8000 for more information.

VUU free film series on racism continues in February

A free film series called “Continuing the Conversations: Racism in Films” will be shown at VUU from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays Feb. 7, March 6 and April 10.

The films, in chronological order of the dates are “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Rosewood” and “Do The Right Thing.” Movies will be held in the VUU sanctuary, and there will be a discussion after each showing.

“The films and conversations afterward will create a deeper understanding of how racist attitudes are embedded in our culture thereby supporting the practices of discrimination and brutality,” explained VUU member and co-coordinator Beverly McCormick.

She said the film series also supports the mandate for awareness issued at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly this year that “Black Lives Matter.”

Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation provides a welcoming diverse community that nurtures each person’s lifelong spiritual journey, creates a place of peace and celebration and strives for social justice and sustainable living.

VUU is located at 6400 W. Del Rio St., in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 899-4249, or visit www.vuu.org.

Sun Lakes church sponsoring aging well workshop

Health care advocates are one of the topics set to be discussed during the Aging Well Workshop at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 3, at Sun Lakes Chapel opposite the Sun Lake Country Clubhouse.

Other topics include the difference between palliative and hospice care, and five things no one knows about Medicare, long-term care and Social Security.

Lunch will be served. Reservations are required. Call (480) 895-6317 for additional information or to make a reservation.

Chandler United Methodist Church

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.

SUNDAYS

Celebration Service

10:30 a.m. Sundays

All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaithcommunity.org

Kids’ Sunday School

10 a.m. to 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

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

7:30 a.m. traditional worship

9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music

11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band

There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

MONDAYS

The Art of Parenting

7:30 p.m. Mondays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333, rabbi@ chabadcenter.com

TUESDAYS

Silva Class and Meditation

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays

Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800.

Career Connectors

9 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month

Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to highquality 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, (480) 442-5806

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 each 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

Grief Share

6:30 p.m. to 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

HOPE—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

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) 895-5194; Shirley, (480) 883-9159; or Joyce, (480) 802-4902.

Monthly Women’s Fellowship

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

The monthly fellowship Bible study with 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

Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon)—

Chandler Chapter

7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church, 1125 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Info: www.nar-anon.org

WEDNESDAYS

Pranic Healing

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday

Receive a 15-minute energetic tune-up. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800.

Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday

Presented by Will Zecco, gong master. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow as desired. Love offerings will be accepted.

Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798 or www.interfaithcommunity.org.

“A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis

1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays

The weekly group is an interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaith-community.org

The Art of Parenting

9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com

Pranic Healing and Meditation

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided meditation and healing for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

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. Info: www.griefcareaz@gmail. com

Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle

7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Meditation Moments

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday of the month

An interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as long time students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798 or www.interfaithcommunity.org

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

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

THURSDAYS

Women’s Empowerment & Awakening 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Thursday Release negative beliefs. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800.

A Course in Miracles 7 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursday Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Empower Model for Men

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays

The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Real Love Support Group 6:30 p.m. Thursdays

For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

FRIDAYS

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

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

All women are invited to a Bible study and discussion of how lessons can relate to our lives. Every lady brings something different to the group and learns from others 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.

Grief

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Friday

Each session presents a 45-minute videotaping of expertise of counselors, pastors and others who have coped with grief and understand its effects and the steps toward healing. Each week a different stand-alone topic is presented as part of 13 sessions. Discussion follows, but participation is entirely voluntary. Call (480) 895-1088 for information. The program is offered at First Baptist Church Sun Lakes.