Following his ‘calling’ Jep Robertson to talk about faith Feb. 20 in Chandler
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Calling from the humid swamplands of Louisiana, “Duck Dynasty’s” Jep Robertson is anticipating his visit to Cornerstone Chandler Campus on Saturday, Feb. 20.
“I’m looking forward to the weather,” said Robertson who, along with wife, Jessica, just adopted a baby boy nicknamed Gus.
“It’s chilly down here. In Louisiana, even though the temperature is 30, it’s really humid so it feels really cold.”
Robertson is appearing at Cornerstone as part of the men’s conference called Legacy. (For more information, visit https://www.legacycon.com.) At the event, he’ll speak about “Duck Dynasty,” his new show, “Jep and Jessica: Growing the Dynasty” and a story or two.
“The most-asked question I get wherever I go is if my uncle Si is that crazy,” he said with a laugh. “Yes, he’s really that crazy.”
The most important topic, however, is his faith, something with which he struggled earlier.
“When I got to high school and figured out that girls existed and took that first drink of alcohol, I definitely did some experimenting,” Robertson said.
“I ended up doing a lot of drugs and was in a bad way. That’s what I talk about a lot—the intervention my parents had. There’s a bad path you can take where
you can end up dead or in a bad, bad place or in jail. Luckily, I have a good family who looked out for me and saved me, really.”
His parents were tough on him, but, Robertson said, he now sees that it was necessary.
“My dad said, ‘You keep living like this and we can’t be around you because you’re bringing bad stuff to this family,’” he said.
“He made me choose. It took me about 2 seconds to say, ‘I choose you guys and I can do whatever it takes to get it right.”
He said, half-jokingly, that he lived under “house arrest,” for a few months to get over his problems.
“I laid around, went hunting and got rid of those bad friends,” he said. “They were good guys. They just had the same thing—they lost their way. Most have come out of all of that stuff. That was 20 years ago.”
Robertson came out of it a better person, he said; someone who was able to help work toward and eventually enjoy the success of his family’s duck call company, Duck Commander.
“We spent many years struggling, really,” he said. “My dad just started this little old business on the river. He was a school teacher and a coach. He told my mom, ‘I think this could do well. I don’t
Jep Robertson, a member of the Robertson family best known as the star of “Duck Dynasty,” will make an appearance in Chandler on Feb. 20. He is shown here with wife, Jessica. Photo by Steven Palowsky
know how well.’ Never in his wildest dreams did he think it would blow up and be as big as it has been.”
He attributes the TV show to fans, however.
“I think people were wanting to see something that was a little more lighthearted and good natured,” he said. “A lot of reality shows have a lot of drama. People get mad at each other. We just wanted to take the opposite—be nice and be a normal family. We disagree about things, but we always make up in the end.”
Robertson has his own TV show now, “Jep and Jessica: Growing the Dynasty.” It follows the life of the couple and their family, which includes five children. He said that this project is challenging.
“It’s tough because with ‘Duck Dynasty,’ there was such a big cast,” he
said. “Each individual person doesn’t have to work so much.
“My immediate family, we have some long days. The crew is part of my family now, though. It’s the same crew that we have with ‘Duck Dynasty.’ Hollywood says that kids and animals are the hardest groups of people to work with. The kids, at times, they get tired. They were like, ‘I just want to go to school. We’re tired of being on set.’”
He said that with a laugh, but so far, Robertson added, the experience has been great.
“There are long hours and having a new baby, it’s tough,” he said. “We’ve had some sleepless nights. But so many people tell me, ‘Thank you so much for talking about adoption. We’ve been thinking about it.’ It’s so awesome. It’s been cool.”
Hadassah plans spring activities
BY DORIS CODKIND
The Shalom Chapter of Hadassah installed its officers in January at Stone & Vine Urban Italian. A winning combination of excellent leadership, hardworking volunteers, good programming and fun fundraisers has helped the group increase its membership to 170.
There will be no regular meeting in March because the chapter is taking a trip to the Herberger Theatre on March 15 for a musical and lunch. The event is sold out. Be prepared for bingo at the April 19 meeting at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.
Optional lunch is at 11:30 am, followed by a short meeting and then bingo fun. Prizes will be awarded. For lunch reservation send a $16 check, made to Shalom Hadassah, to Ruth Friedman at The Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes 85248.
The fabulously successful high tea and fashion show returns on May 10, with Chico’s again providing the fashions. Start getting your hats ready as there will be a best chapeau contest. For more information about Hadassah, call Cyril at (480) 802-0243.
Learn to be ‘compassionate’ at Sun Lakes Chapel House
Pastor Vernon Meyer will present a series based on Karen Armstrong’s recent book, “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life,” from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays March 2, March 9 and March 19. Armstrong’s book sets out a path that might help readers retrain their responses and form mental habits that are kinder, gentler and less fearful of others.
Meyer will walk through Armstrong’s book with a study of compassion, empathy and mindfulness. The presentations will be held at Sun Lakes Chapel House, 9230 Sun Lakes Blvd. (across from Sun Lakes Country Clubhouse). For more information contact Pastor Vernon at 480-895-6317
Oasis of Grace installs new pastor
The Rev. Gary Nibbelink was installed as the pastor of Oasis of Grace Assembly of God on Sunday, Jan. 24.
The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Stephen Harris, district superintendent for the Arizona Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God. Nibbelink was given a Fire Bible, a wooden staff to lead his new flock, and a bottle of special oil from the Holy Land to anoint the sick. His wife, JoAnne Nibbelink, was at his side.
Nibbelink and his wife moved here from Iowa, where they were involved in a ministry to senior citizens. They are the parents of four children, one of whom is an East Valley pastor. They also have 19 grandchildren. Oasis of Grace meets at the Ed Robson Branch Library’s Lecky Room, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m., followed by service 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible study is held at 6 p.m. at the Nibbelinks’ home in Sun Lakes.
Worship 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Spanish Worship 1:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY (Summer)
Movie premiere benefits Valley’s most vulnerable
Catholic Charities will be hosting an exclusive movie premiere on March 10 for one of this year’s most anticipated motion pictures, “The Young Messiah.”
The powerful religious film depicts the life of Jesus as a child as he and his family take the dangerous journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem, where His true identity and profound destiny are fulfilled. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Catholic Charities programs that support veterans, foster care, victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking, and homelessness.
The movie premiere is 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Arizona Center AMC. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.CatholicCharitiesAZ.org/ YoungMessiah. The public also has an opportunity to purchase a VIP experience that includes a reception, meeting the movie’s producer, food and wine, red carpet
entrance to the premiere and photos.
“The Young Messiah” is directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, writer/director of the awardwinning “The Stoning of Soraya M.,” from a screenplay adaptation that he and his wife, Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh, wrote.
“We hope that children will be drawn to the child Jesus and that this can be an uplifting film for the entire family,” he said. “It’s important to us that ‘The Young Messiah’ inspires people to visit, or revisit, Jesus’ story from a fresh new angle, one that centers on an unexplored moment in His life between the nativity and His crucifixion and resurrection. We also hope that, in some small way, our film leads viewers to the transformation and grace that Jesus extends to us all.”
For more information on the movie premiere event and for tickets visit www. CatholicCharitiesAZ.org/YoungMessiah.
Sun Lakes woman finds the
‘Perfect Place’ to volunteer
Roseann Pantano is a natural-born volunteer.
Active in Sun Lakes, Pantano just wrapped up volunteering for the sheriff’s posse when her friend, Joanne Gaudioso, told her about The Perfect Place, a nonprofit, faith-based adult care center that also gives caregivers a much-needed respite.
Some upcoming special events are Maundy Thursday communion services around the fire at the Nibbelinks’ home and a special Easter soul-winning event with guests Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. For details or more information about church, call (319) 464-2872.
Student Wash Out Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.
That was three years ago. Now she volunteers regularly once a month and fills in as needed.
“It is a good thing to do,” she said. “I enjoy it.”
The Perfect Place could use more volunteers like Pantano because it recently expanded. The Perfect Place is located
on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. Volunteers are knowledgeable of Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities and various adult neurological challenges. Those who are interested in The Perfect Place’s services should contact Barb Ruis at (480) 895-2892. The hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Contributions from service organizations and personal donations to The Perfect Place’s scholarship fund allow it to provide financial assistance.
Easter Cantata at First Baptist Church of
Sun Lakes
BY NORM NOBLE
The Sun Lakes Baptist Church Choir will present a musical that celebrates the most miraculous and life-changing event in history—the death and resurrection of our Savior during the 10 a.m. Sunday, March 20, service.
“To the Risen King” is not just a musical presentation, but also a guide for the choir and congregation to worship the risen Lord.
The songs were carefully selected and arranged for active participation by all who gather—from corporate expressions of praise to reflective songs of testimony. Composers Dennis and Nan Allen have woven together well-known hymns and gospel songs with Scriptural-based narratives designed for worship leader, choir, and congregation. Contact the church office at (480) 8951088 for more details.
The Rev. Gary Nibbelink was installed as the pastor of Oasis of Grace Assembly of God on Sunday, Jan. 24. Submitted photo
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation announces Shabbat services
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) is an established reform congregation that meets at the Sun Lakes Chapel on the second Friday of the month.
Services are great opportunities to meet people, connect with Judaism and learn. New attendees are invited to be introduced at the service and members of the congregation connect with these attendees.
Oneg Shabbats are held immediately after the services at Sun Lakes Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend.
Upcoming Shabbat services are as follows:
• March 11: Service honoring the choir, trip to Israel and Hadassah, 7:30 p.m.
Jewish Practices: Mitzvot and Traditions; Jewish Holidays: History and Significance
• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12: How to Change Your Life: A Study in Kabbalah and Meditation
SLUMC boasts full list of events
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Lowry will present “Jazz and Christianity” at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28.
In this musical lecture, Lowry takes the listeners through the story of the birth of jazz, particularly as it relates to Christianity and the black experience in America. This little-known story of how the church participated in the formation of the art form of jazz is accomplished by a combination narrative address and concert. Featured at the keyboard are such songs as “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Amazing Grace,” “St. Louis Blues” and “By and By.”
Final arrangements seminar on Feb. 21
SLUMC is sponsoring a final arrangements seminar at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Representatives of the church, Bueler Chandler Mortuary and the United Methodist Church Foundation will discuss various preparations that can be made prior to death. Topics will include memorial service planning, cremation versus burial, costs of services, veterans and Social Security benefits, advantages of preplanning, estate planning with wills and trusts as well as the facilities offered at The Gardens, a memorial columbarium for inurnment or burial of cremated remains.
• April 8: Yom Hashoah observance and Yom Ha’atzmaot and interfaith service, 7:30 p.m.
• May 13: Service honoring the men’s club and the rabbi’s Bar Mitzvah year, 7:30 p.m.
• June 10: Annual healing service, 7:30 p.m.
• July 8: Twilight service, 5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 12: Twilight Service, 5:30 p.m.
SLJC is also sponsoring a contemporary Passover Seder on Saturday, April 23, the second night of the holiday.
SLJC kicks off its adult education series at the chapel. The classes, led by the rabbi, are as follows. Participants can attend any or all of the sessions.
• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8:
• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3: Grief and Loss: How to Deal with Disappointments and Tragedies
At 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6, the Friends of Israel SLJC and EVJCC will present Yamit Armbrister, the author of “A Moroccan Woman, From Egypt to Caanen and Daughter of Ouzel,” at 3 p.m. March 6. “A Moroccan Woman” was recently selected by the Israeli Department of Education to the list of most recommended books for all high school students. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. There will be no solicitations. For information, visit www.SLJC.org.
An ordained United Methodist minister, Lowry earned a doctorate in the philosophy of education from the University of Kansas. He served as professor of preaching for more than 30 years at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a published author, and has preached in hundreds of churches, conferences and regional events in over 20 denominations. He has also lectured in more than 50 graduate theological seminaries across North America. He and his wife live in Kansas City, Missouri.
Lowry has performed concerts in the Phoenix area, but this is the first time he’s been at Sun Lakes UMC. The performance is open to the public with a freewill offering taken. For more information, call the church office at (480) 895-8766 or go to www. sunlakesumc.org
CPR class offered Feb. 29
Instruction specialist and fireman Doug Martineau will conduct a CPR class at the church at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, at Lindsay Hall. Martineau teaches CPR and first aid to medical professionals, child care and adult care workers, as well as the general public. He has accreditation from the American Heart Association and the United Mesa Fire Fighters Local 2260. Class fee is $20 cash, payable at the door.
Reserve a spot with Maureen in the Health and Wellness Office at (480) 895-8766. Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is located at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
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.
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 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, (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) 9634127, 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) 8955194; 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
The Cays at Downtown Ocotillo located in Chandler in the upscale Ocotillo Community. Occupancy Summer 2016
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.
Spiritual Reflections
Recycle and honor God’s creation
BY PASTOR JEAN NEWELL, SUN LAKES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“Does this go in recycling?” my grandson, Sabastion, asked his mom. “Yes, it does,” she replied, and he promptly dropped the empty container in the recycling bin that sits next to the trash can in our kitchen.
Recycling to Sabastion and his brother, Sebian, is a fact of life. Countless times, I’ve seen Sebian emptying his school backpack and separating into piles the papers his mother needed to see and papers that could go into the recycling bin.
I can remember when I was their age—in the mid-‘50s—when my family lived in Aurora, Colorado, and we had an incinerator in our backyard. Everyone back then had an incinerator in their backyard. The incinerator stood about 4 feet high and was about 2 feet square and was made out of cement or cinder block. I believe it had a screen-type cover and a trapdoor at the bottom to make it easier to scoop out the ashes that accumulated over time. It was dad’s job to burn the trash, so he would collect all trash from the various trash cans in the house, take the trash out back and dump it into the incinerator, and then light a match to it. He’d wait until the flames had died down before he would come back inside putting all the trash cans back where they
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.
belonged. Although I can still remember seeing the smoke rising up every evening from someone’s incinerator in the neighborhood, no one seemed to worry about pollution!
It was a different time—a different way of living. When I was in junior high school, no one worried about the air we breathed. No one was concerned with how long it would take a Styrofoam cup or plastic container to decompose. No one seemed concerned about the “health” of our planet.
And yet, Scripture tells us that God created humankind to “fill the earth and subdue it; and to have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth (Genesis 1:28b).” God created humankind to care for the world God created.
Some habits are hard to change. I’m more recycle-conscious today, but it is my daughter, Dawn, who is leading the way as she teaches her sons a way of life that will enhance their lives and the lives of their descendants while, at the same time, honors God’s creation.
As New Year’s resolutions go and with 2016 beginning, may each one of us as disciples of Christ make a New Year’s resolution to honor God’s creation and recycle whenever we can!
