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‘Preparing for Eternity’ features Pastor Marc Drake April 16

BY NORM NOBLE

The First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes will once again present its popular seminar “Preparing for Eternity,” which provides insights on spiritual, legal and financial preparation for finishing life’s journey well, on Saturday, April 16.

The time to prepare is before the need. In a sense, it is akin to car and life insurance. After the fact is too late.

First Baptist’s Senior Pastor Dr. Marc Drake and Tom Jones, J.D., former managing director of Stanley Tools-Europe, will lead this four-hour presentation during which they will discuss practical methods for organizing information about assets, documents and personal property to make it easy for survivors (specifically, wills, living

trusts and powers of attorney). In addition, they will address the spiritual aspect of preparing for eternity as well as planning one’s memorial service, which will make matters so much simpler for family members left behind. Materials will also be provided, including a guide book for making all the appropriate plans.

Dr. David Johnson will speak about leaving resources to one’s church—how to do that in the most effective way possible for kingdom purposes.

First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes is located at 9535 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. The church phone number is (480) 895-1088. The registration fee of $10 will cover materials and a light lunch.

Experience the ‘Power’ at

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

“Present to the Power,” an original musical by Tim and Julie Smith, looks at 10 witnesses to the events of the post-resurrection gospel accounts. The story begins with the darkness of Easter morn and ends with the light and hope of the Ascension and Pentecost. The audience experiences the women—Salome, Joanna and Mary, mother of Jesus—who came to the tomb looking to anoint the body of the crucified one.

The audience will hear from John and Peter who ran to the tomb when they heard the news. Mary Magdalene gives her recollection

of encountering the Risen Master in the garden. And Thomas and the two travelers to Emmaus are brought to life on stage and in song.

Throughout the Easter season, these characters are the focus of the gospel readings in the church’s Catholic Sunday liturgies. Experience the power from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 W Galveston Rd., Chandler. Tickets will be available at St. Mary’s Parish Office for $10 each or $20 for a family (up to four people). Call (480) 963-3207 for more information.

Armand and Angelina to visit Unity of Sun Lakes

Armand and Angelina are scheduled to deliver the morning message and music during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 10, service at Unity of Sun Lakes.

This event is open to the community. Armand’s voice has been compared to Neil Diamond and Angelina’s to Sara Brightman. They deliver classical pop with a spiritual message. Prepare for a magical, inspirational experience of love and music. They use songs, stories and humor to inspire listeners to experience “Heaven on Earth.”

Armand and Angelina tour internationally performing their “World Rock Opera Overture,” a fusion of world, classical and popular influences designed to harmonize and unite humanity. They produce belly laughs and soul-touching tears, often bringing audiences to their feet in appreciation. In the last 11 years, they have traveled more than 500,000 miles sharing their music at many Unity churches, active adult and assisted living communities, and RV resorts across America. Armand and Angelina reside in Orlando, Florida, and when not traveling they are avid Disney World fans. They have produced nine CDs.

A Native American flute playing class will follow at 11 a.m. It’s not necessary to bring a flute; practice flutes and protective lip pieces available. Flutes

Armand’s voice has been compared to Neil Diamond and Angelina’s to Sara Brightman. Submitted photo

are available for sale as well. Suggested flute class offering is $20. This event is sponsored by Unity Church of Sun Lakes at Sun Lakes Country Club. To learn more visit www. armandandangelina.com.

Spiritual Reflections

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 “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.

Chabad of the East Valley to host community Passover Seder

Community members are invited to participate in Chabad of the East Valley’s community Seder to be held on the first Night of Passover at 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 22. The Seder will feature rich discussion about Passover, excellent food and joyous singing. Chabad Rabbi Mendy Deitsch, director of Chabad of the East Valley, will facilitate the intergenerational program.

The community Passover Seder will be held at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life 875 N. McClintock Dr. in Chandler.

The advance RSVP price for the Seder is $45 adults and $25 per child. Family plans are available upon request. After April 15, the price increases to $55 for an adult and $40 for a child. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Sponsorships available.

The Seder allows local Jews of the opportunity of not just attending but

also actively participating in a traditional, family-oriented Seder.

“I remember my grandmother telling me stories of her family’s Seder table back in Poland,” said Louis Finkelstein, a local lawyer who attended the Chabad Seder event last year.

“She would say, ‘They don’t make a Seder like they used to.’ Well, I think the Chabad Community Seder would make my grandmother feel right at home.” He continues: “It was the real thing—but it was far from a yawner. Rabbi Mendy Deitsch kept us involved from beginning to end.”

Seats must be reserved in advance, by contacting Chabad at (480) 855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter.com or visit www.ChabadCenter.com.

Additional information about the Passover holiday is available at www. ChabadCenter.com/Passover.

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:

• 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 center. The classes, led by rabbi, are as follows. Participants can attend any or all of the sessions.

• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12: How to Change Your Life: A Study in Kabbalah and Meditation

• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3: Grief and Loss: How to Deal with Disappointments and Tragedies

For more information, visit www.SLJC. org.

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.

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) 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.