Twenty years ago, Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, and a number of his friends sent several boxes of toys to Bosnian children for Christmas. Thus began a project which is now known as Operation Christmas Child. Since its beginning, Operation Christmas Child has sent several billion boxes to children all over the world.
Sun Lakes Baptist Church members are primarily retirees and snowbirds/ rainbirds. Five years ago when the church members started their Operation Christmas Child project, they figured that if they were able to send 20 or 25 boxes the first year, their project would be a success. Helen Maxwell who heads the project said, “We collected and sent 42 boxes. Each year since, our collection has grown with our highest number last year of 238.”
Operation Christmas Child is an outgrowth of Samaritan’s Purse—a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves
the church worldwide to promote the Gospel.
Each year, millions of shoeboxes are collected during National Collection Week, but before these precious gifts can bring hope and joy to a child, each one has to be carefully inspected and made ready for overseas shipment by volunteers.
Next, they travel by plane, truck or ship to more than 100 countries and territories where local churches distribute the boxes to children in need. As they are given out, the Gospel is shared through an evangelistic booklet called “The Greatest Gift,” available in 65 languages.
As teams work in crisis areas of the world, people often ask, “Why did you come?” The answer is always the same: “Our ministry is all about Jesus—first, last and always. As the Apostle Paul said, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.’”
“We are excited by our small part in Operation Christmas Child,” Maxwell said. “It’s wonderful to think that somewhere in the world, children who otherwise would receive nothing for Christmas will open presents that we collected just for them.”
For more information about the church, located at 3405 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, call (480) 963-3439.
Surprise!
BY MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SUN LAKES
Until my wife and I moved to Arizona five years ago, I don’t think I had ever heard of the town Surprise. Recently, I learned that it was founded in 1938 by a woman who named it Surprise because she “would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much.” Well, it certainly has! The town was incorporated into a city in 1960 and has experienced much growth over the years.
When you think about it, you realize that the Bible is full of surprises. Big surprises! Like the one when God said to Noah, “Build an ark, I’m going to flood the world.” Or when Joseph’s brothers, during a time of famine, went down to Egypt just to buy food. While there they encountered a man who turned out to be not only the prime minister of the nation, but their long-lost brother as well. Talk about a surprise! But God had His purposes in all of this (See Genesis 50:20)—purposes that would result in the formation of a new nation (Israel) and ultimately in the arrival of the Messiah on this Earth. Isn’t that amazing? And Joseph’s brothers thought they were headed to Egypt just to buy food. Surprise!
40 years of traveling around in the desert (to name a few). But, of course, the story doesn’t end there.
Marc Drake. Submitted photo
The story of Moses certainly has its share of surprises. Suddenly, he is confronted with a burning bush out in the desert. This, of course, leads to more surprises: plagues, millions of frogs, and
In the New Testament, Jesus tells the story of people playing while the boss was away. But then the boss came back. Surprise! We are also told that Jesus Himself will return like a thief in the night. Those not ready will be surprised— but not pleasantly! On the other hand, those who know Him will have joy inexpressible at His coming. Yes, Scripture is full of surprises. A beloved German pastor used to say to his congregation, “We live by God’s surprises.” Now, interestingly, he spoke those words—not from a quaint little church in some picturesque, alpine setting—but rather standing in his half bombed-out church building in World War II Germany, not knowing when the next wave of Allied bombs might fall. Civilizations clash. Ideologies clash. But God has His “surprises” and perfectly fulfills His purposes, no matter how difficult the times or great the upheaval. That’s certainly encouraging to remember here at the beginning of the New Year. God’s track record of faithfulness is perfect. As the Bible says, “Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). God is the same today. Just as He has provided for His children in the past, so will He continue to do so. And that, my friend, is no surprise.
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.
Interfaith Council to celebrate love, diversity
The Greater Sun Lakes Interfaith Council will celebrate “Love in Diversity,” a tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at All Faiths Chapel, 9240 Sun Lakes Blvd. King was a man of nonviolence whose integrity and strength of spirit brought incredible change. His legacy of peaceful means for social change continues to be an example to us all.
The gathering honors the diversity in world faiths and the universal power of peace that exists in every human heart.
The Greater Sun Lakes Interfaith Council is hosting this event in response to cross-cultural tensions. In the spirit of King’s dream of peace in our time this interfaith service features the voice of reason in the presence of love to foster renewed hope.
The Greater Sun Lakes Interfaith Council has invited the Arizona Interfaith Movement, Islamic Speakers Bureau, Arizona Christian Speakers bureau, Hindu Speakers Bureau, Arizona Sikh community, the Arizona Intertribal Council and others. It is the Interfaith Council’s intention to facilitate opportunities to further peaceful solutions by holding peace supporting events for the community. This initial event honors King and those who continue to create conversations that support the Season of Nonviolence. The event will be held monthly through April.
For more information, call the Rev. Debbie Brown of Unity of Sun Lakes at (602) 309-1818 or the Rev. Vernon Meyer, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, at (480) 895-6317.
Celebrate holidays at St. Matthew’s
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is inviting the community to “come and see” what the congregation is all about by attending services there.
The service schedule is:
• 7:30 p.m. Sundays for traditional worship
• 9 p.m. Sundays for traditional worship and choral music
• 11 a.m. Sundays for contemporary worship with live Christian rock band
• 1 p.m. Bilingual service (English/Spanish) with music
• 12 p.m. Wednesdays for the healing and Eucharist service.
The Christmas service schedule is as follows:
• 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Christmas Eve family services
• 7:30 p.m. traditional service
• 9:30 p.m. traditional service with incense
• 10 a.m. Christmas Day traditional service.
The church is located at 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 899-7386 or visit www. saintmatthewschurch.org.
Sun Lakes UMC offers reimbursement for cab ride to holiday events
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church has a full lineup of Christmas events, and it doesn’t want anyone to miss out on its programs for lack of transportation.
In December, anyone who uses a cab service to attend one or more of the church’s Christmas programs will be reimbursed, compliments of SLUMC. Congregants can take cabs to any of the following holiday events, then mail in their cab receipts with their name and address to the church office at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, for reimbursement. For more information, call (480) 895-8766.
This includes the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
with the Chancel Choir and 7 p.m. with special music, both of which are in the church sanctuary.
Sun Lakes United Church of Christ welcomes back Churchman
Author, poet and spiritual guide John Churchman will return to Sun Lakes United Church of Christ from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, for a presentation dubbed “Happiness and/or Joy.”
According to a press release, Churchman writes, “With all we face on life’s journey, can we reasonably expect
to be happy all the time? Rather than seeking perpetual happiness, might we benefit from living life with gratitude seeking joy rather than happiness?”
The presentation will be held at Sun Lakes Chapel Center, 9240 Sun Lakes Blvd. Call (480) 895-6317 for more information. A free will offering will be taken.
GriefShare begins 11-week class in January
Grief is an emotional rollercoaster but a normal part of life.
Those who are finding themselves struggling with grief should consider attending GriefShare, an 11-week class that begins on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The
courses will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
To register for the $15 class, visit www. sunlakesumc.org or call (480) 895-8766.
Food trucks, ministry featured at Walk through Bethlehem
First Baptist Church Chandler is having its annual Walk through Bethlehem Live Nativity event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20. The event will be held at 3405 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Admission is free.
There will be food trucks on location each night. Enjoy the cuisine from Queso Good Quesadilla on Saturday and Burger Amor on Sunday. Make sure to stop by the free photo booth to capture memories.
Begin the event by watching a live
puppet show. Free crafts for the children and cookies, hot chocolate and cider will be available.
Step back in time to the 14th century and listen to a brass band play, along with some carolers. After enjoying Christmas music, step into the city of Bethlehem. Merchants will show their wares and live animals will be in the stable providing attendees with the opportunity to feed them.
For more information, visit www.fbc. net or call (480) 963-3439.
Early 2016 schedule set at Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation
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. Officials say services are great opportunities to meet new 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. The services and Onegs are a great place to meet members, ask questions and learn more about the congregation.
Upcoming Friday Shabbat Services are:
• Jan. 8: Installation of congregational board, officers and committees, 7:30 p.m.
• Feb. 12: Service honoring Sisterhood, 7 p.m.
• March 11: Service honoring choir, interfaith and Hadassah, 7:30 p.m.
• April 8: Yom HaShoah observance, 7:30 p.m.
• May 13: Service honoring Men’s Club, 7:30 p.m.
• June 10: Annual healing service and rabbi’s Bar Mitzvah Year, 7:30 p.m.
As part of its membership drive, SLJC is forming several new Havurahs. This is a chance for new members to get to meet other congregants with similar interests or hobbies. Havurah is an important part of Jewish life where single adults and the young at heart come together to share friendship and similar interests.
The congregation is looking for Jewish senior singles to meet in an informal friendly setting. The first meeting is at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the Chapel Center next to the SLJC Chapel.
For information about this or other Havurahs, contact lainysardina@gmail. com or call (480) 895-0974.
A light supper is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at a private home. At 7 p.m., the group will adjourn to attend SLJC services. RSVP at wende@his.com.
Sisterhood sets first 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.
Patrons at the Hanukkah party donated more than 100 coloring books and crayons, 50 small stuffed animals, assorted books and activity items and six cuddly stuffed animals. Submitted photo
Temple hosts successful Hanukkah party, toy drive
BY BARBARA SCHWARTZ AND BOBBI PARSONS
With plentiful food and wonderful company, Temple Havurat Emet is calling its Dec. 4 Hanukkah potluck party and Chandler Regional Medical Center toy drive a success.
To help celebrate the holidays, the congregants made a small donation of items that the children who are in the
hospital could enjoy during the holidays. The donations included more than 100 coloring books and crayons, 50 small stuffed animals, assorted books and activity items and six cuddly stuffed animals.
Check the website, www. templehavuratemet.org, for information about upcoming activities.
Temple Havurat Emet hosts Fashions with a Flair, other events
Temple Havurat Emet is hosting Fashions with a Flair on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes. Lunch will be served and fashions will be from Dillard’s at Chandler Fashion Center.
The fashion show will include door prizes, raffle prizes and the annual hat raffle, with the $50 in $1 bills attached.
“The Wolfman,” otherwise known as Tom Wolfe, will return to the Arizona Room Phase 1, at the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd., for an afternoon of song and memories from the past. On Sunday, Jan. 24, he
will sing songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
The Temple Havurat Emet meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month at the Lecky Center of the Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., located behind the Robson Library in Sun Lakes.
Rabbi Dr. Janet Madden and Cantor Dr. Nancy Cohen fly in from Los Angeles to lead the congregation in worship services each month. For more information, visit www. templehavuratemet.org/.
Church of Sun Lakes
VUU free film series on racism
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
December 24, 2015 | 5PM & 7PM
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
VUU is located at 6400 W. Del Rio St., in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 899-4249, or visit www.vuu.org.
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-minutre video tapping 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.
