52 April 20 – May 3, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

A little light in the darkness

Don’t miss these performers

by Lynne HartkeThe children

filed in for the finale of our weeklong festival at A World of Music. The kids had worked hard for their individual classes of musical theatre, singing,

guitar, dance and rhythm. Now it was time to sing the last song, a song about letting their light shine in darkness.

Daniel sang for his mom and two aunts. Sam and Eden sang for their brother, parents and grandparents. Dominic and Javier sang for their mom and baby sister.

Voices raised. Faces shining. The children held battery-operated candles and sang to a packed crowd of family and friends with cameras flashing from all corners of the sanctuary.

Julie sang for only one person. Her dad. And he wasn’t even at the church. He was lying in a room across town under hospice care. Julie’s gaze and voice focused on the cell phone her mom held above the crowd, capturing her daughter’s words.

Sometimes in our wanderings of faith, we step into a moment when we find ourselves rubbing shoulders with the divine. When the dust and weariness of our earthly travel falls away and we can see briefly, yet clearly, into the other side.

Author Mary DeMuth calls this a thin place, “a place where heaven and the physical world collide…where eternity and the mundane meet. Thin describes the membrane between the two worlds, like a piece of vellum, where we see a holy glimpse of the eternal.”

I found that thin moment, in a

young girl, who when faced with the unimaginable, offered the gift of herself. Her voice, a light in the darkness.

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lamp stand, that those who come in may see the light.” Luke 11:33 NKJV

Lynne Hartke is the wife of Pastor Kevin Hartke of Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler, 50 S. McQueen Rd. For information about A World of Music, a children’s music festival held at the church, call 480-963-7698 or visit worldofmusicaz.com.

A classic music event featuring a concert pianist and a guitarist is set for 2 p.m. Sun., April 28 at Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.

Klara Kukumi-Zawilak, a concert pianist, made her chamber music debut at age 8 on the stages of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, Albania. As she grew up, she won silver medals four years in a row at the Albanian Young Pianists Competition and second place in Los Angeles. She divides her time between teaching at Mesa Community College, performing in concerts and her family.

Alexander Zawilak is on the staff of Scottsdale Community College as an adjunct guitar professor. While in high school, he played in the St. Johns University Jazz Band, and studied jazz at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. While in high school, he also began to explore classical music. He played cello and upright bass in the St. Francis Prep String Orchestra.

The church is also having a rummage sale on Sat., April 27 to raise money to send youth to Montlure Presbyterian Church Camp this summer. Donations should be brought to the church by Wed., April 24.

For more information, visit chandlerpres.org.

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, and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. 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 that of the SanTan Sun News.

Spiritual Reflections

April 20 – May 3, 2013 53www.SanTanSun.com SpiritualitySee St. Stephen come to life New officers at Temple Havurat Emet

To find out how to get on the road to recovery, listen to the sermon on April 20 or 21 at Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Contemporary services are 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday. The Hispanic service is 11 a.m. Sunday.

Connecting PointIf you are new to CCC or the

Christian faith, learn more about your faith and connect to others at CCC starting with Connecting Point, 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Sun., April 21. For more information or to register, visit chandlercc.org/connecting-point.

Pack foodA hands-on service project to feed

tens of thousands in Haiti, Africa and Cambodia, where starvation and malnutrition are rampant, needs volunteers of all ages to participate April 30 through May 4. Day and evening shifts are available. Approximately 300 meals can be packaged in two hours per participant. The food being packaged is a specially formulated, fast-cooking,

rice-based combination of vitamins, soy, dehydrated vegetables and other nutrients that provide about 75% of a child’s daily requirement for a healthy diet in one serving.

Lifeline Christian Ministries is partnering with the church for the project, which benefits orphans and families impacted by famine. Sign up at chandlercc.org/project285-2013.

Volunteer for GodIt’s time to start thinking about

volunteering for Vacation Bible School, which is a way to serve God, build relationships and love children. For more information, visit chandlercc.org/volunteers-opportunities-for-vbs-2013.

See a one-act play about the life of St. Stephen as seen through the eyes of a young child, 7 p.m. Fri., April 26 and 1 p.m. Sun., April 28 in the Great Hall of St. Stephen Catholic Church, 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes. Refreshments

will be served after both performances.Stevie is played by 10-year-old

Cameron Ellsworth, a fifth grader at Jane D. Hull Elementary School in Chandler. St. Stephen is played by Jared Brooks, a 17-year-old junior at Hamilton High School in Chandler.

Terry Tafaya Earp, who has been writing plays since 1985 and had a major hit in 1990 with her lingerie-themed play “Skimpies,” is the playwright. John Schile, a parishioner who has appeared in more than 70 theatrical productions, is director. The music was composed by the church’s music director, Adam Thorne, who earned his sacred music master’s degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana.

The production is a fundraiser for the church’s new St. Stephen’s Statue. There will be a free-will offering basket for donations.

To reserve tickets, call Diane at 480-895-9266, ext. 107 or visit saintstevensparish.org.

The community is invited to the installation of officers at Temple Havurat Emet, 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 3 at the Lecky Center of the Ed Robson Branch Library, 9930 E. Riggs Rd., Chandler.

Rabbi Janet Madden will talk about the opportunity she had to teach a conversion class to a progressive Jewish Community in Lodz, Poland. While there, she also was able to observe Yom HaShoah—the national day of observation regarding the Holocaust. She was also in Krakow and Auschwitz for this.

The 2013-14 officers are Gloria Bitting and Gigi Stacy, co-presidents; Stefan Silverston, ritual vice president;

Barbara Schwartz, membership vice president; Gary Stacy, treasurer; Marty Kraus, recording secretary; Charlotte Currens, corresponding secretary; and Murray Siegel, Sharon Siegel and Sydell Rochman-Pascale, directors.

The Sisterhood of Temple Havurat Emet will hold its annual installation of officers 4:30 p.m. Thu., April 25 at home of Margo Philbrick. The officers are Linda Brooks and Beverly Worthing, co-presidents; Charlotte Currens, secretary; and Gigi Stacy, treasurer. Following the installation a light supper will be served.

For more information, visit templehavuratemet.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIPTraditional Worship..........................9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOLFor Children, Youth & Teens............9:10 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL .........9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

All Are Welcome.

Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913

www.ChandlerMethodist.org Celebrating 100 Years in Chandler

JUST 10 YEARS OLD: Cameron Ellsworth plays the part of Stevie, in the one-act play about the life of St. Stephen at St. Steven’s Catholic Church. Submitted photo

Sisterhood is in chargeAnnual service, luncheon, fashion show

The annual Shabbat service of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Sisterhood will take place 7 p.m. Fri, May 10 in the Chapel Center in Sun Lakes. Rather than Rabbi Irwin Wiener conducting the monthly service, sisterhood members will be in charge.

The sisterhood’s final event of the season is 11:30 a.m. Thu., May 16 in the San Tan Ballroom of the Cottonwood Country Club, when the paid up, end-of-year luncheon, including a fashion show courtesy of Dress Barn, is scheduled.

Guests are also welcome at $20 per person., which includes a lunch of either Maui chicken salad or Mediterranean steak salad. Send reservations to 9006 E. Copper Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 and include the luncheon selection.

Donations of toysDonations for the sisterhood’s ongoing

“Toys from the Heart” Program, which provides holiday gifts to the kindergarten classes at Frye Elementary School every year, can be made by sending a check for any amount made out to SLJC Sisterhood to 3495 E. County Down Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249. Write “toys” on the memo line. Last year the sisterhood was able to distribute toys to more than 100 children.

Other sisterhood newsNote cards are for sale at all

sisterhood meetings for $10 for a packet of 10. For more information, call Marilyn at 480-940-1916. Comments and suggestions are welcomed by the co-presidents. Call Carol at 480-895-3168 or Geri at 480-305-0123.

Avoid the speed bumpsLearn about recovery, help starving children

54 April 20 – May 3, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comSpirituality

the big D6:30-8:30 p.m. SundaysThis program is designed to encourage and empower teens to deal with their feelings and the challenges raised during the divorce or separation of their parents.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

Celebrate recovery 6-8:30 p.m. WednesdaysJoin in fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the 12 steps and Eight Recovery Principles. The group addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by meetings at 6:30 p.m. Free childcare for children ages 12 and younger.CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry Center Rooms 101-1032950 W. Ray Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-722-0700, crnaz.com

Celebrate recovery 6 p.m. FridaysFor those with chemical dependencies or other issues. Dinner followed by meetings at 7 p.m. Dinner: $3 adult, $1 child. Free childcare for children ages 12 and younger.Chandler Christian Church, Room B2001825 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-3997, chandlercc.org

Christian business networking, tri-City Chapter–Chandler, tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. TuesdaysOffers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.Crackers & Co. Café535 W. Iron Ave., MesaInfo: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian business networking, Chandler bi-Monthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the monthOffers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.Chandler Christian Church, Room B2021825 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian business networking, east Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. WednesdaysOffers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.Mission Church Seminar Room4450 E. Elliot Rd., GilbertInfo: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

DivorceCare for adults6:30-8:30 p.m. SundaysHoly Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

DivorceCare for kids6:30-8:30 p.m. SundaysHoly Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

east Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup9:30-10:30 a.m. FridaysPlaygroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old.East Valley JCC908 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Emily Malin, 480-897-0588, maline@evjcc.org

east Valley Jewish Couples ClubOffers once a month social activities such as dining, movies, plays, etc. for Jewish couples ages 45 to 65 years old.Info: Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net

Forever Marriage Ministries, Wives Standing for Marriage restoration Support Group 7-8:30 p.m. MondaysSupport group of wives committed to marriage no matter the circumstances, offering hope, encouragement, biblical truths, fellowship and prayers, to stand together for the restoration of marriage.Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Patio Room959 N. Val Vista Rd., GilbertInfo: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com

Forever Marriage Ministries, God Honoring Wives Support Group 7-8:30 p.m. WednesdaysSupport group of women who believe in the sanctity of marriage, offering

Spiritual ConneCtionSCall 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.

A feast for the eyes

College student saves public land

Jewish heroes take the stage

Hospice myths debunked April 27

A guided tour on Thu., May 9 of the Phoenix Art Museum’s exhibit on advances in digital textile printing is the May fundraiser for the Shalom Chapter of Hadassah in Sun Lakes. The works of more than 40 designers are showcased in the amazing exhibit, which has received outstanding reviews.

Plans are to meet in the lobby of the museum at 1625 N. Central Ave.

in Phoenix, at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will follow the tour in the museum cafe. Admission is $12, plus an additional $6 for the fundraiser.

The museum is easily accessible by car or light rail, and Shalom will arrange car pools for anyone who is interested. For reservations or more information, call Judi at 480-802-4944 or Diane at 480-895-6917.

The film “Bidder 70” is being shown 12:30 p.m. Sun., April 21 in the Sanctuary at Valley Unitarian Universalist, located at 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler.

The film follows the civil disobedience of Tim DeChristopher, a University of Utah student, who in 2008 successfully bid $1.8 million on 22,000 pristine acres surrounding Utah’s national parks, even though he had no intention to pay or drill.

DeChristopher was indicted on two federal felonies with penalties of up to 10 years in prison, but when Barack Obama took office as president his administration agreed the land should be safeguarded and invalidated the entire auction.

A collection will be made to cover the cost of obtaining copyright permission.

For more information, call 480-899-4249 or visit vuu.org.

Children can spend Sun., April 21 with a Jewish hero from 12:15 to 2 p.m. at Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3875 W. Ray Rd., Suite 6, on the southeast corner at McClintock, Chandler. There will also be a parrot show and planting in the gardens.

Youth Zone, a program designed for first- through sixth-graders, is for children to participate in activities, outings and meet new friends, says Rabbi Mendy Deitsch. “The club focuses on teaching children how to make this world a better place for all.”

Children should bring a sack lunch.RSVP by emailing Masha@

chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333 for details.

Learn about the myths of hospice during an Elder Care Conference presented by Hospice of the Valley from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., April 27 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Faith Community, 3450 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Lunch is included.

Also, business cards, brochures and answers to questions will be provided from noon to 2:30 p.m. by representatives from various organizations, including Grand Canyon Planning Associates, Copper Creek Inn, the Area Agency on Aging, Kay’s

Assisted Living Referral Service, Jordan Oriental Medicine, Retirement Insurance Specialists, Schneider Health Insurance, Solterra Senior Living, Veterans Affairs and Visiting Angels. There will also be blood pressure checks.

A $10 donation is requested, but no donation is requested to meet with the representatives. The deadline for reservations is April 22. For more information, call 480-899-1990, ext.136 or visit standrew-cfc.org.

April 20 – May 3, 2013 55www.SanTanSun.com Spirituality

Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to News@SanTanSun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

Send us your church, temple events

teachings, sharing, fellowship and prayers.Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, Private Patio Room959 N. Val Vista Rd., GilbertInfo: Lisa 602-377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, lisacmyers.com

GriefShare6:30-8:30 p.m. TuesdaysA seminar/support group geared toward adults who have suffered the loss of a loved one.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church739 W. Erie St., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-4127, htlutheran.com

Hearing God’s Voice 8:45-9:45 a.m. Sundays through March 10For ages from junior high to adult. Childcare available. No charge.Trinity Christian Fellowship50 S. McQueen Rd., ChandlerInfo: 480-963-7698, tcfchandler.org

H.O.P.e.—Help Overcoming Painful experiences7 p.m. TuesdaysFree weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free childcare for children ages 10 and younger.Desert Springs Church, Room 10619620 S. McQueen Rd., ChandlerInfo: hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Jewish Women International, avodah Chapter 1581Monthly luncheonIguana Mack’s1371 N. Alma School Rd., ChandlerRSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812

JumpStart11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SaturdaysJumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school community outreach program serving “some of the poorest neighborhoods” in Chandler, offering snacks, games and teachings about Jesus to area children.Participants meet at Faith Family Church11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., ChandlerInfo: Joanne Sweeney, 480-539-8933

kid’s Sunday School10-11 a.m. SundaysUnity of Chandler325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, ChandlerInfo: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org

Lift your Spirit10 a.m. SundaysHear inspirational messages and music.Unity of Chandler325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, ChandlerInfo: 480-792-1800, unityofchandler.org

Moms in Prayer InternationalA group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer.Info: Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, www.momsinprayer.org

Monthly Women’s Fellowship6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each monthThe monthly fellowship Bible study of the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.”Best Western-Mezona250 W. Main St., MesaInfo: 480-232-3773

national alliance for the Mentally Ill (naMI)—Chandler Chapter10 a.m.-noon first and third Wednesday of each monthFaith-based “Caring Connection” for those who have loved ones with a mental illness, i.e., schizophrenia, depression, bipolar or anxiety disorder. Find support and share experiences with others.Risen Savior Lutheran Church23914 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo: Joan, 480-883-8871

revive, rebuild and re-engage9:45 a.m. SundaysClass helps struggling couples to cope with marital issues and build their relationships with Christ.Chandler Christian Church1825 S. Alma School Rd., ChandlerInfo and registration: chandlercc.org

rosary Prayer3 p.m. second Friday of each monthSt. Steven’s Catholic Church24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun LakesInfo: 480-895-9266

Spiritual Chat 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of each monthSpiritual topics such as awareness, lucid dreaming, near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance are discussed during Arizona Satsang Society’s Spiritual Chat sessions. Unity Church of Divine Love325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, ChandlerInfo: vizzit@hotmail.com, 877-300-4949