Religion Calendar (8/20)

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Coffee Break Book Club: 9:30 a.m., Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Rooms 7 and 8, 3550 E. Knox Road. Today's book is Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life, by Johnnette Benkovic. Attendees are asked to obtain their own books and complete reading prior to meeting. Friends are welcome. Childcare will not be available, but participants are welcome to bring their children if they can play or color quietly. Loraine, (480) 893-1160, (480) 577-0291 or CoffeeBreakMin@aol.com.

Thursday, Aug. 21

CONNECT meeting: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church lobby, 2408 Pecos Road. All women are invited to this weekly fellowship, worship and Bible study. Dixie Shirley will speak, and the second Joseph lesson focuses on "Betrayal and Temptation." Two additional studies, the Gospel of John and Power of a Praying Parent are also offered in the morning session. Childcare is also available for the morning sessions only by pre-registering at connectwomen@cox.net or contacting Rita at (480) 664-4336.

Exploring Judaism class: today through Jan. 15, Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 North Dobson Road, Chandler. The five-month course is for those considering conversion to the Jewish faith and for those interested in learning more about Judaism. Classes will be led by Rabbi Bryan R. Bramly. Registration: (480) 897-3636.

Feed My Starving Children event: today through Sunday, Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe. The goal is for 2,000 volunteers to pack 450,000 meals. At least $67,000 needs to be raised to cover the cost of the raw materials for all those meals, which sounds like an incredible amount of money, but it only comes to $35 per person/volunteer. Just one cup of food per day provides the nutrients a child needs to survive and thrive. The schedule for volunteer food packing is: Thursday, Aug. 21, 9 to 11 a.m. (set up), 4 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m., 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 24, 9 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (tear down). To cover production costs for these life-saving meals, Desert Cross will accept free-will donations during each packing shift. Kirsta, (480) 248-6481.

Sunday, Aug. 24

TBS-EV teen welcoming event: 1 to 3 p.m., Falk Family Pool, Chandler. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley's Kadima Coyotes invite upcoming fourth-graders to be part of something special when they "Step Up to Kadima!" An international youth organization for Jewish pre-teens, Kadima is sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and welcomes children in the fourth through sixth grades. Activities include monthly social events held locally as well as annual kinnusim and shabbatons within the Far West Region. The program helps Kadimaniks develop both religious and social bonds with their peers and provides positive social action and fundraising opportunities. Group activities and teambuilding projects include sporting events, field trips, service projects, holiday celebrations and more. Enrollment is open. In conjunction with its ongoing youth programming, TBS-EV's annual Shabbat fundraising dinner will take place in the TBS-EV Social Hall, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, at 7 p.m. Sept. 5, immediately following 6 p.m. services. Tickets for the Italian Shabbat Dinner are $6 each or $18 for a family of four. For directions to Falk home or dinner reservations, contact Laura Bramly (203) 610-4171 or Jennifer Newman (480) 244-6206. Tickets may also be purchased at the TBS-EV office, (480) 897-3636.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Candlelight Taize Worship: 7 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Sung prayer remains one of the strongest expressions of our search for God. Simple chants repeated over and over underscore the meditative quality of prayer. All welcome. (480) 345-2686.

Thursday, Aug. 28

CONNECT meeting: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church lobby, 2408 Pecos Road. All women are invited to this weekly fellowship, worship and Bible study. Rita Puckett will speak, and the third Joseph lesson focuses on "Rebuilding Trust." Two additional studies, the Gospel of John and Power of a Praying Parent are also offered in the morning session. Childcare is also available for the morning sessions only by pre-registering at connectwomen@cox.net or contacting Rita at (480) 664-4336.

Facing Cancer with the Faith Community conference: Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Designed to educate the faith community about cancer and provide information about cancer resources throughout Arizona. $35, $10 for students. To register, visit www.twccaz.org/about-the-wellness-community/facingcancer.aspx or call The Wellness Community at (602) 712-1006.

Friday, Aug. 29

Free Marriage Revival seminar: 7 p.m., Ahwatukee Assembly of God, 11832 S. Warner-Elliot Loop. The speaker is Dr. Leo Godzich, president of National Association of Marriage Enhancement, and praise and worship by Steve Cornell. Ahwatukee Assembly of God is now a N.A.M.E. Center, which provides free marriage counseling. (480) 893-6189.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Ecumenical Retreat V: today through Friday, Chapel Rock Conference Center, Prescott. The $185 fee includes lodging, eight meals and Chapel Rock's ambiance. www.aecunity.net/NewsandEvents/OtherEcumenicalEvents/tabid/24123/Default.aspx.

Thursday, Sept. 4

CONNECT meeting: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church lobby, 2408 Pecos Road. All women are invited to this weekly fellowship, worship and Bible study. Karen Benton will speak, and the fourth Joseph lesson focuses on "Dealing with success." Two additional studies, the Gospel of John and Power of a Praying Parent are also offered in the morning session. Childcare is also available for the morning sessions only by pre-registering at connectwomen@cox.net or contacting Rita at (480) 664-4336.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Coffee Break Women's Ministry - new study: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m., Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road. Scripture study, prayer and fellowship. $15 for 10 sessions. Everyone welcome. Childcare will be offered free of charge. For information, email CoffeeBreakMin@aol.com. To pre-register (required), call the Religious Education office at (480) 893-1160.

Thursday, Sept. 11

CONNECT meeting: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church lobby, 2408 Pecos Road. All women are invited to this weekly fellowship, worship and Bible study. Lisa Bisetti will speak, and the fifth Joseph lesson focuses on "Forgiveness." Two additional studies, the Gospel of John and Power of a Praying Parent are also offered in the morning session. Childcare is also available for the morning sessions only by pre-registering at connectwomen@cox.net or contacting Rita at (480) 664-4336.

Friday, Sept. 12

Conversational Evangelism Conference: today and tomorrow, hosted by Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. The conference brings together evangelism experts Todd Hunter, David Kinnaman, Garry Poole, Randy Siever, Elisa Morgan and Jim Henderson. Other area churches and ministries helping are Alpha Arizona, Foothills Baptist Church, Mountain Park Community Church, North Phoenix Baptist Church, Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Living Faith Anglican Church, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and Cares Apartment Ministries. More than 600 people are expected to gather to discuss the evolution of evangelism. Tickets start at $79. Information and registration: www.conversationalevangelism.net/phoenix/ or Beth, (602) 614-7899.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Annual Women's Business Conference: 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe. The event is targeted to Christian women who own small businesses with less than 10 employees and those women looking to start their own businesses. Includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch, two keynote presentations, powerful networking opportunities and two additional speaker sessions on Marketing and Praying for Your Business - all from a Christian perspective. Crossroads Youth Intervention (cryi.org) is the charity beneficiary of this event. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped Christmas gift for a child age 3 to 12 (value $5 to $10) to be donated to CYI. The mission of CYI is to help children, youth, families and individuals overcome the challenges of life in the inner-city. Registration is $35 for attendees, and exhibit spaces are available for $50 (which includes one attendee admission). To register, visit www.azcc.org/awe07_08_cwbc.html or contact Janet Drez at (480) 491-2210 or jdrez@azcc.org.

Sundays

Sunday school classes: Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Offered by Or Adam Congregation. Grades Pre-K through 10, teen youth group, adult education programs, holiday celebrations and monthly Shabbat services. (480) 663-7788 or www.oradam.org.

Youth groups: 4:30 to 6 p.m. (middle school), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (high school), Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. "Collision" is the middle school youth group and "Remedy" is the high school youth group. Relax, eat snacks, play games, have fellowship and hear topical messages relating to issues in their lives. All area youth are invited to join energetic and insightful Elliot Munro as he leads these groups. (480) 460-1480.

Desert Foothills United Methodist Church Youth group for sixth to 12th grades: 6 to 7 p.m., volleyball practice at Desert Foothills Park. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7:30 p.m., Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. (480) 893-2729 or (480) 598-1226.

Mondays

Holy Yoga "Slow Flow" classes: 8:45 to 10 a.m., Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E. Thunderhill Place. Led by certified and registered Holy Yoga instructor Kathy Marcucci. Donation based. yogakathy@cox.net or (602) 617-2407.

Christ-centered Yoga: 6 to 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. This is a Flow 1-2 class (intermediate and taught by Elena) and is free and open to the community. Greg Battle, (480) 759-6200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

GriefShare: 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. Classes for  those grieving over death or divorce. (480) 963-4127.

GriefShare: 7 p.m., Chandler Christian Church, room C201, 1825 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life, meets at Free. Pastor Larry Daily, (480) 963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or www.chandlercc.org.

Tuesdays

Holy Yoga: 9 a.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Led by Holy Yoga Founder Brooke Boon. (480) 460-1480.

Seniors Terrific Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. See old friends and make new ones. Registration not needed. www.evjcc.org or (480) 897-0588.

DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5 to 12): 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. (480) 963-4127.

Bible reading sessions for pleasure: 7 to 8 p.m., Chandler Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1188 W. Galveston St. Bring a Bible, or Bibles are available at the sessions. Free. Lori, (480) 917-3593.

Wednesdays

Arizona Women's Experience, AWE!: 8:45 a.m. or 6:30 p.m., Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Connect with friends, learn from the Bible and be challenged in your walk with God. Free childcare available for morning. (480) 491-2210, ext. 226.

Lunch and Learn discussions: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Har Zion Congregation, 6140 E. Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale. Open to the public. $3 per person, lunch is served during the discussion led by Harold Falk. "Discussion of the 613 Mitzvot." Beit Midrash with Rabbi Mark Bisman is held at 1:15 p.m. on the first and second Wednesdays. (480) 991-0720.

T.N.T. (Teens N Torah) for Jewish teenagers: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3855 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. Offered by Chabad of the East Valley for teens ages 13 to 17. The program combines education and social interaction with videos followed by discussion, fun, trips, games, community service projects and thought-provoking discussions. Shternie, (480) 753-5366 or www.chabadcenter.com.

Thursdays

Christ-centered Yoga: 6 to 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Have a spiritual experience disguised as exercise! Elena or Rosie will teach a level 1 class, and all you need is a yoga mat or beach towel. Free and open to the community. Greg Battle, (480) 759-6200 or gbattle@mountainpark.org.

Holy Yoga: 6 p.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Led by Holy Yoga Founder Brooke Boon. (480) 460-1480.

DC4K - DivorceCare for Kids: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chandler Christian Church, room C202, 1825 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook. Pastor Larry Daily, (480) 963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or www.chandlercc.org.

Exodus Men's Group: 7 to 8:30 p.m., House of Refuge Office, 6935 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa. Apply the biblical principles of AA's 12-step program based on John Baker's Celebrate Recovery series. Offers experiences, strength, support and hope in Christ to overcome addictions and habitual sin. Attendance and childcare are free. Josh, (480) 228-1901 or http://victorious.wangerinweb.com/.

Fridays

Weight Watchers: 9 a.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Holy Yoga: 9:15 a.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Led by Holy Yoga Founder Brooke Boon. (480) 460-1480.

Toddler Shabbat (begins Aug. 15): 9:30 a.m., Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Celebrate Shabbat with a service, music, and a craft project designed for children 0 to 5 years old and their parents or other adult. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Torah Tots: 10:15 to 11 a.m., members' homes. Hosted by Chabad of the East Valley for children ages 2 to 5. Features hands-on activities about the Shabbat, songs, stories and crafts, and all children will make and braid their very own challah. (480) 785-5831.

Celebrate Recovery Support Group: 6 p.m., Ahwatukee Assembly of God, 11832 S. Warner-Elliot Loop. Addressing all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Starts with dinner, large group meeting at 7 p.m., small group meetings at 7:45, café at 9 p.m. (480) 893-6189.

Shabbat services: first Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. "Nosh" at 6 p.m. and then enjoy the Shir Shabbat service led by the Shabba-Tones, the Shabbat musical group, at 6:30 p.m. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Shabbat Services: 6 p.m. Fridays, except on the Second Friday of each month at 8 p.m., Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Shabbat Morning and Torah Service, weekly at 9 a.m. (480) 897-3636 or www.templebethsholomaz.org.

"Nosh" and worship: third Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. "Nosh" at 6 p.m., worship at a Kabbalat service at 6:30 p.m. The service is followed by an congregational dinner (by reservation only.) Optional Israeli dancing rounds out the night after dinner. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Tots N'Torah: 6:30 p.m. second Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Designed for children 0-5 and their parents or other adult. Following the service is an Oneg Shabbat, a time for a snack and to meet other families with young children. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Congregation Eitz Chaim of Ahwatukee shabbat services: 7:30 p.m., Ahwatukee Foothills Prep School, 10201 S. 50th Place. Congregation Eitz Chaim is traditional and egalitarian. Newcomers are always welcome. Rabbi/Cantor Victor I. Beck, (602) 595-3618, rabbibeck@rabbibeck.com or www.eitzchaimphoenix.org.

Shabbat: 7:30 p.m. second, fourth, and fifth Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Traditional service followed by an Oneg Shabbat. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Saturdays

Men's program: 8 a.m., Arts and Crafts Room, Sun Lakes Country Club (Phase One). Men learn how to achieve greater joy in their lives ... joy that they can share with others. A byproduct of this program is fellowship - men of God with men of God.

The men who wish to come early for breakfast do so around 7:30 a.m. All men are welcome.

Optional study session, Shabbat service: Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Optional study session at 8:20 a.m., Shabbat morning service at 9:30 a.m., followed by a kiddush. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Congregation Eitz Chaim of Ahwatukee Sabbath morning services: 9 a.m. first Saturdays, Ahwatukee Foothills Prep School, 10201 S. 50th Place. Congregation Eitz Chaim is traditional and egalitarian. Newcomers are always welcome. Rabbi/Cantor Victor I. Beck, (602) 595-3618, rabbibeck@rabbibeck.com or www.eitzchaimphoenix.org.

Christ-centered Yoga: 9 to 10 a.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. After a long week, or to start your weekend off with a spiritual start, try the beginning/gentle yoga class taught by Rosie. This class is free and open to the community and is a great intro into Christ Centered yoga. Greg Battle, (480) 759-6200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

Holy Yoga: 9 a.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Led by Holy Yoga Founder Brooke Boon. (480) 460-1480.

Jazz Vespers with The Bob Ravenscroft Trio: 6 p.m., Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. Free and open to the public. (480) 948-6050.

Send submissions to: (480) 898-7924  or jwalker@ahwatukee.com