Religion Calendar (5/14)

Thursday, May 15

Amazing Grace Christian Store Ladies Night Out: 6:30-9 p.m., 8830 S. Kyrene Road, Suite105, Tempe. Christian author Robin Jones Gunn will speak, and there will be fun informational booths from local businesses, refreshments, music and door prizes. $8. Seating is limited. carolelee.w@amazinggraceonline.com.

Saturday, May 17

Knights of Columbus of the Ahwatukee Foothills fifth annual Blue Mass: 11 a.m., Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road. A reception follows in the Parish Center. The Blue Mass honors police, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical crews and all public safety personnel, whether sworn officers or civilian members of the public safety community. Police and fire chiefs from the Valley's various agencies have been invited. The Police Department Honor Guard will post the colors and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, in their quaint regalia, will enhance the tribute with a slight touch of pageantry. The Knights typically raise and distribute $20,000 annually to local charities. The 100 Club of Arizona, which supports and aids families of public safety officers seriously injured or slain in the line of duty, benefited from more than $4,000 in contributions from the Knights in 2007.

Battle of the Bands Auditions: 1-5 p.m., Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Top area high school bands sought to perform at Battle of the Bands July 18. Bands must have at least one registered high school student and will have 15 minutes to set up, perform one song and take down. Eight bands will be selected to perform at the fundraiser concert on July 18 with the top prize being 10 percent of the proceeds. The rest of the proceeds will go to a family in the community affected by a house fire. Bands must pre-register for auditions by May 15 by contacting Ashley Hochhalter at ashleyh@mvlutheran.org. For more information, call her at (480) 893-2579.

Sunday, May 18

Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Splashtacular: 9 a.m., 12701 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Kick off the summer swim season with a pool party while helping to support improvements at the JCC pool. Features a petting zoo, carnival rides, pool games, food, movies, a visit from Nemo and Ariel the mermaid and more. Sponsorship packages start at $18 for a family of four and include entry and lunch. In conjunction with a matching grant from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, upgrades such as a new public address system, three shade canopies with misting systems and a new cleaning system for the pool will be funded. Naming opportunities are available for the PA system, canopies, misting system and cleaning system. At 8 a.m., the JCC will participate in a mile-long Walk the Land, Solidarity for Israel. For information on Splashtacular or sponsorship opportunities, call Sam at (480) 483-7121, ext.1286. For information about Walk the Land, Solidarity for Israel, call Suzanne at (480) 483-7121, ext. 1205.

Arthritis Coffee Hour: service begins at 10:45 a.m., Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 7040 S. 40th St. May is National Arthritis Month, and churches throughout Phoenix and Tucson have partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arthritis Foundation to create free "Coffee Hour" events to educate Arizona residents about the causes of, risk factors for developing, and treatment and management options for arthritis. All educational events will take place immediately after church services, and refreshments will be served. Open to the public. (602) 542-1214.

Torah & Haftarah Trope Class: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Temple Beth Sholom Social Hall, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Dr. Paul Mittman, an accomplished Torah reader and instructor, will teach beginners to the advanced how to chant Torah or Haftarah. (480) 897-3636.

Register by today for Vacation Bible School: to be held 9 a.m.-noon June 9-13 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. This year's theme is "Power Lab," a fun, science-themed program in which participants will rotate through seven fun laboratory-style stations: Sonic Sing and Play, Wacky Works Crafts, Test Tube Treats, Hyperspeed games, Cinema Science, Bible Blast and Faith Fusion. In addition to the Power Lab curriculum, the participants will spend time each day working on a special service project for children in Mexico. Open to all children in the community from age four to those just completing fifth grade. $25 per child. Space is limited. Registration: www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Saturday, May 24

Free Movie Night - The Ultimate Gift: 6 p.m., Adventure Community Church, 4633 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite 112 (just south of Kohl's). The movie (rated PG) is about a young man who anticipates a big inheritance when his wealthy grandfather dies. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with 12 tasks - or "gifts" - designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is most important in life. Refreshments will be provided. Adventure Community Church is a non-denominational church. (480) 940-3540 or www.adventurecc.org.

Sunday, May 25

Memorial Day Worship Celebration: 9 a.m., Historic First Presbyterian Church, 402 W. Monroe St. "The Fallen - The Missing - The Living." Reception follows. Veterans are asked to come dressed in uniform or wear ribbons, medals and hat. (602) 254-6356.

Sunday, June 8

Survival School Church Leadership Training: today through Thursday, St. Paul's Catholic Church, 330 W Coral Gables Drive. Learn how to make your church organization the best it can be. Survival School is for anyone who is already active in church ministry or who wishes to assume a more active leadership role. http://churchleadershiptraining.org/Welcome.html, (480) 266-9723 or pbbnoj@cox.net.

Friday, July 18

Battle of the Bands: Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Eight bands will perform at the fundraiser concert with the top prize being 10 percent of the proceeds. The rest of the proceeds will go to a family in the community affected by a house fire. Ashley, ashleyh@mvlutheran.org or (480) 893-2579.

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.

Coffee Break Women's Ministry and Bible Study: 9:15-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E Knox Road. Registration and introduction Nov. 7. The Infancy Narratives of Jesus. This study focuses on the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Five sessions. Book fee: $12. Free childcare. Loraine, (480) 893-1160.

Jazzercise Lite classes: 9:30 a.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Lunch and Learn discussions: 11 a.m.-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: 7:30-8:30 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.

AA meetings: 8 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Thursdays

CONNECT Women's Bible Study Fellowship: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Women are invited for Bible study and fellowship. Free childcare available mornings only. CONNECTwomen@cox.net.

Exodus Men's Group: 7-8:30 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/.

New Year, New You Christ-centered Yoga classes: 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Flow 1 Class (beginner/intermediate) - taught by Elena/Rosie. Spend more time with and get closer to God, exercise more, lose weight, have more peace in and de-stress your life. Free and open to the community. No registration required. Bring a mat if you have one or a beach towel. Greg Battle, gbattle@mountainpark.org or (480) 759-6200.

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: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Chandler Christian Church, room C202, 1825 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Support group for children ages 6-12 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.

AA meetings: 8 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

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.

Torah Tots: 10:15-11 a.m., members' homes. Hosted by Chabad of the East Valley for children ages 2-5. 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.

Rabbi and Me: 11 a.m., Temple Beth Sholom, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. For children and their caregivers. Celebrate Shabbat through prayer, song, dance, crafts and food. (480) 897-3636.

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.

Women's Fellowship Group: 7-8 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. All welcome. (480) 460-1025 or www.desertfoothills.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. New comers are always welcome. Rabbi/Cantor Victor I. Beck, (602) 595-3618, rabbibeck@rabbibeck.com or www.eitzchaimphoenix.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.

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. New comers are always welcome. Rabbi/Cantor Victor I. Beck, (602) 595-3618, rabbibeck@rabbibeck.com or www.eitzchaimphoenix.org.

New Year, New You Christ-centered Yoga classes: 9-10 a.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Gentle Class (beginner) - taught by Rosie. Spend more time with and get closer to God, exercise more, lose weight, have more peace in and de-stress your life. Free and open to the community. No registration required. Bring a mat if you have one or a beach towel. Greg Battle, gbattle@mountainpark.org or (480) 759-6200.

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.

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.

Mishna and Talmud classes: 9:15-10:15 a.m., Temple Beth Sholom, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Taught by Talmudic scholar Hanania Levy. All welcome. Free. (480) 897-3636 or www.templebethsholomaz.org.

Youth groups: 4:30-6 p.m. (middle school), 6:30-8:30 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.

Youth group for sixth-12th grades: 5-7 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. 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.

AA meetings: 8 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Mondays

Holy Yoga "Slow Flow" classes: 8:45-10 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.

Jazzercise Lite classes: 9:30 a.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

New Year, New You Christ-centered Yoga classes: 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) - taught by Elena. Spend more time with and get closer to God, exercise more, lose weight, have more peace in and de-stress your life. Free and open to the community. No registration required. Bring a mat if you have one or a beach towel. Greg Battle, gbattle@mountainpark.org or (480) 759-6200.

Yoga classes: 6:30 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

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.

AA meetings: 8 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

Tuesdays

Yoga classes: 8:45 a.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Call church to register. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

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

Bible reading sessions for pleasure: 7-8 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.

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