Religion Calendar (March 19)

Tuesday, March 18

Kabbalah: The Best Kept Secret lecture and workshop: 7-10 p.m., Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. The Kabbalah Centre will host this event on how spirituality can be practical. For a limited time, admission is free (usually $100). www.kabbalah.com or 1-800-kabbalah.

Thursday, March 20

CONNECT Women's Bible Study Fellowship: 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. For this special Maundy Thursday service, men are also invited to the evening group. The speaker both morning and evening will be nationally known speaker and author Kathe Wunnenberg, and communion will be served. Open to the public. Free childcare available mornings only. CONNECTwomen@cox.net.

Maundy Thursday Service: 6-8 p.m. Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. A soup supper will be served and then a service to remember the night of Christ's Last Supper will be led by the Horizon Youth Group. All are welcome. (480) 460-1480.

Purim With a Taste of Italy: 6:30 p.m., The Waterfront, 5350 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe. Chabad of the East Valley's 10th annual Purim around the world party. Laugh along with the Opera in a Box, take a boat ride in the gondola and watch a glass making show. Special children's program. Advance admission: $20 for adults, $15 for children. Tickets at the door: $15 for adults, $18 for children. RSVP: (480) 855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com, or www.chabadcenter.com.

Maundy Thursday Service: 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Features nationally-known speaker and author, Kathe Wunnenberg. (480) 759-6200 or Chris, chamel@mountainpark.org

Maundy Thursday Service: 7 p.m., Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church, 1565 E. Warner Road, Tempe. (480) 820-9944.

Friday, March 21

Good Friday Service: 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. A poignant and powerful spiritual understanding of our Lord's Journey. (480) 759-6200 or Chris, chamel@mountainpark.org

Good Friday Worship Service: 7 p.m., Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church, 1565 E. Warner Road, Tempe. (480) 820-9944.

Saturday, March 22

Free Movie Night - The Passion of the Christ: 6 p.m., Adventure Community Church, 4633 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 112, 48th Street south of Chandler Boulevard, next to Kohl's). This movie recreates the last 12 hours of Jesus' life and provides the true meaning of Easter. Refreshments will be provided. This movie is rated R for sequences of graphic violence. (480) 940-3540 or www.adventurecc.org.

Sunday, March 23

Easter Sunrise Worship Service: 7 a.m., Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church, 1565 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Followed by continental brunch, worship at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., with brunch between services. (480) 820-9944.

Easter Services: 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Rejoice with the resurrection of our Savior. (480) 759-6200 or Chris, chamel@mountainpark.org

Easter Services: 9 and 11 a.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Both services will feature special music to honor the Easter miracle and promise. Between the two services, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the children will get to join in the fun of an Easter Egg Hunt. (480) 460-1480.

Easter Celebration: 9:15 a.m., worship at 10:34 a.m., New Hope Community Church, 251 N. Roosevelt Ave., Chandler, in the South Park Business Center near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard. Features a free breakfast, inflatable obstacle course, games and an Easter Egg Hunt. New Hope's PuzzleTown Children will present a mini-musical during the service. Free. Everyone invited. info@lifepuzzle.org or www.lifepuzzle.org.

Thursday, March 27

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. The potluck Spring Tea is featured, and today's speaker is Amy Caron. Four new study groups will begin: Esther - Fit for the King, Deeper study of John, Power of a Praying Parent and Bible Basics 102 - New Testament. Free childcare available mornings only. CONNECTwomen@cox.net.

Sunday, March 30

Krishnan to speak at Bridgeway Community Church: 9 and 10:30 a.m., 2420 E. Liberty Lane. The Rev. Sunder Krishnan will speak at both services addressing the question, "What if it is still Friday?" Nursery and Sunday School classes for pre-school through fifth grade are available during each service; Youth Sunday School is at 9 a.m.; Adult Sunday School is at 10:30 a.m. (480) 706-4130, ext. 100, or office@bridgewaycc.org.

Saturday, April 5

Stephen Series Caring Ministry Workshop: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1035 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe. Registration begins at 8 a.m., refreshments served at 8:30 a.m. This workshop, led by Joel Bretscher, director of communications for Stephen Ministries, St. Louis, Mo., consists of three sessions designed both to enhance participants' caregiving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry. $15 per person, $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. Registration: (314) 428 2600 or www.caringministry.org online.

Wednesday, April 9

Jewish Women International Avodah Chapter 1581 luncheon meeting: 11:30 a.m., Iguana Mack's, 1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Reservations: Ethel, (480) 802-9304.

Friday, April 11

Arizona Ecumenical Council's Annual Banquet and Silent Auction: Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. "Let There Be Green." 6 p.m., silent auction and hors d'oeuvres reception; 7 p.m., dinner by Heidi's Events & Catering; 8 p.m., live music, storyteller, program; 9 p.m., auction checkout. $75 per person, $150 per couple, $600 per eight-person table. Silent auction donations being accepted. Register by phone (602) 468-3818, fax (602) 468-3311, email aec@aecunity.net or mail to Arizona Ecumenical Council, 4423 N. 24th St., Suite. 750, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Friday, April 25

"A Conversation Between a Mormon & an Evangelical:" 7 p.m., Tempe Institute of Religion at Arizona State University, 1000 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe. Presented by the Greater Phoenix LDS Interfaith Council and The Arizona Ecumenical Council. The public lecture features Dr. Robert L. Millet and the Rev. Gregory C. V. Johnson. Millet is professor of religious education, outreach and interfaith relations and emeritus dean of religious education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Johnson is founder and president of Standing Together, a ministry that exists to advance biblical unity and spiritual transformation in Utah. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 18

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.

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.

Companions and Christ classes: 7 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Experience your faith in study and discussion. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

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.

Bible study group: 9-11 a.m., Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Free and open to the public. Childcare available. Part of GLOW (Godly Ladies of the Word) Ministries. Linda, (480) 759-2118, ext. 204.

Preschool Playgroup: 9:30-11:30 a.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. All parents of preschool children welcome. Contact dawn.liasophia@cox.net for location.

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.

Prayer Group: 10:45 a.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, Youth Room, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. This informal group meets for an hour to pray for those we know and for people worldwide who are in bad places. All are welcome. (480) 460-1480.

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.

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.

Exploring Spiritual Gifts classes: 6:30 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Learn how God is using you in Ministry. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

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.

Miscellaneous

Community donation center: Ahwatukee Assembly of God, 11832 S. Warner Elliot Loop, collects clothing, furniture and used items from the community. Residents can drop off any items they would like to donate or call the church volunteers to pick up. All items will be collected and then sold at fundraising garage sales through the church. Funds raised will go to the church's new youth center. The center will open in May, and is open to any children and teens. Beth or Amanda, (480) 893-6189.

Book club: Reading and discussing the book of Matthew by e-mail and meeting in online chatrooms. The reading scope is limited to only books of the Bible. All are welcome, including non-Christians. Leo, scripturewords@yahoo.com.

The Youth Zone: Chabad of the East Valley's Jewish children's club. Trips, pizza parties, contests and more for children 6 to 11 from across the East Valley. Do good deeds and have fun making a difference, such as helping the homeless and wrapping gifts for poor children in Russia. Held at 3855 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. (480) 855-4333.

Hadassah: Women's Zionist Organization of America has formed a Hadassah Singles Circle for single, divorced and widowed women. Learn, laugh and meet new friends. (480) 998-1880, ext. 14 or e-mail hadphoenix@aol.com.

Moms In Touch International: Christian prayer organization meets weekly (some bi-weekly) to pray for students, teachers and schools. Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary School, (480) 460-1964; Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School, (480) 598-8616; Kyrene de la Esperanza Elementary School, (480) 706-8443; Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary School, (480) 706-2776; Kyrene de los Lagos Elementary School, (480) 759-1084; Kyrene de las Lomas Elementary School, (480) 598-0444;  Kyrene del Milenio Elementary School, (480) 704-1419; Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School, (480) 759-0745; Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School, (480) 759-1084;  Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, (480) 704-1419; Kyrene Altadeña Middle School, (480) 706-8895; Kyrene Centennial Middle School, (480) 598-8616; Desert Vista High School, (480) 759-1084; Horizon Community Learning Center, (480) 730-5603; Mountain Pointe High School, (480) 598-8616; Mountain Pointe/Centennial evening group, (480) 785-4885; Valley Christian High School, (480) 893-3089; St. John Bosco, (480) 460-8685; College group, (480) 283-9995; Homeschool group, (480) 759-5162. To start a group, call (480) 759-1084, (480) 598-8616 or visit www.momsintouch.org.

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