Religion Calendar (4/30)

All kids invited to Power Lab

"Power Lab" is a fun, science-themed program for Vacation Bible School at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon June 9-13. Registration is under way and is open to all children in the community from age 4 to those just completing fifth grade.

During each day of "Power Lab" participants will rotate through seven 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.

The cost is $25 per child. The registration deadline is May 18, and space is limited. For registration forms, go to www.desertfoothills.org or call (480) 460-1025.

Helping the homeless causes a ‘Change of Heart'

On May 25, about 100 members and friends of Mountain View Lutheran Church will head to Tecate, Mexico, to build houses for the homeless. This is the 15th year the church has made this trip, and over these years, more than 1,300 people have traveled and built three churches, one school and more than 50 houses.

Christian rock band Change of Heart, based in California, will also travel to Tecate during the trip to help build houses and do a special "unplugged" concert around the campfire on the last night.

For more information on Mission Mexico, contact Barb at barb@teamworkspr.com or at (480) 491-5412. For information on Change of Heart, visit www.changeofheartband.net.

Thursday, May 1

Yom HaShoa (Holocaust Remembrance Day): Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center in cooperation the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 203, Scottsdale. When children and families enter, they will see a commemoration torch. Additionally, volunteers and staff will read the names of Holocaust victims 7 a.m.-7 p.m. At 9 a.m. a brief commemoration service will be held with the students of the Jess Schwartz High School, together with children from King David School and Pardes Community School. Volunteers are needed to read the names of those who perished during the Holocaust. (480) 483-7121 or www.vosjcc.org.

24-hour Community-wide Prayer Vigil: noon today until noon tomorrow, Norton Chapel, Historic First Presbyterian Church, 402 W. Monroe St. The focus is to ask God for emotional and spiritual healing of those who are being hurt by broken relationships, especially college students practicing "hooking up." Those interested can sign up for a 20-minute period by calling (602) 254-6256 or emailing infohfc@HistoricFirst.org.

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. This week Carol Dix will tell her story, and the Esther lesson is "The Reveal." Free childcare available mornings only. CONNECTwomen@cox.net or www.mountainpark.org.

Friday, May 2

2008 Arizona Ecumenical Council's Donohoe Forum "Rabbi to Rabbi:  Jewish Perspectives on Jesus:" today and tomorrow, Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. A theological discussion with Rabbi Michael Cook. Register by emailing aec@aecunity.net, calling (602) 468-3818 or faxing (602) 468-3311. 

24 hour Prayer and Worship Yoga event: 4 p.m. today to 3 p.m. tomorrow, Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. The purpose of this event is to bring awareness of the diverse ways to pray and fast, through yoga. (480) 759-6200 or www.mountainpark.org.

Saturday, May 3

St. Benedict's Life Teen Program Spring Rummage Sale: 6-11 a.m. in the church parking lot located on 48th St., south of Chandler Boulevard. (480) 961-1610, ext. 13.

Desert Foothills United Methodist Church Yard Sale: 7 a.m.-noon, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. The church youth group is hosting a yard sale to raise funds for their summer mission trip and other activities. Girl Scout Cadette Troop 1859, Starlight Neighborhood, will hold their yard sale fundraiser at the same time and place. jamie@desertfoothills.org or www.desertfoothills.org.

Festival Con Dios: Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. This special festival and dinner, which benefits the 2008 summer mission trip to Honduras, features children's games including piñatas, a Southwestern-style dinner and entertainment. Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for children. (480) 460-1480.

Magical Music in May fundraiser, featuring Operatunity: 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. concert, Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Visit www.showcaseconcerts.org/about.html and click on "Operatunity" to find out more about them. Cost: $10 per person, $15 per couple, or $20 per family. Proceeds benefit the church's music department. Tickets are available 8-11:30 a.m. Sundays at church and 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the church office. Jennifer, (480) 893-2579 or jsheldon@mvlutheran.org.

Sunday, May 4

Seton Catholic High School Hosts Open House for the New St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel: noon-4 p.m., 1150 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Tours of the new chapel will be conducted and refreshments will be provided.

Cuatro de Mayo Celebration: 10:15 a.m.-noon, Desert Palm United Church of Christ, 1230 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe. Immediately following worship at 9 a.m., featuring music, food and games. (480) 831-0065. 

Piano Dedication: 1-3 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Featuring a dedication ceremony of the Petrof grand piano and music from talents musicians. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. www.desertfoothills.org or (480) 460-1025.

"Hot Church" Comedy, Dessert and Auction: 7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. "Hot Church" (the Student Ministry) will host this evening, which features comedian Chris Linn, who has appeared on such shows as The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. $15. (480) 759-6200 or www.mountainpark.org.

Thursday, May 8

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. This week Sara Woodmansee will tell her story at 9 a.m. and Gretchen Lynch at 7 p.m. The Esther lesson is "The Remembrance." Free childcare available mornings only. CONNECTwomen@cox.net or www.mountainpark.org.

Friday, May 9

Ahwatukee Young Life "Night of Follies:" 7 p.m., Club West Golf Club, 16400 S. 14th Ave. The evening will be full of laughter, appetizers, jazz, a silent auction and information about Young Life in our community. Young Life staff and volunteers work with junior high and high school kids building relationships, providing role models and providing an opportunity for them to learn about God in a safe and non-threatening environment. All proceeds will support Young Life, a non-profit organization. Free admission. ylmcguire@hotmail.com or www.younglife.org.

Yom Hashoah: Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E Sun Lakes Blvd N, Sun Lakes. Join the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation at 7 p.m. to light a memorial candle to pray for the six million innocents that perished during the Holocaust. It is a time for contemplation, of understanding, a time to grieve while rejoicing in the lives that continue, and perhaps for some a time to forgive. Regular services will commence at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 10

Pass It On Ministries (POM) Conference: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Women and teen girls are invited for a chance to rekindle and refresh with speakers, skits and worship. The cost - $20 for adults, $5 for teens - includes a light breakfast and lunch. Registration is requested before May 1 via e-mail to CONNECTwomen@cox.net.

Sunday, May 11

Mother's Day celebration: before, during and after worship services, approximately 9 a.m.-noon, Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Treat mom to a special day, featuring free family photos with mom. (480) 759-6200 or www.mountainpark.org.

Saturday, May 17

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

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.

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.

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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