Religion Calendar (4/23)

Village Preschool registering for 08-09

Registration for 2008-09 is now happening at the Village Preschool located at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church. Programs include a new toddler's program, preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds and early kindergarten.

For more information, call Fran at (480) 221-5404, stop by the church or visit www.desertfoothills.org.

Tuesday, April 22

Parenting Seminar in cooperation with God's Garden Child Development Center: 6 p.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Hear about issues and challenges that your children encounter in their everyday life and get some Christian insight into how these can be handled. Adult only discussion. (480) 460-1480.

Wednesday, April 23

Desert Foothills United Methodist Church events: 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Jazzercise Lite classes, 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday Evening Study, 6:30 p.m.; Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.; AA Group meeting, 8 p.m. (480) 460-1025.

Thursday, April 24

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 Maureen Steinmetz tells her story at 9 a.m. and Leatha Frank at 7 p.m. The Bible study lesson is "Esther: Fit for the King." Free childcare available mornings only. CONNECTwomen@cox.net or www.mountainpark.org.

Desert Foothills United Methodist Church events: 2156 E. Liberty Lane. AA Group, 8 p.m. (480) 460-1025.

Friday, April 25

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

"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.

WieStudios Spring Recital: 7 p.m., Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Both piano and harp soloists, students of Dr. Shelley Wiest, will perform at this free concert. There will also be duets, small ensembles and the 15-member harp ensemble called Harpestry. Suited for all audiences. (480) 460-2225.

Saturday, April 26

Free Family Movie Night: 6 p.m., Adventure Community Church, 4633 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite 112 (just south of Kohl's). Features a free showing of the comedy Evan Almighty, rated G. Free refreshments. (480) 940-3540 or www.adventurecc.org.

Sunday, April 27

Registration opens for DFUMC Vacation Bible School: To be held 9 a.m.-noon June 9-13 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Open to all children in the community from age 4 to those just completing fifth grade. Space is limited, and the cost is $25 per child. Register by May 18 at www.desertfoothills.org or by calling (480) 460-1025.

Desert Foothills United Methodist Church events: 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Contemporary Worship, 9 a.m.; Traditional Worship,10:30 a.m.; Sunday School classes for all ages, 10:30 a.m.; Youth group for ages sixth-12th grades, 5-7 p.m. (480) 460-1025.

Annual Mystics Meal (Seudas Moshiach): Chabad of the East Valley, 3875 W. Ray Road, Suite 6. Rabbi Mendy Deitsch together with Yeshivah students from the Chabad Yeshivah in New York will lead the evening with stories and songs of the great mystics of our history and heritage. Anyone of the Jewish faith is invited. Reservations required to (480) 855-4333.

Monday, April 28

Desert Foothills United Methodist Church events: 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Jazzercise Lite classes, 9:30 a.m.; Yoga Classes, 6:30 p.m.; Companions in Christ Group, 7 p.m.; AA Group meeting, 8 p.m. (480) 460-1025.

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

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.

"Hot Church" Comedy, Dessert and Auction: 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

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: 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.

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.

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.

Fridays

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.

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: 8:45-10 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.

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.

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.-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.

Sends submissions to jwalker@ahwatukee.com.