Religion Calendar (12/24)

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: 5 or 8 p.m. Dec. 24, Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Each service will include Biblical readings of and singing about the Christmas Story. A candlelight celebration ends the service. The earlier service is typically attended by families with children. All are welcome. (480) 460-1480. 

Annual celebration - A Jewish Tradition ... Chinese Food and a Movie: 5 p.m. dinner, 6 p.m. movie, Temple Emanuel Social Hall, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Catering by Golden Gate Restaurant, movie to be announced. BYOB and bring nosh food or dessert to share. RSVP required by Dec. 21. Your check is your reservation (no exceptions). $13 for adults, $18 for non-members, $7 for children (13 and under), $12 for non-members. Nanci, (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 6 p.m., Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 599 E. Chandler Blvd. The theme is "The Words of Christmas." www.MyLambofGod.org.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Concert and Service: 6 p.m., Adventure Community Church, 4633 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 112. The service will feature music from the church's children, youth and adult ministries. Pastor Michael Clark will bring a unique and creative message of hope and promise in "Trees" and how the Christmas tree relates to Christmas. Refreshments will be served. www.adventurecc.org or (480) 940-3540.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day Carol Service: 9:30 a.m., Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 599 E. Chandler Blvd. www.MyLambofGod.org.

Temple Emanuel Morning Hike: 10 a.m., South Mountain Park trail head at Desert Foothills Parkway. Nanci, (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Chanukah on Ice: 1 to 3:30 p.m., Desert Schools Coyotes Center (formerly Polar Ice), 7225 W. Harrison St., Chandler. Features ice-skating, food, music, raffles and prizes. In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, Chabad of the East Valley will have a public lighting of an ice menorah. $10 admission, skates included. (480) 855-4333.

Saturday, Jan. 3

Kids' Day Epiphany Camp: 10 a.m. to noon, Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. This is the annual celebration of the Three Wisemen who came to visit the baby Jesus and herald Him as the newborn King. Fourth- and fifth-graders are invited to the free camp. Registration: (480) 460-1025.

Saturday, Jan. 10

East Valley Jewish Film Festival: opens today at Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, at 7 p.m. with First Basket, the documentation of the role this sport played among young Jewish athletes in the 1930s and ‘40s. Cost for this film and a ball park hot dog and trimmings is $18. Remaining films in this series will be shown at 3 and 6:30 p.m., except for The Little Traitor, which will be screened only at 3 p.m. After First Basket, the remaining films will be shown at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, 1825 E. Elliot Road. Upcoming films include The Counterfeiters, Jan. 18, $9 (this docudrama is based on the true story of an ambitious plot by the Nazis to duplicate the currencies of their major enemies and wreck economic havoc); Nowhere in Africa, Jan. 25; Constantine's Sword, Feb. 8; and The Little Traitor, Feb. 15. The Festival concludes at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 with a special appearance at the Chandler Center for the Arts of Israeli comic Yisrael Campbell as well as his film, Circumcise Me. Cost for this event is $30 per person. For information or tickets, call Adrian at (480) 802-9391 or Gail at (480) 981-6963.

Missions Reunion: 6:15 p.m., Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Anyone that has ever been involved with Mission Mexico, Heartbeat Mexico, Habitat for Humanity, Sojourner Center or other missions is invited. The celebration will recognize the great volunteer work that has been done by hundreds of youths and adults from the Ahwatukee Foothills and Tempe areas over the last two decades. Music by the award-winning rock group Spirit Surge will start the festivities at 6:15 p.m., followed by social time at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Family and friends welcome. RSVP online at http://mvlutheran.org/missionreunion.asp to help with food planning and parking.

Sunday, Jan. 18

African Watoto Children's Choir Concert: 6 p.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Features a soulful blend of African rhythm, contemporary gospel and ethnic dance. Proceeds from the free-will offering will provide support and education for orphaned children in Africa. All are welcome. www.watoto.com or (480) 460-1480.

Monday, Jan. 26

Shabbat Morning Service: 9 a.m., Temple Beth Sholom, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Topic: Vayetze and the work of the Chevra Kadisha. (480) 897-3636.

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Candelight Taize Worship: 7 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. The Taize prayer service is held the last Wednesday of each month. This 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. With life's fast pace, this experience will instill peace and silence in any noisy heart. All are welcome. (480) 345-2686.

Friday, Jan. 30

Comedian Doug Brummel presents one-man character show, "Lighten Up!" 6:47 p.m., Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road. This one man show features Brummel and his "cast of character." He transforms himself into a variety of characters that aim to help all generations connect their faith into everyday life. Admission is free, and all are welcome. A free-will offering will be available. Denise, (480) 893-1160 or www.dougbrummel.com.

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.

Mah Jongg: 9:30 a.m., Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. (480) 838-1414 or www.emanueloftempe.org.

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.

DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids: 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.

GriefShare: 2 and 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.