Dear Friend,

Thank you to all those who attended God and Coffee on Wednesday night. We had a wonderful time and discussion! Lots of good sharing!

A Spiritual Reflection for Your Weekend
by Henri Nouwen

Solitude Challenges Drivenness

Solitude comes from the word solus, meaning to be alone. People have an enormous number of things to do in life. Many of us are driven. Solitude pokes a hole in that drivenness and helps us stop for a moment and ask: “What is it all for?” It means spending a little time with God to listen to the voice who says, “You are mine; I am yours, I love you. You don't have to prove yourself. You are fine.”

Join us for Sunday Worship @ PWC

This Sunday, August 17 @ 10:00 a.m.

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Make the in-person commitment to be there on Sunday! Praise and Worship Never Ends...It Must Be Lived!

In Need of Pastoral Counseling?

Fr. Mike Lessard is available for pastoral counseling on Wednesday at PWC. Please call the church office to make an appointment at 480-649-0300.     

Casino
Night & Dinner
@ PWC

Saturday Evening,
October 18, 2025

Details Coming Soon

Children’s Ministry begins

Sunday, September 7

from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
in Building 4:12.

Beginning this fall…

All Adult Education Classes

on Wednesday evenings
will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At PWC
your tithing & generosity allow us to minister to so many who come through our doors with their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.

Thank you for your tithing and
commitment to PWC!

From pastoral counseling to grief support, to bible study and adult education, to providing food through Matthew’s Crossing for families who are economically struggling, to Marriage Enrichment and our funeral ministry -- your consistent giving makes a difference, a big change in people’s lives!

Here are the different ways you can tithe to PWC:

• Mail in your gift to: Praise and Worship Center, 2551 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225.

• Donate on our web page: Donation Form.

• Sign up for monthly giving with a credit card or voided check. Just call the office at 480-649-0300 or stop by the office.

Blood Pressure Checks take place at PWC on the first and third Sundays of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Our medical team is providing the blood pressure checks.

Arrive to Sunday Service prepared to hear God’s Word proclaimed.

The reading for this Sunday, August 17, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, is Hebrews 12:1-4.

Here is a synopsis and reflection of the reading.

In this reading we hear the stirring call: “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

The image is powerful—a race, not a sprint, but a lifelong marathon of faith. The author reminds us that we are not running alone. We are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”—the saints and faithful who have gone before us, cheering us on. Their lives testify that God’s promises are true and His grace is sufficient.

But to run well, we must lay aside “every weight and the sin that clings so closely.” In ancient times, runners would strip off anything that slowed them down. In the same way, we must identify and set aside whatever is keeping us from wholehearted devotion to Christ—be it resentment, fear, pride, or the distractions that keep our eyes fixed anywhere but on Him.

And how do we endure when the race feels too hard? We look to Jesus. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him—the joy of redeeming us. His example strengthens us when we grow weary, and His Spirit empowers us to take the next step in faith.

Practical Applications for Hebrews 12:1-4:

Name your weights. This week, prayerfully ask God to show you one burden or sin that is slowing you down spiritually. Bring it to Him in confession and ask for His strength to let it go.
Draw strength from the witnesses. Read about the life of a saint or faithful Christian who inspires you. Let their example remind you that perseverance is possible.
Fix your eyes on Jesus daily. Begin each day by recalling a truth about Jesus—His mercy, His patience, His faithfulness—and carry that truth with you into your actions and decisions.
Run together. Faith is not a solo sport. Encourage someone else in their race—send a note, make a call, or simply pray for them by name.
Remember the joy set before you. When trials come, remind yourself that the end of the race is not exhaustion, but eternal life in the presence of God.

As we run this race together, may we keep our eyes fixed on the One who has already crossed the finish line and now calls us forward—Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

We will see you on Sunday for Service at 10:00 a.m.! If you are on vacation or out of town, please join us on Facebook Live.

September is just around the corner; we have lots of good stuff planned for you in the fall!