Serving Sunland Village East and the East Valley
Welcome to the Website of The Village Chapel at SVE, in Mesa, Arizona. The Chapel is a non-denominational ministry, that serves Sunland Village East, a 55+ active-adult community, as well as the surrounding community. Since 1990, the Chapel has provided weekly worship services, seasonal Bible studies and daily prayer and support for the ill and for those grieving the loss of loved ones. We currently serve about 250 in-person attendees in the winter months and around 100+ during our summer season. In addition, each week an additional 150 to 200 households are reached via our on-line streaming.
Pastor Jim Burnett -- Hello to everyone, and thank you for taking a look at The Village Chapel website. I am Pastor Jim Burnett and I have been the pastor for the Village Chapel since September 2022. My wife, Kay and I have worked in full-time ministry over the last 26 years and are excited about now being part of the Village Chapel family. Please consider joining us in person at The Village Chapel – we would love to get to know you personally, and you will enjoy the genuine love and friendship you will experience with the wonderful congregation of The Village Chapel. What a great group of people! God bless you!
Dave Tohlen -- Greetings! My name is Dave Tohlen and I am the Moderator for the Chapel’s Executive Committee. The Moderator leads the Executive Committee and assists the Pastor in the leadership of the Chapel ministry. I've served on many church committees and councils as a member of the United Methodist Church. I retired as an Officer in the Air Force after 27 years, then completed a second career as a Department of Defense contractor. Most recently, I served on the board of directors for two nonprofit organizations providing life-essential assistance to military veterans and their families. My wife, Diana, and I are from Colorado Springs and have been residents of SVE since 2015.
Ruth Weston -- Greetings! My name is Ruth Weston and I’m the Vice Moderator for the Chapel’s Executive Committee. I will serve as the Moderator in his/her absence. I have always been active in the Disciples of Christ Christian churches holding various positions. I retired as the Human Resource clerk for an oil refinery but held other duties at the same time. I am a widow as my husband Kenneth passed away in 2003. I moved from Kansas in 2007 to be near my son who lives in Gilbert, AZ. I am a full-time resident of SVE.
Leila Jo Wiebe -- Hey there! My name is Leila Jo Wiebe, LJ for short. I am the Treasurer for the Chapel's Executive Committee. I’ve served on many roles in the churches I have attended, starting with Youth staff member, Singles coordinator, to Small Groups coordinator, and Project Manager. I'm excited to serve the needs of the Chapel in support of all the members of the congregation.
While leading the Singles ministry, "that man" came into my life. On our 1-year anniversary, we moved to Arizona. We moved to SVE in 2013, and my husband passed away after 24 years of marriage. Retirement from the State of Arizona came shortly afterwards. I enjoy the activities of the SVE community and love getting to know my neighbors.
Nancy Rogers -- Welcome to our SVE Chapel website. My name is Nancy Rogers and I am the Secretary for the Chapel’s Executive Committee. After 33 years of working for an aerospace company I retired in 2000 as their Human Resource Administrator and shortly thereafter moved to SVE with my husband Vic Hannig so we could be closer to my mom and help care for her medical needs.
Vic and I visited many different churches in the area looking for a good fit before discovering the SVE Chapel. It didn’t take long for us to know that we had found a congregation and ministry where we feel very much at home. I’ve been blessed with a few technical and administrative skills and I have enjoyed being able to share those with our community over the years. It’s a special joy to be able to give back to our SVE Chapel by sharing with the congregation the gifts God has given me.
Chapel Executive Committee -- The Executive Committee meets monthly to address the Chapel's needs and to plan and execute actions, on behalf of the congregation, to enhance the Chapel ministry. The Executive Committee members and positions are:
- Pastor: Jim Burnett
- Moderator: Dave Tohlen
- Vice Moderator: Ruth Weston
- Treasurer: Leila Jo (L J) Wiebe
- Secretary: Nancy Rogers
- Member-at-Large: Bob Greenfield
- Missions Administrator: Carolyn Brahier
- Music Committee Chairperson: Ilona Porter
The Village Chapel supports a number of missions:
- Child Crisis Arizona -- monthly
- Remember Nhu -- monthly
- Salvation Army -- monthly
- Sunshine Acres -- monthly
- Youth Haven Ranch -- monthly
- Free Burma Rangers -- monthly
- Gideons International -- annually
If you wish to donate and help support The Village Chapel and our missions, just press the "Give Now" button (below).
If you are uncomfortable with use of your credit card online, you can mail your donation check to:
The Village Chapel at SVE
2145 S Farnsworth Dr
Mesa, AZ 85209
Come join our congregation.
