CHAPARRAL family

BEING THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN OUR COMMUNITY

the

Shattered
Frank Shirvinski

Whats inside...
StarBucks...pg. 2 Remodel...pg. 2 10,000 Reasons...pg. 3 Teen Choir Olympics...pg. 3 Rhonda Anderson...pg. 4 Coming Events...pg. 4 God is Faithful...pg. 5 Interfaith...pg. 6 Haiti...pg. 6 Sage...pg. 7 Tim Hawkins...pg. 7

You know you are dating yourself when one of the rebellious songs you listened to in high school no longer makes any sense. Or, and this is even worse, the songs that once graced your Walkman, now mean quite the opposite. Back in the 80's, Sammy Hagar's hit single, "I Can't Drive 55," was a poetic reection by the rock minstrel on the overly restrictive limits that the national highway speed limits placed on his Ferrari BB512i. For the 21st century listener, however, this same song may imply that the driver's hybrid might not be able to travel at the minimum speed limit on a cloudy day. There is a pretty big difference between not wanting to drive 55 because you feel "the need, the need for speed," and your desperate hope that maybe your Yugo might be able to hit the posted 55 mph speed limit without the help of a brisk tailwind.

Then, we have the Instructions which transcend time and are carefully handed on to each generation. We see these Commandments, in the simplest terms, in the most convenient denitions, as rock solid, immutable, written in stone by the nger of God. They have become the bedrock of our moral code and we look to them to guide us in intensely practical ways. Nevertheless, following them or, better yet, ordering our lives by them, is far from a simple task. Is the prohibition against lying an absolute, or are there occasions when lying is not only permitted, but also righteous? As Christians, can we ignore some Commandments, like observing the Sabbath? Has culture or technology had an affect on how we apply the Instructions of God in the 21st century? Should they? What difference has Jesus made when we seek to apply these Commandments to our lives?

We may not formally ask these questions on a daily basis, but we should ask them. Jesus himself told the crowds gathered around the Sea of Galilee that he did not come to abolish the teachings of the law and the prophets, but to fulll them From our earliest days, rules for life are (Matthew 5:17-18). But, how did he fulll handed on to us along with our rst steps, them? And, what does that mean for us our rst bike and our rst car. Some today? In our next series of messages, instructions are culturally generated. We Shattered, we will explore these and other are taught to say "please" when asking to practical questions as we study the Ten phone home, or to say "thank you" when a friend ensures us that he will be back soon. Commandments as viewed through the lens of the New Testament. Then, we will Other rules are more practical in nature: ask the most important question, how do "Don't touch the stove;" or, "Walk in the middle of the road, and sooner or later, get we live them? the squish, just like grape." However, with * I will have a pack of almonds for the rst 10 time and the advent of new technology, people who can name all of the 80's movies these cultural and practical rules often shift referenced in this article. (I would have offered a and change. chocolate bar but Nick would have given me too
much grief!)

Growing our own Musicians...

Chaparral has always encouraged excellence in music, from our little children through our adults. Our broad-based music programs have embraced all styles, from classical to gospel to countrywestern, using all for vehicles of praising God. All ages have experienced drama and presented musical productions. We have a strong commitment to our young people and a desire to help them explore their potential in the arts. Several years ago the Adult Choir started a program called StarBucks, i.e., bucks for young stars. Many people have donated to this program, and many students have beneted through lessons and other music-related educational experiences. We have underwritten the cost for piano and voice lessons, for instrument rental and for summer music camps, as well as helped with membership in

By Marion Hostetler

community childrens choirs. I am proud of this ongoing program and enjoy watching children and teens thrive in the world of music thanks to regular support from generous people. As always, the choir enjoys using their singing voices to express their thoughts, and every fall we sing this song when we take StarBucks pledges... (sung to the chorus of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean) StarBucks, StarBucks, Let musical young people know you care! StarBucks, StarBucks, We thank you for what you can share!

PRESCHOOL OFFICE

COMMUNITY RESOURCE ROOM

PRESCHOOL OFFICE

A LI T TL E REMODEL GOING ON!

Over the summer, Chaparral Christian Preschool and Kindergarten went through a little remodel. All of the classrooms received new carpet, the Preschool Ofce received a stylish and more welcoming new look and we converted an extra classroom into a teacher and community resource room. The new resource room houses most of the school's supplies and serves as a multifunctional meeting and art studio area. On top of that, the room serves as a teacher lounge area and parent library. These areas are meant for the whole Church to enjoy and utilize as well. Stop by and check out our wonderful new spaces! A special thank you goes out to preschool parents, Sean and Anita Elton, who were a big part of the new design and work that went into this wonderful transformation. - Nicole Moran 2

COMMUNITY ROO M

10,000 Reasons with Matt Redman

Many of you have let me know how much you enjoy our new worship song, 10,000 Reasons. I wanted to share with you the story behind the song from an interview that worshipleader.com conducted with Ma= Redman, the ar?st who co-wrote and recorded the song. - Jackie Huber I wrote this song with a great friend, Jonas MyrinHe played me an idea for some of the chorus melody, and I found it immediately inspiring. In fact, it felt like a perfect t for a song based on the opening of Psalm 103. The song came together really quicklya good chunk of the song was actually a spontaneous moment. I have no idea why some songs take months of writing and re-writing (like Blessed Be Your Name) and others arrive really swiftly (like this one). One thing Ive realized over the years is theres no distinct rule that says that something composed quickly must, therefore, be more spiritual or inspired! Yes, Godbreathed inspired worship songs can at times be written very quickly and spontaneouslybut at other times theyve involved a lot of perseverance, perspiration, and hard work! Ive always lovedPsalm 103and how the writer lists all of these brilliant reasons why his heart is full of worship for God: he heals our diseases, redeems our lives from the pit, crowns us with love and compassion, etc. So in the verses of this song we try and make a little list of our ownnoting, of course, that were hardly even scratching the surface of Gods worth there are 10,000 Reasons for our hearts to nd. With anyone or anything else, that would be an outrageous overstatement. With Jesus, it is a huge understatement. The point behind the song is this: If you wake up one morning and you cannot think of a reason to bring God some kind of offering of thanks or praise, then you can be sure theres something wrong at your end of the pipeline, and not his. We live beneath an unceasing ow of goodness, kindness, greatness, and holiness, and every day were given reason after reason why Jesus is so completely and utterly worthy of our highest and best devotion

Our Stained Glass Teen Choir kicked o their 2012-2013 season on August 12 ! Their Olympic Games included events like Highest Note, Lowest Note, Longest Note and Singing a Song a Whole Step Apart!

DICTION COMPETITION WHO CAN UNDERSTAND THEM WITH MARSHMALLOWS IN THEIR MOUTH?

OUR OLYMPIC WINNERS WITH THEIR MEDALS!

Association of professional chaplains honors hospital CEO for promoting professional chaplaincy. Rhonda Anderson
Receives Distinguished Service Award

The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) was honored to present its 2012 Distinguished Service Award to Rhonda Anderson, CEO of Cardon Childrens Medical Center in Mesa, AZ. This annual award is presented to an individual or organization that has made signicant contributions in promoting standards of professional chaplaincy or in the advancement of clinical chaplaincy. The award was presented to Rhonda on June 23rd during the 2012 APC Annual Conference in Schaumburg, IL. Rhonda has supported chaplaincy throughout her career at Banner Health. She has ensured that chaplaincy care is an essential component of total patient care. Through her ex-ofcio role on the Spiritual Care Advisory committee, active involvement in the clinical pastoral education (CPE) program, and her talks at monthly leadership meetings, Rhonda personally and

effectively embodies and promotes the integral nature of the spiritual and emotional components of care for our patients, says a fellow administrator. Before her appointment as CEO, she served as Banner Healths pediatric service line administrator, chief nursing ofcer, senior administrator and COO at Banner Desert Medical Center, as well as senior administrator at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. This very busy person makes it a point to meet each of our CPE student groups at the beginning of a program and to be present at the time of graduation, says a CPE supervisor. Her response to students is personal and individualized so that each one feels understood, respected and honored for his or her contribution. Under her guidance and with her support, the Spiritual Care Department has expanded and deepened the services it provides to the hospital community and to the community at large. This includes providing guidance to the Spiritual Care Advisory Committee, which establishes and maintains relationships with local faith groups and their leaders. In addition, she chose a staff chaplain to spearhead the establishment of the pediatric ethics board for Banner hospitals to ensure

that Spiritual Care would be a strong force in this important aspect of patient care. Her overall efforts help Banner holistically fulll its mission to make a difference in peoples lives through excellent patient care. She embodies the vision that the central core of our patients experience is the seamless integration of the spiritual and medical -- health care at its best, says a chaplain. Her deep personal faith has continually impacted, formed and developed her work over the years. Anderson is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), as well as a member of the board of the American Hospital Association. About The Association of Professional Chaplains
For additional information, visit www.professionalchaplains.org.

DATES TO REMEMBER!

AUTUMNFEST

CHILDRENS MUSICAL
December 2nd Plan to attend a wonderful Childrens Christmas Musical and see our talented kids!

TASTE OF CHRISTMAS
December 4th Taste of Christmas kicks off our season with all of our favorite tastes! Bring friends and join Us!

FOLLOW THE STAR

Dec. 7,8 & 9 Follow the Star, an outdoor story of the nativity! Plan to bring friends!

October 26th Autumnfest is one of our most fabulous events we have for the community!

God is Faithful...by Stacy Shirvinski

I am always surprised when people assume that clergy doesnt tithe. I guess they believe that since some of the offerings go to us, why would we give to the church, too? We give because we believe what the church is doing is important. We give because God asks us to. We give because we trust God to use what we give to glorify him. I remember when Frank and I first decided to tithe. We were very young and had been married for about three years. Our Church was teaching on sacrificial giving and it hit home with us that it was something we were called to do. We sat down and tried to work it out on paper. My heart sank as we realized that no matter how much we rearranged, cut back and strategized we just couldnt make it work on paper. After some prayer and consideration it finally came down to whether we trusted that God will take care of us if we give. This was one of the scariest acts of faith we have taken but let me tell you, God is SO faithful. We never even missed the money. We put our tithe in first before any of our other expenses. We are now honor to give well over a 10% tithe as well as to our Soaring Campaign and to help support several children through World Vision & Watoto. easy and the next years were tough but we knew God was with us, and He still is. My wish for us all is to remember that God loves and knows what we want and need more than we do. Trust him. Give Him your all in your time, talent and treasure. You will not be disappointed. Here is a story I found that really brought a few things to light that I would like to share with you! In the tangible realm we are still part of the old decaying creation. The blessings God has given us in this world are indeed good and useful for life, and love and re-creation, and we should offer thanks for them, but unless we want to become root bound in this pot of flesh we must cease clinging to those things which are impermanent and exchange them for permanent things. We give gifts to our children that are appropriate to

OFFERING AS WORSHIP By Bo Grimes at resident-aliens.org

My talk this morning is on giving as an act of worship. These talks are structured around Mark Allen Powells wonderful book: Giving To God, the first chapter of which is An Act of Worship. I cant recommend this book highly enough, but I dont want to recite to you what he said; I want to tell you about my reaction to the first chapter and my interaction with God through it. I do want to give you an organizing quote, though. Powell writes: The Sunday offering is a worship event that provides us with the opportunity for expressing our love to God in the purest way imaginable, by giving up something that we value. Ill come back to that. Some years ago, [my wife] was reading Our State magazine when she saw a photo of the NC mountains in fall that she just loved. It was a shot across rolling hills full of vibrant wild flowers. I researched the photographer, found his web site, scoured through his prints and couldnt find it. I called him. He had only recently taken the photograph, and had never made prints for sale. He made, framed, matted and sold me a 20x24 print and shipped it. I gave it to [my wife] for Christmas, and she has the first and maybe only one. She delighted in the receiving and I in the giving. Both our lives were enriched. When I read that quote, The Sunday offering is a worship event that provides us with the opportunity for expressing our love to God in the purest way imaginable, by giving up something that we value, I thought about that picture and how excited I get about giving gifts to those I love, but I hate to give money. I stopped to talk to God about that. I told Him, Thats just it, God. We put everything in terms of money today, and its so boring. I wish I had something precious to give you like the Magi or that picture I gave Kerri, but I have nothing you need. Now, dont go call the paddy wagon and send for a straightjacket. I dont see burning bushes or hear voices, but at that moment I sensed God telling me: But, BoI dont need your money either. We dont give to God because He needs what we have. All we have is already His, and He wants to give us more. Sacrificial giving as an act of worship is one of the ways in which God allows us to exchange rusty, moth-infested rubbish for treasure in heaven. Now, please dont misunderstand me. When Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven He was by no means suggesting that we could earn our way in. Just as with our family and friends we do not give gifts to earn anothers love; likewise, we are not earning anything by giving to God. The offering is not a free market exchange process in which we exchange labor for pay and pay for goods and services. Its an organic, ecological process of growth. We are like potted plants that the master gardener is preparing for a special and beautiful place in a new creation He is planting, and giving as an act of worship is part of the process by which God nourishes and feeds us so that we may grow into a plant ready to be taken from the pot and deeply rooted in good soil.

God is faithful...in all things

Trusting God goes well beyond anything financial. Frank and I have seen Gods faithfulness in many ways but one of the greatest was when Frank told me he wanted to go to seminary. We were in a good place at the time and I was hesitant. Frank was the vice president of an aerospace engineering company (at 26 even!) and I was working for the management team at UPS corporate in their international finance & accounting group. We had a new house and a new baby. (Yes, I am talking about Abigail who is now a senior.) When Frank told me that he wanted to move to Tennessee and go back to school full time, I said to him, Are you sure you dont want to serve more at our Church? I wasnt keen on uprooting all that we had to begin again with nothing. Going to seminary meant giving up our fantastic jobs, leaving a beautiful home and likely working for minimum wage because the area where the seminary was was in rural Tennessee. But Frank truly felt called to doing this so I prayed. I prayed a prayer that I am still surprised I didnt get a lightning bolt sent to me. I told God that if he wanted us to do this then we had to sale our new house for enough money to pay off all our debt so we could afford to make minimum wage. Oh, and we had to do it in six weeks. The beautiful place we lived in was still building houses that we had to compete with. We had to sell our home at a high price to even come close to meeting our bills. The realtor thought we were nuts and told us it would never sell for the listed price. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about how God met my challenge with such love. On the very last day of the six weeks at the very last hour, our house sold for enough money to cover our bills so Frank could go to seminary. And, did I mention he received a full ride scholarship for all four years? I decided then and there that I would keep my mouth shut and be a faithful servant. Our move wasnt

their maturity. It is in the act of giving to God in worship that He matures us and enables us to put away childish things so that we can receive even greater things. Its as if He is continually taking us from smaller pots and putting us in larger ones. The seed He planted in baptism He nurtures and cultivates and nourishes in worship, all of worship from thanksgiving and confession, praying and listening, eating and drinking, giving and serving. When we cheerfully and freely give back to God what He has first given to us we are telling Him, I get it! Its a humbling, joyful and hungering process. Its humbling because we first have to understand that we dont deserve any of it, not even the most simple, essential gifts necessary to sustain physical life. Its joyful because once we understand that we deserve none of it we dont have to struggle to earn any of it, because we know we cant, and we dont have to fight to keep any of it becausewe know we cant. Its hungering because once weve had a taste of Gods grace we want more, and we want it fully, in greater measure; we humbly and joyfully thirst for it like a deer panting for water. In giving we grow to want the things we cannot earn but which we can keep, eternally. We give to God not because we have anything He needs but because He has everything that we will ever need, in this world and the world to come. In giving we become imitators of Christ. It is precisely through imitation that children learn and grow. When we do not freely and cheerfully give we are not keeping anything from God; we are keeping Gods grace from fully maturing in ourselves. And yet, we all know that the most precious gifts we have to offer are not tangible. Imagine a relationship in which we never gave those we love our attention, approval, or affection. But, being the frail creatures of the tangible world of sense that we are, when we freely and joyfully give tangible gifts to one anotherbe it a photograph, a hug or love notewe are able, by doing so, to also give them intangible gifts. While the offering is not a sacrament it does share this in common with them: The offering is one of the worship events in which the tangible intersects with the intangible. In giving our tangible gifts to God as an act of worship we open ourselves to receive the intangible gifts of His grace and love, and in doing so we grow, we are transformed more and more into His likeness until we are ready to be taken from our pots and planted in a garden that will glorify Him. Thanks be to Him to whom all glory is due, now and forever. Amen.

Chaparrals Commitment to Community

Interfaith Food Drive with Congregation Beth Israel
By Sara Perrine

Food & Clothing Bank

truck from ICM will be waiting, along with helping hands from Congregation Beth Israel, to load your items. Finally, for those who are able, we need your assistance on Wednesday, September 26th, to load the ICM truck for Congregation Beth Israel while they are bringing in their items. Loading begins at 8:00 (perfect for those nishing up with the 7 a.m. CrossFit class). Call the Church ofce to sign up or contact: Food Peanut BuJer, Tuna, Canned Meats, Dried Beans, Rice, Canned Veggies. Limit: crackers, chips, anything that will go stale in a short Qme. Toiletries Shampoo, CondiQoner, Soap or Liquid Body Wash, LoQon, Laundry Detergent, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Razors, Feminine Hygiene Products. Hotel samples make great donaQons! Clothing Most needed are Mens and Childrens Clothing (all sizes and types), Baby Clothes, Shoes, Socks and Underwear for all ages and sizes. Baby Care Diapers, all sizes, including pull-ups, Wet Wipes, Formula, Baby Food/ Cereal. Plas7c Bags Zip Loc Bags to distribute laundry detergent, rice, beans, etc., 13-gallon trash bags with draw strings for client clothing.

Once again we have the opportunity to partner with Congregation Beth Israel to support Interfaith Cooperative Ministries (ICM) in lling up their Food and Clothing Bank. ICM sees about 100 families each day to provide them with not only food, toiletries, and clothing, but also much needed medical attention by providing monthly medical clinics for checkups to children, pre-natal care and medical testing for seniors.

Needs List

There are several ways to assist in this venture in which we have participated the last four years. First, clean out closets and consider donating gently used clothing. Especially needed are childrens clothes and business wear for those who are trying to get back into the work force. Second, as you grocery shop this month, pick up items from the suggested needs list. Thirdly, bring all these items to Chaparral on your way to worship on Sunday, September 30th, where a

sara.perrine@chaparral.org.

Haiti, Here we come!

By Stephanie Blakeman

Mary & Stephanie Blakeman They are part of the Haiti Team traveling in October! Our team will assist with surgeries and restore a water tower while there!

I am excited to go to Haiti for two reasons. First, I am excited to go to a new place, be immersed in culture, and surrounded by the people of Haiti. Second, I hope to effect change, however small that may be. As a nurse, my dream is to care for people and to not get hung up on the extraneous (though important) details of charting -- this 6

trip will allow me to do that, and I am so excited! Trips like this are a huge part of why I became a nurse in the rst place and I cannot wait to get to it!

Introducing

SAGE
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season... Ps 1:3

Fellowship and fun for the young at heart

Created especially for our Seasoned Adults (45ish on up). This group will feature activities and adventures throughout the year. If you are interested in helping us plot the future course for Sage or simply curious to learn more, contact Sara.

SAGE

Our kickoff event will be the comedy of Christian comedian... Tim Hawkins!
This comedian, songwriter and singer is best known for his parodies of popular songs and stand up material based on his own life experiences. If you are unfamiliar with Hawkins, check him out on youtube or ask Jean Spanko. She is a huge fan! When: Saturday evening, November 10 Where: Cornerstone Church Chandler, AZ Cost: Tickets are $19.00 Sign up by September 16 to reserve a spot for an evening of laughter and fellowship! Dinner to follow at for those interested.

CHAPARRAL
6451 E. Shea Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85254

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CHAPARRAL family

VOL. 34

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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