winter newsletter 2013 new pages

8/14/2019 Winter Newsletter 2013 New Pages

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B E I N G T H E P R E S E N C E O F C H R I S T I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y

CHAPARRALfamilythe

Growing up in Indiana, I knew exactlywhat our youth group would be doingduring the short days of fall. Our ruralLutheran church considered it a missionproject. Sure, we raked a lawn covered in

leaves into colorful mountains under greatred maples. But, despite the back-breaking effort expended to create thosepiles, we also did not hesitate to throweach other into them, scattering brokenleaves back onto the lawn we had justuncovered.

Eventually, once the grey sky began todarken, the air became brisk and ourhands sore, we decided that it was time tobreak the cycle of piling and scattering

and start stuffing the piles into large metaltrash cans. Plus, once we were finished,we knew that large cups of hot chocolatewere patiently waiting to reward ourefforts.

During one of these fall excursions, Iremember asking our youth leader whywe bothered to rake leaves in the firstplace. After all, in just a few weeks, thefirst big snow would fall and cover theworld in an endless, powdery white

blanket. Soon, the fallen leaves would beperfectly hidden like dirty clothes stuffedbeneath the bed in a teenagers room. So,why not let God take care of cleaning upand skip right to the hot chocolate?That's when wisdom trumped youthfulexpediency. Our youth leader patientlyinformed me that if we waited until springto rake the leaves, we would be left withsoggy piles of decomposing muck. And,

jumping into those piles would be as

much fun as roasting s'mores in an EasBake Oven. And, hot chocolate is out ofseason in the spring.If we simply waited, snow would surely

cover the leaf strewn lawns. But the mewould still be there, lying beneath thesurface, rotting. So in the end, I learnedquite a bit from the sacred practice ofraking leaves.

First, whitewashing our lives, creating aendless blanket devoid of imperfectionsfor the world to see isn't worth the effortBecause, while we are busy painting anblending, beneath the surface, the core our being, our spirit, is rotting. (Matthew

23:27-28)Second, it is better to deal with fallingleaves as they are falling. Nothing goodhappens when we let leaves pile up fortoo long.Third, leaves fall. I know that must sounincredibly profound. But it is nevertheletrue. Falling leaves, like disappointmenand difficulties, trials and tragedies, arepart of our lives while we are dwelling

beneath the red maples of this planet.

Finally, raking leaves and tending to ourspiritual landscape is better done withfriends. Teens know that the best way tclean up a leaf-covered lawn is byteaming up. Back in Indiana, we neverdropped each kid off at a different homeand promised to pick him or her up in acouple of hours. We wanted to work, anplay, together. And who knows, maybethere is some hot chocolate to be share

along the way.

Raking LeavesFrank Shirvinski


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Childrens Christmas MusicalThe Christmas CupcakeSunday, December 8, 6:00 p.m. in The Commons,followed by a cupcake reception.Noelle receives the exciting news that she

and three others from her church havebeen randomly selected to appear on the Yum Yum Foodie Network with ahighly recognized and popular group of chefs for The Cutest ChristmasCupcake Contest. Noelle becomes so distracted about her impendingstardom that she loses sight of the real meaning of Christmas. In thischarming musical youll discover how Noelles friends help remind herabout the sweetest story ever told!Come support our Kindergarten - 5th graders. They sing. They dance. They act.

You will be entertained! Dont miss out on the fun!

Autumfest 2013!

Thank you to our volunteers who made Autumnfest so AWESOME! During the three hours Autumnfestran, we had 101 volunteers who covered a total of 150 hours, welcoming guests, supervising games andnflatables, handing out candy, keeping our tables clean and answering questions.

Inasmuch as you have done this unto the least ofthese you have done it unto meMatthew 25:40

Every day abused and neglected children are removed from their homes!

Where will they go? Christian Family Care will host an information

meeting for families interested in learning more about foster care and

adoption. There is no obligation, just information!

Sunday, Nov. 10th, 3:00 p.m.

Interested but cant come? Pleasecall: Margaret Soberg at (602) 396-2532.


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Womens Ministry, Day DArtsSaturday, November 9, 2013, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Lunch included

Women, join us for our third Womens Day DArts. This has become afavorite time to try out something new, relax with other women andenjoy a delicious lunch. Dont miss the time of fun and fellowship.Come, make jewelry, create a scarf out of a t-shirt, or fold the pagesof a book into a work of art.

Teen Talent Show, Nov. 17th at 6:00 p.m.

Our Stained Glass Teen Choir Talent Show is Sunday,

November 17, in The Commons. You are guaranteed to be

delighted by our talented teens...singing, dancing, playing

instruments and a few surprise acts! Join us for a great evening

pg

Taste of ChristmasTuesday, December 3, 6:30 p.m. in The CommonsCome join the women of Chaparral for an evening of deliciousfood (soup is provided as a light dinner) and fun entertainment(provided by Chaparrals Teen Girl Ensemble). Bring a snack,savory or sweet, to share. Donations to the Suitcase Initiative(providing necessities to children who have aged out of thefoster care system) are requested, including: toiletries, linens, smallfirst aid kits, socks, personal grooming items (combs, nail clippers,razors, etc.).

Follow the StarDecember 13th, 14th &15th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Its time for the Census! Grab your family and friends and take a

journey through the Christmas story. Brave guides will lead youthrough the City as you encounter a prophet, kings and much, muchmore! This unique production unfolds through beautiful music anddrama that children and adults alike will enjoy.

Sage Event: Haus MurphyGet into the Advent Season by joiningSAGE for dinner in historicGlendale at Haus Murphy, Saturday December 7, at 6:30 p.m.Downtown Glendale will be decked out for Christmas and we willenjoy wonderful German fare and fellowship.Sign up on our SAGE Facebook page to reserve a seat, or [email protected].


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Hoopla!Wednesday nights in the East Hall from 7-8:30 p.m.Discipleship groups meet throughout the month - ask Katy or Nick about them.Friday, November 8 - Junior High Girls Night! Meet in the Forum for games, movies,snacks, etc... from 7-10 p.m.Sunday, November 17 - Teen Talent Show! Commons 6-7:30 p.m. (You dont haveto be in the Teen Choir to perform at the Talent Show.)

Wednesday, November 20 - PB & J Night! Wear your pajamas, bring a blanket todonate and snacks to share and well provide just about everything else. Well be

watching a movie (which is yet to be determined) in the East Hall during ourregular Hoopla!time (7-8:30 p.m.). Join us for the fun!Sunday, November 24 - Second Annual Santa Swim at the Aragakis from

3:30-5:00 p.m.Wednesday, November 27 - Lunch at Village Inn

for those who have a half day and then, girls (and guys, I guess!), weregoing to see The Hunger Games: Catching Firethis afternoon. Join us!

Showtime and location TBD.No Hoopla!tonight due to Thanksgiving break.Friday, November 29 - Movie Outing! Lets go see Disneys Frozen(showtime TBD).

Saturday, November 30 - Its that time again...Luminaria assembly is here!Meet outside the Forum at 9 a.m. to help put our luminaria bags together.Well meet again Saturday, December 7, if need be. A light breakfast will be

provided.Friday, December 6 - The last Friday Night Lights of the school year! Everwanted to scuba dive or see what its all about? Well now is your chance!

Well meet at the Morans scuba school, details to follow.Saturday, December 7 - Possible luminaria assembly.Wednesday, December 11 - Hoopla!s Christmas Party, East Hall, 7-8:30 p.m.December 13-15 - Follow the Star! We could use your help setting up, maintaining

and putting out luminaria throughout theweekend. Tell Katy if you are available.Tentative dates for the Winter/Ski Retreatare January 17-19. Let Katy know if those

dates work for you.


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Impact of HaitMy name is Trevor Short.I turned 14 years old during my trip to Haiti. This what I noticed. At the same time you are seeing poverty and sadness inHaiti, you are seeing joy and happiness as well. There are children therewho have a single dirty shirt for clothes, because their parents cannot evenafford a pair of shorts. But those same children are the ones running up toyou with a smile and holding your hand and asking for a picture. Thechildren in Haiti gave me more than I hadbefore the trip.

Dan Short: There are many people thatGod has sent into my life to inspire or lead

me and for each of these individuals I am very grateful. Most recently, God sentWayne Worthington to inspire me to make the trip to Haiti and to lead me, my son,and the rest of our team in and out of one of the most extraordinary experiences ofa lifetime. Since returning home, I have had friends and family approach me andask what the trip was like. The best I can do to summarize my experience is toquote the old clich, I was going there to give but in the end I received far morehan I sacrificed. Along this same line of reason, I believe that there are manyhings in life that can only be fully understood as a personal experience. I am toldby mothers that giving birth to a baby is one of them. I am confident that going toserve in Haiti is another.

Kathy Nicholson: My reflection of Haiti seems likeit was ages ago when, in fact, it was just over a week ago. Its odd how thehustle and bustle of our daily lives can drown out a memory such as my trip;although when asked about my experience, I light up like a Christmas treeanxious to talk about what I did while I was there and share the many picturestook......One of my many highlights waspushing the kids from the Mariam Centeraround in these cool new wheelchairs thatwere donated and put together during thistrip. What started out as one kid per rideturned into as many that could fit in the

chair, and I guess they liked my variety ofautomobile sounds I made as we hustledhrough the courtyard and down through the hallway back to the Centerbecause they laughed all the way. It was a great feeling making these kidsaugh and have fun.

Upcoming SAGE events

Fellowship and fun for the young at heart at Chaparral!

Created especially for our seasoned adults (45ish on up).

December 7--Haus Murphy. Join us for dinner in the historicdistrict of Glendale and also enjoy the Christmas Lights.January 11--Service Day as we come together for fellowshipand service. Details will be determined.February 15--Day trip to Jerome, Arizona.May 3--Derby Day as we celebrate the Kentucky Derby withfood and games at the home of Barry and Sandra Welch.


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PlugintheGPSandgetreadyforaguidedjourneynavigatingthepeaks,valleys,andopenplainsofmarriage(completewithpotholes,detours,andscenicrestspots!). Alongthewaywe'lldigintosuchtopicsasthePurpose,RolesandVisionforyourmarriage,Communicationandhowtoimproveit,Conflictandhowtoresolveit,WhatForgivingyourspousereallymeans,andwaystokeepthePassionandRomanceoverflowingbetweenyouandyourspouse.

Friday through Saturday, March 7-9, 2014Cost is $265/couple. Includes a two-night stay at

Springhill Suites Marriot plus breakfast and lunch at theConference Center at UCYC.

Reservations must be made by January 19. [email protected] additional information.

Join us in the pines and at

historic Prescott for

The Road Less Traveled

Marriage Retreat


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JesusisBest!

pg. 7

Why Jesus is Better than Santa ClausSanta lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.Santa says "You better not cry.... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

-Anonymous

One of the ways we celebrate Jesus' birth at the preschool is with a concert of our littleones singing Christmas Carols.

Please join us for this on December 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The Salt Sunday School class invites you to join them at 9:00 a.m. in

the North Room for a special series.Unfettered: Freedom for Your Soul

with Joe and Dawn NassiseChrist came with a mission to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, to

proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1). As

His followers, His mission is our own, yet too many of us today live

lives of disillusionment and pain, captive to a wide swatch of

addictions, and shrouded in darkness at times too thick to see through.

How on earth did we get here? What can we do to change things?

Join us for a four-week class as we look at the unfettered life that Godwants for us and what we can do to bring about His kingdom vision in

our lives here and now.November 10: Life as It Should Be (Unfettered and Free)November 17: Steps to Freedom (Part One Intimacy and Authenticity)November 24: Steps to Freedom (Part Two Freedom from Oppression and Judgment)


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CHAPARRAL

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Scottsdale,AZ85254

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