CHAPARRAL family

BEING THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN OUR COMMUNITY

the

Whats inside...

Wizard of Oz
Frank Shirvinski
We have all been told "time ies when you are having fun." However, no one warned us that the ight accelerates along the way! For example, can you believe that a decade has past since we held our rst worship services in our magnicent sanctuary. Thanks to that faithfulness of so many, we now enjoy a beautiful place to worship, to explore the Scriptures, and to seek God's blessing as we strive to be the presence of Christ in Scottsdale. Yet, when we enter the sanctuary on Sunday, I doubt many of us pause to notice the oors, the symmetry of the organ pipes or the artistic design of the vaulted ceiling. Instead, we are too busy catching up with friends, preparing for worship, nding our choir robe, or nalizing a lesson plan. Over the course of the past decade, the sanctuary became more than a building or even a dream realized. Instead, this particular spot on the planet has been molded into a place where family, friends, visitors and strangers can nd a welcome home. Nevertheless, in the eight years I have been here1, I have never seen Chaparralians sit back and enjoy their accomplishments. At least not for very long. They may spend a day or two of thankfulness, both to each other and to God, but soon they are on to the next challenge, idea, project or mission. Before I make the past decade sound like the technicolor scenes from the Wizard of Oz, we should remember that there have been some black and white moments as well. Our national, state and local economies have been raided by ying monkeys. Tragedies around the world continue to break our collective hearts. People everywhere seem as secure today as the scarecrow would be if he attended a bonre in July. And, in the midst of it all, many of us are left searching for courage. For the last ve years, the yellow brick road has been an uphill climb for most of the world, including Chaparral. Yet, I look around and I do not see Chaparralians, squinting their eyes and tapping their red shoes together hoping to nd a way back to better days. Nor do I see them throwing up their collective hands and shouting, "Just deal with it, Dorothy. Welcome to Oz." Instead, I hear rumblings of hope for a bright future, visions of new opportunities in ministry and dreams of God expanding his work among us. Our yellow brick road is quite different from the one travelled by Dorothy and her companions. Ours does not end in a place where we nd help and a way home. We have been given the direction, gifted with the tools and honored with the task of building a road toward God and with God that is wide enough for the world to join us along the journey.
Yes, it has been eight years! Please, refer back to the rst paragraph regarding the exponential acceleration of the passage of time.
1

Reasons Your Kids Should Go to Camp!...pg. 2 Missions ...pg. 3 Concert Venue...pg. 4 Second Period... pg. 4 KP Groups...pg. 5 Daddy-Daughter Dating... pg. 5 Preschool Enrollment...pg. 6

February Happenings
Day DArts!

5 Reasons Your Kids Should Go to Camp

By Silvana Clark from parenting.kaboose.com
Millions of kids go to camp each year, continuing a summer tradition that's been around for generations of American children. Camp is so much more than just getting your kids into nature! Learn why you should send your kids to camp this year. I have cherished memories of spending my youth on Grandma's farm in the summer, collecting eggs, and helping plant a garden. We filled our days with bike rides along country roads followed by a dip in the old watering hole. Whether you spent summers in the country or not, you likely remember relaxed and unscheduled days. In reality, we probably said the same thing our kids say to us"M-o-o-o-m-m-m, I'm bored!" So as the ever-dutiful parent, you sign your children up for baseball on Tuesdays and Thursdays, interspersed with Science Adventures on Monday and Wednesday. That leaves Friday for art classes followed with swim lessons. Naturally you spend the summer in the hot car furiously shuttling children from one activity to another. There is an easier way to spend your summer. Go to camp. No, not youyour children! Here are five reasons your child should go to camp this summer. 1. Your children will be around positive role models. Have you ever watched 18-year-old camp counselors? Their energy is unbelievable! Do you want to organize a dozen squirrelly ten-yearold boys to participate in an all-day water carnival? Would you enjoy lying on the grass as second graders paint your arms and legs with watercolors? Can you see yourself teaching archery to tween boys? Counselors love doing all those things! Counselors are trained to provide safe, fun activities for kids. They'll listen to the same KnockKnock joke with glee. Counselors also teach your son or daughter to listen when others speak and to help someone having difficulty with a craft project. "Counselors have a great impact on campers because they are listened to as an established peer, not as a parent laying down the rules," says Bob Strodel, director of Brookwoods/Deer Run Camp in Alton, New Hampshire. "Think 'big brother' or 'big sister.' Counselors are role models because they are not the parents!" 2. Children learn appropriate risk taking. As a former camp counselor and camp director, I can tell you it's a good thing parents don't see their children at camp. Camps encourage children to take risks. Counselors want your daughter to grab the rope swing, fly over the river, and drop eight feet into the water. Scary? Yes! Satisfaction your daughter receives from trying something out of her comfort level? Priceless! As parents, we're so quick to say, "Be careful! Don't jump so high! You're riding your bike too fast!" Psychologists tell us children join gangs because they enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of doing something wrong. Camp channels that thrill into wholesome activities like water skiing, participating in a talent show for the first time, and taking a midnight hike. (Yes, Mom, counselors have been known to get kids up in the middle of the night to "stalk for wild animals." They sleep in the next morning though.) Your child learns it's an appropriate risk to repel down a cliff with safety gear. Along with the risk comes the satisfaction of gaining self-confidence in doing something not all kids do. "Camp is a specially created environment where children develop assets that help them grow into successful adults. Because they feel safe, youngsters are comfortable taking healthy risks and setting
(Continued on p. 7)

FEB. 4TH

Cupids Messengers Pre-Orders!

FEB. 5TH

Connections Dinner Commons, 6:00 p

FEB. 10TH

Mens Sweetheart Breakfast, 9:00 a Baptism Classes Begin! Room 13 at 5:00 p KP Groups Various locations, 10 a

FEB. 11TH

FEB. 12

TH

FEB. 18TH

Baptism Classes! Room 13 at 5:00 p Ash Wednesday Service Prayer Garden, 6:45 p Daddy-Daughter Princess Ball Commons, 6:30 p

FEB. 19TH

FEB. 22ND

FEB. 24TH

FEB. 26TH Baptism Classes! Room 13 at 5:00 p

Family & Friends Cookout!

2

Missions...Reaching out to
HAITI MISSION TRIP
Chaparral Chris*an Church has shared a partnership with Northwest Hai* Chris*an mission for the past four years. For years before this partnership existed, some of our people have been traveling to Hai* at least twice a year as part of a Medical Mission trip. Medical trips are open to anyone, regardless of medical experience. Various ministry opportuni*es are available. From building projects, to pain*ng, to praying with pa*ents, to xing equipment, to doing dishes, to delivering food to the village, to sterilizing surgical instruments, to moving furniture, to playing with kids at the orphanage, and holding babies to name just a few, there is something for you to do. The two trips we have planned in 2012 are scheduled for April 20-May 5 and October 12 27. In either case, if you would like to par*cipate, you may choose to go for either one week, or both. While the April trip will be similar to the trips we have taken in the past, it is our hope that the October trip will oer another exci*ng opportunity for our Chaparral family. In addi*on to the medical ac*vi*es or other needs men*oned above, there is a ten-thousand gallon water tank that is in desperate need of repain*ng. Over the years, the salt air has damaged the water tank. In Hai*, fresh water is essen*al. One of our members is working to get some of the necessary supplies donated to accomplish this. We will be raising funds for some of the other supplies, and the mission will be providing some supplies as well. If all goes according to plan, the October medical mission trip will also include the water tower project. If you would like to know more about the opportuni*es to serve in Hai*, please contact Wayne Worthington at wcworthington@gmail.com.

YOU ARE INVITED A TENT REVIVAL IN HONOR OF ARIZONA RESERVATION MINISTRIES TENTH ANNIVERSARY FRIDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2012 BARBECUE DINNER BEGINS AT 6:00 P.M. LOOK WHAT GOD HAS DONE! CELEBRATION
TO

YOU ARE INVITED

TO THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET FOR ARIZONA RESERVATION MINISTRIES ON SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH, 2012 AT PHOENIXS FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH SEATING IS LIMITED FOR THIS CELEBRATION-RESERVATIONS ONLY

BEGINS UNDER THE REVIVAL TENT AT 7:00 P.M. ON ARMS RANCH 8435 SOUTH SIX SHOOTER CANYON GLOBE, ARIZONA RESERVATIONS APPRECIATED.

FOR OUR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS, WE WELCOME YOU TO STAY IN OUR DORMITORY AND HAVE BREAKFAST PREPARED BY CHARLIE SATURDAY MORNING. PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICES TO RESERVE YOUR STAY WITH US.

928-425-844

Concert Venue...Outreach...

Marion Hostetler

Itsjust another way in which we reach people...just another reason for people to come into our sanctuary. Chaparral is a favorite concert venue for many choral and instrumental groups around the Valley. Twelve years ago, while tussling with our architect,our then Sr. MinisterLarry Hostetler, felt compelled to make sure our acoustics were as good as possible, while preserving the view of the mountains to the southwest. The architect was pleased with the building as he had completed it (on paper), and had sent it to the Citys Design Review Department. Not satised with some aspects of the design, Larry pulled the plan out of the City and went back to work! He and the architect rotated the buildingto improvevisibility of the mountains, and stretched out the shape of the sanctuary, as recommended by a noted acousticalconsultant. There!It wasta simple process, but effective, and the building was nally done. Every Sunday, Gods distant mountains accompany our time in worship, and our sung and spoken words rise to the Lord with a glow that comes from lovely acoustics. The acoustics of our sanctuary are among the best in the Valley, and because of that, we are frequently sought out as a concert venue. We have hosted the Phoenix Boys Choir, ASU Choral Dept, Arizona Girlchoir, Arizona Flute Society, Masterworks Chorale and Scottsdale Concert Band, to name a few. How does this t into the life of a building dedicated to the glory of God?Letsthink again about our mission statement,To be the Presence of Christ in the community.Upon entering our sanctuary, you encounter our cobalt blue cross imposed on the shape of Christ (albeit very subtle) looking down on us from amid the organ pipes. Just as prominent is the wall size painting of the face of Christ, comprised of images from His life. Countless concert goers have told me of the impact this painting has made on them, each having discovered the imagery while enjoying a community musical event in our sanctuary.Wevealso heard,on numerous occasions,of the peace and calm that our guests have felt upon entering the space. Chaparral reaches out into the community in so many ways--House of Refuge, Home of Hope, Follow the Star, Angel Tree Project,and community clean-up projects, among others. Concerts areone way in which the community comes to us. When we open our doors to concerts, we invite people on campus to enjoy a holy place of beauty - our Worship space.By sharing our facilities, we say that we care about others, we share what we have, and we hope they will pick up information about our programs and consider coming back. Wewant them toenjoy a ne concert in our sanctuary, and then, if thinking about nding a church home, we have already introduced ourselves to them. They have already feltthe presence of Godon our campus.

The Second Period...Nick Stavlund

There are three periods in a professional hockey game. Former Detroit Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman once said that the second period is where a team's mental toughness is often tested. In the rst period, nerves and anxiety propel a player to perform with heightened senses. In the nal period, knowing that the game is drawing to an end, players again elevate their playing level to achieve their goal. The second period is different. The pre-game jitters have worn off, but the end is not yet in sight. During the second period, our tunnel vision reminds us only of how tired we are, how sore we are, and how difcult the battle for victory is becoming. It's always been interesting to me how the Gospel of John closes its 16th chapter: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace." If the verse and chapter ended there, I'd be quite happy. But it doesn't. There's more; John goes on: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" It doesn't get any more plain than that: "In this world you will have trouble. Our game is a difcult one; our opponents are devious and cunning. And as Scotty Bowman points out, this is the time where most teams win or lose the game. In this second period, cling to each other, cling to the Scriptures, cling to Jesus himself, and stay focused on the end game. The third period is coming. The end is near. Jesus will return for us, and he will set everything right. Let's work hard now, so that when he returns, he might nd that we already have a head start on the renewing and redeeming work he is returning to nalize.

KP Groups...join the community!

Make a plan to attend the next KP Group Service Day on February 18th.
Each month, members of Chaparral meet on campus and in the community to serve together as part of our KP ("Kingdom promoting")Service Small groups. If you have not had the chance to participate, make a point to attend in February. Depending on the nature of the group, participants might be visiting and helping senior citizens with crafts at Pueblo Norte with the Generations Group. Meanwhile, the C6 (Chaparral Christian Church Campus Care and Cleanup) Group has been spreading rocks in tree wells or painting and remodeling our East House property. The Community group has worked with the City of Scottsdale to help with landscaping needs for disabled and elderly residents and has also worked with the Interfaith Cooperative Ministry food drive. The Prayer team has begun meeting and is eager to serve by lifting up the needs among our congregation to God in corporate prayer. On February 18th, you may wish to join the Community Group as they help package food at St. Mary's Food Bank on 31st Ave. at 12 p.m. We are hoping to ll the 15 spots we have reserved with individuals 12 years of age and older. Please R.S.V.P. to Travis Armes for this opportunity. Or, you may wish to join the Generations Group at Pueblo Norte at 10:00 a.m. Group members are sharing some wonderful stories and meeting interesting individuals, some who don't have many other visitors. After the Community Group recently spent a couple of hours clearing a south Scottsdale home of weeds and overgrown vegetation, we received a call from the resident expressing his thanks. Below are some of his comments. "I want to thank you and your group so much for doing the landscaping on my property this weekend. When I came back...I was in tears. I didn't really think there was anyone out there that really cared and it meant a whole lot to me ...I wanted to say from the bottom of my heart, "Thank you so much."

Daddy-Daughter Dates from Fatherhood.org

Dad, below are some helpful tips for you to keep in mind as you prepare for upcoming dates with your daughter: 1. Let her choose the location and the activity. Children, especially young children, love to establish traditions. Dont be surprised if your daughter decides to have you take her to the same restaurant several times in a row, or often chooses to go to the movies. Letting her choose the location and activities will empower her. A sense of empowerment will go a long way toward ensuring that when youre not there, she'll be able to make her feelings and thoughts known to a boy about dating and the many issues surrounding that activity. 2. Treat her as you would want her treated on a date. Open doors for her, pull out her chair at a restaurant so she can sit down in it, let her order her own food and engage in other activities that show respect for her and make her feel special. That way, if she goes out on a date with a boy who doesnt show respect for her, shell be less likely to go out on a second date with him. 3. Discuss your expectations about relationships with boys, dating, sex and marriage. These occasions offer teachable moments and an opportunity to discuss these expectations. Be sure to discuss these expectations from an age-appropriate perspective. Start by asking her questions about her thoughts on these subjects to engage her quickly rather than sharing your expectations right away. Asking questions such as, When do you think you should start dating?, Do you like any boys at your school? and At what age do you think you should be allowed to kiss a boy? can help you learn your daughters thoughts on these matters before you share your expectations with her. You might be surprised to learn how similar her expectations are to your own. When you share your expectations, be sure to tell her why you have these expectations.

Join us for a Daddy-Daughter Date...Princess Ball, Feb. 24th!

5

Chaparral Preschool Enrollment

Preschool registration for returning families and Church members started on February 1st. For the entire month of February the registration fee is reduced for all returning families and Church members - after that the fee is the regular price. For information see the Chaparral Christian Preschool website (www.ccpk.info) or contact Nicole Moran at 480-991-6440 or ccpk@qwestofce.net.

10 Signs of a Great Preschool

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 and attends a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests you look for these 10 signs to make sure your child is in a good classroom. 1. Children spend most of their time playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time. 2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time. 3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group. 4. The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers. 5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities. 6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little if at all. 7. Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacriced for more instructional time. 8. Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time. 9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children's different background and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way. 10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick. Reprinted with the permission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 2008

5 Reasons Your Kids Should Go to Camp...continued

Millions of kids go to camp each year, continuing a summer tradition that's been around for generations of American children. Camp is so much more than just getting your kids into nature! Learn why you should send your kids to camp this year. I have cherished memories of spending my youth on Grandma's farm in the summer, collecting eggs, and helping plant a garden. We filled our days with bike rides along country roads followed by a dip in the old watering hole. Whether you spent summers in the country or not, you likely remember relaxed and unscheduled days. In reality, we probably said the same thing our kids say to us"M-o-o-o-m-m-m, I'm bored!" So as the ever-dutiful parent, you sign your children up for baseball on Tuesdays and Thursdays, interspersed with Science Adventures on Monday and Wednesday. That leaves Friday for art classes followed with swim lessons. Naturally you spend the summer in the hot car furiously shuttling children from one activity to another. There is an easier way to spend your summer. Go to camp. No, not youyour children! Here are five reasons your child should go to camp this summer. 1. Your children will be around positive role models. Have you ever watched 18-year-old camp counselors? Their energy is unbelievable! Do you want to organize a dozen squirrelly ten-yearold boys to participate in an all-day water carnival? Would you enjoy lying on the grass as second graders paint your arms and legs with watercolors? Can you see yourself teaching archery to tween boys? Counselors love doing all those things! Counselors are trained to provide safe, fun activities for kids. They'll listen to the same Knock-Knock joke with glee. Counselors also teach your son or daughter to listen when others speak and to help someone having difficulty with a craft project. "Counselors have a great impact on campers because they are listened to as an established peer, not as a parent laying down the rules," says Bob Strodel, director of Brookwoods/Deer Run Camp in Alton, New Hampshire. "Think 'big brother' or 'big sister.' Counselors are role models because they are not the parents!" 2. Children learn appropriate risk taking. As a former camp counselor and camp director, I can tell you it's a good thing parents don't see their children at camp. Camps encourage children to take risks. Counselors want your daughter to grab the rope swing, fly over the river, and drop eight feet into the water. Scary? Yes! Satisfaction your daughter receives from trying something out of her comfort level? Priceless! As parents, we're so quick to say, "Be careful! Don't jump so high! You're riding your bike too fast!" Psychologists tell us children join gangs because they enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of doing something wrong. Camp channels that thrill into wholesome activities like water skiing, participating in a talent show for the first time, and taking a midnight hike. (Yes, Mom, counselors have been known to get kids up in the middle of the night to "stalk for wild animals." They sleep in the next morning though.) Your child learns it's an appropriate risk to repel down a cliff with safety gear. Along with the risk comes the satisfaction of gaining self-confidence in doing something not all kids do. "Camp is a specially created environment where children develop assets that help them grow into successful adults. Because they feel safe, youngsters are comfortable taking healthy risks and setting
(Continued on p. 7) (Contd from p. 2)

Jr. Fine Arts Day Camp... June 4th - 8th MS Camp... June TBD UCYC Kids Camp (4th-5th-6th grades)... June 17 - 21st VBS July 9th - 13th Sr. High Summer Camp... July TBD

Summer Camps Coming...

CHAPARRAL family

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VOL. 34

F E B RUA RY 2 0 1 2

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6451 E. Shea Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85254

CHAPARRAL

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