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CHAPARRAL family

the
Where is Indiana Jones when you really need
him? He located the Ark of the Covenant in
1981, the Holy Grail in 1989 and most
recently (and, unfortunately, for most fans) an
ancient alien spaceship in 2008. So, if
anyone can nd something that has been lost
in the sands of time, it has to be this ageless,
whip-cracking archeologist. However, I am
not sure that even the resourceful Dr. Jones
could locate something that seems to have
been lost for sometime now.

I am not even sure when we lost it. Maybe
the news anchors or talk-show hosts let it slip
through their ngers. I do not think that we
will ever nd it in the midst of the wasteland
of garbled, random syllables they create
when they insist on talking over one another.
Or, perhaps it got sick of sitting in the corner
while we were busy eating with our family in
front of a favorite television show, so it just
left town. Whatever the cause, the art of
listening seems to have found a cozy home
next to the Lost Ark and Holy Grail.

However, I did catch a glimpse of it scurrying
around the corner during my last trip to
Johnson City, Tennessee. I simply wanted to
decompress from my trip from Arizona to
attend a doctoral class at Emmanuel Christian
Seminary. So, I headed into town to visit a
local CrossFit afliate, since I am part of this
strange, community-building tness
movement. I met these folks during my last
visit to Johnson City. They were incredibly
hospitable, but I had not talked to any of
them in months. So I expected to arrive,
exchange the typical hows life
pleasantries, and then get to work on the
barbell.

But that is not at all what happened. Instead,
the owner pulled me aside and asked if we
could workout together. Typically, CrossFit is
performed as a group, so this request was a
bit unusual. As we were warming up, he
asked in a quiet, pensive voice, Can I ask
you a quick question that has really been
upsetting me? He had a look of real
concern. So, I put my barbell down, not
knowing what his next words would be.

I read the Bible like a good southern Baptist.
I have a childlike faith. But I dont know
what to do with the dinosaurs. How do you
explain dinosaurs? But, that was not his
question. By now, I am sure we all know
that there is almost always something else,
something bigger and more relevant, driving
these theological questions.

So after we nished lifting, I asked, How
about sometime this week we get together
and just chat.

Yeah, that would be great And, that is
when he spilled the beans Oh, can you
pray with me. My girlfriend of two years and
I are breaking up and I am just lost

As much as we might enjoy a rousing discus-
sion on the poetic structure of Genesis 1, or
survey the various creation narratives in the
Bible, the real question is rarely about the
dinosaurs.

Instead, these questions are often an opening
to see if anyone still listens. People may
believe that God listens, but they still need to
know that Gods people are willing to
actively listen to their real questions. Rather
than shouting through a louder megaphone
or screaming at the world until our voice is
lost, maybe we just need to stop, quiet our
soul and remind the world in front of us that
the Ruler of all creation is listening, and
always has been.
Lost?
Frank Shirvinski
Stavlunds
Page 2

New Church
Database
Meet the Jones
Childrens Musical
Page 3

Re-Missioning
the Church
Page 4

September Go
Month,
Youth Group
Page 5

Choir, Saguaro
Club, Family
Promise
Page 6

Mission &
Outreach
Opportunities
Page 7
pg. 2
Jumping off a moving train
I had an odd dream on the night of August 1st. I was riding on a high-speed
train across the United States. Every time the train crossed state lines and
entered a new state, everyone on the train would erupt singing the Beatles
song, Yellow Submarine.
We all live in a yellow submarine
Yellow submarine
Yellow submarine
That was a really weird dream.
When the train arrived at its nal station, I realized that it had taken me from
Scottsdale to Fort Bragg, NC, my upcoming duty station. Except, rather than
coming to a complete stop, the train just slowed down a little bit so that I could jump out safely, then the train kept
moving along. (No kidding. This was a real, legit dream!)
I have been thinking about this dream for a week now. What does it mean, if anything?
While I do not know if the dream carries innate meaning, here is the meaning I take away
from that restless night of sleep.
Chaparral Christian Church is like a moving train. Thank God that Chaparral is moving.
Many churches are stuck, frozen in time reminiscing about the good ole days and
complaining about how culture is constantly changing. And lets be honest, it is really
easy to get stuck, because it takes a lot of work to move forward. It is simply easier to
slow the train down, to cease coming up with new ministry ideas, or new ways to worship
our Living God, or relevant ways to meet our community where they are with the Gospel.
But thanks be to God, Chaparral Christian Church - its staff and its elders and its
congregation - are moving forward, even though it is not always easy. Thanks be to God!
Ive jumped out of many airplanes in my day, but I have never jumped out of a moving
train. This is my rst time. Leaving Chaparral after being called to Active Duty with the
Army Chaplaincy is not an easy transition. Period. To say that my family and I will miss
you and your friendships would be an understatement.
Yet, I leave with hope and excitement in my heart for Chaparral, because we are doing the hard and diligent work of
asking the two most important questions any person or community could ask: Who are we? And, who do we want to
become? As these two questions get answered by the staff, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, elders, and
ultimately with nal input by the congregation, Chaparral will be a train that is moving towards a vision. This is
important, because the best part about a moving train is that everyone on board knows where they are going. The train
has a purpose, and everyone on board has a role on the train: Old and young, rich and poor, new or veteran members.
Everyone means everyone. And whats more, people new to our Church family will have the opportunity to see where
the train is going and weigh whether or not they want to be a part of where we are going, or not. Because of this, and
because of you, I am incredibly hopeful and excited about the current state of Chaparral Christian Church.
In closing, let me say thank you for sharing your lives with me over the last six years. I will always remember you in
my prayers to the Father, and my ultimate hope for each of you as individuals is that you would daily open up your
hearts and minds to the transforming grace of our God in Jesus Christ. He will never disappoint you; He will always
love you for who you are; He will always lead you to an abundant life.
Your friend, Nick Stavlund

Join us after the August 31st 10:30 service for a going-away luncheon
for the Stavlunds!
Please see Stacy if you would like to help in planning!
pg. 3
Childrens Christmas Musical 2014
Open to all students in grades K-5
No experience necessary
Rehearsals: Sundays Afternoons, September-November
Lunch at noon, Rehearsal at 12:30 p.m.
Performance: Sunday, December 7, 2014

This musical focuses on the oneness we share with all the world in being recipients of Gods
greatest gift. The hope Christ brought to earth on Christmas is for the whole world and has
been celebrated by many cultures and with many customs. Join in this celebration of
Christmas music from around the globe.

Rehearsals will be most Sundays in September, October and November. Kids may join the
group for lunch at noon (following Watermark childrens programs) or arrive for rehearsals at
12:30. Children may choose to be a member of the chorus (learning music and choreography)
or audition for a speaking role and/or special vocal part (solo or ensemble).

Rehearsals will begin September 7.
Watch for more information on how to sign up.
Contact Sharon Hostetler with questions or for more information.
sharon.hostetler@chaparral.org or 480-991-9878
new Church uaLabase
We are exclLed Lo announce LhaL Lhe Church has moved Lo a new onllne daLabase called
Church Cmce Cnllne. 1hls move wlll aecL slgn-ln procedures and onllne glvlng, buL Lhe
changes are mlnor and Lhe beneLs Lo Lhe Church, boLh nanclally and funcuonally, are
well worLh Lhe eorLs.

lf you have glven onllne ln Lhe pasL, you should have recelved lnformauon on how Lo
conunue glvlng uslng a credlL card wlLh Lhe new sysLem. lf you haven'L, or have
quesuons abouL Lhe new sysLem, Lhere are lnformauon pamphleLs ln Lhe narLhex Sunday
mornlngs, or you may conLacL 8abs ln Lhe omce or by emall. lf you wanL Lo seL up ACP
(Lhls opuon requlres fewer fees Lo Lhe Church), please conLacL 8abs as well.

ln SepLember we wlll focus on updaung phoLos and lnformauon ln Lhe daLabase. We also
anuclpaLe Laklng full advanLage of Lhe auendance opuons so as a sLa we can beuer
shepherd our congregauon. We wlll be asklng you, Lhe congreganLs, Lo do your parL by
checklng ln on Sunday mornlngs.

!""# #%" &'(")
SLeve and kaLherlne !ones grew up ln Lhe valley and have been
lnvolved ln cross-culLural Chrlsuan work slnce college. 1hey have been
worklng wlLh luLAS ln 1urkey slnce 2000, where Lhey leverage Lhelr
Lralnlng as Lngllsh Leachers Lo resLore hope. kaLherlne Leaches Lngllsh
ln an elemenLary school and funcuons as a menLor Lo Lhe oLher
Leachers. SLeve Leaches prlvaLe and small group Lngllsh lessons among
docLors and oLher professlonals, prlmarlly aL Lhe local unlverslues.
1hls summer Lhe !oneses have been ln Lhe u.S. ln order Lo auend
Lralnlng evenLs and geL Lhelr oldesL son Lransluoned Lo college. 1hey are also Lrylng Lo ralse an addluonal $2,000 per monLh
Lo cover work and educauon-relaLed expenses. Chaparral and many of lLs members have parLnered slgnlcanLly wlLh Lhe
!oneses for many years, boLh prayerfully and nanclally.
LasL year, Chaparral was able Lo provlde some addluonal funds Lo asslsL SLeve and kaLherlne wlLh some of Lhelr educauonal
expenses. 1hls was accompllshed by many generous one-ume gls. We would llke Lo oer Lhls gl agaln Lhls year, lf
you feel called upon Lo asslsL Lhem on Lhelr [ourney of resLorauon and hope.
The theme of this yeai's !"#$%
'()#*+,- .%#*/$*,- ."-0)-$*"- in
Inuianapolis was "Re-Nissioning" oui
local chuiches. Some of the "sounu
bites" that hau an impact on me anu I
believe aie ielevant foi Chapaiial
Chiistian Chuich aie listeu below:
Tim Bailow, 2u14 NACC Piesiuent anu Leau Pastoi at Paikview Chiistian Chuich in 0ilanu Paik, IL, explaineu that the mission
fielu is iight in fiont of us. Theie aie moie than 1uu million un-chuicheu Ameiicans living all aiounu us. The 0.S. is one of the
laigest mission fielus in the woilu. Anu we uon't have to get in a cai to finu them. In his opening statement, Tim stateu, "}esus
saiu the haivest is plentiful, anu I think the haivest is also ieceptive. I think the people of the woilu aie way moie ieauy to
heai the message of salvation than the witnesses aie to give it."
Ciaig uioeschel fiom lifechuich.tv, an online chuich with seveial locations aiounu the countiy, cautioneu us that "what got us
heie won't get us theie," i.e., what got Chapaiial to this point in time is not what's going to take us into the futuie. We neeu to
change anu think uiffeiently. We neeu to builu oui confiuence, expanu oui connections, impiove oui competencies, stiengthen
oui chaiactei, anu inciease oui commitment. We also neeu to eliminate "the language of the liu," i.e., negative talk. We often
finu ouiselves saying, "We can't uo XYZ because we uon't have ABC. We shoulu say, "We CAN uo XYZ even with oui limitations
because we aie willing to tiy. Failuie is an event ... not a peison.
}eff Walling, Leau Pastoi at Pioviuence Roau Chuich of Chiist in Chailotte, NC, leu a change in theii Chuich fiom a cappella to
contempoiaiy instiumental woiship. This was a veiy significant change foi an a cappella Chuich of Chiist to actually accept
musical instiuments being useu in theii woiship seivices. }eff stateu, "We have to change. Change is life. If we aien't changing,
we aien't living." Be encouiages us to state oui puipose as a congiegation, anu then uo it! It's that simple. }eff's Bible stuuy
sessions on "The Feai of the Loiu" ieminueu us that the feai of uou is the beginning of knowleuge (Pioveibs 1:7). Blesseu aie
all who feai the Loiu (Psalm 128:1). If we feai uou fiist, theie is nothing else to feai. So let's get going anu change oui
thinking foi the futuie.
Baviu Kinnaman of the Baina uioup conuucts suivey ieseaich on young auults. Be askeu, "What if uou is uoing something
newei. Bo we love oui tiauitions in the chuich moie than we love oui chiluien." 0ui chiluien will be uoing "chuich" in the
futuie uiffeiently than we have uone it in the past; anu that's okay. The motto of the Restoiation Novement incluues, "Libeity
in Nethous." We neeu to get input fiom young people anu go out into the community anu seive in many uiffeient ways. Young
people want to know how the chuich is helping otheis.
Rick Rusaw fiom LifeBiiuge Chiistian Chuich in Longmont, C0 aumonisheu us by asking this question: "Why haven't oui
chuiches been impacting oui communities." The answei, "Because we have been content to stay within oui walls." Kevin
Bollanu, Leau Pastoi at Tuining Point Chuich in Los Angeles, CA, echoeu Rick Rusaw by stating, "We neeu to eliminate the
attituue of many establisheu chuiches that . we have ouis, goou luck with youis." The Tuining Point Chuich has a biithuay
paity eveiy month in the homeless shelteis. Theii Sunuay gatheiings (i.e., chuich seivices) aie uesigneu to equip anu inspiie
people to move towaiu Chiist in theii eveiyuay lives, anu this incluues the homeless.
vince Antonucci leaus a chuich in Las vegas, Nv calleu veive. vince states, "veive is a chuich foi people who uon't like chuich."
vince ueclaies that theie aie people looking foi uou who uon't want to go to chuich because most chuiches seem juugmental
in theii "holiei-than-thou" attituue. Peifect people aie not alloweu in theii Chuich, just bioken ones. They welcome all to
"come as you aie." vince leaus his Chuich with love fiist, tiuth seconu. Aftei people aie welcomeu with love fiist, theii tiue
ielationship with Chiist is exploieu next. }esus went to sinneis anu leu with love, uou's love.
Nate Bush is Leau Pastoi at the New City Chuich in Albuqueique, NN. The Chuich welcomes all people whethei they show up
weaiing a tattoo oi a tie, a mohawk oi a mullet, uiiving a minivan oi a motoicycle. It's a place foi messy singles, messy
couples, anu messy families. The congiegation uoesn't have it all togethei anu they uon't expect theii visitois to have it all
togethei eithei. They uo take theii faith seiiously, though. People who may have given up on chuich but have not yet given up
on uou will finu a safe place to question anu giow at the New City Chuich.
Chapaiial Chiistian Chuich is in a tiansition anu ie-missioning stage. In the woius
of Robeit Bale, "It's time to uieam again." Chapaiial will claiify its puipose, set
mission goals with positive stiategies, anu tuin oui uieams into ueeus. It's time to
pieach it, teach it, anu talk about it. We must go out into the community anu seive.
We shoulun't sit on oui Chapaiial Chuich campus waiting foi people to come to us;
we neeu to go out into the community anu tell them about }esus. }esus saiu to go,
make uisciples, baptize, anu teach the woilu. Chapaiial Chiistian Chuich is
uesigneu to be pait of uou's mission. Eveiything else pales in compaiison. }esus
saiu in Acts 1:6, "Be my witnesses." Stait close anu move out fiom theie. It's time
to ieclaim this stiategy of ie-missioning oui local effoit. It's time foi a ieneweu
sense of puipose anu uigency, compelleu by Chiist's love, to biing uou's message of
hope to the people in oui own backyaius.
pg. 4
By Laiiy uettman
pg. 5
Summer may be coming to an end but we still
have some fun events scheduled for August.

Sunday (8/17) - We will have regular classes Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Our Combined Pool Party (Jr. high and Sr. high) will be held at the
Shirvinskis tonight from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring snacks and drinks to share as
well as a modest bathing suit and towel. We will also use this time as a
farewell to Nick. If you have any favorite memories or stories, we would
love to hear them tonight.
Wednesday (8/27) - Chaparral will be hosting Family Promise families the
week of 8/24-31. Each evening the families will come to campus where we
will provide them dinner and some entertainment for the kids. Wednesday will be our (the youth group) night to
help clean up after dinner, play games with the kids, and share some time in fellowship with the families. Come
for dinner at 6:00 and we will keep them busy and entertained until about 8:30. Let me know if you are able to
commit to helping this night.
Sunday (8/31) - We will not have class this morning, but instead will stay in service and serve communion and
offering baskets. Please RSVP if you are able to serve this Sunday.
Wednesday (9/3) - BananaRama! This is our junior high kick-off event and it is everything bananas! If you are a
junior high student (6-8th grade) come and join us for games, fellowship and banana splits from 7-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday (9/10) - Tonight is our senior high kick-off! Join us for games, fellowship and food from 7-8:30 p.m.
For the rest of the school year we will rotate weeks between our junior and senior high. Here is the schedule
thus far (you will be contacted with any changes):
9/3 - Jr. High
9/10 - Sr. High
9/17 - Jr. High
9/24 - Sr. High
10/1 - Jr. High
10/8 - Sr. High
10/15 - Jr. High
10/22 - Sr. High
10/29 - Jr. High
11/5 - Sr. High
11/12 - Jr. High
11/19 - Sr. High
September is GO time!
In Matthew, Jesus says Go and make disciples of all
nations. (Matthew 28:19)We have heard the words, but now
the time has come to put His words into
action.Who are we talking about?People in
our neighborhoods who can use the love and
support of a church family.Folks who live on
your block, attend your school or share a
cubical at work.Invite them to your small
group or bring them on Sunday morning!We have set aside September 7th as
our Kick-off Sunday.And, we are asking everyone who loves Chaparral to bring
someone that morning.We will
have Snow Cones and activities
for the kids (of all ages)!Our
world dishes out worry, concern, stress and
busyness everyday.Yet, God offers something
everyone needs: peace, grace and contentment.
Let's share what God has give us with a world in
need of hope!

pg. 6
Are you someone who sings at the top of
your lungs in the car or in the shower? If a
conversation makes you think of a line in a
song, do you have to sing it? Do you just
enjoy music? If so, then come join the
Adult Worship Choir. We start rehearsals
on Wednesday, September 7th. We will
have open rehearsals, which means you are
welcome to come and just check it out. You
do NOT need to know how to read music or
have any prior experience. The Choir is full
of people who just love to lift their voices to
God as a community. Come join the fun!
Contact Jenny Statler if you have any
questions.

Jenny Statler
Interim Worship Leader
jenny.statler@chaparral.org
Families are coming
to Chaparral soon!
August 24
th
to August 30
th



This is the rst of many opportunities to help
families in need in AZ. Chaparral Christian
Church will host dinner and overnight stays for a
week four times a year. Our members have been
so generous already. All the bedding needs have
been abundantly met. A BIG Thank you to
everyone!
The week before August 24th we will be given a
list of perishable breakfast items and lunch
supplies needed. Watch for more information in
the Narthex for what is needed.
Feel free to come to dinner at least once during
our week. Your heart will be changed while
BEING THE PRESENCE OF GOD whether you
are helping serve food, playing a board game,
hugging a child, doing dishes or simply chatting
quietly with a family member. We promise, it will
be worth your time!
Volunteers who directly serve our families help us
maintain our cost-efficient program expenses
through the gift of their time, donations and talents.
They share healthy meals, compassion, and
encouragement. They also plan and manage family
recreational activities.
If youd like to learn more about the Chaparral
involvement in Family Promise and would like to be
included in informational emails, please contact
Mary Blakeman at blakeman.mary@gmail.com.
www.familypromiseaz.org
Saguaro Club
Fall Kick Off
Luncheon

September 20th, at
11:30 a.m. in the
Choir Room

Excellent Food and even
better company! The
main course will be
provided. Please bring a
salad, vegetable or dessert to share! Make
reservations by calling 602-663-6006 or send an
email to Marilyn Litzenberger at litzies@cox.net.
pg. 7

Two Seats Left
.for a mission that will change your life.

Our Haiti team is making preparations for our upcoming trip to Northwest Haiti
Christian Mission, October 17-24. Doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and
many able and willing workers are gathering gear, taking care of
immunizations, and setting our prayers before the Lord as we prepare to
minister to the people of Haiti.

The surgical teams are in place to meet the needs of many who have been
waiting for medical attention. We are especially in need of nurses and
anesthesiologists. Classes are being organized for educational seminars. Our team is also preparing to be a
support to the mission and the surgical staff, and also helping make needed repairs at the Miriam Center, the Birthing
Center, and the general grounds.

For the rst time, we will be organizing a team to provide primary health care clinics to outlying areas. Dr. Olu Onisile
will lead this team as it ministers to other campuses and a nearby orphanage for young boys. Because there are so
few hospitals and clinics in the northwest territory, we hope to tend to the needs of those who are unable to travel.

How can Chaparral help?
Prayersfor those preparing for surgery, and for the team as we prepare for our trip and gather from around
the U.S.
Helping us gather old suitcases (large and a few carry-on size), medical supplies, and empty pill bottles.
(Check the bulletin for specic items as we learn more about our upcoming projects.)
Participate in the Chaparral CrossFit Haiti WOD October 4. (See further details in September.)
Support our Fill-more love offering to help offset costs (especially for our students).

As mentioned before, two seats are still available if you feel called to join us on our venture. We are always looking
for those who have a heart to serve. Contact Wayne Worthington (wcworthington@gmail.com) or Sara Perrine
(sara.perrine@chaparral.org) for details.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels
unawares.

You dont have to travel to Haiti to reach out and touch the world. Hosting an
international high school student can transform lives and families - yours and theirs.
Host families are in need for the 2014-15 school year. For information, please
contact Leslie Piantedosi (lpianti@yahoo.com). She is currently
matching international students with host families in our area.
October 5 Interfaith Food Drive
Mark your calendars and begin gathering items to fill our
grocery bags. Involve and get to know your neighbors as you
pass out bags for them to fill. The Interfaith Cooperative
Ministries (ICM) truck will be here Sunday, October 5, to collect: food, toiletries,
clothing for men and children, and baby care items.
SAGE Event
Who doesnt love





Our sage group will kick
off the fall at Bly and
Karla Hostetlers home
on Saturday, October 11,
at 5:30.
Keep your eyes peeled
for more information.
CHAPARRAL
VOL . 3 6 FA L L 2 0 1 4 N O. 2

6 4 5 1 E . S h e a B l v d
S c o t t s d a l e , A Z 8 5 2 5 4

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