I still remember enjoying the seasons of Advent and Lent in the historic, rural Lutheran Church where I was raised. Although each holiday season was markedly different, their deviation from the norm and sense of anticipation added to the richness of another trip around the Sun. The red poinsettias of Christmas and white lilies of the Resurrection signaled to everyone that these particular days were significant and our time spent together was especially meaningful. However, with Advent and Lent packed so closely together on the calendar, I was also aware that following the celebration of the Resurrection, our little Church was soon faced with a long, monotonous desert of green, (the colors of Pentecost) which would hang around until Advent reappeared in November.

So what will we do between the major Christian holidays? (Beside hope that our air conditioners continue to hum along, gas does not breach the $5 per gallon threshold and the slate of summer movies offers more than comic book heros!) Far more than sitting in our pews waiting impatiently to untangle a mound of Christmas lights, dust off the olive wood nativity or fold white paper bags for the luminaria brigades, we will explore, with the earliest Christians, a simple question, “Are you ready to order?”

Jesus has returned to his Father and our God. Now what? We stand on the earth and watch the clouds

gather around Jesus’ feet as he ascends. How long do we stand and wave? We have had time to look over Jesus’ menu of discipleship and contemplate our choices. What work has he left for us to do? Where do we begin? How do we decide? What do his instructions for life look like 2,000 years later?

Beginning this Sunday, we will explore the variety of ways we make decisions. I do not mean just the big, theological, life-changing decisions. Even the decisions that are seemingly small in the moment create unseen ripples that expand within the ocean of humanity around us. Should we eat out tonight or stay in? Vacation or stay-cation? How do I respond to that post on Facebook? What advice does my co-worker need to hear? Join us on Sunday as we begin exploring, “The Acts of Deciding.”

Another Cause for Celebration on Resurrection Sunday!

In our Easter letter, Dr. Hostetler and I shared with you our immediate financial need and ongoing commitment to the future generations of Chaparral Christian Church. Together, we set an aggressive goal of $20,000 for our Easter offering. We were both overwhelmed by your faithful response! So far, we have received $19,821! Thank you so very much for your commitment to the ministry God is continuing to do among us! Here’s to the future ministry of Chaparral Christian Church in Scottsdale and throughout the world.

Are You Ready to Order?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

CHAPARRAL familythe

Frank A. Shirvinski

What’s inside...

Focus...pg. 2

Upcoming Events...pg. 2Preschool...pg. 3

Training our Kids...pg. 3 New to Chaparral?...pg.4

11:05 Class...pg. 4Haiti Update...pg. 4

Youth...pg. 5Summer Mission...pg.5

Women’s Ministry...pg. 6 Emergency Setting...pg. 7

Our People in Our Community...pg. 7

Calendar...Dates to Remember!

JUNE 5-10High School

Camp

JUNE 12-17Middle School

Camp

JUNE 13-17Jr. Fine Arts

Camp

JUNE 28-JULY 2Kids Camp in

Sedona

JULY 11-15VBS

The Women’s Tea is on Saturday the 7th!

Bring your daughters, mother, aunts &

friends for a lovely morning! Men - we

will need your help in serving, too - and you

could win a great prize! Talk with

Sharon Alger or Lisa Bellus today!

Chaparral’s Got Talent!

Kids - time to get your vocals ready,

practice that skit and display your talents!

Sign up with Miss Sharon and be ready at 6:00 p.m. in the Commons to shine!

Are you new to Chaparral?  Have you been attending

for a while, but want to know more about our Church?  Join us for a “Basics” class on May 22 and 29

from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Conference

Room.

On Friday, June 3, from 6-8 p.m., we

want to invite anyone who is new to

Chaparral and your families to a

Connections Dinner in the Commons!  

Children are welcome, too!

Men, come connect with other guys at

Chaparral! We have a men’s breakfast

once a month with a speaker and

breakfast. Well worth your time! Contact Nick Stavlund for

more details!

MAY 7Women’s Tea

MAY 22Children’s Ministry

Talent Show

MAY 22 & 29Chaparral Basics

Class

JUNE 3Connections

Dinner

JUNE 4Men’s

Breakfast

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We have lived in the same home for over thirty years on a quiet cul-de-sac street. Over the years two generations of children have grown up in our neighborhood. We now have begun the third generation. When you are busy raising a family, it never seems there is enough time to do all you would like. Now that several of us are empty nesters, we thought it would be fun to organize a block party for our street.

Frankly, our expectations weren’t high. It took quite a while just to gather emails and phone numbers so we could easily communicate. Finally, we set a date, and waited for responses. They were slow coming in. However, at the appointed time, everyone showed up with food to share. We blocked off the street so the little kids could ride bikes safely. After introductions, a meal and some easy conversation, people commented to their neighbors what they appreciated in the way of home improvements that were being made. The result was a spontaneous “home and garden tour.” We paraded around in a happy group to admire changes neighbors had made to turn their houses into homes.

But wait, there’s more! The following week a flurry of emails was shared, each with a note of appreciation for being on such a friendly street. Everyone expressed how fortunate they were to be part of the neighborhood. The children are out playing together. Adults are standing out in the street visiting. We have become a little community.

The Church has been much more intentional about building a sense of community. We come from all over the Valley but we share a sense of family. The Church offers countless opportunities to help people of all ages find a place to belong. Classes, ministries, projects, activities--all are designed to help strengthen the church family. Following our Egg Hunt, children enjoyed the petting zoo. A friend noticed the chickens and ducks resting on the back of the calf. Surprised, he inquired and was told, “It’s the only place they know they won’t get stepped on!”

There is a great lesson in those words. God intended for His church to provide a place for His children to gather and not have to worry about being stepped on. Interestingly, when one becomes secure in that knowledge, it is natural to reach out to help restore those who are in danger of being trampled. Celebrate your church family, but don’t keep it to yourself! - Mary Cartwright

Preschool Notes...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! - Galatians 5:22-23  

! At CCPK we introduce a fruit of the spirit each month, talk about what it means, and encourage the children to strive toward these qualities. The fruit of the Spirit, that means that this is something we gain from having the Spirit of God within us. As parents and teachers, these little ones are learning from watching us, not just listening to our endless streams of words. Dr. James Dobson said “Values are caught, not taught.”! Scientists have recently discovered mirror neurons, these are cells on both sides of the brain that fire when watching something the same way they would fire as if they were doing it. If you are watching someone cry, or being angry your brain sends a message to the limbic (emotional) center. This is empathy. It helps us tune in and understand another person’s feelings. This is powerful knowledge for us as we model the kinds of behavior, reactions, values and emotions that we would like them to adopt. Even basic skills like tying a shoe or sports can be learned simply by watching.! These fruits are available to all of us as we pray for help from above, we are not perfect on our own but thank goodness help is available 24/7! For more information on Mirror Neurons, visit PBS.org and search for Nova, mirror neurons. You can find more fascinating new brain research for parents at brainrules.net. Let's relax and have a fun last few weeks of school. Peace is our fruit of the month.

Barbara Williams - Weekday Preschool Asst. Director & Lead Teacher for our 3 & 4-year-olds

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Parenting, as wonderful as it is, is also one of the most difficult responsibilities we have. If you are like most parents, we doubt our ability to raise our kids everyday! I find it amusing that we have so many ideals of how we will handle our children before we have them (“my child will not do that!” or “I will never say that to my kid!”). However, all that quickly fades away with the first defiance that we see in our child. We lose our temper, give in out of exasperation and many more things that we thought we would never do! Take heart! You are in the same boat as every parent!

The good news is that each moment, good or bad, can be an opportunity to teach our kids. Set an example for our kids by doing the things that we want to see in our children. If we want our children to be patient, then show patience to them and others. Want your kids to spend time with God? Then let them see you doing it! Better yet, have them join you in study, prayer and worship. If you mess up, tell your kids that you made a mistake and will do

better next time - then do it! Show them how to live a godly life by your example. Kids will learn about honesty and accountability by watching your lead. Be encouraged that no one has got it all together and keep focused on what is most important ~ showing your child Christ living in you and I promise you wont’ be disappointed.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

New to Chaparral? Get Connected!Chaparral Basics ClassAre you new to Chaparral?  Have you been attending for awhile, but want to know more about our church?  Do you have a friend you've been meaning to invite to church?  We are offering a Chaparral Basics Class on two Sunday evenings, May 22 and 29 from 5:00 - 6:00 in the Conference Room.  These classes will be taught by our Senior Minister, Frank Shirvinski.  The classes will be a great way to find out more about our Church, its history, what we believe and the many ministry opportunities we offer. You will also have the chance to meet many of the people on staff at Chaparral.  Come for one or both classes!  We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, and tell you more about who we are!  Childcare will be provided, but we need to know how many children you will bring and what their ages are.  Please call Adrienne at 480-991-9878 to let her know.  The class will wrap up with a Connections Dinner, which will be on Friday, June 3.

Chaparral Connections DinnerOn Friday, June 3, from 6-8 p.m., we would love to invite anyone who is new to Chaparral and your families to a Connections Dinner in the Commons!  Children are welcome, too!  Come eat with us, meet other new people and staff from our Church, and have a great time!  Dinner and dessert will be provided.  We need to know how many people will be attending to help us plan how much food to have.  If you are interested or have questions, please call Adrienne at 480-991-9878 or email adrienne.armes@chaparral.org.  We hope to see you at the Basics Class & the Connections Dinner!  We are so glad you are a part of Chaparral!

Spotlight on the Retreat Director

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HAITI MISSIONS TRIP REPORTThe Chaparral Haiti Missions Team took seven of our members to the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission during the week just before Easter.  The main focus of the team was to provide medical help. Many medical procedures were accomplished for people who would still be suffering without it.

The members of Chaparral who were on the team were Dr. Del Worthington, Cres Worthington, Wayne Worthington, Bob Hicklin, Gene and Maggie Haugen, and Dr. Larry Hostetler.  Four other friends of the Church completed the team.  Dr. Hostetler taught a class at the Haitian Bible College.

An unusual event happened on the first Sunday night that the team was at the Mission.  In a Voodoo celebration called Rah-Rah, several Haitians in two groups were severely wounded in a machete fight.  The Mission was the only resource available to the wounded, and our team was able to save the life of one of the wounded and give urgent help to the others.  Dr. Hostetler will give a full report on this incident on the first Sunday in May.

HIGH FLIGHT CONTINUES JOURNEY THROUGH BIBLE

Through the Bible in a Year is a well-known approach to Bible Study.  High Flight has its own approach that is more like “Through the Bible One Book at a Time.”  So far this year the class, taught by Dr. Larry Hostetler, has covered ten of the sixty-six books of the Bible.

During the month of May the class will study I and II Kings, I and II Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah.  New members are always welcome, and past lesson outlines are available for those who missed them.  The title of the series is, “The Bible in Living Color.”  Call Dr. Hostetler for more information.

IS “CHRISTIAN” ART ALWAYS GOOD, “SECULAR” ART ALWAYS BAD?

Remember when Christian art was not only mainstream but awesome (as in truly awe inspiring)? You probably donʼt, actually.  There was a time, though, when “Christian” art prevailed.  Think of the magnificent architecture of European cathedrals and the music that filled those grand spaces.  Think Handel, Bach, Beethoven and all those artists who gave the Ninja Turtlesʼ their namesakes. So what, then? Shall we blame the Enlightenment for the likes of Lady GaGa (who sings in her chart-topping single, “Iʼm in love with Judas”)? Well, Iʼll not pretend to be a music historian or art critic, but from my perspective I have noticed that the majority of so-called “Christian” art has a distinguishable, albeit forgettable vanilla flavor.  

In the 1970ʼs, the contemporary Christian music pioneer, Larry Norman, echoed the London preacher, Rowland Hills, who in 1844 said, “The devil should not have

all the best tunes.”  To admit this, though, is a bit self-defeating.  To say all good music is the devilʼs music is to say that all music stamped “Christian” is poor art.  Sometimes, thatʼs not too far from the truth.  But not always.  There is talent and originality and creativity among both Christian artists and non-Christian artists.  One cannot judge the merits of art based solely on an artistʼs source of inspiration or audience.  That isnʼt to say that certain songs, television shows, movies or books should not be restricted in your home.  A catchy song or an exciting plot is not necessarily good, as in good for you. 

Rather than defend well-crafted secular music or blast boring Christian music, let me propose something else.  There was a time when Christian culture wasnʼt a sub-culture. There was a time when Christian art was not a poor imitation of secular art.  In that time, which at times seems so far

off, Christians were forgers of culture, shaping it and not being shaped by it.  As parents and pastors we may try to protect youth by banning and censoring and proposing the rated-G alternatives of secular pop culture hits (“If you like Green Day, youʼll love Hawk Nelson”).  We need not hide out in a Christian bubble, but I believe that as the children of God we should most certainly be above the influence of empty and unsatisfying pop-culture.  A favorite theologian of mine, the Bishop of Durham, N.T. Wright, says it better in the following two run-on sentences: 

"Our task as image-bearing, God-loving, Christ-shaped, spirit-filled Christians, following Christ and shaping our world, is to announce redemption to a world that has discovered its fallenness, to announce healing to a world that has discovered its brokenness, to proclaim love and trust to a world that knows only exploitation, fear and suspicion...The gospel of Jesus points us and indeed urges us to be at the

leading edge of the whole culture, articulating in story and music and art and philosophy and education and poetry and politics and theology and even--heaven help us--biblical studies, a worldview that will mount the historically-rooted Christian challenge to both modernity and postmodernity, leading the

way...with joy and humor and gentleness and good judgment and true wisdom.”

For a valid little article on Christian art, check out “Hate the Christian Art...Love the Artist?” at www.relevantmagaizine.com/culture.

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Summer Mission's Trip with Amor Ministries Thursday, July 21-Sunday, July 24Informational meeting:  Sunday, May 15, in the Choir Room at 10:45 a.m.

Amor Ministries has teamed up with ARM (Arizona Reservation Ministries) in Globe to help provide homes for those living on the San Carlos Indian Reservation.  The need is great and Amor

Ministries has stepped up to the plate to assist.  In recent years we have become aware, through the work of Dale and Diana Lawrence and ARM, of the large number of families who have been living under tarps or have lost homes.  

Families and individuals are invited to participate in this short term summer mission trip to work alongside Amor and ARM.  We will leave Thursday evening, set up camp, work for three days assisting on a housing project and return home Sunday evening.  For additional information, join us on Sunday, May 15 following second service in the choir room, or contact Sara Perrine.

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" I attended my first Women of Faith Conference last year. I admit to registering with some skepticism. Would the Conference, the women, structure and content be a “fit” for me? I invited some of my favorite people to attend with me and when the morning of the first day dawned, we headed out in the Chaparral van to adventures unknown. I see myself as an optimistic, positive person and Iʼm usually able to find some value in every experience. This seemed

like so much time to commit to, though, and I wasnʼt sure the value would outweigh the cost in time. I prayed for an open mind and heart and walked through the doors of

the US Airways Arena in Phoenix with about thirty-five friends and acquaintances from Chaparral and who knows how many thousands of sisters in Christ from around the City, country, and probably the world.

By the end of the first day, we were deciding how many seats we should reserve for 2011. Thatʼs how good and meaningful this Conference was. Was it all exactly as I would have planned it? No. Did the worship and teaching styles always match up with my preferred modes? No. Was it two days well and meaningfully spent?

" " " " " " Absolutely. The lineup this year is even more exciting to me than last. Amy Grant (whose music I listened to all through Jr High and High School) and Mandisa (one of my favorites from a past season of American Idol) will be providing music. Sandi Patty (whose music I love) and Lisa Welchel (“Blair” from a favorite tv show of my youth) will be speaking along with Brenda Warner (wife of NFLʼs Kurt Warner), Patsy Clairmont and Marilyn Meberg. Registration begins Sunday, May 1.

" " " " " " " " " " ~ Sharon Al!r

Women of Fai"...

Over # TopSeptember 23 & 24

Registration DetailsCost: $89 after May 22

*$84 if paid before May 23

*Free Worship CD included with early registration.

Register Sunday morning at the Womenʼs Ministry

table or online at

chaparralwomen.org

Select “Women of Faith” button.

MEN!Motherʼs Day is May 8.

A Women of Faith registration would be an excellent gift for a special mother in your life.

Consider giving the gift of “me” time......in this case “she” time for her.

FREE Women's Self Defense Introductory SeminarThursday, May 12th, from 6–7p.m.

No frills introduction self-defense seminar designed to implement basic life-saving techniques for a variety of situations. 

Limited to the first 30 women (ages 14 and up) who RSVP. Claim your spot today!

Our People in Our Community...Howard CraftAlmost every Sunday morning you are greeted by the smiling face and firm handshake of Howard

Kraft. Howard volunteers as a greeter near the north entrance to the sanctuary and at age 91 he inspires all of us to smile and be “hale and hearty.”

Howard, an elder emeritus of Chaparral, attends the first hour of worship service and then the Faithbuilders Bible class. He has been an active leader in the Christian church by helping build new sanctuaries and expand church campuses to accommodate the growing number of people coming to worship God and serve Christ. Howard and his wife, Mary Ann, were co-leaders in Chaparral’s campaign to build our new sanctuary.

In Howard’s biography, he dedicated the story of his life to the memory of all WWII participants – military and civilian. After Pearl Harbor was bombed in December of 1941, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps (U.S. Air Force) to help our country fight and win a war. At the age of 21 and the peak of his physical abilities, WWII would become the most significant turning point in Howard’s life. He is grateful to God and all his military and civilian family and friends who helped him survive the most devastating war in history.

As a bombardier sitting in the Plexiglas bubble of a B24 Liberator bomber, Howard’s 21st mission on July 19, 1943 was to fly from the air base in Benghazi, Libya and bomb the rail yards in Rome, Italy, located next to the Vatican. Lt. Kraft was told not to hit the Pope’s home or his name would be mud! Howard’s stomach nerves were jumping and his head was spinning at the thought of the precise bombing that would be needed – but he successfully accomplished his mission. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, shrapnel flew into one side of the B24’s Plexiglas nose, through Howard’s left thigh, and out the other side. Howard was violently knocked back and down under the navigator’s table. The navigator reacted swiftly with first aid but the pilot knew that Howard needed to get to a hospital as soon as possible or he would bleed to death. So they headed for the closest Allied hospital located on the island of Malta where Howard received medical care that saved his leg.

Howard believes that his life was spared that day by a miracle of God. At the time, Howard didn’t know the exact purpose that God had for him, but he definitely believed that a miracle occurred on that day when months later he learned that his mother, who lived 10,000 miles away on the Kraft farm in North Dakota, had suddenly been awakened from her sleep at the precise moment Howard was hit by the shrapnel! She wrote a note on her calendar the next morning describing her premonition that something dreadful had happened to her son. By the grace God, Howard survived the war and became a successful military instructor, businessman, husband, father, grandfather, and elder in the Christian church. He has been an active member in city government and various community projects that make Phoenix, Arizona a better place to live, work, and play. – Larry Gettman

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ICE Settings (In Case of Emergency)This is a simple emergency precaution you and your kids can use on your cell phones. First responders are trained to look this up on your cell phone under your contact list. Just type in ICE as a contact and list your emergency contact person's name, relationship and contact information. An easy way to get help in an emergency situation. - MASK Magazine Excerpt

Good to Know!!

theCHAPARRAL family

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