Friendly Fiddlers Take Local Nursing Home Circuit By Storm!

In case you haven't bumped into them (these musicians have been known to practice anywhere they can find an opening, including in front of Leah Powell's desk in the Worship Arts office), a group of violinists from our orchestra is busily preparing for its upcoming performance at a local nursing home. The Friendly Fiddlers, as they are called, perform 3-4 times a year throughout Scottsdale and bring music to those who cannot always get out to attend concerts.

The group's manager and tireless leader is Bud Locker (the handsome gray haired fellow in the photo above)--he not only books the gigs, but selects the music as well, writing arrangements if necessary. He even totes around a state-of-the-art sound system which helps provide orchestral accompaniment to most of the music the group performs.

Bud is joined by Karen Schreck, Lisa Elliott, Joan Stempski, Martie Moore, Becky Nichols, Beth Benson-Swain and the group's newest recruit, Katherine Messer.

If you have a friend or family member in a local retirement community and you think that they and their friends might like a visit, please contact Bud or Karen. The Fiddlers play a wide variety of music--tailored to fit perfectly with the season of the year. Bravo to this group of talented and enthusiastic volunteers!

The Elves are Sooooo Busy!!!

The elves in these photos are Twyla and Gerald Dudley and Linda Megyesi. Do they look worn out? They've been working for two days and still do not have all the lights on the trees in the narthex. It's going to be BEAUTIFUL when you see it. But....could anyone come for a couple of hours tomorrow to help them finish this big job? If we can't get done on Wednesday morning we will take helpers before choir and orchestra in the evening. Stay tuned....

Prayer Request for Bo Whittenton

Most of you may remember Bo, a former soprano who now lives in Las Vegas. She's experiencing some health issues and has requested prayer from our kormos. Here's what she writes:

In mid November, after returning from a trip to Mississippi to celebrate my parents' 60th wedding anniversary, I got sick with strep and just couldn't seem to feel better. Long story short, I had been bitten by 2 mosquitoes when I was in Mississippi, and after having blood tests and trips to the doctor, I was diagnosed with West Nile Virus. It has been hard to get my strength back and to feel normal. Thankfully, it didn't progress into a more serious condition, but it is taking some time to feel normal, whatever that is. I continue to have regular blood draws and am looking forward to feeling better soon (I hope). Your prayers for a complete recovery are very much appreciated.

Stay Tuned for FAQ's

We will be posting some FAQ's regarding the musical in the next day or two. Some of you have been asking what to wear. No need to go on a big shopping spree because we're mainly looking for a solid black mass from both men and women. Men should plan on black pants and black long-sleeved shirt--no info in the tie yet but I'm assuming we won't have them because what's the sense of a black tie on a black shirt? Anyway, stay calm and stay tuned. If some of you have questions you could post them on the blog and we will answer them.

Prayer Request from Greg Crow (trumpet)

Gail's (clarinet) Mom is undergoing a very serious and complicated open heart surgery today (Monday, Nov. 26) at 7:30 a.m. She will have bypass surgery complicated by simultaneous valve repair surgery. She is elderly and prayer is requested for her to survive the surgery and be able to recover without complications. A long convalesence is expected even without complications. Without the surgery her quality of life and life expectancy are not good so she has opted with all of our support to proceed with this risky surgery.

Thanks to all of you who continually lift our kormos up in prayer!

Happy Thanksgiving!

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? It was a beautiful, warm day to be thankful in Phoenix. We stuffed the turkey and ourselves with too much good food. Did anyone do something exciting besides eating? What are you thankful for?

A Couple of Prayer Requests

Paul Alasu (trumpet) let us know that his father passed away. Here's what he wrote to his trumpet family:

I just wanted to let you know that my father went to be with the Lord this morning (Monday) at 9.30 a.m. It was very peaceful . God answered the prayers for him and he did not suffer after removing the tubes last night. He was very alert and we were able to talk to him all the time. We are at peace because we know that he was saved and loved the Lord with all his heart.We thank you all for your prayers. We felt that God was with us through all this. Paul Alasu and family

Also remember Bill Wyatt as he is going through radiation. He's experiencing painful sores and has 2-3 more rounds of radiation left. Please pray for relief and comfort as he is suffering from these treatments.

Don't Forget to Read the Devotionals

I just took Kim's picture when she was in the office helping yesterday so I'll use this opportunity to put a face with a name and remind you that I've posted two of her inspirational devotionals so far. Don't forget to look back at them. I'll also say that Kim so graciously volunteers in the music office each Wednesday afternoon for several hours because it doesn't pay for her to drive all the way home after work. Such a deal for us! She's working on the ever-stimulating job of cataloging all of our CD's into an excel database so we can find titles when we need them. Thank you, Kim--we really appreciate you!

Fluffers Extraordinare!

Sue McInturf and Betty Beran (she looks might fine for just having heart surgery, doesn't she?)


Joyce Page and Elsie (she goes with Budge but I can't remember their last name)


Many thanks once again to our faithful ministry members who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute to our Christmas festivities. These people were such efficient fluffers Sunday during church (hope they didn't miss the sermon!) and before rehearsal that we didn't even need to stay afterwards this year! Hopefully your fingers won't be too sore to cook your Thanksgiving dinner!

Scott MacIntyre-11/22/06

Carole MacIntyre Updates on Scott's Condition:
Dear one and all:Thanks again for your prayers, it's been a difficult and taxing 6 days, andjust knowing that there are those of you stubbornly(in a good sense)continue to pray for Scott and our family, means so much to us.Just wanted to let you know a change re: Scott's 4 wisdom teeth extractionswill now take place on Mon. Nov. 27th, not today. We were told that he losta lot of blood with the surgery last Wed, his hematacrit went from 35 to 25within a few days (normal is approx 40), thus causing anemia again, (and itprobably hasn't helped that those wonderful health care people keep drawingtubes of blood every time he does dialysis). so the wisdom tooth surgery ispushed out a few days. We are now scheduled to take Scott 3 days a week toa dialysis center in Scottsdale. Scott was there yesterday for dialysis, nowhe's had 4 sessions total, the next is tomorrow (Thanksgiving day).In all it took about 6 1/2 hours driving and sitting yesterday; His bloodpressure was very low at the end of the session, so we needed to wait arounda bit for it to come up. We are hoping we can relocate Scott to a closercenter to eliminate the 35-45 min drive each way. As I mentioned in aprevious update, Scott hasn't played piano for several weeks now, andespecially since the surgery has had difficulty moving his right arm. (thecatheter is in his right side chest and neck) But yesterday he played for afew minutes, which for Scott is the tell- tale sign that he is feeling a bitbetter.Please pray for Scott's anemia, upcoming oral surgery, closer location fordialysis, and above all for God's divine healing. One friend wrote in hercard to Scott "We're all praying for a miraculous healing - and we won'tgive up".with thanks for standing in prayer with us,Carole all the MacIntyres

Calling All Greeters...calling all greeters!!

You may recall hearing the announcements for our new hospitality ministry this fall. We want to be the friendliest church in town. This new movement is just in time to serve our Christmas musical performances. What better way to make people feel welcome than to have a slough of friendly faces around campus. Julie Bridwell (Director, Strategic Initiatives) is putting out a call to enlist greeters for the performances. I thought maybe some of your spouses who are not involved in the musical could come along and make use of their dead time without you. Here's the blurb that Julie is circulating--hopefully there would be some takers in our group.

Julie Says:
We have a great opportunity to share the Love of Jesus !! The SBC Christmas Musical is going to be spectacular. I am asking for your help to make the evening even more wonderful. Would you be willing to greet people before they enter the Worship Center ? I understand this time of year is VERY busy. Just think about all the people coming to see the musical who never attend church and this is their first time that year. Or the neighbor that got invited by one of our members. What an exciting opportunity to give them a warm hello !! Ok, I am so excited.
I will make it really simple for you. If you would like to help out, here is what you need to do:
1. Let me know which day you can help. I need 12 people each day. Just reply to jbridwell@sbcaz.org.
Thursday, December 14th at 6:30 pm
Friday, December 15th at 6:30 pm
Saturday, December 16th at 3:30 pm
Saturday, December 16th at 6:30 pm

2. The show starts at 7pm on Th, Fri, Sat., plus Sat has a 4pm show. Make sure you arrive 30 min early (or sooner…note* people like to come really early).
3. Yes, I can reserve you a ticket. And Yes, you can get primo seating. (just come early to make sure you get your seats then get to the greeting spots)
4. Greeting spots will be assigned. Just let me know which day you can help and then I will communicate all the details (where, when, and what)

Don't Forget to Come to Rehearsal Tonight--TUESDAY!!!

This is an annual appointment--the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Since many people travel for the holiday we always bump the rehearsal a day earlier. If you're in town don't forget to come. The numbers are usually down due to the travel and busy schedules. It's helpful to have as many people as possible to really knock out the Christmas music.

Check Out Our Future SBC Worship Staff!

We have the privilege of walking through the adoption process with Cate and Sean Johnson (Sunday Nite Worship Leader) as they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their three girls from Haiti. They just returned from a two-week trip to Haiti to visit the girls and complete some projects at the orphanage. This is quite a unique story. Click here to read about their trip and view more pictures. They would also covet your prayers to speed up this process as they are now waiting for one last signature to allow their girls to come home.

http://cateandsean.blogspot.com/

Thanks for Sunday, Choir!

There have been many positive comments about the choir anthem on Sunday. It's nice to hear the choir without orchestra/band once in awhile because the voices come out so clearly. I really like the story Scott told before prayer time. I also thought his "More Than Anything" was very worshipful and a nice follow-up to "My Jesus, I Love Thee".

Mary Did You Know?

Has anyone started listening to continuous Christmas music on 99.9 KEZ? It does seem a little soon to convert to Christmas but I've been listening anyway. I've heard Clay Aiken's version of "Mary Did You Know" several times now and it's really quite stirring. I think it's so cool that a secular radio station has so much religious music. Makes you wonder when someone is going to put a stop to that. Anyway, Kim Shoup has written the following devotional to go along with that song. If you haven't heard it yet this season, tune in to 99.9 and you might get lucky.

Text: Read Luke 2:8-35

One by one they brought her their stories. Words of revelation and guidance, events and signs, all of which led each one of them to the same place – bowing before the Child, her Child. Each story was a single thread which she began to weave into a mantle of covering and comfort for her heart during the hard times. And she pondered what it all meant.
Stories from the shepherds with their amazing description of the angel and the heavenly host, that spectacular choir praising God for the glory of this moment. Stories from the Magi bearing their gifts, telling of a journey which had culminated from centuries of waiting. Stories from all the people who wanted to see for themselves what the shepherds had proclaimed about this Child and those angels. She even had her own story – of that appointment with Gabriel when he told her that God Himself would express His favor in choosing her as His mother. Even when they presented themselves to the temple at the appointed time, there was old Simeon, waiting not only with his story of the Holy Spirit’s revelation to his heart but also weaving a golden thread of prophecy into Mary’s mantle. Revealing to her what the Baby in her arms would be for Israel, for the world and even for her own soul. So many things to ponder.
Did she know what it all meant? Probably not in detail. But as Mary treasured up all the stories, all the revelations, she, better than anyone, knew her sleeping Son, this Baby, would change the world, both now and forever.

Food for Thought

1. Reading the following verses, what promises do we receive when we ponder the things of God?


Jeremiah 24:7
Jeremiah 33:3
John 3:11
John 13:17
John 21:24
1 Corinthians 13:12
Ephesians 1:17-19


2. What words and actions has the Lord given to you to ponder this holiday season? Are you weaving your own mantle of blessing for your heart?

Copyright (c) 1999 by Kimberly Hannay Shoup
All Rights Reserved

SBC'ers Recently Spotted at the Phoenician

If you were recently at the Phoenician you may have run into a group of familiar faces. This combo provided music for the Phoenix Rotary Club Annual Auction last Saturday night. Ed Muhlenfeld is the noted member connection here. If you would have listened in to the program you wouldn't have heard any SBC songs though. We're talkin' Shoo-Shoo Baby, Sincerely, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and the like. A good time was had by all and I think you would have been proud!

A Noted Arranger in Our Midst

How many of you remember the orchestra playing "Beautiful One" for the Courtyard last Sunday? You may recognize the song from KLOV but what you may not know is that the arrangement by Joe Bubar was published by Lillenas Music as part of their Silver Series of orchestra music. Impressive, isn't it? Joe is humble so he wouldn't go bragging that they specifically asked him to arrange that song for publication. I think they'd like to have more arrangements from him in the future. Stay tuned...

What to Wear-Sunday, November 19th

I'm not 100% sure but I think the choir men are wearing coats and ties this Sunday. How's that for some exact information?! I remember a cacophony of opinions on Wednesday night and I think it was in favor of ties. Anyone have a better recollection than me? Women, just continue with solids (or close to it) and stay away from white.

Scott MacIntyre-Friday, November 17

Thanks so much for your prayers and caring emails, I have been at the hospital for the last two days, sorry for delay in responding.Our family definitely senses that there are sustaining prayers surrounding our situation. Scott came home yesterday afternoon, not feeling too good, but felt a little better as the night went on. He ate lots of chicken noodle soup. He made it through the surgery for a catheter in his neck and 2 - 31/2 hour dialysis sessions in hospital wed and thurs. The second session went better than the first. We are told we have a long road ahead, and Dec.6th starts the appts. for transplant screening. We have a Wed. 22nd 8am wisdom tooth surgery still scheduled for Scott, unless the kidney Dr. calls it off. Supposedly this surgery needs to take place before moving ahead with a transplant. We ask for your continued prayer for Scott's health and healing and rest and sleep for our family. Prayer for a kidney donor as well as it looks like this is the direction ahead. I'll send another update later, but for now, we just are thankful Scott is home, and that he is doing ok, considering all he's been through.With love and thanks for all your prayers............. Carole MacIntyre

Editor's Note: You can check out scott's website and hear some of his music at http://scottmacintyre.com/

Devotional on Psalm 92

Some of you may remember a couple of years ago when Kim Shoup (soprano) wrote devotionals to correspond with the choir anthems. She is a very gifted writer and we will be posting some of these devotionals on the blog. Kim wanted me to remind you that these are meant to be participatory studies with questions at the end of each study. I'm sure it's like most everything--the more you put in, the more you get out. If you see Kim around you can thank her or even make a comment on this blog if one of her studies has special meaning for you. Here's the first one. It's a great study for this Thanksgiving season.

Click here to continue.

I Heard We Have a Broken Leg

We heard on Wednesday night that Jud Lehman had the misfortune of breaking his leg. Both bones were broken and it definitely does not sound fun. I'm sure Jud would appreciate any cards and prayers we could offer.

Key Cards

Just a reminder that your key cards are programmed to be used at certain times and days only. If you need a card or are having problems you can email Leah Powell (lpowell@sbcaz.org).

The Tree Brigade Was a Success--Fluffing to Come

Once again the Christmas tree brigade was a great success. Thank you! It went so fast I didn't have time to write names down and I barely got my cookies out. If you helped out, I DID bring treats like I said I would so I'm sorry if you missed them. As the email said we will need more helpers next Tuesday after rehearsal to fluff the alpine trees. A year in storage always makes them look flat and tattered. The conversation is always fun even if your fingers do get a little sore. Many hands make light work so I hope to see you there. Also, mark your calendars for Monday, November 27th. Linda Megyesi will be decorating the narthex with the trees and lights. If you're free during daytime hours she would appreciate extra hands.

Call in the Troops this Wednesday Night!!

We need about 15 people to help take Christmas decorations down from the chapel storage room after choir and orchestra THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT. We've had this tree brigade before and it's lots of fun--trust me--I've been there. We all line up and and pass the little Christmas trees down the row until they reach the truck. Please respond to this post by clicking on the "comment" button below and let me know if you can help us out. It definitely shouldn't take more than 1 hour. Who knows--there may even be some treats!

Welcome, Bruce Pearson!

What can you say about a man who has composed hundreds of pieces for beginning band students—from one called “Bad Hair Day” to another entitled “Greasy Flat Blues?” Obviously, he has a sense of humor. He’s taught at the elementary, junior high, high school and college levels for more than 30 years and he chose music education because he loves kids and he loves music.

This talented man is none other than Bruce Pearson, SBC’s interim orchestra director since September. While Bruce spends most of the month of November working as a guest clinician and conductor in Canada, Scotland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, we thought we'd tell you a bit more about him.

In addition to his current travels, Bruce has led clinics in all 50 states and has conducted many All-State and Honor Bands. He has guest lectured at over 75 colleges and universities and was honored as Minnesota’s “Most Outstanding in the Field of Music.” He also received the prestigious Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music education.

So what brings Bruce and Dee, his wife of 43 years, to Arizona? While he admits to enjoying a respite from the harsh Minnesota winters, Bruce says that SBC and its wonderful teaching and local friends are their primary reason for wintering here for the past 5 years.

A native Minnesotan, Bruce followed the footsteps of many other great hockey players and attended St. Cloud State University on a hockey scholarship. “If I would have relied on my hockey skills to make a living,” Bruce admits, “I would be on welfare! I was too slow and skated too long in one place.” Thankfully, Bruce had his musical talent to fall back on and he played saxophone, flute and clarinet professionally.

A resident of Fountain Hills, Bruce and Dee have three children (all married and walking with the Lord), eight grandchildren and one more due in February. Most of his family lives within one hour of his Minnesota house and Bruce calls that the best part of living in the Midwest for the other part of the year.

This servant leader has stepped into the SBC Worship Arts family during a critical time of transition and his love for the Lord and dedication to music are apparent. “I enjoy conducting more than playing.” Bruce says. “It allows me to take the gifts of many and to mold them, refine them, place them in balance so that the end result is greater than the summer of the parts. I think that that is how the body of Christ is supposed to work.”

You can read more about Bruce at his website: www.brucepearsonmusic.com

Here's A Clue!

two of the northern choir members

November 9 Update on Scott MacIntyre

Dear praying friends and family:
My apologies to those of you who would like to hear an update more often. We've been doing a bit of "tunnel" walking this month, not really able to see the light at the end, but knowing that there will be and end. We still ask for your prayers for healing for Scott and for our family. Our month can be summed up in lots and lots of Dr. appts, both alternative and regular. I won't bore you with details, but 4-6 per week have been about the norm. As many of you may or may not recall, this all started when Scott was the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship in his senior year at ASU in '05. (he also received a Marshall). The Fulbright required blood testing for the chosen awardee, and this is when the "red flag" in Scott's creatinine level showed up. Scott's levels were such that he was able to live, study and perform in England in what he calls one of the most rewarding years of his life, and returned home the end of Aug '06. Since last May 05, we have been seeking a reason why a 19 year old would all of a sudden have such low kidney function. All that has been suggested over these long months of our pursuit of "why" is that it might possibly be a virus that decided to go straight for the kidneys. This apparently has happened in other mysterious kidney cases. We may never know the "why", just as Scott's visual impairment was never defined by the top Ophthalmologists in the U.S. years ago. But through all this frustration, we know that God is with us. Isaiah 43:2. Scott has been wonderfully faithful in changing his diet totally (to try to help sustain kidney function) and when the rest of the family is craving chocolate, Scott is eating a pear. He is such an inspiration to us. This week, he has not been feeling as good, and the blood tests have not shown improvement. We still need lots of prayer, for direction, that the Dr.'s would know the best approach, and most of all for God's healing touch. We have been asked to prepare for a kidney transplant, which means more Dr. appts, blood draws etc, and testing for donors. We have decided to switch to Mayo for care for Scott as well. Due to his not feeling tip-top, Scott has had to not take on performance opportunities. But it has been a blessing that he has had time to stay at home, finishing up his CD project "Somewhere Else" that he started well over a year ago. They were just released yesterday, and that was definitely one the brightest spots in the entire month. Without the distraction of graduate work and travel, he for the first time got to focus on one project. He (and MacIntyre Family Singers) has been asked again to perform for the Kennedy Center/VSA arts next year in Washington DC, 2007, so we again hope for health and pray for strength for our son who loves nothing more than to share his music with anyone who listens. Oh yes, one more detail, Scott has been advised to get his wisdom teeth out asap, (both the alternative Dr. and Mayo Dr. agreed with this seemingly idiotic idea!) so we would ask that you pray Scott through this surgery with us. For a person with full health, wisdom teeth surgery is usually no big deal, but Scott definitely has a different situation, so we certainly would appreciate your prayers. This surgery is tentatively scheduled for next Wed. Nov 15th 2:00pm.

Also, a happy minute this week was receiving the below link to an interesting article on Scott in which the British Ambassador Sir David Manning was interviewed regarding Scott. We had never seen this before a couple days ago.>http://www.britainusa.com/sections/articles_show_nt1.asp?d=0&i=60061&L1=0&L2=0&a=41014

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps. 46:1 May God Bless you and yours, and thank you for your prayers.

Carole for Scott MacIntyre and family

How About that Dr. Ron?

Those of you who were at choir Wednesday night had the treat of singing under our visiting "Aussie" conductor Ron. He is Julie Morelock's father, for those of you who remember her singing with us in year's past (she now attends the north campus). Ron is here visiting his daughter and lead part of the choir rehearsal. He is quite a technician. It's amazing to me how the small adjustments he makes translate into a big difference in sound. I especially liked when he had everyone spread out and turn and sing to each other. It may not have been noticeable to those singing but it really causes everyone to liven up. Stay tuned for more info and hopefully a photo.

Make That Four!!

News flash...news flash... I'm told there are not three but four Tanzania bike riders. Make that four northern male choir members.

PS - Hint, he plays the stork for many families and has already been on at least one mission trip to Tanzania!?!?! Now I have to guess too!

Bikers for Tanzania-Can You Name Three?

This ain't the Sturgis bike gathering folks--it's the ride for Kondoa. Three of our illustrious choir members will be riding their bikes to raise a goal of $100,000 for this project in Africa. SBC has already provided wells, medical treatment, nutritional meals and chicken coops. What else--you may ask? Right behind the chicken coops comes education! The next significant long-term project we have undertaken is to provide Christian-based education to the children of the village. To fund the education program, the annual bike ride was started last year to raise the needed funds. As a result of the ~$35,000 raised last year, an administration building and four classrooms were built; they have a teacher for each classroom; and, have financially sponsored around 35 kids to attend school.

With this year's funds, the goal for Kondoa is to build at least two more furnished classrooms, train and sponsor teachers, provide books, and sponsor children as students in those classrooms each year. The fundraising also provides a meal each day to the students (which is typically the only meal they receive). Additionally, SBC would like to begin a similar project in the village of Mairowa.

If you would like to support one of these riders I'm sure they would be thrilled to have you join their team as a prayer or financial partner. Oh, btw, who are they? Any guesses?

• they're all northerners in the choir room
• one is on the elder board
• two are kormos leaders
• they're all male

Stay tuned for the answers in a couple of days. I'd love to hear your guesses. Who knows--there may even be prizes for the winning answers!

Recreation Kormos Events Coming Up-Check it Out!

Paul and Linda Stromberg, our recreation kormos leaders, have lined up some events which we can attend as a group:

At Phoenix Christian Assembly:
~11/14/o6 The Florida Boys 7:00 pm
~1/22/07 The Stamps Quartet 7:00 pm
~2/22/07 The Melody Boys Quartet 7:00 pm

Those of us who attended the Palmetto State Quartet concert last month had a great time. Good Southern Gospel!!

Mark your calenders for Tuesday, April 24, 2007. The Gaither Homecoming is coming to the Glendale Arena. If there is enough interest, we will order a block of tickets--let us know as soon as possible if you are interested.

We would also like to put together a group to go to the Arizona Opry in Apache Junction sometime after the first of the year. If you've never been, it's a dinner and variety show and lots of fun. Tickets are $26.00 (includes dinner). Let us know soon if you're interested.

Paul and Linda Stromberg
480-585-7398 (home)
480-315-3359 (work)
e-mail: lostromberg@cox.net

Betty's Letter

Here's Betty's letter to the choir and orchestra written on November 1, 2006.

Thank you for all your cards, phone calls and mostly for the prayers. I have never been involved in a group that showed such strong emotional support for anyone. I am at home as of last night. My surgery was easy..I wasn't there!! I remember going into the operating room singing "His Life for mine..How could it ever be? That He would die, God's son would die, to save a wretch like me." I don't know if I was singing out loud or only in my head but I know my surgeon said it was the first time he had been serenaded!!

I would not have lasted past a few months; my valve was deformed and almost completely calcified and I didn't know it. I am now part "pig" but watch the jokes. Other than going very slowly for the next couple of weeks and having to really watch medication and food, I have been given another chance at life. Perhaps I can be a stronger, more positive example for those around me in my second life.

The surgeon, Dr. Mike Caskey, and his staff were awesome.I prayed incessantly for wisdom and great skill for all of them and my prayers were answered. I was home in 5 days. The hospital experience was something else; I don't get the drugs and medications thing and never will. I was bouncing off the walls for 2 days before I told them I couldn't do that anymore. One night I was up most all night driving everyone nuts I am sure; one night I watched "The Life of Christ" on tv until 1 am (why don't they ever put those on at earlier hours?).

I will hopefully get to practice next week, then onward and upward. My clients have been great and so far I still have a business when I recover. If you would ever like to see what we do, the year-end finale show is the week before Thanksgiving at WestWorld. There will be Grand Prix. Sorry, I won't ride--but it's free and fun!

Thanks for your ongoing support and fellowship.

In His Name,
Betty Beran

We Have A Missionary in Our Midst-Bet You Can't Guess Who!

The Dualing Violins Some of you might guess our missionary to be Abeer Cordova. You're right--she's a missionary in our midst but she's not the one in this picture. This missionary is sitting in disguise in the violin section on Sundays. Her name is Sujoy Spencer. She goes to Imuris, Sonora, Mexico almost every weekend to teach music at the Casa De Elizabeth Orphanage. Sujoy currently has 47 recorder players and 14 violinists that she works with at the orphanage. Next time you see her on Sunday, ask her about the kids--I'm sure she'd love to tell you about them. Way to expand the kingdom Sujoy! Keep up the good work!

Developing Devoted Followers

We just heard a really inspiring talk from Larry Anderson at our Tuesday All Staff Lunch--I wish you could have all heard it. I was scribbling notes on the back of Christina's Sunday School paper as fast as I could. Larry reiterated our purpose statement once again:

Developing devoted followers of Christ who glorify God and expand His kingdom.

He emphasized that we are to be people who look like Jesus and give ourselves away (I think we did that last Sunday). Also, our church should be more about who we're trying to reach than who we're trying to keep. It's not about church growth, it's about kingdom growth.

I don't know about you but these statements are very powerful to me. They remind me that Christ and his kingdom are always more important than anything else we may elevate in our lives. Since most people come to church through a personal invitation we need to keep inviting friends, relatives and neighbors. Their salvation is more important than our attendance numbers. Are you a devoted follower? Let's do our part to glorify god and expand His kingdom.