GOING SOLO with KAREN SCHRECK, Concertmaster

Editor's Note: Karen played professionally for many years as the concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Lake Forest Symphony and the American Chamber Symphony. She performs on a violin that was her grandfather's--the very person who first taught her at the age of 5.

I've been in the SBC Orchestra for: 18 ½ years

My instruments are: violin, piano and viola

If I hadn't chosen the violin, I probably would have played the: piano

Most people have no idea that I: played in an orchestra that did a short tour with George Benson

My favorite worship or praise song is: I really have three--He The Pearly Gates Will Open, All The Way My Savior Leads Me, and Daily Grace by Ed Willmington

My perfect pizza is topped with: Veggies

My family consists of: husband Wayne, daughter Dierdre and her husband Ben, and our son also named Ben

My life verse is: Habakkuk 3: 17 -19 "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments." NIV

I've lived in AZ for: 18 ½ years

I was born in: Illinois

I drink my coffee/tea: with cream

My favorite kind of music: classical and jazz

I almost gave up playing the violin when: I NEVER almost gave up the violin! (Karen has a B.A. in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois)

My profession: Wife, mom, friend and violinist

An unfulfilled dream of mine is to: I don't really have a dream, however my life goal and prayer is that I would moment by moment and day by day be obedient and faithful to whatever God asks of me.

This Sunday--January 28th

This Sunday, the choir is on and the orchestra has the day off. The choir men will wear colored shirts and ties--avoid white shirts if possible. Women can wear their choice of clothing within the "What Not to Wear" guidelines. We will sing part of "The Love of God" as well as "Down in the River to Pray." If you grew up in the church, you should have a heyday this Sunday with a plethora of older songs we don't sing very often:

• I'd Rather Have Jesus
• Softly and Tenderly
• Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior
• What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Hope to see you there with bells on (and solid clothes). I'll be back and ready to go after the Sunday off. Btw, no rain, no long underwear and we won the tournament in Tucson!

Chris Tomlin Was Good-You Should Have Been There

There were 11 of us from SBC at the Chris Tomlin/Louie Giglio concert last night--Richard and Suzanne Uhl (guitar player), Kelly Crum, Laura Kluvo, Niki Devine, Vincent and Sandee Coppola, Kristina Bubar (and Benjy makes 12!) and her mom Erica from Canada, Tammy and Alec Reimche (13-year-old future guitarist). The Dodge Theater was really rocking with all the great songs we love--"How Great is Our God", "Forever", "Blessed Be Your Name", "Indescribable", etc. Louie Giglio spoke of the greatness of God from a scientific point of view. He rattled off astronomical numbers to remind us how large our galaxy is lest we forget this creation goes far beyond the earth.If you ever get a chance to go (I think it's sold out for tonight), you won't be sorry.

Bob Kenrich

Here's our illustrious Mayo podiatrist on one of his good days--or at least he's doing a good job pretending (which I understand he's had to do a lot lately). I'm extrapolating on the aforementioned prayer request for his back pain. In one conversation awhile back he referred to it as stenosis. I had to look it up in the dictionary:

a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of bodily passage or orifice

I guess this is happening in his spine (I'm extrapolating again) and this doesn't sound fun, does it? He took a two-week medical leave from Mayo clinic before Christmas but it's not improving so he's now trying the epidural for pain relief. He's back to work but just getting through a day at the clinic is a trying experience. As a result, he's decided he needs to take a break from music ministry until the pain is under control. Keep Bob on your prayer list for pain relief and complete recovery from this affliction. Hope you're back soon Bob!

Here's Our Famous Fiddler

If you were in rehearsal last Wednesday night you heard the news that our famous 11-year-old fiddler Katherine Messer just became more famous! She won The Yuma Jaycees Old Time Fiddle Contest held in Yuma (where else?!) on January 13 and 14. Katherine won the 12 and under age group, called Junior Junior, on Saturday and then won the "Grand Championship" on Sunday. It was open to all ages. (Places 2-5 were adults.) Her dad, Doug Messer, accompanied her on the rhythmic guitar (see photo).

She has 3 more contests in Feb. plus she's going to the National Old Time Fiddlers contest in Weiser, Idaho in June. Way to go Katherine! You're giving us a good name in the world!

Need a Monday Afternoon Chuckle?

A very gracious lady mailed an old family Bible to her brother in Nebraska. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.

And in case that one didn't bring a smile to your face...

A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverand," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip."

The minister chuckled. "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

Have a blessed week!

Spotlight on our Resident Artist

"Creation of Adam" Mural

"I Will Heal Your Wounds" Pencil Drawing
James at the Guitar

Check out James VanFossan--our guitar/mandolin expert on Sunday and artist extraordinare during the week. We've been talking about his artwork so here are a couple of samples. You'll see one of his pencil drawings and the other live shot of him painting a large mural in the frame store. Last year, James was surprised and honored to receive the Phippin Family Award for Outstanding Cowboy Art presented each year in Prescott. He recently had his paintings accepted to the Meyers Gallery in Scottsdale. James lives in Casa Grande (his parents live there also) and works in the art business full-time. We're trying to coax him to move closer to SBC so he doesn't have such a long drive to church! He's been so busy with commissions and other artwork that he had to take a month off from playing in the fall. We're thrilled for his thriving business but miss him when he's away.

You can check out his website here to view more artwork and contact James.

Pray for this family

I just learned that one of the three people found dead in Phoenix this morning was a 6th grader from our school--Sonoran Sky Elementary. This is a very tragic experience and I know our prayers are needed for this family.

Arizona Opry Coming Up on February 10th

Linda Stromberg has reserved a block of tickets for the Arizona Opry dinner show on February 10 at 6:30 pm in Apache Junction. The cost is 23.00 per person and includes the dinner and variety show featuring vocalists, instrumentalists, comedy, and more. Reservations (with money) should be made with Linda no later than January 25.

Her number is 480-585-7398 and her email is lostromberg@cox.net.

Click here for AZ Opry information and map.

This Sunday, January 21st

This Sunday we will be wearing solid clothing--coats if you like and nothing too bright. Here are the other general guidelines of What Not To Wear:

-t-shirts
-jeans
-spaghetti straps
-halter tops
-skirts above the knee
-flip-flops
-extra tight clothing
-large patterns--flowers, stripes, etc.

PS. I'll be in my leopard fur and long underwear at a soccer tournament in Tucson.

January Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday January Birthdays,
Happy Birthday to You!

We don't always have time to sing Happy Birthday to everyone so now it's done--we covered the whole month! If you see one of these people make sure to say Happy Birthday and maybe even send them an ecard.

• 2-Donna Hawkins
• 3-Jerry Wood
• 6-George Patko
• 8-Agnes Canada
• 8-Primo Domini
• 13-Betty Beran
• 13-Brenda Pearson
• 13-Bill Wyatt
• 14-Linda Muhlenfeld
• 18-Amber Demoss
• 18- Joel Maupin
• 20-Joan Stempski
• 23-Becca Smith
• 23-Rick Holman
• 23-Nancy Fowler
• 23-Jayson Davis
• 26-Gail Crowe
• 30-Bill Blair

Click here to send a card.

Chris Tomlin/Louie Giglio Coming to Town SOON!

Chris Tomlin (songwriter) and Louie Giglio (pastor) are coming to Dodge Theater on January 25 & 26. Chris has written many of the great worship songs of late such as "Forever" and "How Great is Our God." Louie Giglio is a fantastic speaker from Atlanta who goes around the country speaking on worship. Our worship staff saw both of these men last summer at the Saddleback conference in CA and you will greatly enjoy this event. We can get a group rate so please reply ASAP if you're interested.


Click here for more info

Prayer Meeting TONIGHT in the lobby!

I just spoke to Dave Van Vleet this morning and he's still having the prayer meeting on Wednesday nights before rehearsal. I guess there is a small handful of folks attending. If you have some extra time at 6:30 we could always use extra prayer warriors. Just show up with a willing spirit!

"Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst."

Andersen Serves as Orchestra Chaplain

Pictured: Dean Andersen with wife Penny and daughters Madeleine (6) and Ellie Kate (3)

The musicians of SBC were happy to be back on the platform on Sunday! Although we all appreciate the break now and again, it's also nice to serve with fellow believers who are so darn talented. The new year brings some exciting changes within the orchestra. French hornist Dean Anderson is serving as orchestra chaplain. Director Bruce Pearson has appointed an orchestra council which you'll be hearing more about shortly.

In the meantime, we've revived a column that was started during the worship center construction and formerly published in the Worship Ministry E-news. We've renamed it "Going Solo" and we hope it will give you a chance to get to know each other just a little bit better.

GOING SOLO with DEAN ANDERSEN, French Horn

Editor's Note: As orchestra chaplain, Dean will provide devotionals on a regular basis and prayer support as well.

Beth Benson-Swain

Click here to read the juicy scoop on Dean Andersen. Btw, anyone know who his mother-in-law is?

We're High Tech Now--Watch Out!

/>Pete Megyesi--On Hold Pro


Okay, here it is. Pete Megyesi's audio version of 1 Thessalonians 4. This is big for a little-old-farm-girl-piano-player-from-North-Dakota. It doesn't get much better than this folks! You can listen to this mp3 and download it into your computer. This is so cool! FYI, Pete does this voice stuff for a living--he talks! You may have heard his on-hold messages and didn't know it. I've called A-Z Rentals and the Humane Society and recognized his voice. You could also hear him in California if you were a PG&E customer.

Click here to listen and download the audio file.

PS. Do you know who the singing group is on the recording?

Take the First Thessalonians 4 Challenge!

Last Wednesday night Joe challenged us to memorize the whole chapter of 1 Thessalonians 4 in conjunction with our upcoming sermon series. We got a good start in choir rehearsal--how'd the orchestra do? All I know is Pete Megyesi rattled off a bunch of it right in my face on Sunday morning. He's ready to go--as usual! He was also so kind to make us an audio recording of the passage so we can burn a CD and listen in the car. I'll post that mp3 shortly.

Click here for printable version of 1 Thess. 4

Have You Talked to Linda Today?

Linda Stromberg, Recreation Kormos Leader

Linda Stromberg, our Recreation Kormos leader, has been doing a great job lining up fun activities for us to do. She announced on Wednesday night two opportunities coming up: the Gaither homecoming and the Grand Ole Opry. She wanted to collect the money for the Gaithers by today, Sunday January 14th. If you were gone on Wednesday night or didn't catch up with her you can give her a call at 480-585-7398.

Bill Wyatt Update

Bill and Fran Wyatt

I just talked to Fran on the phone this evening and Bill has taken a turn for the worse this weekend. He finished radiation and chemo 3 weeks ago and had been feeling better and gaining some weight back (he lost 35 lbs!). Yesterday (Saturday) he passed out, is feeling worse, and his heart is acting up. They are waiting to see the oncologist to find out what's going on so we can keep praying for their strength. Bill's birthday was yesterday so I thought it would be nice if we continued to send them cards for encouragement:

Bill & Fran Wyatt
8608 E Dianna Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Fran said they are lonely from not being able to go out and be with people. Let's not forget about these dear members.

Your Choir/Orchestra Council

Our music council members have been meeting monthly to discuss ideas for making this ministry most effective for all those involved. Pictured above are:

Joel Maupin (tenor), Kelly Crum (sop), Elsie Gonser (alto), Budge Gonser (bass), Jean Lukens (sop), Annette Johnson (alto) in addition to staff members Kelli Taggart, Bruce Pearson, Joe Bubar and Tammy Reimche. Not pictured are the orchestra representatives Sheri McDonald and Al Wilson.

January 14th Missionary Update

Many of you have contributed to the upcoming needs of our missionaries on furlough. Jim Taggart, Ministration Kormos leader, has informed me that nearly 75% of the apartment furnishings been provided. Thank you! This is so fitting with this morning's sermon from Tim Simpson, our missionary to Khazakstan. Here's a condensed version of the remaining needs:

• The biggest need remaining is the funding. This could be a one-time gift or a monthly sponsorship to support the missionaries while they're home. They need $1750 per month for 20 months.
• Three (3) mirrors (one for each bedroom)
  Three (3) nightstands (one for each bedroom)
  One (1) end table for the living/family room
  Medicine (Tylenol, Excedrin, etc.)
  Beverages

If you would like to take part in this project you can contact Jim at jtagres1@cox.net. Smaller items can be brought to church on Wednesday night and a truck will be sent around to collect the furniture.

Spotlight on a Former Member

I met up with Andy Gyure in Las Vegas at Christmas and thought you would be interested to know he's working at MGM Grand Hotel in the Catering Department. He is quite impressed with Las Vegas and is enjoying the diversity as well as milder climate. His mother lives with him and enjoys her fulltime caregiver immensely. He's joined the choir at a church there and found out after a few months that Bo Whittenton belongs to the same church! It must remind them of SBC! If you're ever in Las Vegas give him a call.

Do You Want to Go to the Gaither Homecoming?

Linda Stromberg (Recreation Kormos) is inviting us to attend this concert. I've been to it before and it's a lot of fun. She would like to get a group together ASAP so the best seats can be purchased.

Gaither Homecoming

Tuesday April 24, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

Jobing.com Arena (Glendale arena)

Group tickets are $28.50

Linda would like to have confirmed reservations and money by Sunday, January 14th.

Click here for more info.

Choir and Orchestra are ON This Sunday!!

Don't forget to come to rehearsal on Wednesday, the 10th. Joe said that someone accosted him on Sunday (the 7th) and pleadingly asked when the choir/orchestra would be back--as if we've been off for months! Hello--we've only had two weeks off here! We suggested these people join the choir or orchestra to find out what it's like giving 4 hours every Sunday morning. They may be begging for a break then too! This Sunday, we're doing "He Reigns/Awesome God" so make sure to take your ginseng before you come. Other songs are:

• God of Wonders
• All People That On Earth Do Dwell
• Lord Reign in Me
• Your Name

Someone's Getting Married!!

Wedding bells will be ringing in the rhythm section on March 31st. Can anyone guess who? I happen to know this tidbit because I ran into his mother in Walmart yesterday. You can always see a slew of SBC'ers in Walmart so always wear your makeup. Anyway, congratulations and good luck guessing!

Condolences to the Crow Family

Gail Crow's mother, Jeannie, passed away on January 5th after a prolonged illness. She was 83 years old and married to Gail's father, Marv, for 63 years. Both Jeannie and Marv are members of SBC and attend the Hearty Souls group. Pray for Marv, Gail, Greg and family as they will be having the memorial service this Friday at 1 pm in the chapel to remember their loved one who went home to be with the Lord.

Happy New Year!

Okay, so I've fallen behind on this blog. I've been on vacation in Las Vegas (saw Andy Gyure), sledding in Payson and was sick in between. Our lights are down, the Christmas stuff is packed up and the garaged is cleaned. Time to go back to work now! Hopefully you all have recuperated from the festivities of Christmas and New Years. Don't forget--no rehearsal this Wednesday and we don't sing this Sunday, the 7th. Enjoy the break!