This Sunday at SBC

This Sunday we have the privilege of singing, playing, and worshiping with Keith and Kristyn Getty. For those of you who haven't seen them before, you're probably wondering what all the talk is about. Kristyn has a beautiful voice and Keith provides rich accompaniments to their modern hymns. They are accomplished musicians from whom we can definitely glean new style and technique.

What to Wear is always a big question. I think we settled on coats for the men with ties being optional. Some of you seemed to be stressing over the optional part. This seems funny to me because when we first started the dress coding it seems there was opposition to dressing alike. Now we can't seem to get you to dress diversely! Oh well--life is funny like that sometimes. Leah seems convinced that since the remodel, with the new loft and color scheme, our clothing isn't such a big issue as it was pre-remodel.

Here's the link for the Getty's website if you'd like to read more about them.

http://gettymusic.com/

Willy and Marilena

We received an email from Fred Beasley who is on a long tour visiting our missionaries. Here's what he wrote about seeing Willy and Marilena in Malaysia.

We had a good visit with Willie and Marilina and they are doing really well. Had a time to sit with their translation team and watch them work through Psalm 106. What a blessing to see these Bidayuh men and women get excited about the word of God and interact of the meanings as they search for the right equivalent words.

Neighborhood Ministries

Last night a group of people from the worship ministry served a meal to the children at Neighborhood Ministries in Phoenix. The home fellowship group including the Taggarts, Matt and Jodie Rich, Dave and Kelly Crum, Phil and Janice Cook do this several times a year so they spearheaded the project. The meal was bought and prepared by many hands and served in the classrooms before their evening study. Even thought it was cold and rainy the evening was a success. The children enjoyed the noodles, spaghetti sauce, bread, applesauce, and a piece of candy. Here are some snapshots.

Kelly Crum serves her sauce with a smile!

Cheryl Woodring and niece served buffet style in their classroom. This boy wanted his picture taken but when he looked at it on my camera he thought he saw sauce on his face.

Jerry and Sue McInturff are giving seconds on the water.

Virgil Moore, Jim Taggart, and Janice are laboring over the hot stove to brown the meat and make the sauce.

Pete Megyesi and son Jordan sat down to chat with some of the kids.

Amazing Grace Sunday

This year is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. But the work of justice and mercy continues. 27 million men, women, and children are still enslaved around the globe. Join churches around the globe in singing Amazing Grace and in praying for the end of slavery once and for all. Amazing Grace Sunday is taking place February 18, the Sunday before the “Amazing Grace” movie is released. The goal of Amazing Grace Sunday is for churches across the globe to unite on this specific Sunday praying for the end of modern-day slavery – and to join together in singing this great song of worship!

You can go to the website to get more information.

www.amazinggracesunday.com

Prayer Matters

Here are some updates of prayer requests for our kormos:

• Sheba O’Connell, former choir member (alto) had surgery on Thursday at PV Hospital and would appreciate our prayers.
• Barry and Mandy (soprano) Asmus’ son Andy, went into the hospital Wednesday night with chest pains, (he is 35). They are very concerned about his heart. He has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, he smokes and had an aunt and uncle die of heart attacks. So he has several strikes against him even though he is so young. Barry and Mandy are asking that we pray for Andy.
• Continue to remember Linda Muhlenfeld (soprano) who is dealing with several health issues. She and Ed have been absent from choir while dealing with a new fracture to her vertebrae in addition to the other fracture from 6 years ago and problems with her voice. She's having an array of tests to determine the best course of action and covets our prayers for healing. Her address is 5457 E Lupine Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 if you'd like to send a card. You can click here to send her an card at this email address: lindamuhlenfeld@cox.net

Meet the Newly Formed Orchestra Council

This is a recent photo of our new orchestra council. It consists of a set of officers as well as section leaders. They will meet monthly for the purpose of promoting their mission statement: to encourage communication within the orchestra and the Music Ministry Council and to edify and nurture the orchestra members.

The officers are as follows:
President: Greg Crow
Vice-President: Stacy D'Abate
Secretary: Sheri MacDonald
Chaplain - Dean Anderson
Director-Bruce Pearson

Section leaders are:
Karen Schreck
Al Wilson
Donna Davis
Sandee Coppola
Marcia Meyer (not pictured)

Arizona Opry

Tracy and Barbara Remy and guests, Jerry Leatherwood, Joyce Page

Jack and Betty Hart, Budge and Elsie Gonsor, Telly Der, Agnes Canada




Alec, Braden, Christina, Tim Reimche


Here's some of the gang who attended the Arizona Opry in Apache Junction last Saturday night. Have you heard they want a name change to AJ so it sounds like fine foods rather than an old west watering hole? That's off the subject so anyway, we had a roast beef dinner and an evening of popular music from years gone by--a good history lesson for the kids! The best part was the man who played 17 instruments in one song. He really is quite a talent. I also read that he owns 60 instruments in his collection and plays all of them as well as sings. Someone said he reminded them of Joe. You'll have to get a-practicin', Joe!

Here's who was all there--just for those of you who like the nitty-gritty details.

Neville & Laura Verster, Joyce Page, Jack & Betty Hart, Tim & Tammy Reimche & family, Budge & Elsie Gonser, Ron & Ruth Fisher & guests, Virgil & Susan Moore, Tracy & Barbara Remy & guests, Agnes Canada, Frank & Theresa Klassen,Telly Der, Don & Nancy Pipher, Jerry Leatherwood, Paul & Linda Stromberg

Mike Andersen's Mom

Some of you may remember tenor Mike Andersen who was in choir up until a year ago. His mother passed away on Sunday in Phoenix after recently moving here from Minnesota. The memorial service will be at Shadow Mountain Mortuary (Greenway Rd/Cave Creek) at 1 pm on Thursday. If you'd like to send a card, Mike's address is 7474 E Christmas Cholla Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Did you see Fran Wyatt on Sunday?

I thought this headline would really get your attention because it sounds like the local gossip column. Fran was indeed in church on Sunday and even jumped into the choir for 3rd service. She's been so isolated at home that she was thrilled to come and be ministered to. She mentioned the songs in the service were so fitting and meaningful for her life at this time. We're also finding that while she has meals under control, there are household chores such as handyman items and yardwork which need to be done. If anyone thinks they may have a couple of hours to help out at the Wyatts that would be greatly appreciated. I also wanted to throw out a reminder that calls and cards are still a great way to remember them. Bill has lost 40 lbs. now (you remember his size to begin with!) and is not able to talk. Let's keep them on our prayer list.

Bill and Fran Wyatt
8608 E. Dianna Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
480-946-9512

Ho, Ho, Ho, Happy Valentines Day!

So I'm a little discombobulated on my holidays but I just like to say "ho, ho, ho" and it only comes up once a year. Do you need a Valentine gift? This isn't highly romantic and your Valentine may frown upon this but I thought I'd throw the cookbook idea out there. We are still selling our Romania fundraising cookbooks from 2003. Obviously you'll see our marketing plan is waning a bit. Had we really be thinking we'd have bundled the cookbooks up with our "Gift from the Heart" CD in a beautifully bowed package and sold them for Christmas. Unfortunately, we only thought of this in January. So... just thought I'd let you know that you can still purchase either of the items from Leah any time. I think we may be getting to the fire sale price but I'm not sure what that is. I also hear we have "Portraits of Christmas" cassette tapes available. Spread the word and buy them up for stocking stuffers. It's early but what the heck!

String Cents is Complete!

Great news! We have completed the String Cents fund to provide 13 violins to the children at the Casa de Elizabeth orchestra in Mexico. We actually exceeded the goal by $200 which will be used to purchase accessories such as cases and bows for the violins. Thank you for donating so generously to provide instruments for children who otherwise would not have the means to own a violin. Keep it up choir and orchestra!

News from Jerry Porter

Some of you may remember a former trumpet player, Jerry Porter. Some of us get emails from him occasionally and he is doing well. Jerry was recently interviewed in a local newspaper. If you would like to read this you can click here to download Jerry's newspaper interview.

Ralph Carmichael's Big Band Praise!

This historic concert is on Friday, March 2nd, 7 pm, at Phoenix First Assembly with special guest Dave Boyer. We don't have an organized group for this event that I know of but you can call 480-899-2965 for tickets or order them online at

http://www.123encore.com/

What to Wear--February 11th

The way I remember the clothing instructions:

• keep it brighter--no black, brown, etc.
• no coats or ties
• look like a Valentine??

See you Sunday!

More Recreation from Linda

Isn't Linda doing a great job as Recreation Kormos Leader? I can barely keep up with her she's got so many activities in the pipeline. These are her latest findings of fun things for us to do...







Augsburg Centennial Singers

The Augsburg Centennial Singers, a 55-voice male chorus from Minneapolis, Minnesota, loves to sing and makes no apologies for belting out those old time hymns they grew up on. The group has been together since 1993, having been a part of the excellent choral music tradition of Augsburg College.

Their Mission – Reflecting the Gospel Quartet tradition at Augsburg College, the mission of the Augsburg Centennial Singers is to present concerts that personalize a Christian faith and encourage listeners to establish and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ, and to provide a fellowship for men who find joy in singing songs that have musical excellence, address the heart and reflect a variety of musical tradition.

Their music for the 2007 concert season - includes spirituals, familiar hymns, gospel songs, classical selections and even barbershop.

Their Phoenix area schedule includes concerts in various locations from Feb. 8-15.

Click here for dates, times and locations in the Valley.

Their concerts in the Minneapolis area are typically standing room only. Concerts are free--there is a free will offering.

March 22 (Thursday) 7:00 pm Melody Boys Quartet Phoenix Christian Assembly (free will offering)

March 18 (Sunday) 7:30 pm Take 6 Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (tickets $40)


Linda Stromberg, 480-585-7398 (home) 480-315-3359 (work), lostromberg@cox.net

Oven Mitts and a Roommate

What do these two have in common? Not much, except Niko Pagni has a request for both. Read on from Niko:

All I wanted was to mention a couple of requests. One is that I am collecting "Oven Mitts" for our sisters in Tanzania for Kim Shott who has an upcoming mission trip to Tanzania. I have created flyers for our doors. They are to give them to me, (Niko Pagni) or Dick Shott.Deadline is Feb. 20th.

The other request is: ASU students "Looking for a wonderful Christian roomate for two wonderful christian brothers G.P. and Marco Pagni !! We have a great house within biking distance from campus. Contact Niko Pagni (choir) 480-948-3020 or niko@pagni.com

Potter's Hand Devotional

This Sunday, February 11th, we will sing and play the Hillsongs version of "The Potter's Hand." Kim Shoup, our resident writer, had previously prepared a devotional to accompany this song.

Click here to read the complete devotional.

Happy Valentines Day--Take the Night Off!

Don't forget to make those dinner reservations for Valentines Day. We're taking the night off of choir and orchestra rehearsal on February 14th to allow for sweetheart time. We also have Sunday, February 18th off also. Enjoy your President's Day weekend!

More News, Praises, Prayer--Tune In!

Here's some of the latest:

• Praist the Lord!! Bruce and Dee Pearson are celebrating the birth of their 9th grandchild in Minnesota last week. Their son and daughter-in-law had their third child, a daughter, Lila Joy Pearson. Grandma Dee boarded a plane this morning to visit the family in (chilly) Minnesota!
• Praise the Lord!! Bruce Pearson had the opportunity to share the gospel with a 92-year-old and 94-year-old couple on Friday. After the presentation they each prayed to receive Christ. They were so excited about this that they invited Bruce back to share the gospel with other folks in their retirement home. It's never too late!
• Bruce requests prayer for some friends currently staying in their condo who lost their home in the Florida tornados. This is a very traumatic experience and the prayer is for strength to deal with all the issues related to the loss and rebuilding of a home.
• Sharon Sanders, orchestra, was hospitalized last week for unusually high blood pressure. She is expected to be at rehearsal tonight.
• Don Baltzer, technical director, had heart bypass surgery on Friday. He is home from the hospital recovering.

There are so many things to be thankful for as well as needs in our body. Let's continue to lift each other up daily.

Music Mission Trip Update

A couple of Wednesdays ago Jim Taggart, Ministration Kormos Leader, shared an update on a possible music mission trip. Jim is working with Fred Beasley and Pat Sullivan on pinpointing a location for a possible trip in late May/early June of 2008. The two locations being investigated are a return to Romania or a trip to Khazakstan. Jim asks that you be thinking and praying about fundraiser ideas and your possible involvement in this trip. We may be interested in taking an initial head count for either of these locations in the near future. Pray that God would bring clarity and purpose to the planning team and that God would make His will abundantly clear.

Happy Birthday to the Februarys!

It's already a new month--number 2 of 2007. There seems to be so much going on in this organization that I can barely keep up with the news. I'm fighting, scratching and clawing to get everything up to date. So...here are the February birthdays. Make sure to wish these people a happy one! FYI, I just happen to know that Nancy Nixon already celebrated her birthday with a high tea party like the rich and famous. I couldn't make it but I'm sure it was really special. It should be because this isn't just any old birthday for her--if you get my drift.

• Kelly Crum-2/1
• Telly Der-2/2
• Nancy Nixon-2/6
• Paul Stromberg-2/6
• Jonnie Guilinger-2/12
• Mark Guilinger-2/11
• Mark DeJong-2/12
• Yvonne Heaton-2/13
• Cheryl Zenor-2/18
• Georgia Dolph-2/24
• Jim Nelson-2/25
• Ann Sandford-2/27
• Chad Salsbury-2/27
  

Parents of Prodigals

The aforementioned choir members, Chris and Carol Nahm, are a busy couple. In addition to their mission trip, they are starting a 6-week class to minister to parents of prodigal children. If you have a child who has broken your heart they are offering encouragement and support.

Click here for more information on joining this group.

Chris and Carol Nahm's Mission Trip

This is a letter from Chris and Carol Nahm about their latest mission opportunity. Please read on for their prayer request.

Dear Friends and Family,
As you will see in the attachment, we have the privilege of participating in a mission trip to the Congo in May. This is probably the most physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging of all our mission trips. For this reason, we ask our family and friends to pray for us. We will be speaking on HIV-AIDS, sexual abuse, the dignity of women and marriage--all from a scriptural basis. Local leaders and pastors have requested that we also train their people to counsel victims of rape and torture. (for more information see http://www.who.int/hac/donorinfo/campaigns/cod/sgbv/01.html)

Very few of the pastors and Christian leaders have had formal training in the issues of abuse.
We are not asking for personal financial support; but if you would like to support the team and the ministry in the Congo please call Bill Harbeck, executive director of Mending the Soul ministries. 623-876-0572, 5501 W. Saguaro Pk, Glendale, AZ 85310.

Thank you for your prayers --
Chris and Carol Nahm

I Samuel 12:22-24

String Cents

This is our latest Ministration Kormos opportunity for the choir and orchestra. You may remember SuJoy Spencer and Teri Clarke enlisted our assistance to provide pillows for the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage in Mexico. The pillow goal was met with flying colors and the children are now sleeping in comfort thanks to many donors. Recently, SuJoy collected 18 broken violins from various schools with the intention of refurbishing them and taking to the orphanage for her string students there. Joel Shewchuk (Rae Larson's son-in-law) is a violin maker and repairman who donated his time to repair the broken instruments and come up with 13 workable violins. Our goal is to reimburse Joel for his time and materials at $100 per violin. As of this last weekend we had collected $1050 toward the goal of $1300. That's pretty good for a 4-day collection period! If you would like to contribute to the String Cents fund, you can make a check out to Joel A. Shewchuk and give it to Joe, SuJoy, Leah, or Kim Shoup. Thanks so much for another project to increase the kingdom!

GOING SOLO with ANN SANDFORD, Violinist

Editor's Note: Ann serves faithfully behind the scenes in Worship Arts--she copies and collates all of the band music each week and assists Martie Moore with orchestra music and keeping the files organized. She's helped in Children's Choir and with Youth Orchestra. "Ann is one of those people who we can always count on to pitch in and do whatever is needed," says Joe Bubar. "She truly has a servant's heart and we couldn't do it without her help each week."

Click here to read the Going Solo interview with Ann Sandford.

Here's the Happy Couple--Did You Guess Correctly?

Chris Plummer and Stefani Price Here's the answer to the previous question about the engaged rhythym section person. We had a couple of correct guesses--it's Chris Plummer the drummer (have you noticed how this title really has a ring to it?) Chris is engaged to Stefani Price to be married on March 31. Stefani is a worship leader at a church in Chandler. I've heard they're planning a luau for the theme but you'll have to ask for the details. Congratulations Chris and Stefani!

Meet Isaac the Sound Guy

Next time you walk by the sound booth make sure to say "hi" to Isaac Jackson. He's currently on the AM rotation for sound technician through Easter. Isaac has spent most of his time at the North Campus since being recruited to SBC by Chad Shelton--our last sound man. Isaac grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. I told him I had never met anyone from Racine, although I did know a girl with that name (I don't think that counts). Anyway, Isaac's mother was living here so he followed her out here seven years ago. He graduated from the Conversatory of Recording Arts & Sciences. Isaac is one of those super sweet guys who is very kind and accommodating. Let's do our best to make him feel welcome!