New Prayer Location

If you came to the narthex last week at 6:30 looking for the prayer meeting you probably noticed it wasn't there! We decided that the narthex was a case of "out-of-sight-out-of-mind." While many people come to rehearsal early, it's easy to forget the prayer meeting is going on. Hence, we thought if it was right under our noses we'd be less likely to forget. The prayer meeting will last from 6:30-6:45ish so join in if you can make it. I don't want to be the hypocrite that tells everyone to attend the meeting and then I don't show up. It's just that I usually have soccer, baseball, youth group, or some other engagement. If I'm not there--you'll know why!

May 6th is Right Around the Corner

Don't forget the new picnic date of Sunday, May 6th at Chapparel Park at 4 pm. It's a "bring your own dinner" event--don't forget your drinks and tableware too. We will have finger desserts so don't worry about bringing any sweet treats. Hopefully there will be some space for some games and other activities. I remember one of our spring picnics included some injuries. Let's hope that doesn't happen this year. Hope to see you there!

Town Hall Pizza Party Nourishes Tummies & Souls!

The Second Worship Arts Ministry Town Hall Pizza Party was great fun! An icebreaker sent members of the orchestra and choir scurrying to arrange ourselves geographically by where we grew up. We then had a few minutes to connect and swap stories. A large contingent from the Wheaton area could have talked all night long! Fellow Grand Rapids, Michigan folks Mary and Ron Whaley anchored the 'Mitten' state. Turns out that my dad was Ron's high school principal.

Toward the end of the evening Bruce Pearson shared a musical ensemble paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27, originally written by Orchestra Chaplain Dean Andersen. For those of you who didn't make the party, read on...

Bruce's Intro
SBC's mission is to develop devoted followers of Jesus - who glorify God and expand His kingdom. That is why we use our God-given gifts serving in the Worship Arts Ministry.

Each one of us is important and plays a role that cannot be duplicated by anyone else. In God's eyes, we are irreplaceable. We are an important part of God's ensemble.

1 Cor. 12:12-27

12 The choir and orchestra are an ensemble, even though it is made up of many different sections. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether strings or vocals, amateur or professional - and were all given the one Spirit to drink.

14 Now the orchestra is not composed of one section but many. 15 If the clarinet should say, “Because I am not a brass player then I am not part of the ensemble,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the orchestra. 16 And if an alto should say, "Because I am not on the praise team, I do not belong to the choir," she would not for that reason cease to be part of the choir. 17 If the whole orchestra were the string section, where would the sense of rhythm be? If the whole choir were the soprano section, where would the sense of balance be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the sections in the music ministry, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one section, where would the ensemble be? 20 As it is, there are many sections, but one worship team.

21 The conductor cannot say to the guitars, "I don't need you!" And the tenors cannot say to the drummer, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the orchestra that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the sections that we think are less honorable we reserve a special place for. And the sections that are unpresentable are treated with special acoustical processing, 24 while some sections need no special amplification at all. But God has combined the members of the choir and orchestra and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the ensemble, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one section suffers, every section suffers with it; if one player is honored, every player rejoices with him.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Bruce's closing comments
Yes, each one of us is an important member of God's ensemble at SBC regardless of how we view ourselves or how we view our specific role.

The conductor, Leonard Bernstein, was once asked, “What is the most difficult instrument to play?” “Second violin,” he replied, “because everyone wants to be first violinist.” Of course the first violin gets to play the more interesting parts and commands more attention. But as Bernstein went on to explain, It's hard to find someone who wants to play second violin and to do so with the same enthusiasm. But without second violin, there is no harmony.

The same thought could be applied to the choir regarding soloists, section leaders and use of the praise team members. Without each of us doing our part, there is no harmony. If our part calls for us to have a prominent role or just three notes in an entire song we must give Him our best.

The great theologian, Garrison Keillor, in his Young Lutheran's Guide to the Orchestra said, that the drums are the only Christian instrument - because most often they are in an accompaniment or servant's role.

Much of what we do in this ministry is in the public's eye or, so to speak, on stage. God, I believe is more concerned with what goes on “back stage.” That is, in our own heart. I Sam. 16:7.

Read Luke 21: 1-4. In verse 3, Jesus declares, “This poor widow has put in more than all of the others.” Jesus sees that these few tiny coins, gladly given, are all she has to live on. It's a costly offering of her heart - unnoticed by all - except Jesus.

The life of King David gives us some great insights into the balance of the public and the private in the heart of a worshiper, including all of us.

It's obvious that David grew up knowing and loving the Lord for he was only about 15 years old when the Lord called David, “a man after His own heart.” It was during those quiet times, tending the sheep, that David wrote those beautiful and personal prayers and songs that move our hearts.

God first seeks devotion to Him in private - worship when no one is watching. It was when his life became more complicated. From the moment he killed Goliath, he's involved in some very public acts of devotion.

David's challenge was to maintain the heart of worship he had before life got public and complicated. Could he preserve the simple, pure heart of adoration in the midst of all the public things he was required to do? The same is true for each of us.

In the design of a boat - what's below the waterline must outweigh what's above the waterline.

Someone once gave great advice to those of us who are involved in leading worship including the choir and orchestra. He said, “Make yourself little in the depths of your heart.” Proverbs 25:6 sums it up: “Do not exalt yourself in the Kings presence.”

Each Sunday when we participate in the worship service, we are in the King's presence.

Each one of us is important and plays a role that cannot be duplicated by anyone else. In God's eyes, we are irreplaceable. We are an important part of God's ensemble. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank each and everyone one of you for your faithful service. Your service to our Lord is a costly offering of your heart. It may go unnoticed by all - except Jesus.

Thank you to Bruce for his leadership and servant's heart and to Dean for his thoughtful preparation of our devotionals each week!

My Computer's Not Hooked Up

This is really the pits. I've been without a computer at home this whole week. There could have been an earthquake in Guam and I'd never know about it. I do know the Suns won the first 2 games and lost the third--boo-hoo. I also know Ed Willmington was in town last weekend but left on Saturday. Their house hasn't sold yet but got new carpet this week so maybe that's the ticket for a quick sale. Keep praying.

In the way of news, I've wanted to post an article on the Town Hall which I thought went very well. Watch for Beth to post excerpts of Bruce's devotional from that night. I have a picture of the high-dollar entertainment but, of course, can't plug my camera into the computer. Boo-hoo about that, too! This Sunday we're singing/playing "Joy in the Camp," "Shine on Us," and "Redeemed," in addition to the worship songs of "Rejoice the Lord is King," "Here I Am to Worship," and "With Joy." There is no specific dress code other than no coats or ties for the men. Don't forget to bring your joyful faces on Sunday. See you then!

PS Forgot to mention I talked to Marion Ibsen this morning (former flute player/office staff). She works at home manning the family business--Dr. Dan's Appliance Repair (I can highly recommend them). Also, great news: they're expecting their first child on Labor Day! That seems appropriate, doesn't it? She says to say "hi" to everyone.

GOING SOLO with Emily Taranta, Viola

I’ve been in the SBC Orchestra for: off and on since the fall of 2003

My instruments are: viola, violin and piano (for my ears only)

If I hadn’t chosen the viola, I probably would have played the: I chose the viola after many years of the violin. The viola is perfect for me. (Editor's Note: Emily's violin was stolen from her and in her quest to find a new one, she inadvertantly picked up a viola by mistake. From the first notes, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, she knew that she had found the instrument that she was intended to play.)

Most people have no idea that I: Love reading/studying the Bible. Class 400 was great.

My favorite worship or praise song is: This is difficult as I really like lots of hymns. Perhaps “How Great Thou Art” – when it is played at the “right” tempo.

My perfect pizza is topped with: I am not a pizza person and am content to eat it once a quarter or when in Boston or Chicago.

My family consists of: Four children. Two boys and two girls. The older three are graduated from college and have “real” jobs. Yea!! (Editor's Note: Emily's son, Ethan, just left for his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq and serves with the First Reconnaissance Battalion of the Marine Corps.)

My life verse is: The verses change but several are Psalm 34 (in the Living Bible version), Philippians 1:9-11, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Peter 1:2-8.

I’ve lived in AZ for: I am a native and have been in Arizona thirteen years in this latest stretch. Most of my adult life I lived in other states.

I was born in: Springerville, AZ

I drink my coffee/tea: I never acquired the taste for coffee or tea. I am a water drinker.

My favorite kind of music: classical, musicals and lately Johnny Cash

My profession: CPA/financial analyst

An unfulfilled dream of mine is to: do a walking tour of Israel, climb Mt. Whitney.

For Pete's Sake!

Pete Megyesi called yesterday and he is flat on his back. He has a problem with a disc in his back--maybe similar to the situation with Bob Kenrich. He's going to get an injection next week to hopefully gain some relief. If that doesn't work he will need to have surgery. Yuck! I'm sure Pete would appreciate prayers for healing before it gets to this point. Alas, the good news is that he makes a living talking and this back problem has not affected his ability to complete his "on hold productions." Come back to choir soon, Pete--it's so quiet without you!

Orchestra Prayer Requests

Flautist Marcia Meyer's husband's mom, Janet, has taken a turn for the worse and has been moved to AZ so that Marcia and Andy can be by her side.

Danielle Cleveland, tuba, recently lost a colleague and friend to an aneurysm.

Violinist Katherine Messer has not been feeling well for the past several days.

Bill Wyatt, clarinet, is home from the hospital and appreciates the many prayers and cards he and Fran have received.

Thank you for holding these folks up in prayer!

Keep on Praying and Praising!

The orchestra has a number of prayer needs this week--thank you for remembering these people:

Donna Davis--she continues to recover, but has had a few tough days recently.

Shelley Nixon--she has been rehospitalized with intestinal challenges.

Doug Nixon--he has been fitted with a more durable and permanent lower leg replacement. He still has significant 'phantom' pain. He will have an operation on April 19 to remove a 'fungus ball' in his sinus cavity.

Bill Wyatt--as most of you know, Bill recently suffered a heart attack. Latest word is that he is improving.

Al Wilson--he is grateful that the cells removed from his lip area were the type that can be removed permanently so that they won't spread. The borders around the area are clean, praise God! He will continue to receive treatment on other spots in that area.

PRAISE REPORTS

Chris Plummer--One of our fabulous drummers, Chris tied the knot a few weeks ago and was back in the cage on Sunday. Way to go, Chris!

Good Friday was GOOD, Wasn't It?

These are 2 of the 7 charcoal drawings completed by our own James VanFossan during the recent Good Friday service at SBC. He had about 4 minutes to complete each canvas. Wow! I don't think I could make them look that nice in 2 years! The whole service was so moving. The somber sight of the drawings together with the processional of carrying each one of them out really made me feel the pain and suffering of the crucifixion. Kim Larson was the designer and director together with her friend Stephanie Brewer. You may remember Stephanie also wrote and directed the drama for our Christmas musical. In addition, Stephanie and Darryl (from Sunday night--don't know his last name) were the narrators. The vocalists were David Stauffer (he's been in a.m. choir lately), Rachel Whitehouse, and Jim and Annaliese Larson. Thank you to everyone for giving us such a perfect reminder of Good Friday.

Visitors from the North

This is the time of year when relatives from cold climates like to come to Arizona. After all, when it's snowing in April that's cause for serious depression (I know--I've been there!). Bruce and Dee Pearson had the privilege of having their children here for Easter. I'm told all 11 grandchildren were in the house! And do you remember Bruce looking frazzled on Easter? No! His kind, gracious manner seemed unruffled (although he may have been a bit jittery underneath--who knows?). Anyway, a small portion of the family, including his daughter and her 4 kids from Minnesota, dropped by the office one day. I thought you would enjoy seeing Grandpa and Grandma with some of the kids!

Hold the Phone on the June 3rd Picnic!!

We found out last week that a big celebration is being planned for Pastor Darryl on the evening of June 3rd. It will be the culmination of his regular speaking engagements at SBC, although he will still remain pastor emeritus. The search committee would like to make a break between Darryl's involvement and the coming of our new senior pastor. The celebration will include a program in the worship center at 7:30 that Sunday evening.

SO........we've decided not to compete with this event by having our picnic that afternoon. Linda Stromberg, recreation Kormos leader, was miraculously able to book Chapparal Park for our new picnic date of Sunday, May 6th at 4 pm. It is a "bring your own lunch" family event. We will try to get the word out so people can get this on their calendars. Hope to see you there!

It's Time for a New Sound Guy

Can you believe three months have passed and it's time for Isacc Jackson to move on? I'm going to miss him but I still see him around the worship center during the week. Our new sound tech on the 3-month rotation plan (per Don Baltzer) is homegrown. John Economides has been at SBC for 24 years and it's his 24th birthday today! You may remember his mother, Annette, was a long-time member of the choir and the small group "Heartsong." John is a creative talent with a lot of innovative ideas. He says he likes grilling steaks, playing video games and lifting weights. After half a week on the a.m. rotation, John says he likes it so far. That can only be a good sign! If you see John around, make him feel welcome to our team!

Pray Unceasingly

Does anyone know the reference for this verse? (Just checking) I've fallen behind on prayer updates--sorry! This resurrection really got in the way of my blogging! Here's an update:

• Pray for Dave Van Vleet as he is recoving nicely from his surgery. Also, praise for a good follow-up report he recieved.
• Pray for Shelley Nixon as she continues to have health problems
• Pray for Donna Davis to receive healing and restoration of health
• Pray for Bill and Fran Wyatt. Bill is in the hospital.
• Annette Johnson's mother broke both of her arms in a fall. Pray for her healing.
• Continue to remember Linda Muhlenfeld who's been in church but has not been able to be with us in choir. She is continuing to heal from her surgery.
• Update from Betty Black: Just wanted to let you know that the Lord has worked mightily in the life of Gerald, for whom we have been praying. He was released to go home yesterday. He will have to stay in bed for another 6 weeks to allow healing of his broken bones but so far they don’t know of any permanent damage. He and his family are all non-believers and this has been a tremendous witness to all of them. We can now pray for salvation for them. They keep saying that there is nothing like this in Belgium. We are going to try to find a good church there for them to visit.
  
  My daughter is doing better but is still very emotional. She had the baby cremated and has his ashes in a special little baby box with a turtle on it. Please continue to pray for her spiritual state.
  

Time for Summer Camp!

Kelli Taggart and team have been meeting regularly to plan the details of this year's summer music camp. It will be held Monday-Friday, June 11-15 with a performance on Friday the 15th at 7 pm. Children who completed grades 1-12 during the 2006-2007 school year are invited to register (scottsdalebible.com). The final production will include the musical "Truth Works." You can read more information on the church website. I also wanted to put a bug in your ear that she will probably need helpers who have some free time that week. Key leaders are lined up but each class will need assistants. We will also have a need for childcare workers and various other jobs. Keep this in mind when making summer plans!

Palisades Apartment Missionaries

Speaking of the 18th, we're hoping to have a visit from one of the missionaries we've been helping out with the Palisades Apartment furnishings. They are almost ready to leave after their 3 month fulough here. I can't believe their time is over already. I'm friends with Darrin and Vicki Best (North Campus) who have been coordinating their stay. I've heard short stories of their life in the Muslim world and it's very fascinating. We are not allowed to post anything on the web due to the sensitive and dangerous nature of their ministry. Just think, they regularly risk their lives to share the gospel. I'm told they check the web daily to make sure nothing pops up with their names on it. And all this with 3 small children, too! They have 18-month-old twins and a three-year-old. It sure makes our lives seem cushy! I've invited one of them to share with us at the end of rehearsal on the 18th and have a time of Q & A and possibly a small reception. They are in great need of supporters for their mission. I hope this works out and we can meet them!

Take This Wednesday Off For Good Behavior!

You all did such a good job you can take this Wednesday night off! Choir and orchestra also has the next 2 Sundays off. If you have a home up north, now's the time to go! We will see you on April 18th (and the 20th)!

Post Your ???? For the Worship Town Hall

Knowledge is Power


Bruce Pearson, adding all his years of wisdom to our staff, has reminded us that knowledge is power. In an ongoing effort to keep communication as open and complete as possible, we will have our Worship Arts Town Hall Pizza Partyon Friday, April 20th. We'll gather in the gym at 6:30 for food, fun and a time of vision casting. We will have a basket on the food tables where you can throw in $5/person to cover our cost. Spouses/families are invited. No need for a ticket but we do need to get sign-ups so we know how much pizza to order. I will hang signs in the choir and orchestra rooms so you can sign up. Since we don't have rehearsal until next Wednesday, you may respond to this post with your RSVP or make a trip behind stage on Sunday to sign up.

Also, to facilitate a more timely and orderly Q & A session, we are allowing the opportunity for anyone with questions to submit them ahead of time. You can respond to this post with questions or I will have a basket in the choir and orchestra rooms for submitting your questions. Hope to see you there!

Oh Cripes, I'm Soooo Far Behind!

Sorry for the dead space here, folks. I have a list as long as my arm of items to post on this blog. I don't even know where to start. I should back up to Good Friday and say it was fabulous (thanks Kim Larson!). I have a couple of snapshots of the charcoal drawings and some more details I'll post ASAP. Next, I've watched parts of the Easter service on DVD several times. My hands-down favorite part is "Amazing Grace." It was amazing!! Hopefully you all got to see a glimpse of Michelle dancing because it was beautiful. I watched it all morning and I choked back tears each time. It not only looked good but the choir and orchestra sounded good, too! I'm hoping to run the DVD again before rehearsal on April 18th so you can all see it. The sound on the DVD is never as good as live but you'll get the idea. Oh, I have to say that the clothing looked great too! I'm not just saying that because I picked it and want to rub it in. Remember the brick laying story? The combination of orchestra in black and choir in white along with the purple-gold-white banners was stunning. If people didn't get the celebratory nature of our risen Savior, they need to go on some medication or something! Stay tuned for more details of life as we know it after Easter. BTW, are you a Monday or a Thursday Christian this week?

PS I was ready to push the upload button on YouTube to put part of Amazing Grace on there for everyone to see. However, when it came to agreeing to the terms of usage, I couldn't in good conscience click "yes" because you're not supposed to broadcast music videos and music concerts without special permission. Bummer!

PPS About the black and white--you shouldn't feel slighted in the fashion category for having to wear these colors. If you've been to the mall lately, you'll realize that you weren't a drab, somber Easter display--you were a high fashion statement in your black and white!

More Easter Dancers!

These dancers just keep appearing out of the woodwork, don't they? In addition to Michelle's dance on "Amazing Grace," we're going to have a flood of angels come down the aisles on "He's Alive" and remain on the platform for "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Just like Palm Sunday, we want to convey the celebratory nature of these 2 Sundays. What better way than with music and movement! The girls in the picture are Abby Murphy, Abi Malouf (Mary's granddaughter), Jillian Jensen, Aisha Tritle (Brad's daughter), and Lauren Sells (Laura Sells' daughter). We rehearsed their part with the orchestra on Wednesday night and I think it looks very festive. Let's make these girls feel welcome on Sunday morning since it's the first time for most of them!

Amazing Grace!

Awhile back I posted the bio and picture of Michelle Mahowald--our guest dancer on "Amazing Grace." Wasn't she fabulous? Did you get to glance at her out of the corner of your eye during rehearsal? I was watching from the back and the whole thing was stunning! Her movements are completely breathtaking--and I don't think it's just me. I've heard others make the same comment from Wednesday night. There's always something intangibly special about seeing full-time professionals in their element. Her very presence was so moving that even though I was far away I could sense so much feeling in her movements. Not to forget---the choir and orchestra sounded great too! Believe me, that's no small feat what with all the sound problems we've had the last couple of months. Our sound company has been working day and night (literally) to complete the installation of the new driver and amps. Did you notice our temporary speaker stacks were absent on Wednesday night? I have only one thing to say about that--"YAHOO!" They're so ugly and would really destroy the decor we're using. Not to mention, I'm sure the permanent speakers sound much better. The sound people are grousing a bit because they'd like more time to tune the system but I'm sure it will be better than what we've had in awhile. And don't forget..."Twas grace that taught my heart to sing, Twas grace my fears relieved." We probably need to remember these phrases at around 7:00 this Sunday morning!

The Elves are Busy Again

Remember the Christmas elves that were busy fluffing, sewing and decorating? Well, some of the same folks are at it again. In the above picture we see Sue McInturff and Joel Maupin hanging the banners in the choir loft. What you don't see is Sue's husband, Jerry. Jerry is the trooper (and I mean TROOPER) who battles his way through the craggy, cramped catwalk to fasten these banners. He was up there nearly 2 hours last night and when he came down he looked like he'd been to Iraq and back. Last year Jerry did the same job and I can't believe he agreed to do it again. He did say afterwards that we need to come up with a different plan next year. The other elves who have worked hard to pull this together are Joyce Page (sop.) and Linda Megyesi (Pete's wife). Linda is the artist who came up with the massive drawings and ideas. Joyce and Sue were in the orchestra room for over 7 hours last Wednesday at their side-by-side sewing machines--cutting, measuring and making those seams just right. I think the worship center should definitely portray the grand royalty of Easter with the many yards of gold, purple and white banners. Thank you to these elves!

It's Wednesday, but Sunday's Comin'

Here's an update on Easter Sunday info.

**ALL begin rehearsal together on the platform at 7:00 a.m., Sunday April 8

** Choir attire: Women: black bottoms, white tops Men: black bottoms, white long-sleeved shirts, ties (no jacket)

** Orchestra attire: Women: solid black Men: solid black, jackets, ties

** Light snack available in student center after we sing/play 2nd hour

** No rehearsal on Wednesday, April 11 – we’ll see you back on Wednesday, April 18

Here's the flow order for Sunday:

Choir-He’s Alive
Hymn #217-Christ the Lord is Risn Today
Hymn #215-Alleluia! Alleluia! (Joyful, Joyful tune)
Apostles Creed – congregational reading
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous)-band only, G
Welcome/Announcements
Offertory-Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Message -Tim Kimmel

Yo, Ho, Ho--It's Time for April Birthdays

These months just fly by--don't they? Before I know it, ever-efficient Primo has delivered the new birthday list to my desk. Make sure to wish these people a happy one!

• Sue Phipps, 4/7
• Budge Gonser, 4/12
• Sheri MacDonald, 4/12
• Joe Bubar, 4/15
• Doug Nixon, 4/17
• Fran Wyatt, 4/19
• Margaret Soberg, 4/25
• Colin Austin, 4/25
• Billie Kovach, 4/28
• Chris Plummer, 4/29