Kormos

A Wedding in the Aloha State

2009-07-02T10:28:00.001-07:00

Well, guess who attended a wedding across the ocean? She says she was dutifully recruiting for choir so here's a possibility...

Hint: she's a soprano section leader...

May 15th Concert--An Evening of Artists

2009-06-22T17:11:00.001-07:00

Here's a shot of our art show in the back of the worship center. We had around 100 art pieces from over 30 SBC artists contributing to the show. What a huge blessing! Oh yeah--people also raved about the musical portion of the program and don't forget the ice cream social!

You like organ music? Check This Out!!!

2009-06-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to see an amazing pipe organ version of "The Flight of the Bumblebee." It's so inspiring to me. I used to beg my mom to play the "bumblebee" for me on the piano when I was a kid. This organ version takes it to a whole new level with the footwork.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHZvMAJUN5g

Summer Camp 2009

2009-06-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't this awesome? Fifty-three junior high and high school kids leading a worship service all on their own. This is so inspiring to see the next generation mobilized and excited. If you know any of these kids, make sure to thank them and encourage them on their journey. What an opportunity!!

Yo!! You Go Dawg!

2009-06-22T14:02:00.001-07:00

Meet the new Scottsdale Bible Hip Hop Group "Go Dawgs". They made a special one-time appearance on Wednesday, June 10th. Be sure to stay posted for next years' performance.

Roommate Needed at ASU!!!

2009-06-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Niko Pagni's (soprano, choir) sons have a house around the ASU area and they need one more roommate. They are looking for another Christian male to board with them. Call Niko at
480-948-3020 or email at niko.pagni@gmail.com.

To God be the Glory!

2009-06-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

I know how the song goes. "To God be the Glory, great things He hath done, so loved He the world that He gave us His Son..." but can I say that God certainly gets the glory in the life of Bruce Pearson! "Great things He hath done" in bringing Bruce to us for these last few years. There were many tears and a speechless Bruce and Dee as the orchestra read a letter to him Sunday, from them, expressing their gratitude for his time with them. The phrase that stuck out to me was how he had helped them to become a community that cares for one another. That's one of the ways God is glorified. In His CHURCH. He shows us His glory so that we will know Him better. And the way Bruce led our orchestra in these few years, helped us to draw near to Christ and experience His glory. Bruce and Dee, our prayers go with you in this next chapter of your life. But we hope our chapter with you is not finished.

God shows His glory in CHRIST, the CHURCH and CREATION.

How can you experience His glory this week every day?

By WORSHIPING in spirit and in truth, by daily being in His WORD and by doing good WORKS which glorify the Father in heaven.

"Can I get a head nod?" or an AMEN?

Youth Summer Music Camp 09

2009-06-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

This week has been amazing and humbling. To see God at work in the lives and giftings of 53 great young people. To work with Sean, Joe, Tammy and Elsie is nothing short of an honor. I know they'll agree with me when they say we put a lot into this week, including prayer. But God had an even greater investment than ours and it's our prayer that the outcome will bring Him all the glory and honor!

Please consider supporting our youth by coming tomorrow night to the Student Center at 7pm as they lead worship. It would certainly lift them up to know you are investing in our future worship leaders.

Click HERE to see our music camp blog and thanks to those who have been such a help to us this week.

Singing for Him, Susan Tuten

What does your Face show?

2009-04-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Maddie Napoletano

The word countenance comes from the Latin word continentia, which means, literally, "the way one contains oneself." The way we compose ourselves- the way we think in our hearts -- shows up on our faces. William Stidger says " A person's face is the signature of his soul."

The Bible has a remarkable number of both good and bad reflections of this truth. When Cain grew jealous of his brother Abel, the Bible says his face was downcast. (Gen 4:5) But in Psalm 43:5, the psalmist wrote, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Proverbs 15:13 says, " A joyful heart makes a cheerful face" and Eccles 8:1 says, "wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its harshness".

Hayden Holman

As we are preparing our children for their musical this Friday, that's something we talk about with them when they are singing. Are they really thinking about the words they are singing, do the truths come from their heart and show on their face? That is the way to really 'minister' with our musical. To make it real!

Please come this Friday to the high school room at 7pm to participate in our children's ministry. The musical is Rock Solid and is lots of fun. Even a stomp band element! See you then!

2009-04-10T09:14:00.001-07:00

IT'S FRIDAY.....
BUT SUNDAY'S COMIN'

Aluminum Cans for the Orphanage

2009-04-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

From Terri Clarke (cellist in orchestra):

Here's a photo of some of the children from the Casa Timoeto orphanage in Mexico with their new classroom whiteboard. Some of the money raised to purchase this came from the aluminum cans that people have brought in to the orchestra room. We take the cans to a recycling place and cash them in.

The photo was taken about 11:00 p.m., so some of the kids look tired while others look wound up!

We are still collecting cans and are saving up to get them a projector so they can show school and bible DVDs to the kids in class.

Heading out to Serve

2009-01-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

TANZANIA MISSION TEAMS

Today, January 19th, SBC sends out their first mission team of 2009! We have two separate teams heading out this month and traveling to Tanzania! The first leaves today and travels until February 4th. The second departs January 29th and returns February 6th/7th.

The first team will be partnering alongside Imara Ministries in both Mairowa and Kondoa (our adopted communities) in helping them with computer training, teacher’s workshops and curriculum, teacher’s evaluations, and sponsorship visits.

The second team will be partnering with the Imara Staff in helping them with business plans and assessing where and how they are spending funds, promoting projects, etc. They will be visiting the villages and conducting leadership meetings with Imara, Perimeter, and Joshua Teachers’ Trainings.

As the Lord brings these teams to your mind, please be in prayer for their travels, safety, energy, and the impact they will have on the leaders and teachers there!

TEAM #1

Co-TEAM LEADER: Howie Berg

Co-TEAM LEADER: Sharon Berg

Phyllis Meyer

Joel Maupin

TEAM #2

TEAM LEADER: Fred Beasley

Ron Eriksson

Bill Waddell

Joe Lindner

American Idol ...SCOTTsdale Style!

2009-01-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

That's right, from our own SCOTTsdale Bible, in SCOTTsdale Arizona, we are proud of our own SCOTT MacIntyre!! Hope you tuned in last night for the first round of American Idol that was filmed here last August. 27 contestants moved on to Hollywood. Including Scott. He went back in November and I won't tell the rest.... you have to watch! Fox, channel 10. Voting starts February 16 I think. They have removed all of his YouTube videos, but you can see him on his website and click HERE for his MySpace where there are a couple videos, if you haven't done that already.

Pray for their family
Pray for Scott's health, post kidney transplant, that he would not get sick!
Pray that God would be glorified through one of His followers!

Click on his picture to go to his website.
God bless you Scott as you sing and play for Him!

Neighborhood Ministries

2008-12-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos from our November 17th trip to serve the Monday night meal at Neighborhood Ministries. About 25 people served around 400 kids.

Check out Pam Neff's New Home

2008-12-04T18:15:00.001-08:00

Pam writes:
We are almost ready to move into our new house. We were able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with our family there even though the house was not quite ready for the final inspection (pending landscaping). This is the first house my husband has been able to build that we will get to live in after a lifetime career as a building contractor. We are working on plans for an open house warming on Jan 1st, from noon to 6pm. Come see the labor of love at 1713 E. Calle Santa Cruz, Phoenix, AZ 85022.

Morning and Evening Worship Leaders

2008-11-30T20:12:00.001-08:00

Thank You Larson family for leading us to His throne.

Christ is reflected in the faces of His worshipers.

We lift our hands as we pray for our elders to shepherd us: teaching, caring and protecting.

Cancer Walk

2008-11-26T14:20:00.001-08:00

Terri Clarke walked 60 miles in the 2008 Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk.The event is 20 miles a day for three days and was November 14th - 16th.Terri walked all 60 miles and she has participated in the walk every year since 2004.
Terri on Day 3 at the finish line with teammate Sandra

Photos:Terri and teammates on Day 3 at about mile 48 (Terri is in the middle)

Christmas Prayer Guide

2008-11-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

Pray unceasingly...This is our motto this Christmas season as we lift our requests to the Lord. We pray earnestly that the Lord will take our offerings and multiply them beyond measure. We pray that the Spirit of the Lord will descend upon our campus in a new, fresh way this Christmas. Join us as we make our requests known to God. Here's a guide to help you focus your prayers:

Our Events

Christmas in the Park
Age to Age Christmas Musical
Christmas Eve Services

Production details

-Every detail from largest to the smallest would be timely completed
that everything in the facility would work properly at each rehearsal and each performance
-Everyone God calls to the ministry of creating an honoring event/performance will respond to the call, regardless of the task
-Each and every participant, support person, technician and performer will keep the Guest of Honor in the forefront of our minds and prepare for the event/performance accordingly

Guests

-Every person God would have attend the event/performances will respond to His call.
-Every single roadblock the enemy would try to keep someone from coming would be divinely thwarted
-God would have hearts completely prepared, open and soft, to personally experience the Story of a lifetime.

Dont Quit, Keep Playing

2008-11-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music.

With the hand of God, our life's work truly can be beautiful.

So the next time you set out to accomplish great feats,

listen carefully and you can hear the voice of God whispering in your ear,

"Don't quit. Keep playing. "

Feel His loving arms around you.

Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life.

Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; he equips the called.

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's

grace.And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the reach of God's grace.

Don't Quit - Keep Playing

No Fa la la la la's Here

2008-11-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

Katelyn MacIntyre and Alex Tuten singing "Sing Noel".

Susan (me), Katelyn, Alex Tuten and Todd MacIntyre.

It was a worshipful morning, amidst the trappings of Christmas and the beauty of the tables and lighting. It was definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas. No Deck the Halls or I'll Be Home for Christmas. None of that would compare to the MacIntyre's duet of "The Prayer". It was so moving. So we sang sacred carols and had a great time working up our harmonies together.
Donna Otto was challenging and uplifting. So many wonderful ideas for the family to make new traditions with, or the encouragement to keep on with the traditions of years past. The theme was an Uncommon Feast and it was out of the ordinary to hear about the Israelites in the Old Testament when they were suffering through Pharoah's persecution, trying to escape and the uncommon ways that the Lord provided for them.
What are some uncommon or counter-culture ways you celebrate His birth? Do others know whom you celebrate by your holiday decor? Do you reach out to neighbors? Sometimes it's just easier for me to have a plan for the holidays, how to decorate, what to bake, whom to invite over, what stories to read as a family, and I don't bother to ASK my family! And I come to find out, they have their own sweet traditions we've done in the past that they'd like to do!
So that is how I will start this season. We'll have a family meeting and make a plan that includes everyone's favorite things. I hope you have purpose this season, to make it count for His kingdom. In old ways or new.

Christmas Preparation

2008-11-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Ladies,
I know this is late notice. But it was kind of late for me too. You may have seen this advertised in the church Compass already. I have been involved with Donna Otto and her Homemakers by Choice ministry for 14 years. And the last 10 or so, have been involved with her in our annual Home for Christmas event, doing music of course. But this year will be a little different in that, the MacIntyres are singing with us. Actually, I was just going to lead carols and they were doing all the music. Now Scott and Carole can't be there, but Todd and Katelyn will still sing and Alex and I will do some fun things with them. I'm looking forward to it. The whole day will be lovely. With shopping for Christmas, door prizes and the amazing, challenging, inspiring teaching of Donna Otto. You can go to the website at Homemakers by Choice to register for the event this Saturday at the Westin Kierland, from 9-2pm.

Ezekiel Saw The Wheel?

2008-11-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Well our two-wheel enthusiasts have completed the 2008 SBC Tour de New River and we have the pics to prove it.

The Heart of a Child

2008-10-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

What a privilege to worship together, and with our kids. The 3-6 grade choirs joined the Sounds of Praise Gospel Choir this morning in leading worship. It's a great opportunity to teach our children the responsibilities and privilege that comes with leading worship. "for from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks". What is in our hearts as we sing these songs? When we're singing "Lord, my heart and my soul, I give You control", do we mean it? Does it show in our lives, in our faces as we sing? Or are these just words that sound pretty to music? That's the responsibility of leading worship. That there is truth behind our lyrics. The Truth of His Word and the truth of our own hearts being vulnerable and open to worship the Author of Salvation, the One Who is Mighty to Save!

Bonnie Heng, Alex Tuten and Kathie Fox

Lizzy Tuten smiling, Jack Everroad and I see Braden Reimche!!

Emma Tuten, see Calem Reimche with the cute smile?

New Choir Member...New Grandpa

2008-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Dave Zehring! He has joined the choir this year and he just became a grandfather for the first time. Nathan Zehring was born to his son Joel on October 10 at 8lbs.5oz. Proud grandma Cindy is next to him.
I have known the Zehrings for many years from our former church the First Baptist Church of Scottsdale where he was associate pastor for many years. He is now teaching here at SBC. But more details will soon follow. We will be putting all new members' bios up very soon. As soon as YOU get them to us!
Congrats Dave and Cindy!!
(Did anyone notice how big his smile was this morning in choir?)

Update on Kevin Anvik

2008-10-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here's an email from Kevin on the recent situation with his dad:

I want to thank everyone that has already been praying for me, for my family and for my dad. Your prayers have been felt and are so, so appreciated. For those of you that don't know, my dad has been placed in hospice care. He is currently at home but we aren't sure for how long. I am traveling out to Georgia tomorrow to say goodbye. I would definitely appreciate prayer for a few things.

This will be an incredibly difficult time for my sister Nelda and my mom. My parents are living with my sister. At the same time this is an answer to prayer. My brothers and I have been talking and praying about how we can support our sister better as the doctor visits have outnumbered the days spent at home the past several months. It had been getting really hard on my sister and my mom. He now has care for at least 12 hours a day and as he gets worse he will probably go back to the hospice care facility. I would love to have you pray for my sister and mom as they will be the ones there when my dad's earthly tent finally gives up.

I would appreciate prayer for my kids and especially for my little Zach. Grandpa and him were buddies. I think it will hit my kids more when it finally happens but I know they think about it from time to time now. This is the first significant relationship that they have had to deal with this kind of loss.

Be in prayer for my wife Dawn as she has a ton on her plate right now. She has a sister that is very sick, a really good friend that has been very sick and in and out of the hospital the past several weeks, and her own health issues that have seemed to just go on and on over the past 6 months or so.

For those of you that have known some of the other things that God has been bringing us through over the past few years, you know that we know that God is good and will make everything work together. It has been an amazing journey that God has taken us on and I am sure God has used all of this to mold us a little closer to His likeness. I have no doubt that this will be the same. Thank you so much for those of you that have traveled this journey with us. We love you.

Finally for me I would covet your prayers for this next week. I have never had to do this before. I know there will be a lot of laughs and a lot of tears over the next week but I especially pray for clear direction in my discussions with my dad. My dad believes in God, he knows the Gospel, he knows why Christ came, died and was raised but I really do not know if he KNOWS God and is a Christ follower. He believes he is and that is what makes it hard. I would love to know that for sure when I come home next week. I would also love prayer next Wednesday at about noon Arizona time as that is when I will be saying my final goodbye to him in this world. I can only hope and pray that his name is or will be written in the book of life so I can one day say hello to him again someday.

I sent this to some of you a week or so ago but I thought I would send it along to the rest of you.

My dad lived an amazing life in his 98 years on this earth. He touched a lot of people, impressed his strong work ethic into us, and made friends with everyone he met. He lived through 2 World wars, the great depression, voted for countless presidents (as my brother reminded me this past weekend, he is one of the few alive today that voted for FDR 4 times!) and congressmen, and lived a life of high integrity that we are all very proud of. Most importantly he was a great father, grandfather and husband. My parents celebrated their 70th anniversary this past year. It is a life I can only hope to duplicate in some way, shape, or form.

It always seemed like it would be easier to say goodbye to a man that we knew for so many years and that lived such a full life, but I can tell you that it isn't any easier. I can't imagine how hard it will be for my oldest brother and my mom who have spent 70 years on this earth with him, but I can tell you that it is never too late to tell your kids and your parents how much you love them and you can't say it too often.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and kind thoughts. Feel free to forward this to anyone that you know, knows us and cares for us.

It Shouldn't Have Happened

2008-10-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Before I get too far into this blog, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who prayed for my parents as they lost a good portion of their house to Hurricane Ike. As an update, they are doing great. Just moved into a cute little temporary apartment and are on the verge of getting the contractor hired and underway for the rebuild. They were supported by so many friends and neighbors and prayers which circled the globe. And true to God’s merciful nature, there are just too many stories to tell about how they have been amazingly provided for in all of this.

Now all that being said, there is one story which I believe warrants attention because it carries with it the full weight of a God who does not change in relation to His people, regardless of era. When the tornado hit my folks’ home, it basically threw four trees at the roof. One particularly large pine tree landed across the bedroom portion of the house, crashing through the front end, coming out the back, and landing directly above their bed where they were “sleeping” at the time. [pictures are posted below] When the tree removal crew came out with the crane to remove the tree, they took one look at the situation and said that there was only one place on that roof where the juncture was strong enough to support a tree of that size and the tree had landed in that one spot. A couple of inches either way, and it probably would have killed my parents. If that was not enough, my Mom was told that the portion of roof above their bed had NOTHING structurally sound holding it there. It should not be there, this should not have happened the way it did and they really should be dead.

The point is – something which should not have been able to happen did happen. The laws of the natural world were once again broken by a sovereign God who more than cares for His own. I just kept thinking of the time when the people of Israel crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land for the first time. They did as God asked, put their foot in the Jordan and the water dried up. What should not have been able to happen did happen. Natural law was broken for the sake of His children so that they would have a clearer understanding of just Who was taking care of them, every step of the way. And following further instruction, each tribe took a rock from the bottom of that riverbed which should not have been dry, and built a memorial pillar so that they would never forget who they were in relation to their God.

I certainly never want to forget. I’ve asked my Mom to send me a small piece of that roof to keep for my memorial that I might never forget who I am, who my parents are, in relation to my sovereign unchanging God. I never want to forget that sometimes, in remarkable ways, what should not be able to happen can happen and it can happen in my life. What amazing thing is happening in your life and what memorial pillar can you build to never forget the awesomeness of a personal, merciful God?

God's Standard of Worship -- Part 2 -- Results

2008-09-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings again. Here is part of 2 of the Standard of Worship devotionals as promised. Many thanks to all of you praying to diligently for my parents in the loss of their house to Hurricane Ike. They are doing quite well and plans are moving forward and progress made in getting them resettled for the next year of rebuilding. There's a really great backstory behind all of this which I'll share in another blog soon. See you from the loft!

Read 1 Chronicles 16:43 – 17:17

Do the blessings end when the last note fades and the final “Amen” is heard? There are those who have not yet learned to carry their worship beyond the walls or beyond the moment. Yet for the heart committed to complete worship, the last note and the final Amen are just the beginning. For at that point, true and complete worship will spill out from the confines of the service and flow beyond the walls to continue the blessings for God and the worshiper.

David was filled with the blessings of the day. The ark had been successfully brought up to Jerusalem, the nation bound in the unity of praise and most of all, God had been glorified in a mighty way. David returned from the service of worship to his household to allow the blessings of his experience to spill over and cover his household.

David’s deep desire to please his God led him to seek God’s desires for His glorification. The bond between man and God was greatly strengthened through such worship, leaving David yearning to further honor his Lord with tangible evidence of his love – evidence which would be a visible blessing to everyone. The Lord was touched by the devoted heart of His servant king and chose to honor him, holding David in high regard according to His standard. In doing so, He blessed David with the promise of a shared throne in an eternal kingdom and David became known as a man after God’s own heart. This became David’s standard, his banner. Ages after would know him thus because he worshiped God the way God wanted to be worshiped.

Seek to worship your Lord and King the way He desires. Come to His altar prepared, ready to participate, offering up all that is within you because you love Him and want to honor Him. Learn how the Lord wants to be worshiped and bond tightly to Him in the course of that worship. Carry your worship beyond your four walls, allowing it to spill out into the world, blessing those around you. Listen carefully to the Lord when He expresses His regard for you and blesses you with His awesome promises in an eternal kingdom. For when we understand the standard of worship, our worship will become our standard, our banner, of who we are to our God and to the world.

Food for Thought:

1. According to Ezra 7:10, how did Ezra carry his worship beyond the worship service and out into his world?

2. Reading Psalm 20:5, Psalm 60:4, Song 2:4 and Isaiah 11:10, 12, what purposes does a standard, or banner, of the Lord fulfill?

3. During the exodus from Egypt, the twelve tribes of Israel each had their own banner or standard used to identify them and their place in the nation of Israel. If you were to design a banner for yourself which would identify you and your place in the world, what would you put on it and why?

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-09-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Cardboard Testimonies last Sunday, September 7th. What a powerful testimony you all brought to our congregation! It was an uplifting way to allow many people to hear our stories and be encouraged.

Here is a link to the video. Eventually we will put it on youtube but this will have to work for now. It may take awhile to open so don't be alarmed.

www.scottsdalebibledev.com/assets/sermons/video/090708_945_Signs.mp4

The Standard of Worship - Part 1 - Preparation

2008-08-28T19:38:00.001-07:00

Greetings all. I know it's been a while. As with everyone, it's busy, busy, busy these days. Given that we are just a few short days before we return to service, I thought I would share another short series from the Life of Worship devotionals. Looking forward to seeing you all from the loft!

Read 1 Chronicles 15:1-24

God has always wanted only His best for us. From the moment His finger etched out the universe, His plan has been to give us only His best so that we in turn would be able to give Him only our best. That was the standard. Perfection from God; the desire for excellence offered to God. A willing heart. A broken sacrifice. Holy fellowship. Perfect worship. Though mankind’s perfection was lost in a rebellious moment, His child’s heart never really lost the desire to worship Him perfectly. So, out of His grace, He taught us how to worship Him in an imperfect world.

Excellence in worship includes planning and preparation. David tried his very best to plan and prepare to bring the seat of the very Presence of God into their midst in a worshipful manner. But his plans were off-base, founded on what he thought God would want. Though David was a man after God’s own heart, God rejected David’s attempts because they were not founded on God’s holy standards of worship. However, David quickly learned and accepted that perfect worship is based on the perfect standards of his Lord.

David was a man of precision, wanting no detail left unattended when preparing to honor his King and Redeemer. He carefully prepared the place of worship and he readied the people. He gathered the priests and instructed them, making sure past mistakes were not repeated and they were fully consecrated to the task. Seeking to make his worship pleasing to the Father’s ear, as well as eye, David had musicians and a skillful director appointed. David was planning a pageant to honor his God and he wanted his Lord pleased.

What kind of effort do we put into our worship today? Whether corporate or individual, are detailed preparations being made or are we offering the Most High God something we have just thrown together on the spur of the moment Do we approach the alter of worship with hearts prepared and music well rehearsed? And do we strive to perfect even the smallest of details before taking our worship before the Holy One? Seek out the details in God’s standard for worship and commit to giving Him only your very best in whatever role appointed to you. Give Him a heart desiring perfection and He will see even a simple song offering as a pageant for the King.

Food for Thought:

1. In 1 Chronicles 15:1-24, consider the preparations David made to honor and worship his Lord. How would you apply those preparations to the present day situations of corporation and individual worship?

2. What other Scripture passages come to mind which reflect that preparation according to God’s standards is necessary for success in honoring God?

3. How do you prepare yourself for your church worship service? Do you believe your current method of preparation is according to the standards of God? If not, what would you change?

4. Implement at least one change to your preparations for worship this week and then note the affect it has on your worship. How did God convey to you His pleasure in your worship?

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

Summer Missions

2008-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of Rebecca and Sharon Smith on the Slovakia mission trip this summer.

We Have New Grandparents in the Choir!

2008-08-04T12:19:00.001-07:00

Warren and Margaret Soberg are in Dominican Republic to welcome their new grandchild, Kali Daniela. This is their daughter April's second child born on August 1, 2008 and weighing in at 9 lbs. 1 oz.

It's Hula 'bout them

2008-07-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Check out what the Sandfords have been up to this summer. Don't you wish you were them!

The Sandford clan had a reunion in Kauai. We spent 10 glorious days together. This all 29 of us at a luau. There was only 1 of the cousins that could not join us. It was a great time together. We did tubing, zipline tours, ATV tours, and 2 boat trips. Other than that, we spent time at the pool or on the beach. Of course there was time for shopping!! It has been 6 or 7 years since we have all been together.

This is when we arrived in Kauai. This is Keith's brother, Robert, and his family with us. Since they were flying from Canada through Phoenix, we decided to fly on the same flight from Phoenix. It was such a blast to hang with them.

Tuten's...... Vacation??

2008-07-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

I guess my summer started in May because we relaxed at the beach before Derrick started his new job June 1. (praise God!) I'd sure love to be there right now!

In June, we started some long-awaited housework.
Click HERE to see the fun. Monday, the kitchen cabinet makeover! Yikes

A highlight for June was the Saddleback conference. Click here to see Janice's blog. She wrote about it so well!

July: one of my sons turned 13, then I headed to CA at the last minute to help my brother move into their new home. Work and play...... Click here to see the fun.

Vacation Report, Part 2

2008-07-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

The next report is in. Now, I know that this is not a group that just picks a rock to sleep under for the summer. Even if you're doing something locally versus away from home, let us know what fun things you're up to. If we can keep each other up to date here, maybe we won't have so much to chat about during that first rehearsal come August. Imagine Joe's/Bruce's surprise! But on to today's fun stuff -- here's Joyce Page's report. Rejoice with her!

My son, Jeremy, graduated from Hunter College in New York City. The ceremony was at Radio City Music Hall. He now has a Master's Degree in Economics with a Minor in Spanish and Math (with honors). He is looking for a job doing statistical analysis. If anyone has any contacts in NYC, let me know. We had a great time and big family party. Joyce Page

Hind's Feet (?) on High Places

2008-07-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well the first vacation report is in -- mine. I just got back from cool Colorado where the entire Texas/Arizona/Florida branches of the Clan Hannay Society met to celebrate my parents' 50th Anniversary. We had a great time riding the Durango-Silverton train, hiking and doing all of those essential mountain things (although no Sound of Music moments). And I made a few discoveries along the way: (1) I found out I can drive a car with bad tires up and down a windy mountain fire road successfully. Of course it helps immensely if you don't know the tires are bad until you get back down. (2) I stopped in on my property up there while I was in the neighborhood and met with a well driller to see about getting development started. There I discovered that I have the "gift" of "water witching." Now before you get concerned about the term and what it means, there is apparently a scientific base to this which involves electromagnetic fields. I don't fully understand it, but maybe one of you science-types can explain it to me. It was really an amazing experience. I thought that willow branch was going to complete scrape up my hands when we found the water. In any case, it appears God is going to bless me with water where we thought there was none, at least for a short well. We actually found an underground stream at about 60 feet deep only 10 feet off the road. Yippee!! We all had a great time and plan on doing it again next year.

Below are some pictures from my trip. I'll be looking for your reports and pictures to show up soon.

Baby Girl Bubar is Here

2008-07-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Joe, Kristina and Joey, Willie and Benji, on the arrival of the newest beautiful Bubar!!

Charlotte (is it Rose?) arrived Sunday, July 6 at 12:38pm
She is 8lbs.4oz. and 20 inches long.

They are at Scottsdale Healthcare-North

Hopefully I will get some pics here for you to see her. Better yet, you can call and bring them a meal!!

Together at Last

2008-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

At last, the Johnson 5 are together, home, starting their life together in a new place, but together. Just thought you'd like to see these photos if you didn't see them on Cate and Sean's blog. Please pray for their transition as they begin a "new normal". Pray for God to show you sensitivity for what their needs are and how to welcome their beautiful daughters to our family of God.

Pictures by Dawn Gregg

It's Elementary

2008-06-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings all. It's only a matter of weeks until we hit that season when the time-honored (at least since elementary school) question is posed -- What did you do over the summer? In order to help us keep in touch with each other even from the far-flung reaches of the universe (or at least planet Earth), I will start posting your "what I did this summer" essays with pictures. Just e-mail me a short blurb about what you've been doing and if possible include some pictures and I'll post them. So even if you can't make it out of town, you can at least take a vicarious mental vacation. Just e-mail your submissions to khannay@e-cler.com. I'll kick it off next week with with a report from the ranch.

Saddleback Worship Conference 08

2008-06-27T20:01:00.001-07:00

Back row, L to R: Keegan and Audra Krell, Chris Larson, Steve Stipech, Sean Johnson, Sachi Kurtz. Janice Cook, Tammy Reimche, Michael Bibelheimer, Niki Devine,
front: Leslie Doan, Susan Tuten, Sandee Coppolla

Annaleise. Kim and Dave

Kelsie Doan and Alex Tuten

Budge and Elsie

Chris Larson, Brad Gregg, Sean Johnson
not pictured: Curt Huette, sorry Curt!

More pics to come of our amazing week.... stay tuned.

The Three Tenors - Together Again!

2008-06-05T21:58:00.001-07:00

My apologies to Bob Cook for the tardiness in posting his submission!

Several years ago Harold & Margaret Meyering (from the SBC Choir & Orchestra, respectively) moved to the Portland, OR area to be closer to family and to build a B & B. The B & B is nearly finished and 2 rooms are open for guests. So, over the Mother’s Day holiday two other former SBC Choir tenors, Jerry Musgrave & Bob Cook, and their wives went to Portland for a visit with Harold & Margaret. Here are photos from their visit. If you would like to see what’s going on with the Meyering’s at the Cornerstone B&B, log on to their web site: http://www.cornerstonebedandbreakfast.com/index.htm

My Brother Married a Beauty Queen

2008-06-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up, the importance of beauty could be measured by looking at the heart. You never dress to draw attention to yourself. So we had a great time poking fun at the beauty pageants. It just seemed like a big show of outward appearances. But God can use anyone, in any situation, to accomplish His will.

Enter my brother, announcing to the family that his fiancee was Miss Idaho and they had met because she had a model and talent search company.

Shocking! My sister and I joked about writing a book called "My Brother Married a Beauty Queen" because it was SO far removed from our lives. My brother even told his fiancee that we didn't wear makeup and made our own clothes. I don't know what Amish farm he grew up on, it wasn't our house though.

Sheri Rose has had an amazing ministry in the last 20 plus years, to hurting women who have believed the lie that they are not beautiful. But to God, they are precious treasures. God has used her in a mighty way in that arena.

Last night on channel 15 (ABC) the Billy Graham Special aired, sorry I'm late. But it will air again on TBN. Click HERE for the schedule.

Or watch the preview HERE. (scroll up)

Sheri's ministry is His Princess

Revelation Song

2008-05-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is such a powerful song. I am so moved deep in my spirit when I sing it with you all, but when I listened to it, God's almighty blessing was evident again!!

Take a moment to ADORE HIM today, He is HOLY, WHO WAS AND IS AND IS TO COME!!
(Indiana Bible College)

Mother's Day Props

2008-05-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

We need your help! Tammy is planning a really nice vignette for the Mother's Day service which requires some props. First, we really need two small working fountains, something bigger than a table top fountain but smaller than what you'd find in the park. Obviously they need to be portable. We are planning on creating a small garden spot on either side of the platform. Janice Cook is painting what I'm sure will be some stunning garden scene panels for backdrop. To complete the scene, we would like to gather as many colorful flower bowls/pots, etc. to create two authentic garden spots. If you could please allow us to borrow the products of your green thumbs we would appreciate it. Please plan on bringing in the plants next week, if possible on Wednesday or Thursday. You can either drop them off at the office or else bring them to rehearsal. Be sure to put your name on the bottom of the containers so we can get the plants back to their proper homes.

And now we can prove that even playing in the dirt is an act of worship!

Oooops

2008-04-27T15:33:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention that the first meeting is MAY 8TH at 7:00 p.m. Brain-cramp. Yikes!

All I Wannabe...

2008-04-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings all. I know it's been a while but I am FINALLY cardboard-free!! Yippee. I'm firmly settled in the new house and ready to get back to the important stuff like worship and communication. With that thought in mind, I wanted to let you know about a new opportunity on the horizon at SBC. Gloria Graham and I are investigating starting a SBC writer's group. We wanted to create a venue for budding writer/editor-types to come together and provide resources, critiquing, encouragement and experience-wisdom for those who like to write and would like to get that writing "out there." At this early stage, we are envisioning meeting maybe twice a month, but at this precise moment we have scheduled a formation meeting for Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the church. We don't have a meeting room yet we'll keep you posted. If this is something that you would be interested in or have any questions, please contact me. Have a great week and I'll see you from the loft.

Break My Plans

2008-04-09T07:56:00.001-07:00

For those of you who enjoyed This Hope a few weeks back, here's a wonderful video they did in 2005. I just wanted to share it, I guess because my husband is in his job-search mode and it's a great reminder to me, "not my will but Yours Father God". Wherever we are, that I would be used by You.

Break my plans, shape my heart,
take my will to where You are.
Move my mind, through Your will,
til all that I am, lives to love You Lord.

Housing APB

2008-04-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings all -- Joan Stempski is sending out a plea for housing needs for the California Baptist Choir and Orchestra on the evening of April 11th. From the lists I saw on Sunday morning, we are woefully short of what we need. Having had the opportunity to do this with the first group who came through in February, I highly recommend it. The gals I hosted were a lot of fun and I wished we had had more time together. I expect the same blessings this time around as well. And for those of us who were blessed to be on the receiving end of housing arrangements in Argentina and Romania, this is the perfect opportunity to provide Kingdom reciprocation.

So.... the details are:

Beds for 100+ are needed for the evening of April 11, 2008. The students would need to be picked up after the concert, approx. 8:30 p.m., taken home to a light snack & sleep. Then they'll need breakfast & a brown bag lunch & need to be returned to church in the 8 a.m.ish hour on Sat. morning the 12th.

We really need your help and if you know of anyone else non-worship ministry related who could help in this, please put in a good word and have them contact us! Please contact Joan Stempski at 602-320-1679 or JoanSReax@aol.com.

And if you're wondering what potential blessings might await you for your willing participation, check out 1 Kings 17:10-24. You just never know what God is going to do with a little hospitality.

See you from the loft!

Just a Little More Cute, for Kristina

2008-03-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

Bubar Boys

2008-03-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

I'd say it's about time for a new post here! Wow it's been a while.

Since I'm having fun (and so are my kids) with the adorable Bubar boys while Kristina is in Manitoba, I thought I'd share some CUTE with you. And they are CUTE and MORE.

All three in the backseat of my Yukon, Joey was waving his palm fran and singing about sheep saying BAA and following Jesus, and he tore the palm fran. So sweetly he turned to Willy and said, "Willy I'm so sorry I tore your palm leaf".

Willy looked at it and quickly said, "it's okay, I'm sure we can find some tape at the Tuten's, or maybe they have a hot glue gun." And for the 3rd time in the last 10 minutes, after already telling his dad in the parking lot, we got to hear about the amazing hot glue gun in class today.

What sweet spirits they have.

Benji playing peek a boo

We also stopped at a friend of Joey's from school (Zachary Morelock's) and they carefully questioned me as to what I had said on the phone. Do we get to go inside? Will we be staying there? Will we play for a while? I told them we'd only stay for about 10 minutes since Mr. Tuten (aka my own personal Emeril) was home barbecuing burgers and hot dogs and even mahi mahi. They were both quick to say, YEA I love cheeseburgers and stuff!!!
So when time came to get going from the Morelock's (Spiderman and Batman outfits on of course) they willingly said, Okay!!

"glibblu, daniyl, elulwu" means "I want what's in there, NOW!"

"there it is, this is what I wanted"

Joe and Kristina, you're doing a great job with these little men. They are so respectful and obedient. We're glad to be with you in this journey and we're looking forward to a little Bubar girl. When I asked Joey and Willy about a baby sister. Joey said" Yes, I'm getting excited about it, but I don't think Willy is yet." If they can dress her up and shoot her, all will be well!!

The New Willmington Grandchild

2008-02-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

Ed and Mary Lou Willmington are the proud grandparents of AJ Ferreira. You can view photos of him and keep track of at Cami and Gus's website:

http://theferreiratimes.blogspot.com/

Matt Rich's Grandmother Passed Away

2008-02-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

Matt's Grandma Johnson passed away in the Chicago area. It was his mom's mom. We'll try to get more details later.

John Peterson Memorial DVD's

2008-02-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Bob Cook, our resident tape center expert, has informed me that the Media Center now has the DVD of the John W. Peterson Memorial which was on October 6, 2006. These DVDs may be purchased for $5.00 each and may be ordered through the Media Center.

2 Johnson girls are home!

2008-01-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Cate and Johnson made a turnaround trip to Haiti last week to pick up 2 of their three girls. This is so exciting! There's much more info and photography on their blog:

http://cateandsean.blogspot.com/

New Bible Study for Artists--Spread the Word!

2008-01-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

We have recently developed an Artists in Community group for all artists at SBC. We have a database of about 28 people so far! Janice Cook is starting a Bible study for anyone interested. Here's the information from Janice:

“The Creative Call” Bible Study
Facilitator: Janice Cook
Beginning Monday, January 28, 2008
7:00pm to 8:30pm

Perhaps you're a "closet writer" who's been scribbling in journals for years. Maybe you once had a passion for playing an instrument--a passion that is still flickering somewhere deep inside you. You may have a knack for photography, drawing, gardening, cooking, or some other creative gift. Or you may long to express yourself creatively, but have yet to discover your unique talents. Your creativity was meant be used. Whether you are an artist who has already identified your gifts or you believe that you have artistic talent that has never been developed, working through this book will help you grow closer to becoming the person God has designed you to be. If you want to build a stronger relationship with God and start new relationships with other artists, this study is for you. We hope you will join us.

We plan on meeting the last Monday of each month – the room number will be announced soon. You will need to purchase your own book; you can find some good deals on Amazon.com.

For our first meeting please RSVP so that we can have enough welcome packets available. We hope to see you there.

Update on Bonnie's Son-in-law

2008-01-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

You may or may not know that Bonnie VanProoyen's son-in-law, Robert, has been battling amputation due to diabetes. Here's what Bonnie writes as an update:

Robert and Sandra were at the Little Rock, Ar. V A hospital early this morning for the surgery scheduled for 10 A.M. They didn't do the surgery until 2:45 P.M. It was such a long day of waiting. They cut the front part of his right foot with the toes, and the Doctor told them it was a success! Praise the Lord!!! They finally got him in a room about 7 P.M. and then he could have some food. They think they cut out all of the infection that was in the bone, and hopefully, will get the results back tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then it won't be available until Monday, as usually, nothing much happens over the weekend in hospitals.

God provided Sandra with a special blessing in the waiting room. A Baptist Bible study group came to stay with someone from their church, whose husband was having surgery. It was so good for Sandra, feeling so alone and so far from home, to be with fellow believers. One couple even invited Sandra to spend the night at their home, but she elected to go back to the motel. God is so good!!!

We can't thank you all enough for all your concern, compassion, and prayers. Sandra wants you to know how much she felt your prayers, and how God gave her and Robert such peace through it all. We say so often, what would we do if we didn't have the Lord!!! We are so thankful and so blessed!!!

Suffering Worship

2008-01-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings boys and girls. So sorry for the long delay in posting. Just when you think you've recovered from the holidays, life grabs you by the shoulders and tries to shake you senseless. I think it almost worked too. This is the first day of the year I've been able to break away from the workload and come up for air. But that is a good thing. In any case, given the prayer requests which have been offered up recently, it doesn't take much to realize that suffering is taking a prominent place in many of our lives. That said, one of the hardest and greatest aspects of suffering can be maintaining deep worship throughout the experience. If suffering worship is offered up, the results will be amazing. Just ask Job.....

Read Job 6:8-10

His life seemed shattered beyond repair. Everything had been stripped away except the gaping hole in the heart which seemed to fester more with each passing minute. Such agony and loss; it was almost impossible to comprehend. Well-meaning friends tried to help, offering tidbits of advice that brought no comfort and actually patronized and condemned. Pain upon pain. This fragmented soul wanted nothing more than to dig a grave of despair in the ash heap that was now life.

Gazing heavenward, a choice had to be made. A choice to succumb to the anguish which no one seemed to understand or a choice to trust in a God who seemed to have turned His back. Every fiber of his being wanted to give into the taunting pain and yet . . . the adoration, the worship. It had always been there, had always been the life spring. And now despite the pain, the adoration could not be given up. Even in the tragedy, God could not be denied and rejoicing was necessary. Summoning up an unknown courage, anguished sobs broke forth praising the God of the universe, the Lord of these circumstances, the Holy One of his life.

Somehow, piercing through the worship, this battered life realized that the Holy One had lived this very pain with him as well. His words of rejoicing formed a healing balm for the heart, soothing the jagged edges, closing the wounds and healing the life with an adoration never before experienced. So where there was tragedy, now there was triumph. Where there was grief, now there was consolation and comfort. Where there was loss, now there was a life redeemed by the very presence of God. And what could have been wasted affliction, wasted life, became Glory revealed.

Food for Thought:

1. What do the following verses teach us about the purpose of suffering? Psalm 25:17-18; Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Corinthians 12:26; 2 Corinthians 1:5-7; Philippians 3:10-11; James 1:2-3

2. What do you learn about heart attitude during suffering from these verses?

3. What does Ecclesiastes 7:3-4 mean to you?

4. Recall the most recent time you have had to endure great suffering in your life and make notes about how it affected your worship life. What would you like to do differently the next time you must experience great suffering?

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

Snow Ball Fight

2007-12-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

What fun to watch our fellow singers and orchestra members playing in the snow! Look out for our 2 head conductors! They were vicious, but all in good fun! Hope there's still a spot for me in choir after this little video!

Snowball Fight!

The Christmas Dream

2007-12-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the land of Longhorns, longnecks and all things Large (Texas for those of you who've never been). I am firmly immersed in Christmas with my entire family and relishing the moments. However, I did want to share some musings from Christmases past. Especially in light of Pastor Jamie's great message today which revealed that the first Christmas really wasn't anything like an 8 x 10 glossy. In any case, hope it speaks to your heart. Merry Christmas!

Read Matthew 1:20-25

He awoke with a start. Laying quietly on his sleeping mat, his heart was racing as he tried to sort through the strange impressions that had awakened him. He had been dreaming, or so he thought. The struggles and stresses of the last few weeks had finally taken their toll, leaving him exhausted. He remembered collapsing on the bed with the decision in his mind to quietly divorce his wife. It seems the only compassionate thing to do since she was carrying a dream he couldn’t understand. And as his eyes closed, he remember, his heart had never seemed further from his God.

Yet now … the dream . . . the angel . . . the words of God explaining her vision – God’s vision. His heart continued to surge on, but not with the anguished confusion of misunderstanding. Now he was pulsating with a life and love he had never experienced before. He jumped up from the mat and began pacing the small room, slapping the back of his right hand into the palm of his left. With each rhythmic slap, the dream began to crystallize in his mind and a passion began to invade his heart. This dream was not merely an illusion of the night but rather the revelation of God since the beginning of time, come to pass. And God had asked him to share the dream, to actually participate in its fulfillment.

God was actually sharing His dreams with him and his wife. Even more, the thought gripped him, God was going to live with them, care for them, love them in a way no one else had ever experienced. He would be with them. His knees nearly buckled as he headed for the door. God must really love the world more than they could fathom to create and complete such a plan as this. It really was beyond comprehension.

He ripped open the door as the dawn began to break over the rugged horizon. He stopped for a moment and took in the sleeping village as though for the first time. It looked different now. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath of the crisp air and breathed out a prayer of thanks; for he now saw the world with the passion of his God’s vision. Quietly shutting the door, he raced down the path to find his wife and tell her the Love Incarnate had come down and God was with them.

Food for Thought:

1. According to the following verses, what are God’s dreams (or plans) for us and how do we share in them? John 3:16, John 10:28, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:10-14

2. What is the dream that you perceive God would have you share with Him this Christmas season and how will you work with Him to see that dream fulfilled? How does the sharing of this dream with Him draw you closer to Him?

Copyright © 2000 by Kimberly K. Hannay
All rights reserved.

Some Holiday Cheer!

2007-12-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Click on the photo and turn up the sound... Thanks Dick!

Christmas Festival on Main Street

2007-12-20T11:40:00.001-08:00

This was our first ever attempt at a Christmas Festival for our whole church. We were well-pleased with the attendance and it was a good time for our church body to spend some time together at the busy holiday season. Here's the Bethlehem petting zoo.
The Salvation Army provided Christmas music on the mall and it was very good! They really know how to play! It lended a festive atmosphere to the afternoon.
The main attraction was the snow hill put on by children's ministry. A semi-trailer backed onto the sidewalk and a snow-making machine was filled with bags of ice cubes for about an hour. The machine spit out this pile of snow which covered a mountain of hay bales. I believe some of the snow is still out there today 5 days after the festival. Imagine that--the facilities staff had to shovel snow in the courtyard!

JOY! Photo Gallery

2007-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

This cello section is rocking!

Janice Cook spent about 43 hours preparing these canvases (hand made by Joel Maupin) for the musical plus she painted during the musical. Unfortunately, the choir and orchestra were busy and unable to see this happening. It was really quite moving with the painting magnified on the large screens on top of the actual screens. It looked like floor to ceiling artwork. Way to to Janice and Joel! I also understand that Janice's daughter, Jennifer, with baby in a backpack came to help paint as well as Kelly Crum and Sarah Stewart.
This is our best reincarnation of John Tesh Live at the Red Rocks!
Check out the symmetry in the horn section!
How about those tubas?
Joe is really intense at this point of the musical.

Buddy Campbell's Sister Passed Away

2007-12-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Buddy (wife is Sheree) Campbell's 48-year-old sister passed away suddenly last week. The memorial service was this past Monday at Bethany Bible Church. We need to remember this family in our prayers.

Kitchen on the Street

2007-12-20T10:47:00.001-08:00

Cheryl Woodring is involved with an organization that is similar to Neighborhood Ministries. She would like to share some of the information with us to provide an opportunity to serve.

Kitchen on the Street helps those who cannot help themselves. By providing food to children and families in crisis, we offer a hand up... not a hand out. And in the process, we share help and hope with those struggling to rise above poverty and despair.

The need has never been more urgent...

In 2005, 12.9 million children under the age of 18 were in poverty.
In fiscal year 2005, 50% of children were food stamp recipients.
According to the USDA, an estimated 12.4 million children lived in food insecure households in 2005.
During the 2005 federal fiscal year, 17.5 million low-income children received free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program. Unfortunately, just under 2 million of these same income-eligible children participated in the Summer Food Service Program that same year.

Research indicates that even mild undernutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth impacts the behavior of children, their school performance, and their overall cognitive development.

Kitchen on the Street is turning hunger into hope... one child at a time!

Through partnerships with Phoenix schools, we are providing at-risk children BAGS OF HOPE containing nutritious food and a message of love and encouragement.

You can click here to visit their website for more information:

http://www.kitchenonthestreet.org/home.html

JOY!

2007-12-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here's one of the musical photos taken by Matt Rich on Thursday night. I'm going to try to have prints available this Wednesday night.

Need Babysitters on Christmas Eve!

2007-12-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have a couple of hours they could give to babysit the Bubar and Larson kids on Christmas Eve? The parents are all involved in the services and childcare is needed for 6 kids. Ideally, it would be nice for someone to go to their homes and care for the children since the programs are late. Let us know if you have any ideas.

Maybe For Next Year...

2007-12-16T11:30:00.001-08:00

The Gift of Giving

2007-12-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I warned you that I could feel a blogging itch coming on. So here you go. Just my thoughts for the season (this week). Merry Christmas!
------------
I love giving gifts. In fact, I love giving gifts far more than I love receiving them. My preference has always been to pick out a gift which uniquely speaks to the recipient; something useful, meaningful which in the future brings our special relationship to mind, hopefully with a smile. Consequently, I’m not a big fan of the gift card/cash gift thing. It’s hard for me to imagine the recipient feeling a special connection with the giver from a self-selected gift. But again, that’s just me.

In my gift-giving career, I’ve probably encountered just about every possible experience. There have been the gifts which were a huge hit and some which, while useful, may not have been as “fun” as others. There were those gifts I have given which I thought were really great gifts and they wound up either exchanged or in the back of a cabinet, never to see the light of day again. And some of those gifts were even regifted back to me with the passing of time.

It’s those gifts which I so carefully chose for the recipient, the ones that I thought were so perfect, useful, meaningful, and never got used or appreciated, those are the gifts which brought such a sense of disappointment. And nothing brought greater joy than to see the perfect gift not only accepted, but embraced, used and truly appreciated by the receiver.

I have to believe that God’s gift-giving experience is pretty on point to our own human experience. Consider how much He loves to give gifts to us. Of course, there was the gift of His Son and His monumental sacrifice on our behalf in order for us to attain the gift of salvation. Then there are the spiritual gifts, the gifts of skills and talents, the myriad of blessings which blanket our days. The list goes on. Big or small, the gifts we receive from God are all carefully chosen by Him as the perfect present, unique for the receiver, personal, useful, meaningful and above all, chosen to bring the Giver to mind with its use.

How do we receive God’s gifts? Do we give them a cursory acknowledgment; use them to our benefit with no thought of the effort taken by the Giver? Do we try to exchange our gift because, while we appreciate the thought, it’s just not exactly what we think we want? Do we accept His gifts and then push them far back in the cabinet of our lives to collect dust and perhaps deteriorate from lack of use? Or worst of all, do we ever try to “regift” something to God, forgetting who gave it to us in the first place, trying to pawn it off as an offering of our own making? I can’t even imagine how saddened our Giver must be in such cases given the perfection of thought which went into the selection of the gift by the One who only gives good things to His children. And how disappointing it must be when He chose the gift specifically as a reminder of our relationship together.

So what do I want for Christmas? I want to be a gracious recipient of my Lord’s gifts, receiving them, acknowledging the thoughtfulness of His perfect choice, using them, cherishing them as He intended, in such a way that His gift-giving experience with me brings great joy to His heart. What do you want for Christmas?

We're Down to the Wire

2007-12-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

Well, we're getting down to crunch time with the CMDs (Christmas Musical Details). So it's time to lay this one on the alter, blanketed in the incense of prayer. The following is a suggested list of areas we can lift up to the Lord. Be specific in your requests and be ready to share with others how God responded to your specifics. Answered prayer is what will carry the musical far beyond the four walls of the sanctuary.

Production details
· that every detail from largest to the smallest would be timely completed
· that everything in the facility would work properly at each rehearsal and each performance
· that everyone God calls to the ministry of creating an honoring performance will respond to the call, regardless of the task
· that each and every support person, technician and performer will keep the Guest of Honor in the forefront of our minds and prepare for the performance accordingly

Guests
· that every person God would have attend the performances will respond to His call.
· that every single roadblock the enemy would try to keep someone from coming would be divinely thwarted
· that God would have hearts completely prepared, open and soft, to personally experience the Story of a lifetime.

Enemy banishment
· that God, if He wills, He would see fit to banish Satan from the campus during the week of the performances
· And that, if God allows the enemy’s presence during this time, He would empower us to immediately spot the presence and employ the weapons of praise and thanksgiving.

AM Worship Teams' Christmas Dinner

2007-12-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you Tammy for dinner and a little down time.
It was refreshing to just hang out and enjoy each other.

Does Gary Doan know his wife Leslie can handle a power tool?

How could Bob K possibly get through life WITHOUT ever having played charades??

And how did a pretty Japanese girl (Sachi) learn to make Italy's Tiramisu? Yummmm.

And just because Tammy is amazing on the keyboards, does that necessarily mean she can speak with her hands? What do you think?

And you should see Kristina's version of 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree'. Too bad I was too slow with the camera!

Check out Our Own Men's Quintet

2007-12-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've heard of a brass quintet before, but have you heard of a men's quintet? Well, to be sure, this isn't your garden variety men's group--it's a quartet plus one! They provided music at the wedding of Matt Brown (Steve/Linda's son) and Tina Riggs this past Saturday at the Arboretum (in a bit of a rain storm I hear). Pictured are Matt Yokoyama, Jack Hart, Pete Megyesi, David Stauffer and BJ Peters. Can you identify the accompanist? Well actually....she's an alto section leader but I won't name the name.

thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you...

2007-11-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

I typed it as many times as I could. So many thanks to all of you who have helped in so many ways as we prepare for Christmas. It started with the tree brigade which was a huge success. Then, it moved to the team of decorators I've been working with since September--8 of them in all including our own Niko Pagni and Gerald and Twyla Dudley. Our Christmas installation is complete after 4 total days of working by the decorating team, a group of Hearty Soul volunteers and many of your helping hands. I think it looks fabulous thanks to the efforts of so many good folks. We do this to inspire others to worship the Lord through the beauty of our surroundings. May the Lord be lifted up this season at SBC!

PS I almost hate to throw this in, but I'm really hoping we can keep the momentum for the tear-down on Thursday, January 3rd. Also, I'd like to do a reverse brigade back to the chapel after choir/orch on Wednesday, January 9th. Can you put these dates down on your calendar?

Alert, Alert--Another New Choir Member!

2007-11-30T16:29:00.001-08:00

Here's choir member Matt Rich holding their new china doll, Rebecca Lillian Rich, born on Thursday morning. Here's what Mom Jodie writes:

Our baby girl, Rebecca Lillian, has arrived.
Here are a few pictures from the hospital. We will get some updates on our website further in the month http://members.cox.net/jodierich1/index.html as well as updating the entire site.
I’ve enjoyed calling her “Lilly” while she’s been in my belly because I LOVE that name (and the capital L is one of my favorite letters to write in cursive!). We’ll soon be letting you know what we decide to call her on a regular basis now that she is here.

Rebecca Lillian’s Stats:
Date of birth – 11-29-07
Weight - 4 lbs 14 oz
Length - 19 in
Time of arrival - 12:55 PM

Rebecca Lillian and Jodie are at PV hospital and doing fine. Congratulations Matt and Jodie!

We Have a New Grandma in the Choir!

2007-11-30T16:24:00.000-08:00

This must be a mistake--Kimberly's not old enough to be a grandma, is she? Her daughter Megan had a small blessing and Kimberly is shown holding the newborn. Congratulations, Kimberly! AND, not only that, Kimberly also got married! That's a lot of excitement in a short span of time. So, from now on, we'll have to remind ourselves to call her Kimberly Scott!

Sunday Details

2007-11-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings Boys and Girls -- Just in case you missed it, the details of Sunday 12/2 are:

Attire:
Men -- coats and ties
Ladies -- winter colors

call time: 7:45 a.m. for choir (watch the white board for rehearsal/soundcheck location)
(Sorry Orchestra -- I didn't catch your time, but assume it's your normal time)

And if I'm not mistaken, I believe this is the first Sunday of Advent. Stay tuned. I can feel a blogging itch coming on so I should have a new 2 AM thought to post soon.
See you from the loft!

COMPLETE WORSHIP – PART III – GIVING OF YOUR TREASURES

2007-11-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings again. The following devotional addresses the third aspect of complete worship -- giving. Many years ago, while studying Leviticus, particularly the laws about tithing, I was struck with the thought of what my life would look like if I actually "tithed" a portion of everything in my life, not just money. A giving back of everything God had given me -- material possessions, talents, capabilities, time, etc. It's a startling thought when you think of the details of life. In any case, hope the devotional speaks to you.

Read Luke 21:1-4

So many thoughts flooded her mind as she shuffled through the crowd on her way to the treasury. She reached up and drew her shawl closer under her chin, wishing she could disappear beneath the folds of the garment which was really little more than a rag. She glanced around, afraid of meeting the hard, sometimes condemning, eyes of the wealthy ones who had come to add their gifts to the Temple treasury. How she wished she had more to give. How she hoped that her paltry offering would not be an offense or an embarrassment to her God.

She had been alone for so long. Ten lingering years without her beloved husband. For ten years she had gazed at his favorite bench by the fire, smoothed the already smooth covers of his side of the sleeping mat. In her misery and pain, so many times she had called out to her God to deliver her from this existence. And time and again, she had experience a comfort and a Presence, even a Hand stroking her brow and holding her close. Slowly, little by little, she was trading her pain for rejoicing, trading her longing for her Jehovah.

This morning, as she once again straighten their sleeping mat and dusted that bench, she was filled with an overwhelming desire to show her Lord how much she loved and appreciated His comfort and caring of this poor, humble widow. Almost frantic she searched her meager house looking for something, anything that she could offer at the Temple which would be worthy of her Beloved Companion. Finding nothing, she took her last two copper coins from a little wooden box on the shelf. Placing her shawl over her head, she acknowledge to herself that offering up those coins meant she could buy no food for the coming days and that very possibly she might starve. But her desire to honor her Lord was stronger than any hunger she could feel and so she left, gripping those coins tightly in her hand.

As she wound her way slowly through the courtyard, still clenching those paltry, precious coins, she was surrounded by so many of high position. She approached the treasury, feeling many eyes on her. If only she could make her offering without being seen. Why did so many see her station in life as an offense? With a trembling hand, she reached out and released the small copper coins, heard their thin little clink against the collection plate. She had given all she had and now all she wished was for something more to offer, not because of those who were watching her, but because her Jehovah deserved so much more. She turned to go with tears in her eyes, and sensing the familiar comfort, she looked up and saw eyes of compassion gaze upon her. Her heart quickened at the sight of this kind Man, and as He raised his hand and gestured toward her with a slight nod, something in her recognized the Hand that had stroked her brow and held her close for so long. With her head held high, and a feeling of sweet blessing enveloping her heart, the humble widow hurried home knowing that she was no longer destitute. Rather she had received riches beyond measure, for she knew that Jehovah Himself had accepted her offering.

Food for Thought:

1. Summarize in a few short sentences the instruction you receive about giving to God from the following verses: Deuteronomy 15:10, Proverbs 25:21, Matthew 6:21, Mark 12:43 and Luke 6:38.

2. What are your greatest treasures? When and how have you given them up to God? What were the results?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. How do you see this Scripture being fulfilled in your own life right now?

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

Come Saturday Morning

2007-11-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Don't forget we have a VIR (Very Important Rehearsal) coming up on Saturday morning, November 17th. Yes, that's this coming Saturday. Rehearsal starts at 8:30 am and runs to 10:00 am. Plan on arriving at 8:15 am and we will have available the all essential triple C -- Coffee and Church Calories! Also don't forget to bring that electrifying member of your family to help with the Christmas lighting crews that morning. They too will have breakfast available and rumor has it they are assembling at the Guest Services Desk (the big round one) in the Courtyard. Best yet, if you are able, plan on sticking around to help with lights when rehearsal is finished. Be there or be square. Look forward to seeing you!

Complete Worship - Part 2 -- Communion

2007-11-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

The second aspect of worship which came from John Politan's message on complete worship had to do with communion - that unique, special, holy, deeply personal interaction with the Creator of the Universe. It is always amazing to me that this Creator, this Lover of our souls, chose me, chose you, to be His best friend.

Read Exodus 33:8-17

He was his best friend. His confidant, his motivator, his guide. They did almost everything together – ate together, rested together, faced adversity together, cried together, planned and prepared together. It was a relationship that captivated everyone who witnessed it. And for those who truly understood the depth of the communion, they secretly (and sometimes openly) wished for such a relationship for themselves.

It was a friendship built on love and caring, mutual respect and the complete adoration of one for the Other. They called each other by their own special names and nothing brought more pleasure than spending long stretches of uninterrupted time in the other’s company. They were of great value to each other.

Such was the fellowship that he could not live without; the tie that bound up his life and made it possible to continue. And he knew that he could not, would not, take one single step without being linked to the side of his faithful Friend. It was a relationship which had seen them through so many hard times and brutal attacks and brought the joy and peace to his life.

This was a relationship of inspiration; for through this loving friendship, he drew closer and closer until mind and heart and soul melded with Spirit, and the people saw and arose and worshipped the One who made all things possible. So he basked in the glow of his Pillar, his Fire, and he knew that nothing was as important as spending this day together and looking forward to what tomorrow would bring, together. Yes – He was his Best Friend.

Food for Thought:

1. From the following verses, what aspects do you see are needed to cultivate a best friend relationship with Jesus Christ? Psalm 133:1; John 15:13-14; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:16; Philippians 2:1-2; Philippians 3:10

2. Who do you consider to be your best friend? What elements of this relationship cause you to consider that person to be your best friend?

3. What kind of friendship do you have with Jesus Christ? Is He an acquaintance, a good friend or your very best friend? What have the two of you done together recently to continue the bonding process of great friendship?

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

Sunday Morning Reminder

2007-10-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder to everyone that we need to be in place for rehearsal on Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. in the loft or on the platform as the case may be. Attire is solid fall colors -- no ties guys. See ya there!

Canon in D Dad

2007-10-25T21:33:00.001-07:00

This one's for you JOE. Well, and all you parents out there who are tired when you get up in the morning!!
Canon in D Dad

Complete Worship - Part 1 -- Serving

2007-10-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well it's apparently feast or famine in blogland. And right now we are feasting with Susan's prayer-provoking updates on the tragic situation in California and my late-night rambling thoughts. However, I wanted to share with you some thoughts which grew out of a really great message John Politan gave a number of years ago addressing the three aspects of worship -- Serving, Communion and Giving. Beginning today, over the next week or so, I'll post the devotionals that grew out of that message. Hope you find it meaningful and maybe even a little bit fun.

Read John 13:12-17

The waitress picked up her tray and with a spring in the step of her very tired feet, headed over to the table where her newest customers sat. Her naturally sunny disposition beamed forth, “Hi folks. Welcome to JC’s Diner, the home of heavenly portions. How are ya’ll doin’ today? My name’s Mary, and it’s a joy for me to wait on ya’ll today.” The customers, not used to such exuberance in all-night diner staff simply stared at her in a moment of surprise. Mary, undeterred by their quizzical looks, just kept going. “We’ve got several specials today. First, there’s a lamb stew, so tasty you may think about passing over dessert. But don’t. Then there’s the barley casserole, gleaned from the Owner’s personal recipes. But our most popular item is the Purple Plate Special. That’s the bread and wine tray. It may not seem like much to ya’ll right now, but it’s very fillin’. AND the price is right – it’s free!”

The customers, still looking somewhat confused by this humble waitress’ enthusiasm and by the unusual fare offered, asked for a few minutes to think it over. “Okee-dokee, ya’ll think it over. But try not to take too long. The Owner’s been talking about closing the diner here real soon. But we’re never too sure when that’s gonna be. I’d hate for ya’ll to miss out on the meal of a lifetime.” The customers were surprised that an all-night diner might close early in such a booming season. But not wanting to miss out on what promised to be an interesting meal, they asked Mary what she would recommend.

“I’m so glad ya’ll asked” she exclaimed. “My recommendation would be for ya’ll to have exactly the same meal I had the first time I walked into this place. My, what a day that was. I was waited on by a gal who was such a pistol. Ya see, I was a real timid sort back then. Could hardly say boo to a bug.” The customers shook their heads in disbelief. Mary went on, “Yes, it’s true! But this gal – well, she just sat right down here with me and told me all about the things this place had to offer and then she helped me order up this here meal of a lifetime. Boy, was that good cookin’!”

The customers asked as patiently as they could about the meal she was recommending. “Well, for starters, I had the cucumber and leek salad. But that gal, she took it away before I could get one bite. Instead, she brought me out this quail and manna dish, followed by some real tasty fish. But the kicker was the finale. I got some of that Purple Plate Special. You know, the bread and wine. And who do you think served it to me? Why, the Owner Himself, brought me out that bread and wine and he sat down here with me and told me all about Himself and the work He was doin’ here. Next thing I knew, He offered to take me into His family, gave me a job AND the best part is He’s gonna give me a room at His place to live in forever. All I had to do was say yes. Well, I’d have been crazy to pass up a deal like that!”

The customers were intrigued by Mary’s story and asked her about ordering up the same meal. Would it be possible for the Owner to serve them the Purple Plate Special as well? Mary just beamed. “Why, He’s just been waiting for you to place your order. Ya’ll just stay right there, just like you are. He’ll be right over to meet you. Let me just get your order in.” And with that she turned and hollered, “JC, that’ll be two Eternity Combos for Table 7.”

Food for Thought

1. What do you learn about service for the Lord from the following verses? Deuteronomy 11:13-14; Psalm 31:16; Matthew 6:24; Matthew 25:21; John 12:26; Romans 7:6; Ephesians 6:7

2. According to the following verses, what result can you expect from service for God? Ephesians 4:12; Colossians 1:10; Hebrews 12:28

3. Serving is using the natural abilities God gave to you to serve Christ. What do you feel are your natural abilities and how are you fulfilling 1 Peter 4:10 by using them to serve Christ?

4. Consider an act of service you have recently performed or plan to perform this week. Make note of how you will offer up the service as if you were personally serving Jesus face to face. How does this affect your serving attitude?

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

The Prayer of a Child

2007-10-23T12:25:00.001-07:00

The view of smoke and the Oceanside Pier this morning.

Fire Update:

I truly believe God wants to make Himself known to children.

He did, in a mighty way this morning. My kids prayed for a sea breeze, and He answered. They were in awe and wonder at His providence!

We're not out of danger, but the wind is shifting and letting up. To smell brine instead of smoke is heavenly.

I would love to know how Pastor Ed and the Browns are doing! Can anyone update?

Keep praying.

Fearless Joy

2007-10-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings all. Well, unless you’ve been asleep in rehearsals and Sunday services or else you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, by now you must have detected a shift in the worship atmosphere around SBC. And of course, you must know that the apparent theme for this season is – JOY. For being one of the shortest words in the English language, it is one which really packs a punch. It is a heart effect, a life seasoning, which gives flavor to everything we do, in service, in gifts and talents, in communion and of course in worship. I love how Pastor Darryl defines joy – the absence of fear and the acknowledgment of hope. This absence of fear as being half the equation of joy is an intriguing concept for me right now. Having just emerged from a very fearsome time in life, I had to learn a lot about shedding fear in that fearsome place. It is definitely a choice. We have to choose to focus on the Lord and what He has done, is doing and will do rather than on the terrible thing of the moment. David knew a thing or two about this concept and had one or two fearsome episodes in life to work through as well. Based on the “joy is the absence of fear” concept, Psalm 27 is just bursting with joy. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? . . . Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war may rise up against me, in this I will be confident” [Ps. 27:1, 3 NKJV] No fear. Every hope. Which leads to … “And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of JOY in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” [Ps. 27:6] Keep reading. The Psalm is chocked full of where the absence of fear and the acknowledge of hope in Christ can lead. It leads us to celebration. [Okay, are you tracking with me? Think Christmas.]

Now, all that being said, we need to consider our personal and corporate responsibilities in deepening and enlarging this atmosphere of worship. We have an enormous opportunity of celebration hovering on our doorstep with the approaching Christmas season. Tammy has inspired and challenged us to prepare for what could be one of our most significant opportunities of sharing the Christ we know and the world does not – this Savior who loves to celebrate because He dispels fear, fulfills hope and loves us beyond reason. I cannot tell you how many people I have encountered in the various offices I have been in in the last week who are desperate to find a reason to celebrate. And everyone of them are extremely eager to attend the upcoming Christmas program. We need to be ready to show them the sacrifices of joy.

Well, enough of my soapbox. I’ll get back to posting my regular devotionals tomorrow and you’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief when Tammy can blog again. She is far less verbose than I.

And by the way, if you are living under that rock, you may want to think about moving. Although I have no direct confirmation, my best guess is that if the rocks do end up with the capability of crying out, they can probably dance too. Think about it. I mean, if He can move mountains…. So keep up the joyous praising. I wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt.

Smoky CA

2007-10-22T22:52:00.001-07:00

Emma (10) took this cool picture from the car window as the smoke blends in with the blue.

Greetings Choir and Orchestra, from Smoky Southern California.

The Tuten family is vacationing in lovely, brown Oceanside! It has been a strange start to our week. After last week was so good with the Doan and Krell family. We all had beach front units and could gather and play on the sand, build sandcastles, play baseball and sticky ball. And end the evening singing to Keegan's guitar with the waves crashing as accompaniment. It was a wonderful week.

Please lift up in prayer all those effected by these horrific fires over here. I think 14 at last count. Over 20,000 acres. Evacuees filling a football stadium. We are just a tiny bit north of the newest evacuation order. Legoland was not even a possibility today! And I'm glad. I wrote about our day driving north to get out of the smoke, on my blog if you're a glutton for punishment!

The kids are sleeping soundly, as I sip my hot lemon tea. Trying to swallow is difficult because we have the windows open to the smoke. Too warm to close them.

God knows what is needed. I pray for His great intervention, for those poor souls who have lost material possessions. I pray they have found something greater in the midst of the fire. To those sick ones who were evacuated from their comfy hospital beds, may they find comfort again.

O Lord, be here in the fire. Guide the workers, giving them strength and endurance to do the job. And give supernatural aid in this difficult time. For what is man that You are mindful of him? You even care for the smallest sparrow, so I know You care for me.

"For You are our helper and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The Meeting Place

2007-10-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone... It's time for another Life of Worship devotional. In light of our renewed focus on prayer in worship, I offer the following. I hope it speaks something to your heart.

Read Luke 3:21-22

The muddy brown water swirled around his knees, first lifting the hem of his garment, then sucking it back down to cling and wrap tightly around his chilled legs. Sunlight slid past the clouds, a tease of warmth touching his shoulders only to abandon him to the icy water. He watched the Man approach, saw him pause at the river’s edge and search his face. The Man saw his questions and confusion before his lips could form a sound. The baptizer trembled as the Man stepped into the murky flow and his knees shook with the awesomeness of this moment. His unworthiness washed over him stronger than any violent river current. But he felt the firm and loving Hand of Creation grip his shoulder and then the gentle voice came; gracious words, “Permit it at this time,” and he felt strangely comforted and empowered all in the same moment.
The baptizer enveloped Him in a tight embrace and together they dipped beneath the surface of the river, emerging with water streaming down their bodies. As this Man, his Lord, bowed His head to pray, the baptizer too bowed and watched as the water dripped from their bodies, peppering the surface, sending ripples in all directions. Suddenly, the ripples became brilliant, and jerking his head up, the baptizer saw a luminous beam of light pierce the clouds as if heaven itself were descending to this very spot. A dove floated down the beam and settled on the shoulder of his praying Lord and a voice trumpeted from heaven, “Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well-pleased.”
Stumbling to the river bank, the baptizer sank to his knees, staring up in amazement at the Son, trying to understand this moment. The Man turned from the river and gazed at the baptizer with a look of joy tempered by sadness. He placed His hand again on his shoulder, climbed the bank and turned to leave. As the baptizer watched Him pass through the crowd and walk down the road, a realization came to him. That moment of prayer had been the meeting place of the Father, Son and Spirit. And he wondered if that was what was to come. Perhaps it was possible that prayer would no longer be the ritual of some and the wish list of others, but the meeting place of worship for Father, Son, Spirit and child.

Food for Thought:

1. According to 1 Timothy 2:5, Romans 8:26 and Matthew 6:9, how does each Person of the Trinity participate in your prayer life?

2. What is your primary role or purpose in your prayer life?

3. What instruction and/or encouragement do you receive from the following verses regarding prayer: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 6:9, Jeremiah 29:12-13, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Colossians 4:2, 1 Timothy 2:8

4. Choose a time this week which you can consecrate as a holy time and worship in prayer, offering praise and thanksgiving, making no requests. Make note of how you are aware of the Father, Son and Spirit all meeting you in that place, in that moment.

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

The Holy Spirit is our Worship Leader

2007-10-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

In the last few years, there has been much discussion about WORSHIP coming out in our every day lives. Like Kim so wonderfully challenged us in the previous post. That really is a life-changing mindset. To worship the God of creation in all we do, wherever we are, whomever we are with. As in Deuteronomy, loving Him with all our heart, mind , soul and strength.

Romans 12:1 says "I urge you therefore brethren by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship." And in John 4 it talks about God seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and in truth.

The Holy Spirit is our true Worship Leader! When we give Him the power, He rises up and praises the Almighty God from within us! What an awesome experience. The Spirit is our Teacher (John 14:26), He is our Revealer (Romans 8:2) and He transforms us (2 Cor. 3:18. It is the Spirit who gives life (John 6:63) and the flesh profits nothing! But our fleshly beings get in the way. We are spirit and flesh and we have to CHOOSE how to walk.

So back to living a LIFE of WORSHIP, what we are truly doing is living a LIFE of the SPIRIT within us!. Choosing to give the spirit control in our everyday lives. How much easier to worship Him when we give Him control! And how much more we please Him and hear His voice and know His peace.

Something else that has been inkling down in my very soul, is the talk about MUSIC not being the only way to WORSHIP. Well, yes I know that is true. We worship Him in all we do, and in the fellowship of the saints, we read the Word, give our tithes, spend time in prayer. All those things are our offering of worship. But after doing this searching in my soul about giving the Spirit control of my everyday life, I realized that the power of music cannot be matched. The power of music reaches down to my very soul like nothing in this world can. Whether I am singing, playing or listening, it moves me very deeply when I have given the Spirit control. And even when I haven't, I think my soul remembers and is urged to surrender.

Allow God to take center stage this week and give over your flesh to the control of the Spirit.
Susan Tuten
(Alex and I will miss you all this next month as our family will be in CA. I am always lifted up and nurtured in my spirit when I am with you! See you at Thanksgiving.)

Everyday Worship

2007-09-24T21:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings fellow blog-readers. I have returned. I have momentarily finished playing with cardboard and packing tape, the parental units have proved themselves quite useful once again in getting me settled into the new place and are soon to return home. And... I've finally found 5 minutes to breathe deep and try to remember how to post a blog once again. The following is the next installment in the Life of Worship devotionals. Hope you enjoy.

Read Zechariah 14

The day of the Lord. When we read about this terrible and fascinating day in the Bible, so many things come to light. It will be a day unlike any before it, when everything which is expected no longer exists. It is a dreadful day of judgment, when God deals once and for all with those who oppose Him and His children; when the Lord personally fights all their battles. As His enemies are taken down, God, in a most spectacular way, causes Jerusalem, His “Daughter of Zion” to be lifted up and He brings her a security she has never known. It is a day of rebirth as the returning Lord touches the crest of the Mount of Olives and its heart is split, broken in two. Living waters will flow from His city to make that which was dead alive. And on this day, worship of the Most High God becomes so prevalent that even the most basic and mundane items become utensils of worship.

As children of God, we have already received a blessing in the knowledge that our Savior has purchased our escape from this day. However, that does not mean that we should not seek our own “day of the Lord’ in our lives right now. As a Christian, every day of my life should be a day of the Lord. My everyday worship experience should make each day unique unto itself, unlike any which have come before it. Each day I should acknowledge God’s justice and righteousness in my life and watch how He fights my battles and subdues my enemies. I should remember every day how the Lord touched my heart only to break it in two so that His living waters can flow from me, out beyond the scope of my vision, flowing to someone who is dead, cleansing them to life.

My day of the Lord should be so permeated with worship that everything I do, even the most daily and mundane of all chores become acts of holy worship. Wiping a runny nose, doing the laundry, sitting in traffic or sweeping a floor, all become sacred utensils of worship before the alter of the Lord God Almighty. And when this day of the Lord is complete, it is my prayer that I too have lived the words of my Lord when He said, “Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.” [Proverbs 8:30]

Food for Thought:

1. According to Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 32:17, Matthew 5:16, 1 Corinthians 15:28 and Hebrews 12:28, what are some of the aspects and results we should be aware of when considering our worship through daily work?
2. Compare Zechariah 14:20-21 with 1 Corinthians 10:31 and summarize what these verses mean to you and your life.
3. Indicate what changes you intend to make this week to change your daily chores into acts of worship.

Copyright © 2001 Kimberly K. Hannay
All Rights Reserved

Free Stuff--Come and Get It!

2007-09-24T16:06:00.001-07:00

It's time for fall cleaning around here! There are some baskets on the piano in the choir room with freebies. Please come and take any of these items. Here's what we've got:

Worshiper magazines for all
A few Argentina video tapes from 2001
Luminosity CDs (from Sunday Nite team a few years back)
Romania CDs from 2003

Romania Missions Team

2007-09-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEKEND, September 22nd, SBC has another team heading out to serve alongside Daniela Pribac and International Needs in Romania! Two of our choir members, Brenda Pearson and Agnes Canada, are on the team. Read on...

The main purpose of the team is to minister to the women. They will be teaching a business track as well as a women’s track. They will also visit an orphanage. Throughout the team’s time in the country, Fred will also be busy leading discussions and small groups, as well as preparing several messages.

- Please pray for the team as they allow the Lord to speak through them during their various interactions and that they will be wonderful witnesses of His glory and grace.
- Pray that the Romanians will be encouraged, that the team will be able to teach biblical and capitalist business principles. Pray that the women will learn principles applying to their walk with God and their family relationships.
- Pray for Team Leaders: Fred & Kristin Beasley, and team members Judy Morris, Brenda Pearson, Mary Parker, Holly Schoeneman, Alyssa Spitale, Agnes Canada, Tammy Zapata.

VIRTUE!

2007-09-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

This is a devotional presented to the orchestra last Wednesday night by Dean Anderson. I happened to attend the rehearsal that night and was really stricken with the thoughtful ideas Dean shared. I thought you would all like to hear it...

Virtue
(Also translated as excellence)
Please read 2 Peter 1:3-11 (see below)

Are you a virtuoso? We think of a virtuoso as someone who is a highly accomplished musician. Excellence. Not necessarily a person endowed with raw talent but rather someone who has refined his God given gifts with much hard work. The end result of this effort is a level of proficiency that is both consistent and inspiring.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? … Practice, practice, practice.

But I don't think that the musical sense of virtuosity is the original or primary meaning of the word. In many languages, the word virtuoso is used for both the skillful musician and the virtuous person. However, in English we have separated the two meanings into different words. But imagine a moral virtuoso, someone displaying excellence on the stage of life. I don't mean virtue in the Victorian sense of the word where your virtue is defined by which activities you abstain from. As in the musical analogy, virtuosity is something much more than just not making mistakes during a performance. Is a doctor judged as being skillful and effective if he merely avoids medical malpractice lawsuits?

Peter describes how virtue, or excellence, fits into the process of escaping from the corruption of the world to becoming partakers of the divine nature (v.4.) It seems that the order Peter uses in verses 5 to 7, starting with your faith, then virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and finishing with love, is significant in that it is describing the process of sanctification. But I think that love is the beginning of the process, the love of Christ. (I certainly don’t think Peter is wrong with the order used. I am just noting that he is beginning with the goal and then working backwards.) Having been loved by Christ we can then love our brothers and sisters. As we become more Christ-like (godliness and self-control) we realize (knowledge) that we are no longer slaves to sin.

When the New Testament authors use the phrase "your faith", they are often referring to the whole of a person's Christian walk. Virtue (excellence) is right there at the top level. Virtue is practicing what you know to be true, increasing in self-control, godliness and love. Love, that can only come from God, and is displayed in us towards others. Jesus did not say his disciples would be known by the things they abstain from, but by their love. (John 13:35)

You may never be a skilled enough musician to play in Carnegie Hall, but can you be a virtuoso in the moral and spiritual sense of the word? God has not set a high standard of excellence for us to achieve on our own. He has called us (v.3.) He is supplying his divine power (v.3), precious and very great promises (v.4) so that we will be sanctified, useful and effective (v.8) for his glory.

2 Peter 1:3-11 From the ESV:

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him fwho called us to3 his own glory and excellence,4 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become gpartakers of the divine nature, hhaving escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith iwith virtue,5 and virtue jwith knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control kwith steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness lwith brotherly affection, and brotherly affection mwith love. 8 For if these qualities6 are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or nunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ois blind, having forgotten that he was pcleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,7 be all the more diligent to make your calling and qelection sure, for if you practice these qualities ryou will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you san entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mirror or Windshield?

2007-09-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Which one are you looking through? This was the poignant question Mike Harris asked each of us at the Friday night Worship Renewal Dinner. Several have commented on the timeliness of this question and how it really made them stop and think. I also liked the story of the Israelites and their mumbling and grumbling in the desert. It's easy to do when you are wandering around and can't see the Promised Land. I've asked Mike for a script or some notes on his talk so I could include more for those who couldn't attend. It was a fabulous evening and the discussion was perfect for our time and place. Is it the rearview mirror or windshield for you?

The Saturday Marathon

2007-09-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

We all survived the first big rehearsal on the platform and Kevin got all the bugs worked out after not having choir/orch all summer. Murphy's law, the measures didn't match up for the orchestra and the guest worship leader. I think it got worked out and the good news is, we're all set and fresh and ready to go in the morning.

PS Notice I'm posting at 11 pm on Saturday night-not the usual. Two things--Joe gave me Sunday off (my family says "thanks"--I think), and I took a nap after the Renewal. Even at that, it's still too late to think of a meaningful synopsis of the weekend. I'm pretty much just talking fluff here. Sometime when I'm in the mood I'll give more depth. Promise!

Worship Renewal is Over--What'd You Think?

2007-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Worship Renewal (aka Fall Advance) is always one of our milestones in the arts calendar. It came earlier this year but it really got us off to a good start. Here are some snapshots in case you weren't there (boo hoo). Caution! I didn't get my camera out until it was over so I don't have any action shots. You'll know what I mean when you see the photos...

We had a time of worship lead by Mike Harris.

We had a delectable dinner by Chef Jean--Betty Beran's friend. Thanks Betty for your hard work in making this a great event! Oh, and the tables were beautifully decorated but this heap of tablecloths was all that was left by the time I got my camera out. I thought the new High School room was a great place to be. Much better than the smelly gym.

We celebrated Communion together.

Last but not least, what's a great event without decadent desserts? I think Chef Jean made these too.

Those Elves Are At It Again!

2007-09-08T22:34:00.001-07:00

If you've been around any length of time, you know we have a history of elf infiltration in the Worship Arts Ministry. Contrary to popular legend, they don't just come out at Christmas. The elves were in full force last week for Operation Music. It's a huge job to get all the music copied, taped and passed out to the right people. Pictured here is Dave VanVleet with Leah--counting, counting, counting. Also helping were Anne Cooper, Ann Sandford, Marti Moore, Bill Curry, Al Wilson and Janice Cook. Thank You! We couldn't have been ready without all your valuable help!

Who is God to You?

2007-09-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Depending on our circumstances, we each see God revealed in one of His many facets. I thought of this when we were singing "Your Name" in rehearsal on Wednesday night. Remember when we filled these chalkboards on July 22nd? I was amazed at the variety of names and phrases of God....with very little duplicates. I think it's so inspiring that I hate to erase them. You can tell the children's writing, and then there's the word "paraclete." Now I can't remember the last time I thought of paraclete as one of the names of God. What is He to you this week?

PS Thanks to Joel Maupin for building those 4 chalkboards from scratch in a couple of days. I asked for a simple board to set on an easel and next thing you know he's got full-blown chalkboards with their own stands. Thanks Joel! Your help is much appreciated (and highly underrated!).

Guest Worship Leader This Sunday--Bruce Carroll

2007-09-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, in addition to being the kick-off for choir/orchestra, we will be joined by a guest worship leader. He's a friend of Tim Kimmell from Memphis.

Tim will be speaking this Sunday and Bruce happened to be in town. Let's welcome him warmly. Sunday's worship music includes:

Hosanna
Blessed Be Your Name
Your Name
Fairest Lord Jesus
How Great is Our God

Hope to see you there!

PS Here's Bruce's website for more info:

http://www.brucecarroll.com/new/bc.php?page=welcome

What's On Your Nightstand?

2007-09-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm curious to know what everyone is reading these days. It seems that every day I find more good books to read and I just can't keep up. Besides that, I'm a dabbler anyway. Here's what's on my nightstand:

The Case for the Creator, Lee Strobel (2/3 finished)
The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel (1/4 finished)
Praying in Color, Sybil MacBeth (haven't started; from Janice Cook--she loves it)
Long Journey Home,Os Guinness (haven't started;from Sandee Coppola-she loves it)

What's on YOUR nightstand?

Did You See the New Artist on the Block?

2007-09-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

Wouldn't you know we've had a talented artist masquerading in this ministry for years as a singer? Who'd have thunk it? She painted in the services last Sunday. Did you see her? Janice Cook came with us to Saddleback and rediscovered her artistic side. It's so cool! Someone came up to her after church and was so touched by the painting they wanted to buy it from her. I bet you also didn't know she owns her own jewelry making business and teaches beading classes at Michael's. You can view her items at:

http://cookscreations.com/

Way to go Janice!

It's the Big Night!!

2007-09-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is! The first night of choir and orchestra. Always a monumentous occasion. In some ways it seems like forever since we've been together and in other ways it seems like yesterday. Do I sound confused? I hope everyone is excited and ready to go! Maybe tomorrow I can get a recap out and hear everyone's first night tale...

Using Our Gifts

2007-08-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

I hope this isn't stealing. I've copied this from Beth Moore's blog--via Laura Kluvo--and thought it was a good reminder for all of us at fall start-up. We ALL have unique gifts which we can choose to use or ignore. Using our gifts in the way they were intended is a real source of joy. Here's what Beth writes:

"Because of this I remind you to rekindle God's gift that you possess...For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control...PROTECT THAT GOOD THING entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us." 2 Timothy 1:6,7,14 New English Translation

]Two things:1. Don't let that precious gift God has given you lay dormant. Rekindle it in the power and passion of Christ Jesus! Use it at every God-given (as opposed to man-driven) opportunity. Gifts mature and increase with time and practice if we have a healthy, lively relationship with Christ through His Word.

2. Protect that gift (or those gifts) ferociously from shifting from the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit to the determination and grit or rote action of the flesh. (Galatians 3:3) I implore us all in the great and saving Name of Jesus to resist spiritual laziness and keep in step with the Spirit. It's easier to obey laws and keep our rituals than to be led of the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 Fiery fresh relationships with Jesus and boldness to ask Him to make Himself conspicuous through the gifts He has entrusted to us!

Here's the website for her ministry if you'd like to read more:

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/

Meals for the Bush Family

2007-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

We're putting out an all call for people to rally in support of Marsha and her family by providing some meals. I know they will have a hectic schedule in the coming days and this may be a way we can help out. If you could provide food would you please call Jacque Surrett at
602-494-9747 to schedule a date? We still don't have information on services but we'll let you know as soon as we find out. Many thanks to Jacque for graciously offering her time to coordinate this ministry. I went through this with my sister two years ago and will always remember those who brought food and visited. It's very meaningful to have support in a time like this.