Seasons have become a study in subtly. In the past, the changes brought on by the seasons were obvious, each bringing its distinct layer upon the earth. The green crabgrass was soon covered by gravity-laden maple leaves colored in gold. Before long, they were raked neatly into piles like fluffed pillows ready to be covered by a blanket of white snow. As the days lengthened and the sun rose in the sky, the blanket would be pulled back and the layer of wet, matted green would unfold itself like a freshly vacuumed carpet and a new year begins.

We can still enjoy the changing seasons in the Sonoran Desert. However, they require a bit more of our attention. To the eye, the grass is always green, but our feet know the difference between summer bermuda and winter rye. The sky is mostly clear and blue throughout the year, although the sun cuts a markedly different path as it crosses that sky from month to month. Still, a very unique part of one of our seasons remains an exciting conclusion to hot summer days: the monsoons.

The term monsoon comes from an Arabic word meaning “season,” and was used to describe the winds blowing across the Arabian Sea. Today, according to the Journal of Climate, the word is used to characterize “seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea.” However, it is not the etymology or scientific definition of the monsoons that make them interesting. (Although, knowing that the scent of a fresh rain in July has been delivered to us from the Sea of Cortez makes them seem more

like an unexpected visitor arriving from a distant, yet familiar land.)

Instead, the sight of billowing clouds gathering across the horizon and the growl of distant thunder draws me outside to feel the wind picking-up as the monsoon clouds rise over the McDowell Mountains and descend into the Valley. As the light of the sun fades, the darkness descends and the air grows heavy. Light flashes unpredictably in the distance. Soon, the fresh scent of rain is unmistakable.

Perhaps the sheer unpredictability and power of the moment causes me to stop what I am doing and pay attention to the sky. We spend our days planning, organizing, predicting, and evaluating every potential outcome. Then, in the distance, without a schedule or planned destination, a storm rises.

Yet, we can take note of the conditions which signal a monsoon, if we are willing to pay attention to the warning signs. The same is often true of most any impending storm, even the ones that do not bring rain or wind.  Instead, some storms bring jealousy, rebellion, prejudice, fear and revenge. Sometimes the warning signs for these storms are as subtle as the changes of seasons in Arizona and we miss them. And when we fail, may we take time to look toward the One standing on the bow saying, “Peace, be still.”

P.S. Open Book 3.0 is back by popular demand! For the next two weeks we will take your suggestion for upcoming sermon topics. You can submit your texts online or in the Welcome Books on Sunday! 

MonsoonB E I N G T H E P R E S E N C E O F C H R I S T I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y

CHAPARRAL familythe

Frank A. ShirvinskiWhat’s inside...

High Flight Study...pg. 2

Upcoming Events...pg. 2

Chaparral Kids...pg. 3

Women...pg.3

Diving Deeper...pg. 4

Coming Soon..Pg.4

Youth...pg. 5

It’s Summer...pg.5

Jr. Fine Arts...pg. 6

Our People in Our

Community...pg. 7

Calendar...Dates to Remember!

Volunteers Needed!

Please see Bobbi Maguire about registering your

children and volunteering for this wonderful week of

fun, games, and most of all..learning more

about God!

Our Mission Team is assembling and you can support them with your prayers!

They will be heading to Globe to help

build houses for those in need. Interested in

finding out more? Contact Sara Perrine!

Everyone (including you) is invited to get out of the summer

heat July 29-31 as we venture north to

camp on the Mogollon Rim.

Contact Nick Stavlund or Dave Thomas today!

On August 14th our children and teens

will promote to their new classes! This is always an exciting time for the kids! Watch for more

information in the next Newsletter!

JULY 11-15VBS

9 a.m.-noon

July 24-26Globe

MissionTrip

July 29-31All-Church

Camping Trip

Promotion Sunday

August 14th

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The Bible in...LIVING COLOR The HIGH FLIGHT CLASS at 11:00 continues its series of lessons on the books of the Bible. Taught by Larry Hostetler, the class lessons for the month of July will be:

July 3!! The Song of Solomon - “The Overpowering Power of Love”July 10! Isaiah! - “Godʼs Judgement, Comfort, and Deliverance”July 17! Jeremiah - “Sometimes There Is No Peace”July 24! Lamentations - “Misery Contrasted with Hope”July 31! Ezekiel - “Godʼs Saving Purpose in History”

The title of the series, “The Bible in LIVING COLOR” is intended to bring out the colorful

beauty of the books that comprise the inspired Word of God. Taking each book of the Bible in turn, the class discusses how the words of Scripture speak to the struggles and victories of our everyday lives.

Obviously the narrative of each book is very important to our study. We attempt to encounter that narrative in a way that reveals the brilliant colors of life and Spirit which they paint. In this way we hope to cause the events of the Bible to come alive in LIVING COLOR.

This is a special invitation to any who are looking for a vibrant study of the Bible. We meet in the East Hall each Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. We enjoy a time of music and refreshment followed by the lesson. Please consider being a part of our friendly group.

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Angelina and Katelynn Lewellen!

Both Angelina and Katelynn have competed regionally in six cities this past season and have each earned a spot as New York City Dance Alliance Mini Outstanding Dancer Runner-Up. They will be attending NYCDA’s National Convention in NYC from 6/28-7/7.  They will be auditioning for Top Mini Outstanding Dancer competing their solo against 1000s of girls ages 7-10 from around the U.S.  In addition, they will have the opportunity to attend workshops led by Master Choreographers very well known in the world, audition for the Broadway play, Billy Elliot, have exposure to many industry experts, and will be competing approximately 16 dances each in the national competition.

Women!“Why,” you ask?

“Why must I register for Women of Faith in July when the conference is not until September?”

The simple answer is this. If we don’t pay for your tickets by July 10th, we will lose your seat.

So, here’s what you need to know.

!

Date: September 23-24, 2011 Location: US Airways Center, Phoenix

Friday, September 23: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (lunch provided, break from 3:30 - 7 p.m.)

Saturday, September 24: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (lunch provided)

Cost: $89 Last day to register is July 10th!

Register online at chaparralwomen.org

2011 Line UpBrendaWarner

LisaWelchel

MandisaAmyGrant

SandiPatty

Diving DeeperSeminary is not just for ministers; it’s for you, too.  

Many people assume that seminary is only for those training for full-time ministry.  This is not the case.  When I attended Fuller Seminary’s Southwest campus in Phoenix, I encountered people just like you taking classes like “American Church History,” “The Gospels,” “Christian Spirituality,” and more.  Students ranging in age from 22 to 75 spent time in class one night per week for ten weeks simply because they sought a deeper understanding of their faith.  They wanted more.

Let me encourage you to pray about taking a class in seminary.  What interests you?  New Testament studies? Old Testament questions? The relationship between the New and Old Testaments?  The presence of evil in the world?  All of us have questions, and rather than becoming content with ambiguity, seek Truth.

We’re fortunate in Phoenix to have a couple of seminaries at our disposal.  However, Fuller Theological Seminary is where a few of our staff members studied, because it is a world renowned seminary right here in Phoenix. 

Five Reasons to enroll in a seminary class at Fuller Seminary in Phoenix in 2011:1. It is local: Fuller is located in Phoenix.  You will have a real professor, real students, and a

real classroom.2. It is global: Fuller is the world’s largest seminary, with students from 67 different nations

and over 100 Christian denominations.3. It is feasible: Classes meet at convenient times of the week.4. It is easy:  Ok, it’s not easy, but you’ll be surrounded by approachable professors and a

fantastic group of students who, like you, want to explore aspects of their faith on a deeper level. 

5. It is fun: You will undoubtedly have fun, while being stretched at the same time.

There are a few prerequisites to taking a class, like having a Bachelor’s Degree.  However, taking one class could make a great birthday or Christmas present to a friend or family member!  Check out www.fuller.edu/southwest for more information. - Nick Stavlund

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Churches with a smooth, organized and efficient children check-in and pick-up process give parents and guardians a feeling of confidence in knowing their children are safe in the care of competent and diligent people. Our new check-in system called Fellowship One Check-in was designed specifically with child and church nursery security and safety in mind. The flexibility of Fellowship One Check-in, and its ability to be linked to online event registrations, allows you to use it for a variety of purposes such as nurseries, children's ministries, Vacation Bible School, student activities, camps, retreats, mission trips, and more. Look for it to begin in August!

High School Camp Highlights...Spending one week in beautiful Ojai, California really made for an awesome high school summer camp this year! We did things like: relax at the beach, play lots of frisbee, learn more about God, discuss what kind of life Jesus calls us to live, and dance to great worship songs. Other memorable events included Travis Armes' crown falling out upon eating a Starburst, a stripped trailer tire that miraculously did not pop on the interstate, and a night spent encouraging one another around a camp!re. The camp's theme  for the week was Borders, in which we focused on our separation of God because of sin and the breaking down of that border through Jesus Christ. We also spent time considering the self-created borders that separate people from one another, with the students challenged to step beyond these arbitrary boundaries and reach out to love others. 

Middle School Camp Awesomeness...Our group of middle school students (all boys,) at UCYC Presco was small but mighty! The theme for the week was Cannonball, in which we explored what it means to go 'all in' with our faith in God. The speakers, small group, and quiet times were each designed to dive into the character of God, what faith is, and what truly living for Christ entails. Unfortunately, youth intern Jennifer became ill and had to leave the guys early in the week. Fortunately, newly graduated Cres Worthington took over the leadership responsibilities. Here are 5 (coincidentally the same number as that of campers,) of Cres' highlights from the week:1. Worshiping at the front of the assembly hall with Marshall T. 2. Watching Mitchell N. conquer the 'Leap of Faith' with everyone cheering him on.3. Making bracelets at the craft table with Gio J.4. Shooting hoops with Cameron S.5. Watching Valen J. rock at paint-balling.

When our Arizona summers arrive it is a really good time to get away if possible.  Consequently, we notice a dip in attendance on Sundays and during the week.  We miss folks when they are absent, and we are reminded of the various ways they contribute to making our Church family special.  So, it is a good time to better appreciate the wonderful people who are part of the Chaparral family.  The good news is our programs continue to thrive.  Our children are

experiencing some of the best things offered all year as they participate in camp, VBS and more.  Classes for adults continue as well.  One of the things I often hear when one of these groups come together is, “Where is everyone?”  I admit to a time of trying to explain where everyone is, but more recently have come to see it from a different perspective.  My response is consistently, “We are all right here!”  No matter what combination of people gather, good things happen.  Why?  Because the Lord has promised that where two or three are gathered together, He will be in our midst.  Promise yourself that the next time you arrive for any gathering, you won’t ask “Where is everyone.”  Anytime we come together, God can and will cause great things to happen.  You must be present to win!   - Mary Cartwright

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Junior Fine Arts Day Camp just !nished it’s fourth season. This year we offered camp to

3-year-olds through ingoing 6th-graders. What a great time we had June 13-17. All class teachers

and assistants were volunteers and offered the campers a wide variety of classes. The week

concluded with a luncheon matinee with the campers providing the entertainment.

Watercolor

Cake Decorating

Conducting

Cooking

Guitar

Set Design

FolkDancing

Kool-Aid Kreations

Wacky

Day

Jr Fine Arts Day

OrigamiArt Masterpiece

Other Classes:Choir Chimes

DanceDrama

PhotographyStomp!Boom!Bang!

Posters

Our People in Our Community...Max “Bud” AllenOur People in Our Community … Max “Bud” Allen

Max Allen (most of us know him as Bud) has been a faithful Deacon at Chaparral for several years. He and his wife, Lois, are members of the OK Corral class and Lois serves as a Sunday morning greeter.

Bud is a rare Arizona native! A product of North Phoenix High School, Bud earned his nickname by having a very friendly, outgoing personality. He was popular and always had a smile on his face – a trait that later led him into a successful sales career. He was active in DeMolay and the high school’s ROTC program. One day while walking in full uniform to a function in downtown Phoenix, Bud was saluted by several U.S. Army soldiers, who had been training in our desert for combat in North Africa. Bud smartly saluted the soldiers back; then heard quiet voices exclaim, “Hey, we just saluted an ROTC Captain!” Bud smiled and surely felt proud.

Following his graduation in June 1944, Bud and his friends were recruited by the U.S. Navy. Before they were sworn into service, a Navy Chief asked for six “volunteers” to serve in the Marines. The name “Allen” came first, so Bud was now in the Marines. His dad was furious about what happened and complained to the Chief. Bud was promptly switched back into the Navy and was now on his way to San Diego for basic training. As a side note, all six Marines that were selected that day were later killed in the Iwo Jima battle. Perhaps Bud’s dad was prophetic in saving his life, or at least reducing his WWII combat risks.

Bud received training in gunnery, swimming, landing craft, signaling, and radio communications. In September 1944, Bud was assigned to the USS Appalachian, a communications ship commanded by Admiral Richard “Close In” Conolly, meaning the admiral liked to get the ship as close to combat as possible!

During his service, Bud was promoted to Electronic Technician Mate Third Class USN, the rank he held until his discharge. He was assigned four-hour shifts looking for enemy submarines from the bridge and on one boring night, Bud practiced his Morse code on a key machine that he thought was idle. After a few minutes, the Bridge Captain yelled at Bud to stop immediately – Bud was sending garbled signals to all ships within 100 miles! From September 1944 to August 1945, Bud’s ship carried combat personnel and provided command communications for several battles in the South Pacific, including the Marshall, Admiralty, Solomon, Caroline, New Guinea, and Philippine Islands. He watched some of these land invasions from the ship’s deck as shells whistled overhead and kamikaze pilots flew by. One time a Japanese pilot had opened his cockpit and banked his plane hard to look Bud square in the eye. The Appalachian’s 20 mm guns fired at the kamikaze as he plowed his plane into another ship sailing close-by. The gunners on that ship never had a chance.

Bud also witnessed his ship’s bridge officer turn away LSTs returning from landing invasions with severely wounded soldiers, because the ship’s hospital was full. This weighed heavy on his heart as the invasions finally quieted down and the ship returned to San Francisco for supplies and a re-fit. The ship then sailed to Pearl Harbor and Japan. In August 1945, the uranium and plutonium bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On the way to Japan, Bud experienced his first typhoon. The strong winds actually blew the ocean waves flat and the rain felt like needles penetrating Bud’s skin. After the winds stopped, huge waves pounded the ship and tossed the sailors to and fro. Sea sickness was rampant, except for the ever-smiling Bud Allen – he weathered the storm just fine. On November 8, 1945, three months after the bomb, Bud set foot at Nagasaki. He and a friend silently walked through the

rubble – the devastation was indescribable. The war was now over and Bud returned to California, where he received an honorable discharge from the Navy in May 1946 at the veteran age of 20! Bud enrolled at the University of Arizona and graduated with a BS degree in economics. He worked for GMAC in Arizona for several years; then became the Southwest Factory Representative for the Chevrolet Motor Division. Bud and Lois have been married 59 years. We thank our own Helen Hawkins for inviting Bud and Lois to visit Chaparral, for this is how our congregation grows – spiritually and brilliantly. – Larry Gettman

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theCHAPARRAL family

CHAPARRAL 6451 E. Shea BlvdScottsdale, AZ 85254

theThe Chaparral (USPS 416-770) is published monthly by Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254-5097, periodical postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254-5097.

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