Compass SCOTTSDALE BIBLE
H O L I D AY I S S U E
Angels W E H AVE
FREEDOM THROUGH STUDENTS’ EYES p.4
Angels we have heard THE GOD
HEAR D 480.824.7200 scottsdalebible.com feedback@scottsdalebible.com facebook.com/scottsdalebible SCAN QR CODE W/ PHONE
twitter.com/scottsdalebible
WHO HEALS p.8
SURVIVAL
TIPS FOR THE
HOLIDAYS
p.9
THE RELEVANCE OF MARRIAGE p.10
Compass SCOTTSDALE BIBLE
H O L I D AY I S S U E
Table of Contents ________________________ Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Marriage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Winter Wonder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 WinterFest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Senior Adults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Men. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bookshelf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Communications Director: Nicholas Palomo Editor: Bryan McAnally Publication Design: Michael Oliveros Proofing: Proofing Ministry Photography: Photography Ministry
Angels W E H AVE
HEAR D
December Sermon Series
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hristmas is always special for all the reasons you would expect me to mention: it is a time that brings renewed focus on the Christ-child, families are drawn together by the holiday’s magnetism, and the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts expresses people’s love and affection for each other. Another special tradition comes this time of year, showing up in our mailboxes right around Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas day: the annual Christmas letter. These messages arrive in the mail from friends and loved ones from around the country and often include a family photo or detailed letter updating us on the comings and goings of their family. Truly, these cards are messages of the good tidings of joy, and there is always something wonderful about the special delivery of an important message. The gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus include interesting and important messages delivered by precious messengers. We know these messengers by the title “angels.” And while there is much information and misinformation about God’s angelic messengers, it remains vital that we understand the truth about angels and the messages they deliver. In the final weeks of this year, together we will explore what the Bible has to say about angels, the messages they have delivered to people, and how we can apply those messages to life today. You will be blessed with reminders that will strengthen your faith, with fresh discoveries that will empower you to look at life differently, and new insights that God may use to lead you on a new adventure of trusting and serving Him. It’s appropriate to close out the year with this attention on the messages that God has delivered to us through angels. In this year of focusing upon God’s grace, we have exhorted you to embrace grace in your own life, in your personal relationships, in your church, and to extend grace to the world. You see, we who belong to Christ are called to be God’s messengers of grace to others. While we are separate and distinct from the angels of the Bible, we too are tasked with the delivery of a special message that announces the good tidings of God’s love expressed beautifully through the finished work of Jesus. There are many opportunities to worship Jesus in the weeks ahead. Everything done at Scottsdale Bible in this time of year is designed to point you to worship the Christ-child in the manger who came to die on the cross. We celebrate His birth because He overcame death for you. I pray you receive this glorious message in an incredibly personal way, and that because of your faith, you are filled with joy in Jesus. Your Pastor & Friend,
Jamie Rasmussen
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! M O D FREUEGH THRO
“ God showed up in an amazing way at our High School Ministry Fall Camp and students’ lives were changed. As camp was drawing to a close Sunday morning, we gave students an opportunity to proclaim before their peers what God had freed them from. The line grew on both sides of the microphone as they eagerly waited to declare their freedom. Take a few minutes and get a small glimpse into the hearts of some of those changed lives.” —Carol Hubner, Student Ministry Team
“ I can’t even describe how much this weekend changed me! God really worked in my heart and helped me forgive all those who committed injustices against me. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but the BEST feeling I’ve had in a long time! From the little strings to the large cinderblocks—I am FREE! I surrendered my right to understand why things happen and my life is filled with even more joy and happiness! OUR GOD IS AMAZING!” —Phoebe
“ This weekend was absolutely life changing. I have never felt so free and at peace in my entire life. God really worked through my heart and helped me forgive and pray a blessing over the people who have committed injustices toward me. I could never ‘get away’ from the lies and constant thoughts about the injustices, but by the power of prayer, God helped me let go of everything and I was able to just let Him take control of my life. Our God is an AWESOME God.” —Anya
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STUDENTS’ EYES
“ On Friday and Saturday, I was really depressed. On Saturday night, I prayed a prayer to Jesus and I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. After I prayed that prayer, I felt relieved and extremely happy. I am now officially a follower of God. (I was atheist before this camp). I discovered that my born identity is one of courage.” —Polly
“ This weekend opened my eyes to the leaves and branches that I’ve had for so long that have become a big part of my personality. The first night of camp, God brought to my eyes the wrong ways I react to my injustices that happened so long ago. Saturday, I was able to find the root of those branches and through the help of our student leaders, I have been able to start digging up the roots and growing a new tree with healthier leaves and branches. God has set me free!” —Marissa
“ For years I minimized and hid from the injustices in my life instead of facing them. I let them define who I am. I believed the lies that I’m not good enough, that it’s okay to hold grudges against the person who caused trials for my family, that I have the right to be angry and not forgive, and many more. This weekend, God helped me to untie those ropes holding me down. I’ve found my identity in Christ. I am the daughter of an amazing King and I am FREE! Satan can’t feed me lies anymore. He has NO place in my life and he WON’T win this battle. Because if our God is for us, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?” —Jamisyn
SAVE THE DATES FOR WINTER CAMPS !
• High School Wint er Camp at Lost Ca nyon, February 24 • IMPACT and Club –26 56 Winter Camp at Lost Canyon, March 9–11
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EN ENCOURAGEM
IS
! S U O I G A T CON
er and I am a high My name is Madi Mey e beginning of th school sophomore. At ed up a door for en op this summer, God Club 56 staff. I was me to be a leader on provide the same excited to be able to r girls that I am experience to younge leaders. After I my th wi blessed to have a summer mission returned home from s even more eager trip in Costa Rica, I wa co-lead a small try. I to serve in this minis grade girls. I have th six group of mostly e getting to know had a wonderful tim their lives. I see them and be part of to these girls ate God using me to rel
n. I also see God as a trustworthy perso e the girls. I have using me to encourag them to come e ag been able to encour d to grow closer an s mp to church and ca rd and prayer The to Him through His wo older student an girls are excited that and will listen to em th t ou ab res ca really lings. God is defitheir questions and fee staff to show the 56 nitely using the Club ship. I know God nd frie d an e lov kids His to encourage the me will continue to use em to grow closer girls and challenge th to God. HOLIDAY ISSUE 2011 SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM
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GROWING FROM 23
TEAMS IN 2011
TO 50 TEAMS IN 2012
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ontinuing in the tradition of Scottsdale Bible’s well-established short-term missions program, 23 teams traveled across the globe this year to share Christ’s love through acts of service with compassion, humility and love. God alone knows the full impact that was made through these teams. Approximately 350 people shared Christ this year—from here in Arizona and all the way to South America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East—to people whom previously never heard the Gospel and to some whom were mired in the darkness of indigenous religions.
Thank you team leaders and team members for giving in so many ways. Thank you family and friends for supporting them in prayer and financial support. The impact is eternal! Just wait until you see what God is going to do in 2012! We plan to send fifty teams across the globe in response to Pastor Jamie’s call to action to connect people with God. Hopefully you will be a part! Get information or register online at scottsdalebible.com/outreach or contact Megan Hunter outreach@scottsdalebible.com 480-824-7230
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Looking Back at the Year in Missions 54
Missionaries supported by Scottsdale Bible
23
Short-term missions teams sent worldwide
350
Scottsdale Bible people who went on short-term missions teams
670
Number of Tanzanian children our Scottsdale Bible families sponsored
$28,000 $4,500 $50,000
Raised through Tour de New River bike ride for Africa Raised through cookbook sales for Tanzania Raised through Mount Kilimanjaro hike for Tanzania
Scottsdale Bible Missionaries Meet the Gonzalez family. Martin and Susie Gonzalez have served as Scottsdale Bible missionaries to Mexico for the past 20 years. They helped start two churches which today have their own leadership and are growing. Martin is the Ministry Area Leader for the Evangelical Alliance Mission in Mexico and also trains leaders. Susie home schooled their three children, visits the prison and
disciples women. While on home assignment until next summer, Susie is studying counseling at Phoenix Seminary. Martin is also studying and teaching there. They plan to return to Mexico and continue their ministries. If you would like to receive their updates or learn more, please contact Megan Hunter outreach@scottsdalebible.com 480.824.7230
Baby Bottles Drive Away Despair January 22, 2012
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ach January, staff members from Living Hope Women’s Center arrive with boxes of baby bottles that you are asked to take home, fill with money and return. Why do we do that? Scottsdale Bible is partnering with Living Hope Women’s Center to offer an Earn While You Learn educational program that teaches prenatal, postnatal and parenting classes, Financial Peace University, Fatherhood curriculum, adoption support, free limited ultrasound, and so much more. Here are just a few stories to show how our maternity home, Hope House, is changing lives: Marcella came to us struggling to par-
ent her two small daughters with little or no support, and facing another pregnancy. Today, she and the children’s father are married, are saved, and are working together toward independent living. Shania came to Hope House pregnant, close to delivery. She was 15 and needed a safe place to deliver her baby. While living at Hope House, Shania had the opportunity to hear the gospel for the first time. Patricia, a former gang member, spoke at our annual “Celebrate Life” banquet and said, “Living at Hope House was the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned so much. I learned about people, about myself and about Jesus.
I felt genuine love for the first time in my life. I was there two years. I remember not wanting to leave the security and love I had there, but I learned so much that I applied what I learned and started putting an independent life together for me and my son. It offers hope to young women who are hopeless. It offers women like me a chance to have a life. And it isn’t just about us. It’s about generations of children who will know love and hope because their mothers were blessed by this ministry.” Please take a bottle and return it filled so we can continue to bless women and children in need of a Living Hope. By: Lynette Carter
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counseling ministry
my story: has always been easy to feel sorry for myself. I’ve Itstruggled at times to not wallow in self-pity. Yet, by
God’s grace, I have been healed and now live in victory! God has been with me and watching over me since I was born, even though I would not know Him until I was 25. I grew up in a home that did not believe in God. From the outside, my adoptive family looked normal. Living inside this family, though, was hell because of years of sexual, physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse. To cope, I lived my life in a fantasy world without pain or fear. I am convinced that God sustained me through all the misery. With the abuse still continuing into my late teens, I looked for a way of escape. I tried to end my life on more than one occasion. Later I married a man that I thought would take me away from it all, but I was wrong because he was violent and abusive. I was divorced at 23 years old and feeling lost. I didn’t care about myself, and I moved in and out of uncaring relationships with other men. Even though I did not search for God, He sent Christians my way to show me the love of Christ. One day I was trying to make a decision whether to become a prostitute or go to church with my new apartment managers who were Christians. I went to church and accepted Christ as my Savior! Unfortunately, being so broken, my abuse continued for another 6 years.
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heals Seeing Christian marriages at church gave me the desire for the same thing in my heart, but God clearly spoke to me that I would not be able to be in a relationship until I faced the pain of my abuse. God took my hand and led me through counseling to face the hidden pain deep inside me. Thirteen years went by with God pouring out His grace of healing upon me. I am still a work in progress and I still struggle with things once in a while, but the good news is I have a Comforter who heals the pain and brokenness. After I finished my counseling, God brought this sweet Christian man into my life and God grew my faith through new trials. My dear husband has been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease and his job ended last year. For myself, I am struggling with two diseases that rob me of energy and strength. Yet, I praise God, because my husband and I are being used for His glory. God has taken my past pain and is using it to help others. Through the Mending the Soul ministry groups, I see God moving other women to walk with Him and for them to take courage to face abuse they have experienced, or are experiencing, and find God’s love and healing. The women in the group lend great support to one another through the grace of God.
The months between October and December can be the most painful months of the year. Death, separation, divorce, illness, family trauma, job loss or moving to a new location result in great losses that make the holidays difficult. Here are a few practical tips. Prepare beforehand for the ambush of emotions that can happen anytime. Accept the difficulty at this time of the year and your loss. Force yourself to go out even if it is only for a short time. Lower your expectations. Decorating and ornaments may be too painful. Put them away for another time. Do not numb your pain with drugs or alcohol, chemicals which will create more depression. Exercise and eat healthy to reduce stress and maintain strength. Shop online if the mall is too stressful. Get some sunshine. Set boundaries by precisely explaining to family and friends what you are and are not capable of doing this year. Reach out to others who might be alone during the holidays. Have a coping strategy by having the phone number of your counselor, pastor, church, close friend, or hotline taped to or located nearby your phone. _________________________________________________
Caring Conquerors is a biblically based support group for men and women and their caregivers who are facing life-threatening and long term medical illness. Hurting people and their loved ones can: Receive support and encouragement to endure both the physical and emotional pain that often accompanies chronic medical illnesses. Learn methods for coping with the illness and ways to nurture relationships during the difficult periods. Gain hope from the truth found in Scripture. For more information about Mending the Soul and Caring Conquerors support groups, and a complete listing of all support groups go to
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MARRIAGE IS NO LONGER RELEVANT 10
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he headlines scream it. It may not always be phrased in those exact words, but by inference in movies and television shows, books, and by newspaper proclamations, there is a claim that you are free to do whatever pleases yourself in relationships. An Internet search of the phrase, “Marriage Is No Longer Relevant,” garnered 20,700 hits! In fact, in a recent interview, one popular actress insisted that marriage is an irrelevant social tradition, saying:
“I just don’t think marriage is necessary, as necessary as society makes it. And I don’t have a negative point of view on it. I just think it’s a very old tradition and if you look back to what marriage symbolizes in the first place... it has nothing to do with why we get married today.” As Pastor Jamie pointed out a few weeks ago, Christians often adopt world views, embracing them completely with consequential results. The numbers show that even those in the church are increasingly following the view that marriage is irrelevant. A recent survey reports that 52% of American couples cohabitate, instead of marrying. Unfortunately, the percentages are not different for unmarried cohabitating Christian couples, according to statistics from the country’s marriage preparation classes. This report is an acceleration of a decades-long trend. In 1974, the population of unmarried cohabitating couples was 11% (Bumpass & Lu, 1998). By 1988, the rate was 33% (National Survey of Families and Households). Now, the U.S. Bureau of Census reports an accelerated 13% increase in cohabitation in only two years (2009-2010).
This leads to several questions . . . Where did marriage originate? In Genesis 2, the Bible recounts how God created man (v. 7). God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden and instructed him to cultivate it and keep it. Then in verse 18, God said it is not good for man to be alone and made him a helper in Eve. Finally, in verses 24-25, God told mankind that the man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Adam was the first husband. Eve was the first wife. Theirs was the first marriage. They were the first parents.
Marriage came from God in the beginning. Marriage was established by God from the beginning of time. Do we have knowledge of God’s plan for marriage? Colossians states that all things were created in Christ, through Christ, and for Christ. God laid out the purpose of marriage to be relationship for mankind’s benefit, pointing to God’s love for people. Ephesians 5:32 clearly establishes that marriage is to be a reflection of the relationship of Christ to the Church. This is evangelism’s finest testimony – when a marriage is done in God’s way. When did God rescind His plan for marriage? Even though Matthew (22:30) and Mark (12:25) both state that marriage is only for this age, and that there will be no marriage in heaven, God still expects people to follow His origjnal plan for marriage and not change it to suit needs or to fit the vision of an unbelieving society. Some revisionists have made what is unhealthy, destructive, harmful, and lacking God’s truth and wisdom to look attractive, practical and good. They are changing history with little push back from the church, families, government or society. What do we need to do for our marriage to be done God’s way? The Church has been routinely silent on marriage for too long, adopting the world’s prevailing view. The time has come to take a stand. Live your life placing Christ first, and loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Luke 10:27). How can we be a part of restoring marriage to God’s design? It begins in your own marriage by challenging the trends, seeking God’s purpose, and allowing Him to unfold His perfect plan in you. As you do, God will give you the vision for your marriage, and you will purposefully avail yourself to the tools that will grow a healthy, display-case marriage. Your Marriage Ministry has the tools to help you along the way: visit scottsdalebible.com/marriage for current valley-wide marriage events.
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Our annual Christmas Worship Celebration is around the corner! ___________________________________
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ou are invited to join our entire Worship Arts Ministry and worship pastor, Troy Peterson, as we present this massive all-new musical and creative arts production to our Scottsdale community. As Troy states,
“Winter Wonder is designed to creatively communicate the gospel to an unchurched person as well as provide a high quality Christmas experience for our church family. We encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity to invite friends, coworkers, family…anyone in your sphere of influence to Winter Wonder.” Our goal is to share the love of Christ through a contemporary production with a classic flare. Because of the large crowds last year, we have expanded our performance schedule to Dec. 9th (7 pm), Dec. 10th (3 & 7pm) and Dec. 11th (2pm). Our Winter Wonder production will consist of three acts involving singers, orchestra, dancers, video, Scottsdale Bible students, and traditional carols as well as today’s sounds of bands and electronic music. The finale of the program is our depiction of the nativity scene complete with grand choral and orchestral music with the pageantry of Christ’s birth featuring Biblical characters and live animals! We have included several brand new elements this year you won’t want to miss. Another exciting component of this year’s production will be our partnership with Christian Family Care Agency (CFCA). In the spirit of giving and generosity, we desire to share our abundant resources by reaching out to this community in Phoenix. Guests will have an opportunity to partner with us in providing bicycles and toys for the foster children of CFCA. Invitation cards are available at the Information Center patio, which can be shared with neighbors, family and friends whom you would like to invite to “Encounter Christ” this Christmas season. Tickets are not required for this event and doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. Reach out to someone and share Christ this season as you experience Winter Wonder!
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“ PLUGGING INTO MINISTRY” Three Stories about Winter Wonder
Richard Shott For many years, I have sung in the Worship Choir and have used our annual Christmas musical as an outreach tool. Before recently retiring from a commercial real estate office, I would hand out 20-30 invitation cards to my co-workers each year. Through the years, many of these folks attended our productions and about eight couples have become involved in Scottsdale Bible through attending these concerts. One couple in particular watched one of the dramas and realized they were like one of the family depicted that needed the Lord in their lives. They became Christians and began following Christ as a result of that production. I have realized that through my Christian walk I could share Christ’s love with others, and once this became clear to me, using my testimony and all of our outreach programs has become second nature of who I am in Christ.
Loyd Sparks My wife Terry and I are relatively new members of Scottsdale Bible, having moved here from California to retire near our children. I have always enjoyed being involved in church and using my spiritual gift of service to glorify God throughout our years of marriage. The opportunity to serve came last year in preparing for the Christmas program by helping with set construction and as a stage crew member during the performances. This was exciting to me since my wife is in the choir and I was able to serve alongside her, even though I don’t have musical gifts. By plugging into the set building crew, I was able to use my gifts as well as meet new people. God has graciously allowed Terry and me to find a church home in a new city and continue serving Christ through the Worship Arts Ministry.
Justin Watkins Winter Wonder 2010 turned out to be a life-changing event for me. It began with performing in last year’s Christmas production with a group of students from Horizon High School, some of whom also attend Scottsdale Bible. I had a good time participating in that event and in January, I began attending the high school group at Scottsdale Bible from the invitation of a few Horizon friends. I discovered church could be pretty cool and listened to what was being taught in the gatherings. Having grown up in a non-practicing Jewish family, this was all new to me and I wasn’t in a hurry to make any decisions. Along the way, the message began to click and on this last Good Friday, I prayed with a friend to receive Christ into my life. There have been rocky times with my family as a result of this decision, but I continue to attend youth group meetings and develop my faith. Many friends along the way have been a part of my life through our musical activities in public school. I’m thankful they invited me to be a part of the production, the high school group and ultimately to become a Christian.
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SCOTTSDALE BIBLE CHURCH
WELCOMES John Paul Stepanian
J
ohn Paul Stepanian was hired November 1st to serve in SOMA, Scottsdale Bible’s young adult ministry. He grew up in Nipomo, CA, and after a 15–month stint at Hume Lake Christian Camps, completed his undergraduate study at Multnomah University in Portland, OR. He met his wife Sarah on a Campus Crusade summer project and married in 2005. After building houses for a year in the chilly Northwest he moved to Salinas, CA, where he served as a middle school youth pastor from 2006-2011. After five good years in ministry and three children, John Paul and Sarah made the decision to pursue a seminary education. In August 2011 Team Stepanian moved to Scottsdale without visiting, without a church, without jobs, but hungry to study God’s word and find a place to serve. After beginning at Phoenix Seminary, John Paul was encouraged by Dr. Wegner to apply for the Minister in Training program. John Paul is excited to serve with Joe, Blake, Jason, and the SOMA team to perpetuate Christ’s kingdom of grace and truth!
y o b w Co as Ball m t s i r h C ecember 16, 2011
ll ilies of a Friday, D and fam . s ! Our d m n n . e w p ri o F 0 3 : Ball. Hoe D s a 8 a n – tm o s g ri 0 im h in 6:3 e best T annual C year we are putt can ving our ping to th u tap This is ha home yo ur s will be elcome. inistries e w M to l re r a ia u c s o s in your e d yo m d e e n Sp e e a v it n l lo g le ia in play spec try-sty would e n h e u b it w l o w il c e s w e tr e v n ag usic Ce cial holiu ha country m Swift tunes. If yo ecorate the Town omed at our spe te ri o v fa r s. You lc d and Taylo or you can help and treats are we ce or two with u w ra G c M nt an friendks r our eve ce. Snac y by enjoying a d ing, celebrating n fo s ta u is s d s n a le nd istr dly danc d items a an serve our min nashame u borrowe e c v a u h o Y s iend sion. day occa eve the joy our fr other. li e e b h on an cannot hing wit g u la d n ships a
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WOMEN
Women’s
Wellness Day
JAN UARY 21, 8:30 am–3:00 pm
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e all see the abundance of news and information on diets, exercise, beauty and medical issues in today’s media. While it is important to take care of our bodies, wellness is more than just the physical—it includes our whole being of body, mind and spirit. Come join hundreds of other women for the second annual Women’s Wellness Day at Scottsdale Bible. You will be inspired by a message from keynote speaker Carol Kent, bestselling author of Between a Rock and a Grace Place and When I Lay My Isaac Down. With her openness, hope, joy, and sense of humor Carol will help you find God’s “grace places” in the middle of your own life challenges. In addition to Carol’s inspirational, heart-felt message, you will have a choice of three informative workshops from a list of more than twenty to attend. Find and register for the ones that fit you best. Join other women and learn from wellness professionals in your lifelong pursuit of great health—your mind, body, and spirit.
Conference Schedule:
Scottsdale Bible Church Women’s fourth program will begin on February 7, 2012. This program is designed to prepare women to serve and lead with practical tools in line with who God created them to be. Classes will be offered on Tuesday mornings and Tuesday evenings. WILD is open to any woman who has a heart to grow in leadership. It is a two year program with one year of instruction and one year of service.
Registration Opens. . . . . . . 8:00–8:30 am Opening Session. . . . . . . . . 8:30–9:30 am Workshop One . . . . . . . . . . 9:40–10:40 am Workshop Two. . . . . . . . . . . 10:50–11:50 am Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:50 am–12:40 pm Workshop Three. . . . . . . . . 12:40–1:40 pm Closing Session. . . . . . . . . . 1:50–3:00 pm _______________________________________
Cost is $25
per person and includes a healthful, gourmet box lunch. Space is limited. For more information or to register, go to www.scottsdalebible.com/women.
We look forward to seeing you here.
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childrens ministry
Hey Kids! Pull out your mittens! The mission of
Scottsdale Bible is
“Win,Build,Send.”
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interfest is a time for joy and fun for our community families. Perhaps when most people think about Winterfest, they remember popular attractions such as the snow slide, the petting zoo or the horse-drawn hayride with the telling of the Christmas story. Or maybe when you think of Winterfest, you recall the live nativity, carnival games, crafts or delicious food. Did you know, however, that Winterfest is also an opportunity to share the celebration of our Savior’s birth with Scottsdale Bible—affiliated soldiers currently fighting for our freedom across the world? It’s true—and it’s all because of incredible volunteers like Chloe Kavanaugh. Scottsdale Bible Church is blessed to have people among us who may have retired but are so full of energy that God uses them mightily! Chloe is one of those people who has answered God’s call to serve in many ways. Over the years, Chloe has sacrificed her time and served as a dedicated teacher, principle, administrator, and adjunct professor; as the Director of Kids Voting at the Alternative Schools in Inner-city Phoenix; as an orphanage worker in Ankara, Turkey, and as a teacher in Istanbul. Chloe continues to answer God’s call by serving steadfastly at Scottsdale Bible. You may recognize her from the prayer ministry she heads up for our service men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. You’ll find her and her Hearty Souls friends most Sundays under the leaning tree adorned with American flags and photos of the troops on the north lawn in front of the Worship Center. However, Chloe doesn’t stop there. Another area Chloe heads up
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is our Winterfest “Cards for Troops” station. Chloe and her team prepare all of the card supplies, make a poster of each solider with a photo and short biography of their life and tour of duty and decorate the room handsomely with service memorabilia. Parents and children are invited to the station to create one or more holiday greeting cards, including prayers for their safe return and notes of encouragement while they live out their difficult assignments. These cards are then mailed directly to our troops, who will hopefully receive them in time for Christmas. This activity is such a blessing for our troops—but it’s an even larger blessing to those who participate to be able to send some Christmas cheer to one of our very own soldiers! Winterfest is coming Thursday, December 15, and everyone in our church community and the surrounding area are invited to attend. Admission is free; food will be available for purchase from area vendors. Stop by the Cards-for-Troops station, say “hi” and “thank you” to Chloe and her team and decorate a card for one of our troops away from home and family this holiday season. For more information on Winterfest or to volunteer, please visit www.scottsdalebible.com/winterfest.
Important Dates to Remember
December 15 . . . . . . . . . . Winterfest December 21 & 28. . . . . .No AWANA Club (due to holiday break) January 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . AWANA Club Resumes
FEATURING 18 TONS OF SNOW! Thursday, December 15th 5:30–8:30 pm Your family is invited to the Scottsdale Bible campus for a free winter festival unlike any other! Enjoy two snow slides and two play hills (one set for big kids and one for our smaller friends), multiple inflatables, awesome holiday crafts, a super-fun scavenger hunt, a petting zoo with many furry animals, a live nativity, tons of carnival games with prizes, delicious cookies for decorating, live music and more! With dozens of door prizes, including an iPad, gaming systems, local event tickets, gift cards and much more!
__________________________________ Food will be available for purchase from area vendors; or, bring your own meal and dine at one of our tables.
For more information, call 480.824.7200 or visit scottsdalebible.com
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Get connected with other
Senior Adults Hearty Souls, for people “over-55,” partners with a number of Scottsdale Bible ministries to support the work of our church. This is an active, generous group who has invested significantly in the mission of the church. We meet at the Chapel, 7901 East Shea Boulevard, each Wednesday 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Visitation Team is a group of Christminded individuals who extend His hands of love and compassion by visiting members and families of Scottsdale Bible who are hospitalized or in nursing homes and rehab centers. You are invited to join in, or help by letting us know if a relative or friend would appreciate a visit.
Encore Choir is an informal singing group, which concentrates on the traditional hymns of the faith. Our goal is to have fun by meeting other lovers of these great pieces of music. We meet every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. We offer our music to enrichment classes, other activities at Scottsdale Bible, and community venues such as assisted living facilities.
Helping Hands is a group of men and women who have some “do-it-yourself” skills that they offer to single-parent moms and those of us who are too fragile to climb ladders any more. We are not contractors, but we can perform small “honey-do’s.” Join us if you can tell the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver. Or, let us know if you need assistance with changing light bulbs or cleaning the A/C filter.
For information about any of those ministries or any ministry that you think we ought to provide, please contact Bob Cain at seniors@scottsdalebible.com, 480.824.7248 or 480.824.7334.
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Military/Patriots is a group who is committed to praying for and supporting service men and women and their families who are connected to Scottsdale Bible. We strive to encourage the church to pray especially for those “in harm’s way,” whose lives are on the line for all of us to enjoy freedoms, such as the freedom to worship. We organize various patriotic events and activities throughout the year. See the Memorial Display in the narthex and join us between Morning service times in front of the Media Center to pray for the troops. CaregiverSupport is a group for those who are the primary caregivers for a loved one. The care receiver could be a spouse, parent, sibling, or child. We meet to encourage one another as well as receive some insight and training from professionals in the field of senior adult caregiving.
MEN
How God Shapes a Man
Going Heart to Heart One Heart at a Time God excels in taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. When God begins to shape a man He works from inside out, beginning with a “new heart,” one that is willing and responsive to His voice. Talent and ability are never prerequisites to being used by God. What is necessary for God is a “broken and contrite heart.” Never leave home without your godly character! It has been said that “your character is who you are when no one is looking and what you are willing to stand for when you stand alone.” The character of God’s man is continually under construction by work of the Holy Spirit. God is a “Master Craftsman” whose work never fails and even comes with a guarantee promising “completion.” The shaping of your character is the work of sanctification and it leads to holiness. When God shapes you, He wants integrity to precede every thought and action. He wants consistency between your actions and inner convictions. He wants your commitment to His ways to rule your character. He wants your heart’s desire to obey His commands. He gives you His love so that you can love the way He loves and this love is the love that compels your life for His glory (2 Cor. 5:14). Ministry to men and their families is experiencing a time of unprecedented growth and involvement. From the men who meet with the guys in AISI Ministry (affectionately known as “IRON”) to the men who enjoyed the camaraderie of the Men’s Summit, to the Dad’s Crew, to Friday morning Men’s Prayer Team, to the leaders of the more than 30 weekly men’s small groups, men throughout our church are experiencing God in new, fresh, exciting ways. The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is overcoming the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). This is what God wants to see in His men as He shapes them into men of integrity and godly character. He wants “Joshuas;” men who would rather die than fail God in pursuit of His glory! To be God’s man is an all-or-nothing commitment (Lk. 9:23). Men here, just like Joshua, stand resolved, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Jos. 24:15). As a result, men are feeling a tremendous surge of God’s presence in every area of their lives and our church is greatly blest!
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Economic Outlook 2012 January 20, 2012
7 pm | Worship Center Tickets $10 each
The U.S. Economy & Poverty’s Enemy America’s troubles have been brewing for a long time. The fuel for our economy right now is a set of macroeconomic policies and electoral change which would reduce uncertainty, promote sustainability, check entitlements, and give impetus to economic growth. We Invite you to a special evening with Dr. Barry Asmus and Dr. Wayne Grudem. Barry is a Senior Economist with the National Center for Policy Analysis, one of the most influential think tanks in America today. Wayne is a Research Professor, Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. Both men are nationally respected speakers and authors. Wayne and Barry have nearly completed jointly authoring their book on poverty. Two billion people on the planet live on the equivalent of less than $2/day. There are good ideas that could change that. Come join us for an evening of interesting discussion.
Tickets are available at the patio tables, reception office or online at
www.scottsdalebible.com
Please contact outreach@scottsdalebible.com or call 480.824.7200 for more information. Ticket proceeds benefit Scottsdale Bible Men’s Construction Team for 2012 short-term team Outreach projects.
Budget Coaches needed! If you have a heart for seeing God work in the financial lives of others, then we want to train you as a much-needed budget coach. Contact Joyce at formation@scottsdalebible.com or 480.824.7334.
Financial Stewardship The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” — Psalm 24:1 True stewardship means using your God-given abilities to manage Godowned resources to accomplish God-directed results. Did you know the Bible speaks more about finances and stewardship than any other subject? Scottsdale Bible’s Financial Stewardship Ministry helps you understand and apply those biblical principles of stewardship to your life — for the glory of our Lord, and to develop a stronger walk in Christ. As a Christian, it is important for you to know that from the very beginning, God has had a plan for you as a manager of what God has given you. All that you have is His. That’s why you are called a “steward” of what you’re given. When you place your focus on the Lord and not on material things, you become a better servant of Him, and a better steward of the gifts that you have. Knowing these biblical principals is important regardless if you are financially comfortable or experiencing financial difficulty. In any one of our classes, you will learn what Scripture teaches about finances, budgeting, investing, borrowing, goal-setting, estate planning and stewardship. You will receive tools, resources, many practical ideas and methods to help you get on a path of biblical stewardship, and stay there. We offer adult, family and children’s education, individual and small group training, one-on-one budget coaching, videos for enrichment groups that want to self teach as well as many other programs.
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Sign up at scottsdalebible.com/formation or contact Joyce at formation@scottsdalebible.com or 480.824.7334.
featured books from our bookstore available today
_________________________________________________________ The Essential Commandment: A Disciples Guide to Loving God and Others by Greg Ogden
Is it possible to live out the Great Commandment and what does it look like on the ground in your day-to-day life? The author believes that Jesus has a simple answer to those questions. He writes, “Jesus didn’t follow the Great commandment saying, ‘I know I’m asking a lot, but do the best you can.’ Jesus thinks this is possible.” Ogden has found it is both possible and essential.
This is a practical, in-depth handbook that will help you to be changed by Christ into a person who loves God and loves others. Each chapter includes a core truth, a memory verse, an inductive Bible study and a reading on one aspect of the Great Commandment. Thought provoking questions will also help you examine your heart and life and move you to open yourself to God’s transforming work.
The Dangerous Act of Loving Your Neighbor
by Mark Labberton Too often when we look at people we see problems or inconveniences on the one hand and ways we’ll get taken advantage of on the other. When you begin to see others with the eyes of Jesus, the stage is set not only for your own heart change but for a change in the world. Through the self-examination that comes from the power and grace of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, you begin to bear the fruit of love toward others that can make a difference in individuals and in society. DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT WALK WORTHY BOOKS & MUSIC • Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (special pricing for the season) • Handmade Jewelry and Ornaments from Tanzania • Many nativities to choose from • Advent candles, devotionals and calendars. • Variety of Christmas Cards • Bibles for all ages, every day at 30% off
Bookstore Hours Monday
9 am–5 pm
Tuesday
9 am–5 pm
Wednesday
9 am–7 pm
Thursday
9 am–5 pm
Friday
9 am–5 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
7:30 am–1 pm 4:45–7 pm
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Christmas Eve Services Worship Center:
3:30 pm Family Service 5:30, 7 & 8:30 pm Traditional Services
he High School Building: T 4 & 5:30 pm Family Service childcare is available for ages 0-3 at 3:30, 4 & 5:30pm services
Christmas Day Service Worship Center: 9:30 am
New Year’s Day All Services Except 8am
Begins January 15th, 2012