Connection April/May 2010

APRIL MAY 2010

VOLUME 12 NUMBER 2

spring music concerts page 5

april/may events page 9

ReEngage your marriage page 3

APRIL | MAY 2010

4

reengage getting comfortably uncomfortable on the marriage highway................................................................................3

encouraging couples before they say I do foundations for marriage is designed for couples considering engagement or marriage. find out how this class is helping couples get off to a great start................4

heartsongs stonebriar’s sanctuary choir and orchestra is gearing up for their spring concert on May 15. find out the meaning behind this concert title ...................................5

children’s choirs spring concert

6 8

during april more than 200 children will take the stage to share the story of esther in a truly unique way..........5

oh! what a time singing out gospel praise with friends, what could be better? learn more about SCC’s celebration singers upcoming concert...............................................................6

children’s building murals learn more about the artist who shared his time and talent with stonebriar’s children’s ministries..................7

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faith foundations vacation bible school will be held at night this summer. find out when, where, and why..................... 8

april/may calendar............................................ 9 everything is beautiful in His time women find encouragement in the midst of hard times.............................................................. back cover

more stories at www.stonebriar.org

connection

time flies when you’re having fun

volume 12 • number 2

A bimonthly publication, copyright © 2010 Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, Texas.

The material within may not be disseminated in any manner without permission.

All inquiries, comments, suggestions, and story ideas should be directed to Jennifer Brown, director of communications, at 469-252-5200 or by e-mail to Communications@Stonebriar.org.

senior pastor

director of resource ministries

director of communications

senior graphic designer

communications coordinator

writer/designer

volunteer editors and writers

by jennifer brown, director of communications I can’t remember when I first heard the phrase, “time flies when you’re having fun,” but throughout my life I have found that it is indeed true. However, it seems that these “flying times” are not only limited to fun times but also occur when the schedule is booked, or more accurately, crazy busy.

Chuck Swindoll

Carol Spencer

For the past year, life at Stonebriar has been both fun and busy. It’s hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since we launched the new Connection magazine-style format, but here we are once again preparing for the April/May edition. What is even more amazing is God’s faithfulness during this time.

Jennifer Brown

Kenny Courtenay

Last April, we celebrated our first Easter in the new Worship Center and Atrium, then celebrated together once again in January 2010 with the addition of the new Children’s Building. It’s hard to believe that one year ago construction crews had just finished steel work for the building frame and were getting ready to pour concrete for the second floor. Today both buildings are in constant use by our ministries. In fact, almost each room on our campus is used every day for an event, class, or Bible study.

Lynn Wilson

Susan Jacobson

Mary Garner Shelly King

Bob Vestal

encouraging all people to pursue a lifelong, joyous relationship with Jesus Christ

Our new Children’s Building is now providing space for growth and ministry to families of preschool and special needs children. Because of this addition, our kindergarten through fourth-grade children are enjoying new classrooms in the Education Building.

While these new facilities are the biggest physical additions to the church, many other significant additions have taken place. Since last April, 96 people professed their faith in Christ and were baptized, and 297 people have joined Stonebriar, bringing our church membership to 3,439.

As a staff, we have focused on reaching out and connecting with our congregation and community in new ways. In addition to several new home adult fellowships, new classrooms for Sunday adult fellowships, and a new worship space for Stonebriar en Español, SCC has added a job-loss encouragement ministry, the ReEngage marriage ministry, and several community outreach opportunities through our Community Impact ministry that kicked off last April. During 2009, Stonebriar Missions hosted their first concert and banquet, and provided families an opportunity to participate in family missions for the first time.

It has truly been a fun and busy year. While listing every new ministry and change that occurred since last April would take more space than allotted for in this article, hopefully this quick glimpse of God’s faithfulness in twelve short but incredible months encourages you.

www.stonebriar.org

Don and Valmae Crosbie have been married 44 years and are active volunteer leaders with ReEngage and Foundations for Marriage.

Do you regularly maintain your car? For the majority of us, we are diligent to change our oil, keep air in our tires, and make sure all is running properly so that we don’t wind up on the shoulder of the road, broken down with our emergency lights flashing. Our cars need regular, but crucial, maintenance.

Marriage requires regular maintenance, too. While it is one of the most exciting and rewarding relationships you can have in life, the accumulation of daily wear and tear of job, family, and societal pressures can lead to a marital break down. Just like we go to the mechanic for our car, we need to go to God’s Word for a marital tune-up. ReEngage, Stonebriar’s new marriage ministry, provides a safe place for couples to do just that.

Don Crosbie serves with his wife, Valmae, as a coach couple for this ministry.

Through 44 years of marriage, raising two children, living in four countries, experiencing three different careers, and watching five grandchildren grow up, they have experienced the highs and lows of married life.

“When we married, I told Valmae that I loved her, and if anything changed, I would let her know,” Don shared. “Nothing has changed, apart from growing and learning a lot over the years.”

One of the things they have learned as a couple is to be content with whatever situation they are in and to make the very most of it. “When we got married, we didn’t anticipate all the challenges, changes, and life

3 | connection

encouraging couples before they say “I do” by susan jacobson, staff writer

experiences that we would have together.” Don said, “But we have experienced a wonderful life, based upon adaptation, faith, and growth, that we both personally treasure.”

Don and Valmae have worked hard to keep their marriage tuned up, and now with others are ministering to couples in ReEngage. With marriage and family increasingly under attack in today’s society, ReEngage focuses on strengthening marriages by providing a ministry to couples in various stages and ages of relationship, whether it be crisis, challenge, or growth.

“The setting is what I would call ‘comfortably uncomfortable,’” Don shared.

“By that I mean there is a relaxed and warm atmosphere that changes between laughter and tears, joys and sorrows, and everything in between.”

Attendees are challenged to grow in their personal relationship with the Lord as well as in their marital relationship. He believes this brings more individual accountability rather than pointing a finger at the spouse.

“For us, it has been a joy and reward to see positive developments take place in the lives of those attending. ” He concluded, “It is our prayer that we will see this ministry become a real focal point for the restoration of marriage and family relationships, both in the church and the wider community.”

Is it time to “tune up” your marriage? ReEngage meets each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room B241-242. Find out more online [Keyword: ReEngage].

Are you considering engagement or marriage?

Stonebriar’s nine-week premarital class, Foundations for Marriage, was designed just for you. Discuss topics you may not have even thought about, including communication, family, love and forgiveness, and stewardship and finances. Learn more about your partner’s expectations in marriage while defining your own.

Held twice a year in the spring and fall, FFM meets in a casual classroom setting Each Foundations couple is paired with a mentoring coach couple, who help assess strength and growth areas, both relationally and individually.

Each aspect of the course is geared to provide a wide spectrum of preparation for couples who want to look at marriage from a practical and biblical perspective.

Guidance doesn’t stop at the altar. Stonebriar is committed to mentoring, teaching, and counseling couples throughout their lifetime. Take the first step by registering for Foundations for Marriage [Keyword: FFM].

www.stonebriar.org | 4

heartsongs, a three-part spring concert series by stonebriar’s sanctuary choir and orchestra Part 1: HeartSongs from the Saints Saturday, May 15, at 4 p.m., Stonebriar’s Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present the first of three concerts based on Colossians 3:16: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you . . . sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” This years’ program will feature beautiful arrangements of traditional and classic hymns and will be narrated by Pastor Chuck Swindoll.

The title HeartSongs came about as Pastor Swindoll studied and researched the meaning behind this New Testament Scripture passage in Colossians. Here are his thoughts.

“As I ponder that statement found in Colossians 3:16, I find that it’s a

command—something we’re told to ‘let happen,’ and when we do, a souldeep ministry transpires Specifically, we’re commanded to do something very special regarding the Word of Christ: we’re to ‘let it indwell’ us in such depth that it enriches our inner being. (The Bible’s favorite word for that sacred chamber of our inner being is “heart.” So, that’s crucial when we seek a name for our concerts.) As the indwelling of the Word transpires we glean wisdom from above, which, in turn, allows us to teach and counsel one another, heart-to-heart. Since such depth of wisdom emerges from our hearts and touches others’ hearts, we’re told here that the manner in which we offer this

Pastor Swindoll will narrate the upcoming spring choir and orchestra concert.

teaching and counseling is not through statements we speak, but through songs we sing . . . in fact, through three distinct categories of songs, each of which ministers effectively because we sing them to our God with great gratitude.”

Join us for this three-part concert series.

2010: HeartSongs from the Saints 2011: HeartSongs from the Scriptures 2012: HeartSongs from the Spirit

children’s choirs spring musical On Sunday, April 25, at 6 p.m., approximately 230 children will take the stage to present the Children’s Choirs spring musical, Esther-Ordinary Faith. Through music and narration, children from ages four through sixth grade will share the amazing story of Esther. The musical will feature a talented cast, narrators, soloists, ensemble members, and dancers. Choir members will sing 16 songs that tell the story of Esther as recorded in the Scriptures, a story of hate and love, fear and faith, sowing and reaping. Additional songs will remind us of the truths of Scripture and providence of God. In short, “God is in control.”

Through these young voices we will learn about God’s perfect and precise timing, be encouraged to walk by faith rather than sight, and better understand the power of prayer. Although God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, God’s presence throughout is unmistakable. These children have put in hours of practice, and we hope you will join them for an extra-ordinary night of music and worship.

5 | connection

oh! what a time!

june 5 4 p.m.

stonebriar’s celebration singers by jennifer brown, director of communications

Spend a few minutes in rehearsal with the Celebration Singers and you’ll soon find that the title of their upcoming summer concert, Oh! What a Time!, perfectly describes this group. “We have lots of fun—too much fun really,” said Mary Margaret Gibson, a long-time member of the choir, ”and you’re guaranteed to start clapping.”

The choir, led by director Steve Burwell, began about seven years ago with 30 people. Today the singing group is comprised of a wide range of vocalists who love to sing classic hymns and southern gospel songs. Their desire is to reach out to the lost and invite them to hear and feel, through music, the unconditional love of God for all of mankind. “We pray that Jesus will make Himself known as we sing,” shared Mary Harrison, who joined the choir three years ago after moving from Florida. In addition, this group loves to share songs of praise that many haven’t heard for years. Each Monday night, these men and women gather with good friends for rehearsal (and much laughter) at 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. It doesn’t take long to get a glimpse into the hearts behind the music, as it is clear that they have a love for one another and for the Lord. “We have as much fun in rehearsal as we do performing,” said Linda Crone, who has been part of the group since it started.

For many, Stonebriar is not the first place where they hear the Celebration Singers perform. Throughout the year the choir can been seen and heard all across the Metroplex at retirement homes, nursing homes, banquets, and special events—really any place that extends an invitation. “We are always looking for a place to sing,” said Don Sneed. One of the most memorable places where the group performed was at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Dallas.“We sang to about 75 men who were at the center and it was an incredible experience,” said vocalist Laura Murday. “We went there to minister to them, and when we left we were the ones who were ministered to.” Currently, the Celebration Singers are gearing up for their concert on Saturday, June 5, at 4 p.m. in Stonebriar’s Multi-Purpose Room.

My joy in sorrow My light in darkness My sword and shield Oh my Lord, what a time! www.stonebriar.org | 6

more than a fresh coat of paint During the weekend of February 6–8, artist Noah Elias spent approximately 20 hours bringing the foyer of the new Children’s Building to life by adding colorful artwork to the newly-constructed walls.

This well-known artist who lives in southern California quickly turned plain walls into scenes filled with trees, hills, and fun characters. These new murals on the first and second floor of the Children’s Building reflect the characters and outdoor scenes from Insight for Living’s children’s radio program, Paws & Tales.

With years of experience in the custom art scene, Noah is respected by celebrities and well-known corporations including Walt Disney Company. He recently became a best selling artist for the Disney enterprise; his limited-edition character prints can be purchased at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.

Noah is a long-time family friend of the Swindoll family.

In appreciation of their years of friendship, he donated his time and shared his remarkable gift with all of the Stonebriar family. This summer, Noah plans to return to Stonebriar and add additional theming in other Children’s Ministries areas in the church.

E H

test your knowledge

Y

See lower-right corner of page 10 for the answer.

7 | connection

VBS is coming, and it’s got a whole new look this year! Get ready to put on your hardhats and enter the construction zone as we present “Faith Foundations” in the evening from 6 to 8:30, June 14–18.

Why hold VBS at night? Spiritual development for all family members is greatly enhanced when the family learns and serves together, and Children’s Ministries wants to provide ways to facilitate that development. By offering VBS at night, all parents have the opportunity to serve in the ministry in which their children are involved, when they will be learning the foundations of their faith. June 14–18 will be a great week of teaching our kids those foundations so they can build a lifelong, joyous relationship with Jesus Christ.

Registration begins April 25 and will be open for children entering kindergarten through fourth-grade graduates. Cost is $5 per child. Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information visit www.stonebriar.org [Keyword: Summer2010].

ool h c S le ib B n io t a Vac . .m p 0 :3 8 o t 6 • 8 1 june 14– ion, visit www.stonebriar.org For more informatord: Summer2010] [Keyw

july 12–16 second- through fourth-grade graduates cost: $275 • $300 after april 18 www.stonebriar.org [Keyword: Summer2010] www.stonebriar.org | 8

APRIL MAY

October

find more events and details or sign up to volunteer at www.stonebriar.org

churchwide

weekly

reengage

tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., room B241-242

4/2

good friday

stonebriar offices closed

4/5, 5/3 cancer encouragement group

communion worship service

4/4

easter

three service times: 7:30, 9, or 10:45 a.m. adult fellowships will not meet

4/13

ordination exam

www.stonebriar.org

7 p.m., worship center

find comfort and encouragement, 7–8:30 p.m.

4/6, 5/4 in His time

6:30 p.m., room A129

4/11/, 5/2 first sunday at five

join us as we pray for our nation at 5 p.m.

children

10 a.m., multi-purpose room all are welcome to attend

5/1

go and be! churchwide service day

5/2

adult baptism class

5/6

national day of prayer

5/14

scc night at the ballpark children’s choirs sing at the rough riders game

4/28, 5/2 awana award ceremony

5/16

ordination service

5/9

baptism service for adults and children

5/31

memorial day

stonebriar offices closed

1 p.m., multi-purpose room

care ministries web keyword: care

weekly

reach up, reach out

fridays at 7 a.m., room B243-244

divorcecare [Keyword: DivorceCare, DC4K]

divorcecare and divorcecare for kids meets wednesdays (ends may 14)

9 | connection

web keyword: children

4/18

child safety sunday

4/25

registration for vacation bible school begins [Keyword: Summer2010]

4/27, 5/4, 11

children’s baptism classes registration deadline: 4/27

child dedication services

community impact web keyword: community impact

weekly

beyond these walls (outreach planning)

sundays at 12:15 p.m., portable A

5/1

go and be! churchwide service day

5/3

summer sports camps registration begins [Keyword: Sports Camps]

women of faith ticket sales begin

connecting

stonebriar en español

4/18, 25, spring membership classes 5/2 deadline to register: 4/5

weekly

tiempo de oración y testimonios

sundays, 9 a.m., multi-purpose room

servicio en español

led by pastor Carlos Zazueta sundays, 10:30 a.m., multi-purpose room

4/4, 18, 5/2, 16

5 p.m., portable A

web keyword: connecting

6/6, 13, 20

summer membership classes deadline to register: 5/24

equipping

web keyword: equipping

4/1, 15, 5/6, 20

mosaic for singles in their 20s 7 p.m., multi-purpose room

men/women

web keyword: men or women

web keyword: español

reunión de jóvenes

students

web keyword: students

4/9, 23, 5/7, 21

hsm dogma morning bible study 6:30 a.m. at original pancake house

weekly

men’s wednesday bible fellowship

4/10

covered girl fashion show

(spring session ends may 12)

10 a.m.–2 p.m., atrium, $10 includes lunch

women of grace

4/16

hsm dogma theology

women’s wednesday bible study

(spring session ends april 27)

(spring session ends april 28)

5/16

senior sunday

mom2mom

5/18

hsm critical mass (last meeting until fall)

5/19

jhm fusion (last meeting until fall)

(spring session ends april 30)

4/10, 5/8 books and bagels

4/23–25 hsm spring retreat to pine cove

9:30 a.m., guest center

missions

web keyword: missions

worship & music web keyword: worship

weekly

celebration singers rehearsal, mondays at 6:30 p.m., choir room

4/12

short-term missions meeting

7 p.m., room B244

4/1, 5/6 sanctuary choir open house

4/15, 5/20 the pursuit

6:30 p.m., room B203

preteens

web keyword: preteen

5/19

last junction 56 meeting (until fall)

4/25

children’s choirs musical

Esther-Ordinary Faith, 6 p.m., worship center

5/14

scc night at the ballpark

children’s choirs sing at the rough riders game

5/15

sanctuary choir & orchestra concert

Heartsongs from the Saints, 4 p.m., worship center Answer to puzzle on page 8: SEE YOU THIS SUMMER AT STONEBRIAR!

www.stonebriar.org | 10

everything is beautiful in His time by julianne amezcua, contributor Not only is the infertility journey a very sensitive one for women, but it also can be a very lonely, discouraging one. In His Time, Stonebriar’s support group based upon Ecclesiastes 3:11a, has seen how God can meet women’s deepest needs throughout this challenging time, while strengthening their faith and knowledge of His grace and love for them.

The group originated in 1994 at Northwest Bible Church with just a few women who met to pray and encourage one another through the infertility journey. In His Time continued to grow and meet on a monthly basis, coming to Stonebriar in the autumn of 2002.

Those who attend have found that by allowing God’s Word to comfort and lead them, they do not travel this road alone. Women are free to share their hearts and be honest with this encouragement group—they truly understand what you are going through. Take a moment to read Shannon Marrs’ testimony.

Infertility, miscarriage, and child loss are three things people just don’t talk about.

It is almost a taboo subject. In 2005 when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, the support, outpouring of concern, phone calls, and prayers from our friends and family (even those we weren’t extremely close with) were amazing. Today I asked my husband what is the hardest thing in life he has been through, and he said without hesitation, “Our infertility and four miscarriages over the past few years.”

Ironically, during the hardest time in our lives, very few people in our inner circle knew how to support and be there for us. Most people didn’t know what to say, so they said nothing. Others said things like, “Relax, once you stop stressing it will happen,” or after our third miscarriage, “Well, it must get easier after each one.” We know people have the best of intentions, but their words were often very hurtful.

To explain to someone all the heartache and grief plus the emotional, physical, mental, social, and financial pain we have experienced would take up an entire book, and it would definitely be a depressing book. Even though we still do not have a baby in our arms, we wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Our marriage, which has always been strong, has been taken to a deeper level. God has taught us so much about suffering, relating to others, and most importantly, His will.

In His Time meets the first Tuesday of every month from September through May, taking a break during the summer months. To learn more, visit our webpage [Keyword: InHisTime].

sunday worship 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Chuck Swindoll, senior pastor

4801 legendary drive, frisco, texas 75034 • 469.252.5200 • www.stonebriar.org