Connection January 2010/December 2009

DECEMBER 2009 JANUARY 2010 VOLUME NUMBER

11 8

connection

holiday distractions

volume 11 • number 8

A bimonthly publication, copyright © 2009 Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, Texas. The material within may not be disseminated in any manner without permission.

by charlton hiott, senior associate pastor of pastoral ministries

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

“Really, Dad!” “What?” I asked as I looked up, a bit startled to see my 17-year-old daughter standing in front of me, hands on her hips, with a look that I’ve seen on her mother’s face before. “Look at you!” she exclaimed. “How many times have you gotten on to me about listening to my iPod while I’m on the computer, and look at you!”

Chuck Swindoll

True story. I was staring at my laptop, the TV remote in one hand and my Blackberry in the other (and yes, the TV was on). Busted. I was not even aware my daughter had walked into the room.

Carol Spencer

Jennifer Brown

Got technology? Technology got you? The technological advances during the last 20 years have been great and all, but there are downsides. Maybe the most subtle and insidious of all is the distraction that comes when the technological talismans have, in my case, divided and subdivided attention.

Kenny Courtenay

Lynn Wilson

Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries, and daub their natural faces unaware.

Susan Jacobson

—Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Aurora Leigh” Book VII volunteer editors and writers

Caren Austen

Mary Garner

Shelly King

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

Distractions abound in this life: huge and miniscule, important and trivial, exciting and banal. A thousand different paths for every moment of every day lie before us offering seductive and amusing detours from our intended task or purpose. Christmas comes each year with a myriad of potential distractions. Don’t misunderstand me, I love the Christmas season, but I know all too well that I can become so fixated on the things of Christmas that I become oblivious to its essential message.

Of those crowding into Bethlehem when God came to earth to be born in a manger, only a few shepherds and wise men came to see the miracle of the incarnation with their own eyes. Of course, Zacharias and Elizabeth understood somewhat, Joseph too, and Mary, who was working out in her own heart and mind these glorious and strange things of the last nine months (Matthew 2:19). But beyond this small group of common folk, everyone else was probably distracted, unaware. “Did you find us a place to stay?”

“What is there to do in Bethlehem?” “I’m so bored.” “Any good places to eat?”

What an interruption! You’d think at Christmas, more than any other time of the year, it would be easy to focus on Jesus, but times haven’t changed much; the distractions are unrelenting. This Christmas, I encourage you to take a break from plucking your blackberries and take in the sights and scenes. As we do, let us fix our eyes on its author, Jesus. Then we will see the common bushes afire, the miracle of the incarnation, and the glory, majesty, and wonder that is Christmas.

www.stonebriar.org

new service times+new children’s building=changes for all ages see an updated map highlighting where classes will be in the new year....................................................................3

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stonebriar’s new library

the new church library will open in the spring; find out how you can get involved .................................................................5

ministering to those in need

more than 4,000 items of food and 1,700 shoe boxes were given by our congregation...........................................................6

6

summing up the financial year discover how to wrap up the year and renew your commitment to give...........................................................6

four ways to celebrate christmas december is a month full of opportunities for your family to experience holiday sights and sounds...........7

seeing Him in each step of the way scc’s director of special events, marge ditka, shares her story of joy in the journey................................................8

december/january upcoming events be sure to mark your calendar........................................ 9

reengage your marriage at scc in february we will launch a new marriage ministry. find out when and where.......................... back cover

7 more stories at www.stonebriar.org

Unlike any other year end, the 2009–2010 transition will be an opportunity to try something new. This could mean volunteering to help move into our recently completed Children’s Building, agreeing to teach in one of the new preschool classrooms, trying a new class at a new time, or simply embracing the new service times starting January 3 and committing to make this a regular part of your busy life each Sunday.

The surrounding map highlights many of the changes taking place with the opening of the Children’s Building. For families, this means classrooms for children birth through four years, the Special Needs ministry, and Stonebriar’s weekday program, Preschool Pals, will transition to the new Children’s Building.

In addition, elementary children, first through fourth grade, will move from the Multi-Purpose Room to firstand second-floor classrooms in the Education Building (Rooms B141–171, and B208–218, dark-blue areas on map).

Location changes in Children’s Ministries will make room for other ministries in the church. Hispanic Ministries will meet in the MultiPurpose Room beginning January 17.

Also, several Adult Fellowships will transition from the portable buildings to second-floor classrooms in the Education Building—some of these at new times. Later in the spring, the SCC church library will also open (see page 5 for details).

As all of these changes take place, we need your prayer, support, and help.

If you are interested in serving at Stonebriar, e-mail Serving@Stonebriar.org, call Teresa at 469-252-5351, or go

3 | connection

online [Keyword: ProjectServe] to find current opportunities. You can also learn more about our weekly programming for children and adults on the Stonebriar website under the “Get Connected” tab.

—Key Dates for Transition— December 18–26: Preschool ministry begins move to Children’s Building.

Service opportunity: Adult volunteers needed to help move supplies.

December 27–January 10: Sunday adult fellowships will not meet. This break will allow extra time and space for Children’s Ministries to move into preschool classrooms, and will also give adults an opportunity to serve.

January 3: New service times begin and preschool classes meet in new building. Be sure to spread the word about new services times—first service: 9 a.m., second service: 10:45 a.m.

January 3–10: Elementary ministry begins move to new classrooms.

Service opportunity: Help us move elementary supplies from the MultiPurpose Room to new classrooms in the first floor of the Education Building.

January 10–17: Several Sunday adult fellowships relocate to new classrooms.

Service opportunity: Help us move class supplies to new locations.

January 17: All adult fellowships begin meeting at new locations and times.

If you are looking for a way to get plugged in on Sunday mornings, now is a great time. Find a list of adult fellowship times and new class locations online [Keyword: Fellowship].

www.stonebriar.org | 4

by mary garner, contributing writer It’s not a rumor anymore! The Stonebriar Church Library is a reality that is just around the corner . . . the corner at the northwest entrance of the new Children’s Building. The SCC Library will open in early spring, after the preschool and special needs classes settle into their new building. Having a library has long been a dream of many people in our church family, but none more than Abbi Vance, church receptionist and the driving force behind the organization and operation of the new resource. “We anticipate having the library open to our congregation on Sunday and Wednesday mornings and evenings, and at other times during the week when we can serve the most people and have volunteer staff available,” Abbi said while looking at her list of to-dos before the library opens. In the next couple of months, shelving and furnishings will be installed, and many books will be sorted.

Once open, Stonebriar’s library will provide Christian fiction and nonfiction books, audio books, CDs, and DVDs for all ages. The vision for the library also includes Spanish language materials, reference works, Christian periodicals, and homeschooling resources. Although a small collection is ready to be cataloged, processed, and shelved, there is room for much, much more. This space will continue to be a great resource for the whole church body.

“Stonebriar has long awaited a library—we are so looking forward to what God will do through this ministry!” shared Carol Spencer, senior director of Resource Ministries.

Teamdership team is p i h ers and lea Serve Lead r library planning ncer and Project bbi

sA ntee l Spe include of Caro The volu n m a io e t t c e y and he dir e librar lishing h b T a . t y s under t a e aK nce in who r Teres hagen, f experie ls o e s u directo r a a e sy rest ebbie M who ha cial inte ries; D e a r p Vance, b s li a h rner, nce and g churc ary Ga M experie y directin d r n a a r b g with e Glick hurch li d Judy ies alon r n brings c a a r ; b g li n c schooli in publi iences in home r e p x e istry. d their his min t in e who ad v ser sire to their de

5 | connection

Currently, the SCC Library is being equipped and operated entirely by donations of time and materials. Donations of suitable books, CDs, and DVDs in excellent condition are being sought, as well as financial gifts. Donated items may be dropped off on Sunday mornings in Room A101, near the Worship Center’s Parkwood entrance. During the week, library donations can be brought to the front office.

All gifts will be accepted; however, the library leadership will determine their use. Some donated items may be routed to other venues, depending on suitability. In addition, donations of financial gifts may be designated as honorariums or memorials; bookplates will be provided to recognize the gifts in honor or memory of loved ones. The library leadership can assist donors in selecting gifts for the library.

Volunteers are needed to set up and serve in the library. If you are interested in serving in this way, contact Abbi at 469-252-5326 or by e-mail to AbbiV@Stonebriar.org.

ministering to those in need During November, the SCC congregation demonstrated a desire to serve people in need, not only in the Frisco community, but throughout the world. In just four weeks, our church body collected more than 4,000 items for Thanksgiving boxes and 1,700 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Beginning November 9, donated food items were assembled into 100 boxes with the help of many SCC volunteers. On November 17, Stonebriar staff delivered completed boxes to Frisco Family Services, the organization responsible for distributing the boxes to 100 Frisco families the week of Thanksgiving, providing many families with necessary (and needed) supplies and food for a complete Thanksgiving meal.

Sunday, November 15, SCC loaded up cars and trucks with 1,700 shoe boxes that will be sent to boys and girls throughout the world, making Christmas even more special for these children as they are presented with the Gospel. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Thanks for Giving and the Operation Christmas Child campaigns. You truly made a difference in our community and world.

summing up stonebriar’s financial year by lorie bradshaw, director of finance This past year has been filled with ups and downs, not only for many people in our congregation but also for our church as a whole. God has proved faithful as we finished construction debt-free on the new Children’s Building, and we are excited about moving into the new space in January. In the midst of this rejoicing, we have also had to take a second look at the church budget. Many faithful members of our SCC family have experienced job loss or other cutbacks this year, and our operating fund balance reflects that downturn. To help adjust for the financial shortfall, we have made a stronger commitment to watch church expenses and have made cutbacks in nearly every area.

The church requires $202,000 each week to cover costs and provide for ongoing ministry. As the 2009 year concludes, an additional sum is needed to provide operating cash for the new fiscal year in 2010. Currently (as of 11/15/09), SCC is facing a significant shortfall for the current budget year (ending 6/30/10). While we understand giving may be harder than ever for some families, we are asking everyone to consider how you can help us continue to minister in this community. This could be through a renewed commitment to tithe the rest of this year and continuing that commitment into the new year.

If you’d like to be more faithful to your giving plan today and in the If you have been blessed this year, consider making a new year, there are several ways that technology can help. You can now year-end, one-time financial gift, or possibly a year-end authorize an automated transfer from your bank account directly to the gift of appreciated stock or a mutual fund. In the case church account on a monthly or twice-monthly schedule by completing of an appreciated stock or mutual fund, ownership is a “Debit Authorization Form.” The form is available in the church office transferred to the church. Shares are then sold as or on our website. Your gifts may be changed or discontinued at any time, soon as arrangements can be made; you pay no tax and this method of giving involves no additional cost to the church. on the appreciation, and the church receives the appreciated value. For information or assistance, e-mail Website processing of financial gifts provides another fast, convenient, Finance@Stonebriar.org, or call 469-252-5303. and secure way for you to give one-time gifts or recurring donations by credit card or by electronic check. This method of giving works best Someone will be available in the church office to receive for many donors, but the church does incur a 3% processing fee on your 2009 gifts until 5 p.m. Thursday, December 31. Gifts your gifts. Instructions and links are on the Stonebriar website postmarked by December 31 may also be posted to your [Keyword: Giving].

2009 giving record.

online giving options

www.stonebriar.org | 6

Children’s Choirs Christmas Program December 6 at 6 p.m.

After months of preparation, Stonebriar’s Children’s Choirs will sing out Christ’s praise in the SCC Worship Center on December 6. This will be a special evening as more than 250 children of all ages share the story of Christmas through Scripture and song. Throughout the evening the audience will also have opportunities to sing along with traditional Christmas carols. This is a great Christmas activity for the whole family. Childcare is available by online registration only [Keyword: InfantKing].

Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra Program December 12 at 5 p.m.

This inspirational program, narrated by senior pastor, Chuck Swindoll, will focus on the Majesty and Mystery of Christmas. Part one will feature the Christmas section of Handel’s Messiah sung by Stonebriar’s 160-member choir and accompanying orchestra. Part two will explore the emotions of Christmas as experienced by the original “cast” of the Christmas story. The program will be approximately 90 minutes.

Admission is free. Doors open at 4:30 for the 5 p.m. program.

Childcare will not be provided.

7 | connection

Sweet Celebration Ladies Event December 9 at 7 p.m.

Join Mary Graham, Luci Swindoll, and Marilyn Meberg for an evening full of sweet treats, tunes, and stories of friendship beginning at 7 p.m. This annual Women of Stonebriar event is a great way to celebrate the holiday season with friends, neighbors, and family members.

At 8 p.m. ladies will be able to enjoy numerous sweet treats, including fountains of gourmet chocolate and an assortment of homemade delights spread throughout the Atrium. Tickets are $5 each. Find details online [Keyword: SweetCelebration], or contact Karen at 469-252-5241 or KarenH@Stonebriar.org.

Christmas Eve Service December 24 at 6 p.m.

Make Christmas Eve at church a family tradition. Stonebriar’s 30-minute Christmas Eve service will include music celebrating Christ’s birth, and a special message from pastor Chuck Swindoll.

No childcare will be provided, all ages welcome.

Seeing Him in Each Step of the Way by susan jacobson, staff writer/designer “And He saved the best ’til last,” said SCC’s director of special events, Marge Ditka, while pointing upward and declaring her joy for Christ’s work in her own life. “If I ever wrote a book, that would be its title,” she added. Marge sees God in each step of her life, whether it be gardening, decorating, catering, organizing weddings, coordinating funerals, or simply walking the Stonebriar campus.

Although she prefers to remain behind the scenes, Marge’s wide range of responsibilities along with her numerous life experiences have opened the doors for many relationships and ministry opportunities at Stonebriar. Not having heard the Gospel until the age of 40, she now has a sense of vigor, purpose, and a heart for ministering to those seeking hope in life. “God leads people to me—I identify with their fears of the unknown, their thoughts of ‘I will never be good enough to listen to this.’ But God uses broken vessels—just look at Paul!”

Marge humbly admits that even after ten years she is still surprised she works at a church. “If you would have told me years ago that I’d be here, I would never have believed it.” She loves working at a place of worship that is full of people from all walks of life.

“Our church is filled with real, broken people, and that helps us relate to others.”

Many of these relationships have deepened as Marge has helped coordinate special events including weddings and funerals. Supporting families and being sensitive to needs during times of grief is an area of ministry dear to her heart. “We cannot fully understand the impact we make during these times.

But I know now how important it is to make funerals as soothing, peaceful, and uncomplicated as we possibly can.”

She believes it is the small things, the attention to details, that make the biggest difference. Most importantly, she believes that daily immersion in the Bible is what is needed to make it through difficult times.

“Take in as much of the Word of God as you can. If you listen, store it in your soul, and obey, life on earth becomes filled with joy.”

www.stonebriar.org | 8

DECEMBER2009 JANUARY2010 find more events and details or sign up to volunteer at www.stonebriar.org

churchwide

children

12/6

12/24

1/3

preschool programs resume

in new children’s building

www.stonebriar.org

new member recognition christmas eve worship service

12/24–25 christmas holiday

stonebriar offices closed

1/1

new year’s holiday

stonebriar offices closed

1/3

new worship service times

9 and 10:45 a.m.

web keyword: children

1/10,13 elementary & awana programs resume

in new classrooms

1/17

child dedication services

care ministries web keyword: care

weekly

stonebriar prays

reach up, reach out

wednesdays at 5 p.m., worship center

fridays at 7 a.m., room 243-244

12/1, 1/5 in His time

infertility and miscarriage support, 6:30–8 p.m.

12/6, 1/3 first sunday at five

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

12/7

cancer encouragement group

1/13

divorce care [Keyword: DivorceCare]

divorce care for kids also meets [Keyword: DC4K]

1/13

griefshare [Keyword: GriefShare]

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

support during the grieving process, 6:30–8 p.m.

community impact web keyword: community impact

weekly

beyond these walls (outreach planning)

sundays at 12:45 p.m., portable. A

12/9

sweet celebration

7 p.m., worship center and atrium

connecting

web keyword: connect

1/4

january membership class

registration deadline

1/17

membership class begins

equipping

preteens

12/27–1/10 adult fellowships do not meet

1/27

web keyword: equipping

1/17

adult fellowships meet in new locations

12/3,17 mosaic 1/7, 21 for singles

web keyword: preteen

junction 56 tea and talent night 6:30 p.m., room B233, parents invited!

projectserve

web keyword: projectserve in their 20s, 7 p.m., multi-purpose

room

volunteer opportunities visit our website regularly to find ways to serve or to download a volunteer application

1/24

love and respect

12-week seminar for couples wanting to strengthen their marriage, 9 a.m.

special needs

1/24

home adult fellowship training class

interested in facilitating a home fellowship? sign up online for our seven-week training.

hispanic ministries

web keyword: special needs

12/7, 1/4 parent support group

students

web keyword: students

web keyword: espanol

12/5

hsm paintball

weekly

spanish worship service

led by pastor Carlos Zazueta, 11:15 a.m., room B241. meeting in the multi-purpose room starting january 17 at 10:45 a.m.

12/5

hsm girls shop, skate, and surprise

12/5

jhm paintball

1/8

jhm crash course

1/12

hsm critical mass resumes

1/13

jhm fusion resumes

12/6, 1/17 reunión de jóvenes del ministerio

hispano 12/11

especial de navidad

men/women

web keyword: men or women

12/12, 1/9 books and bagels

worship & music web keyword: worship

12/6

children’s choirs christmas musical Infant King, 6 p.m., Worship Center

1/13

men’s wednesday bible fellowship resumes

12/12

sanctuary choir and orchestra concert

1/15

mom2mom resumes

The Majesty and Mystery of Christmas, 5 p.m., Worship Center, doors open at 4:30 p.m.

1/19

women of grace resumes

1/6

children’s choirs resume

1/20

women’s wednesday bible studies resume

1/7

youth choir resumes

1/14

sanctuary choir open house

www.stonebriar.org | 10

ecognize I need God’s help to love in the

steadfast, unconditional way that must be

present for any relationship to prosper.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from — John me you can do nothing.”

15:5

R E

xpect nothing in return for my total devotion and commitment.

“Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with

2:3

YOUR MARRIAGE AT STONEBRIAR!

E

by steve fischer, pastor of care ministries

On a one-to-ten scale, how would you rate your marriage? A two, a ten, maybe even a zero? You are not alone. Whether your marriage needs to be reignited or is in need of complete resurrection, ReENGAGE is a safe place for couples to reconnect.

N

During February, Stonebriar is launching a new marriage ministry called ReENGAGE. This 24-week experience offers hope to marriages by helping couples move toward oneness through stories of grace, teaching, and small groups.

Each week at ReENGAGE, couples will join together for a time of praise and worship, and teaching or testimonies by a couple who has experienced victory in the midst of hard times. This will be followed by small group discussion, using specific curriculum developed by a Dallas Theological Seminary professor and a team from Watermark Community Church. ReENGAGE will meet every Tuesday night beginning February 2 from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. in SCC’s MultiPurpose Room. Registration is not necessary, so please do not hesitate to join us as you move toward oneness with your spouse. Childcare will be provided.

If you are interested in volunteering or leading, or if you have any additional questions go online [Keyword: ReENGAGE], or e-mail LindsayG@Stonebriar.org.

humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.”

— Philippians

xtend and seek forgiveness for past and current offenses.

“And be kind to one another, tender-hearted,

4:32

forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you.”

— Ephesians

ever allow the enemy, the failed ways of this world, or my own selfishness the opportunity

to destroy my marriage.

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the

4:4

world.”

— 1 John

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raciously and continually give of myself for the benefit and betterment of my spouse.

“Let each individual among you also love his own

5:33

wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respects her husband.”

— Ephesians

A

dvocate for my spouse’s God-ordained purpose and glory in life.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus

for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

— Ephesians 2:10

G

ive myself completely to the adventure of knowing and being known.

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;

then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:12

december sunday worship: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. christmas eve service: 6 p.m. new worship times beginning january 3 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Chuck Swindoll, senior pastor

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