Whats inside...

Youth Praise
Team...pg. 2
New to Chaparral...pg. 2
CrossFit
Submission...pg. 3
Womens Studies and
Events...pg. 3
Missions...pg. 4
Roots...pg. 5
Mens Ministry...pg. 5
Dinner Posse...pg. 5
Preschool
Thoughts...pg. 6
Fun Tips...pg. 6
Youth Group...pg. 7
In celebration of CrossFit Chaparral's first
year, Nick Stavlund, our Executive Minister
and CrossFit Coach, wrote an
encouraging, yet challenging, article for
our CrossFit athletes. Growing out of the
mission and purpose of Chaparral Christian
Church, the inspiring environment and
positive attitude which defines CrossFit
Chaparral strongly reflects the lifeblood of
our Church family. Therefore, I thought it
would be appropriate to "stand on Nick's
shoulders," and redirect the challenges
given by one of our missions back toward
all of us Chaparralians with a few tweaks.
(A full version of Nick's original article is
available at http://crossfitchaparral.com/?p=1199)
1.) Community: Its nothing new. Those
who seek and serve together will grow
together. Do we serve together? Check,
and in many different and important ways.
Do we seek God together? Absolutely.
Chaparralians are tied into hundreds of
other communities as well. We have jobs,
families, sports teams, hobbies and yet, our
faithful community of Jesus followers is a
unique family which shapes all others. The
spiritual math is simple: a shared search plus
shared burdens equals a shared story that
shapes our world.

2.) Limiting Factors: Ok, now Ive got to get
serious with you, but its only because I love
all of you. How was your progress as a
disciple of Jesus this year? I will be the first
to admit that tracking something as
intangible as our spirituality is difficult and
maybe even unsuitable. After all,
everyone's approach to God is different.
What measurements can we take? How
do we take a sounding for the depth of our
relationship with God? While we might not
be able to create an inclusive scale from
one to ten, we can ask ourselves some
practical questions. Have we spent time
searching the pages of the Scriptures?
Have we sought God in prayer on a regular
basis? Are we generous? Peaceful?
Joyful? Kind in traffic? You get the idea.
(See Galatians 5:22 for a better list.) If you
are planning to do better in 2012, stop
planning and start executing. If you need
help getting started, let us know or better
yet, visit one of the incredible classes that
meet on Sunday morning or throughout the
week. They are on the same journey you
want to start. All you need to do is take the
first step and get your boots dirty.

3.) Why do you do what you do? Now, that
is a pretty big question. Do we work
because we are simply a particular cog in
the complex machine we call society? Or
is our work a particular way we can serve
God, co-workers, customers, suppliers and
the person delivering the mail. Where do
you find your greatest joy? What are you
passionate about doing with the moments
you have been given? How can these
days be shaped for eternity and by
eternity? While you are reading these
words, you are living in the latest moment
during the entire span of history. These
moments are special because you are
alive in them. The bottom line: do not
forget that how you live your life defines
your life.

4.) Final thoughts: The people who see the
most progress in their relationship with God
make a regular habit of the spiritual
disciplines we talked about in our Elements
series last year. This is not a ploy to get you
to add one more thing to your busy
schedule. The first discipline is not
something we add, but a decision to
prioritize the time we already have (see
number 3 above). We have not been
guaranteed time. But, today, its newest
page has been turned for us by a gracious
Hand. And today, we choose to write,
draw and
create upon it
a life which
will be read
by future
generations
and witnessed
by eternity.
Get Your Boots Dirty
Frank A. Shirvinski
B E I N G T H E P R E S E N C E OF C H R I S T I N OU R C OMMU N I T Y
CHAPARRAL family
the
Teen Praise Band
Did you know that Chaparral has its very own teen praise band? Every
Sunday in the Commons, the teen praise band leads the youth worship
service! Until this fall the band was under the leadership of Kenny Bump.
Since Kennys departure I have had the privilege of working with this
very talented and energetic group of young
adults.
The teen band plays a great mix of new
Christian rock as well as the praise songs we
all know and love. This year we have added a
guest list; students can sign up to play their
instrument, sing, (or both!) for one of the
services. This is really working wonderfully
and both enhance the band and enables more
students to share their musical gifts with the
congregation.
Let me introduce you to our current members:
Brie Aragaki plays piano and sings. Brie is a
senior this year at Scottsdale Preparatory
Academy and is also the president of
the Chaparral Teen Choir.
Stephanie Backie is a teen band
veteran who plays guitar and sings.
Stephanie is a sophomore at
Chaparral High School and sings in
the school choir.
Julia DiGrazia made her debut with
the band this year. As a home
schooled 6
th
grader Julia is currently
the youngest member of the band.
She plays violin and sings.
Michael Godwin, our drummer, is
also a teen band veteran. Outside of
church Michael can be seen with his
own band, Seven45.
Jeffrey Tenney is also new to the
band this year. Jeff, a senior at
Horizon High School, plays guitar,
piano, and sings. Jeff has also
introduced his ukulele skills to the
band this season!
In addition to leading the Sunday
morning service, the band also leads
the monthly teen worship night. This
gives the band the opportunity to
showcase their abilities in an
acoustic, intimate environment.
Please stop in the Commons any
Sunday morning at 9:45 and have a
listen to this great group. You will
love what you hear!
-Lucy DiGrazia
Are you new to
Chaparral?
Yes
No
Awesome! Glad you are here!
Have you found a group, class or
Bible study that youre interested
in?
Welcome! Are you interested in
learning more about our Church?
Why yes I am!
Old news! I
know it all!
Come to our next Basics Class
series! February 5 and 12 from
5-6 p.m. in the Conference Room!
Come to our next Connections
Dinner! Friday, February 17
from 6-8 p.m. in the Commons!
No way! Im shy. Yes!
Do you want to hang out with
the Senior Minister?
Do you like cookies?
(Shh! Dont tell Frank!)
No. He might make
me join CrossFit or
stop eating sugar.
Yes - hes so cool!
No, gross! Did someone say cookies?
We are glad youre here! Stop by
the Welcome Center or visit us at
www.chaparral.org to nd out more
about our Church! (Who doesnt like
cookies?)
Super! Glad youre here!
Do you want to nd out about
different ways you can get involved?
Not so much. Sounds great!
Do you like to eat delicious,
free food and hang out with
fun people?
Are you New to
Chaparral?
2
Wednesday - 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (2 times, same study) in the North Room
Contact: Joan Scheel (joan@designpackaginginc.com)
January 11-25 - 3 weeks of Priscilla Shirer - Seeds.
Starting February 1 - Brand new Beth Moore study on James.
Sign Up/More information Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 in the Sanctuary narthex.
You may sign up for one or both studies.
Thursday - 6:45 a.m. at Mary Cartwrights home
Contact: Mary Cartwright (mary.cartwright@chaparral.org)
Resumes January 5th.
Come for coffee and conversation as well as meaningful discussion. The current study is
from a Beth Moore book, "Getting Out of the Pit." If you feel like you are sliding into a
pit, join this group of women who are exploring how to get out and stay out with God's
help. Newcomers are always welcome. Join any time.
Friday - 9:30 a.m. in the North Room
Contact: Linda Bond, Resumes January 6th
This group will continue with a book study called
BE COMPASSIONATE (Luke 1-13).
Upcoming Womens Bible Studies
C Fit
S U B M I S S I O N
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C H A P A R R A L
ross
INTRODUCING.
Tradition meets innovation as CrossFit Chaparral
and Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts have teamed
up for the ultimate in martial arts
and elite fitness training...
Each class combines the traditional and time-honored techniques of JiuJitsu with the
elite tness programming of CrossFit. Learn practical stand-up and ground defense,
while dramatically increasing your overall tness and work capacity.
The Details
When: Tuesday and Thursdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Who: Men and Women (Teens welcome with approval.) Beginners welcome!
Cost: $20/mth membership add-on for existing CrossFit Chaparral members
$85/mth for CrossFit Submission Only
For more information:
www.crosstsubmission.com
February 4 - Day D'Arts. #
Tentative times: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. If you
would like to teach a class (examples of
previously offered classes: calligraphy,
juggling, ower arranging, line dancing,
entertaining, paper bag scrapbooks, self-
defense, porcelain owers, mo clay
crafts...and more...the sky's the limit! Silly
or serious...we do it all!), let me know what
you might like to share with the women of
Chaparral. Each woman will get to choose
four classes for the day, so if you teach
one, you would be able to take three, or
you could teach two and take two.
Lunch is provided.
October 5th - 7th - Women's Retreat at
Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, AZ. Start
planning now to attend this wonderful
weekend at a beautiful location with
delicious food and excellent company.
Make it a priority!
Feel free to contact Sharon Dufort for more
information on any of the above-listed
events, or to volunteer to help.
Upcoming Womens
Ministry Events
3
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered. And she brought forth her rstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
laid him in a manger; because there was no room in
the inn. Luke 2:6-7 (KJV)
Once upon a Christmas far away in Bethlehem, Mary, great
with child and riding a donkey, was looking for a place
todeliver her precious Gift. With no room in the inn, the
Savior of the world was born in a feeding trough
surrounded by a slew of animals and bales of hay. Simply amazing!
Its a beautiful image thats hard to wrap our minds around, with our state-of-the-art hospitals, incubators,
and epidurals. The birth of Jesus reads much more like a fairy tale in a far away land than anything that actually happens today.
The truth, though, is that cattle are still lowing next to women who are great with child with no place to go. These expectant
mothers bring forth their precious miracles on dirt oors by the icker of candlelight every night in Haiti.
Northwest Haiti Christian Mission's birthing center is re-writing that script for thousands of women! Although many do come
riding in on a donkey, they are met by some of the most skilled nurses in all of Haiti. A clean bed, tiled oors, and a new layette
set for their beautiful baby awaits.
Because of the lack of nutrition in Haiti, many babies are born prematurely. Mothers often come to the mission as soon as they
discover theyre expecting. They know they will receive the prenatal care they need as well as an ultrasound that lets them
know everything is developing just as it should.
We are able to provide prenatal care, lab work, medicines and delivery for only $50. While this is an unbelievably low amount, it
is a major drain on our medical funds as we lovingly welcome over 100 miracles a month into the birthing center!
Heres where you hopefully come in. Were looking for 100 saints that will commit $50 a
month toward bringing new life into the world. Your gift will help provide the staff and
equipment we need as we walk side by side with Haitian women during the most at-risk time
in their lives.
There is no greater gift given than the gift of life! Please help us welcome these little ones
into the world by signing up to give online here or sending your gift marked,Birthing
Center, to: Northwest Haiti Christian Mission, 7271 Mayower Park, Zionsville, IN 46077.
Whats up with the Joneses?
Iguesskeepingupwithusisharderthanyoumightexpect,evenwithallofthetechnologythatisavailabletoustoday.We
havehadaverybusyyear,lledwithanumberofnewexperiences.Mostnotably,KatherinestartedteachingEnglishatalocal
school.ThetransiBontothelocalstyleofadministraBonhasbeenespeciallychallenging,butshehasproventobeahuge
assettotheteachingstaandschoolingeneral.Justlastweektwomotherstoldusthatshewasthebestthingattheschool
andbeggedhernevertoleave.ShehascertainlybroughtanewlevelofprofessionalismandqualitytotheEnglishdepartment
aswellasvisiblecompassionandcareforthestudents,teachers,administraBon,andsupportsta.Shehasbeenabletotouch
livesonsomanylevels.
KaraandNateareaHendingtheschool,too,whichhasbeenabigchangeforbothofthem.However,theyareadjusBngwell,
makingfriendsandstudying,learningmusic,sports,anddrama.TimisconBnuinghisonlinehighschoolandgeKngtoknow
otherstudentsin-countryandaroundtheworld.Heistravelingmoreregularlytoseesomeofthecloserstudentsandenjoys
hisfreedom.HesespeciallyhappyaboutthenewStarbucksthatjustopenedintown.
IamsBllteachingprivately.IlovemyjobasIgetpaidtotalktopeople,
somethingwhichisrightupmyalley.IenjoymeeBngwithsomestudentswhom
Ihaveknownfor5yearsormore,andothersthatarenewjustwithinthelastfew
months.Ilovethevarietyoftopicsthatwecantalkaboutastheyworkto
improvetheirlanguageskills.
Goodnews!IhavejustbeennoBedthatmyworkpermitrenewalrequestwas
accepted.Thatisgreatnewsasyouneverknowwhattoexpect.Theactualwork
permitisinthemail,Imtold.Imhopingtoseeitthisweek.
Asthisyearclosesandanewyearbegins,wewanttothankyouforremembering
usandstandingbesideusagainthisyear.Haveaveryblessed2012.
SteveJones
4
5
Roots: Young Adults in Transition
The young adult community at Chaparral added a handful of new
faces to the group in 2011, and not all of them were in their 20s
and 30s. Four moms from the Roots group gave birth in 2011,
and one of them to twins! On top of that, two of our couples got
married! On that front, it has been an exciting year.
And yet, the Roots group - like any other group of people - also
saw individuals within our community endure rough times. Some
of them battled serious health issues, others struggled with
relationship difculties. On that front, 2011 has been a year that couldnt end fast enough.
In the midst of both of these extremes, the highs and lows of life, the Roots group has proven its
namesake. Our lives are intermingled together, like the roots of a tree, so that when one person
celebrates, others in the group celebrate as well. When one of our people suffer heartbreak or receive
bad news from a doctor, others in the group empathize and mobilize to that persons side. I cannot wait to
see what 2012 holds in store for our young adult community.
Roots meets every other Thursday night at a persons home. We eat dinner, laugh a lot, and end our
night in prayer. Our current age range is from 23 to 33.
Mens Ministry
I am incredibly excited for the 2012 Mens Retreat. And if you pause for a
brief moment, I bet you are, too. Think about it. You are being given the
opportunity to spend a whole weekend in Sedona, eating amazing meals
and desserts, in the presence of other quality guys, while seeking to
catch up on sleep and deepen your obedience as a disciple of Christ.
And heres the best part: Your family actually wants you to go. If you
were to ask your wife or parents to go to Sedona for the weekend so you
could hang out with a bunch of guys and eat amazing meals, they would likely say, NO WAY! But since
this is a Church sponsored event, it is totally different.
Take time now to put April 20-22nd on your calendar. Our retreat schedule has been nely tuned based
on feedback to include a great balance of free time, study, alone time, group discussions, and more.
Bring your friends, sons and grandsons (over the age of 13), and get ready for an amazing weekend in
Sedona in 2012.
Dinner Posse
Want a great way to get to know some of the other Chaparral adults?
Currently our group ranges from 30s - 50s and gets together for dinner
and conversation. We have several dates set beginning February 3rd
from 6:30-9:00 p.m. with childcare from 6:15-9:15, if requested (for
children up to 5th grade). Our February food theme is foods we LOVE
with Valentines day around the corner! Bring your favorite dish,
appetizer, salad, main dish, dessert. Please let Stacy know whos
coming, what you will bring, and if you need childcare! You can sign up
online, too!
Got Preschoolers? Heres some great information...
As a staff, we are reading, A Mind in the Making, by Ellen Galinsky. It explains the seven essential life skills
that children need to learn and grow up successfully. Below Miss Barbara (three's teacher and assistant
director) summarized each of the 7 essential skills. The preschool has extra copies of the book if you want to
check one out, contact Nicole Moran.
7 Essential Skills
1.Focus and Self-Control: Children need focus and self-control in order toachieve their goals, especially in a
world that is lled with distractions and information overload. This skillinvolves paying attention,
remembering the rules, thinking exibly, and exercising self-control. To navigate this world, children need to
focus, to determine what is important and to pay attention to this, amid many distractions.
2. Perspective Taking: Perspective taking goes far beyond empathy; it involves guring out what others think
and feel, and forms the basis for childrens understanding the intentions of their parents, teachers, and friends. Children who can take the
perspective of others are also much less likely to get involved in conicts.
3. Communicating: Communicating involves much more than understanding language, speaking, reading, and writingit is the skill of
determining what one wants to communicate and realizing how our communications will be understood by others.
4. Making Connections: Making connections is at the heart of learningguring out whats the same and whats differentand making
unusual connections is at the core of creativity. In a world whereinformation is so accessible, it is the people who can see connections who
are able to go beyond knowing information to using this information well. Think about your most recent aha momentwhen you
suddenly understood something that you didnt understand before. Chances are this aha moment involved seeing a new connection.
5. Critical Thinking: Like the other essential life skills, critical thinking develops on a set course throughout childhood and into adulthood,
but its use must be promoted. And like the other skills, critical thinking draws on executive functions of the brain. Itis similar to
thescientic method because it involves developing, testing, and rening theories about what causes what to happen.
6. Taking On Challenges: One of our jobs as parents is to help children learn to respond to the inevitable stresses our kids face, since life
is full of stresses and challenges. But we should do more than help children cope. We need to help them learn to take on challenges.
Children who are willing to take on challenges (instead of avoiding them or simply coping with them) do better in school and in life.
7. Self-Directed, Engaged Learning: It is through learning that we realize our potential. It is through learning that our minds become
attuned, ready to meet whatever life brings. As the world changes, so can we, for as long as we liveas long as we learn.
- Nicole and Barbara
6
FUN TIPS
Tattle monsters. Kids write down
non-emergency tattles that can wait
and put them in here. At the end of
the day they decide if it's still
important enough to bring up again.
Stop cut apples browning in your
childs lunch box by securing with a
rubber band.
Use egg cartons to separate and
store your Christmas decorations!
"Dr. Chap Clark is a notable author and
researcher who is currently the vice provost and
professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller
Theological Seminary. He has edited, written
and co-written 18 books including several youth
ministry resources I have in my ofce including
Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting
Faith in Your Kids, Starting Right: Thinking
Theologically About Youth Ministry, Deep
Ministry in a Shallow World, andDeep Justice
in a Broken World. I would highly recommend
that parents of teens take advantage of this
opportunity to hear Dr. Clark share some of his
insight into the world of teenagers." " -Travis
Here's What's New in the New Year for the
Chaparral Youth Ministry
Sunday Morning Bible Studies-This January we will begin a new series on the
minor prophets. Not long ago Chaparral did a sermon series on the minor
prophets and we saw how their ancient warnings from over 2,500 years ago are
still convicting and relevant today to a people who can be complacent and
insincere in their devotion.
Midweek Discipleship Groups-We began our midweek D-groups in the
fall and look forward to really building momentum this semester. Groups
will begin studying books and growing spiritually as well as in their
interpersonal relationships. If your student is not in one of the MS or HS
guys or gals D-groups, talk to him/her about the benets of small groups
in regard to regular encouragement, accountability, and overall spiritual growth.
Sunday Night Gatherings-On January 22nd we will resume our Sunday night programs from
5-6:30 p.m. These fellowship nights are intentionally casual as we provide an environment where non-
Chaparral students will feel welcome and where our own students
can grow closer to one another and the adult leaders who are
committed to the students' growth. We anticipate a great semester of
worship nights and small group discussions, off-campus activities and
intergenerational events, games and contemplative prayer exercises.
We look forward to welcoming new leaders, too!
Spring Semester Events-Keep your ears open for
more details regarding the following events: 30-Hour
Famine, Ski Day Trip (tentative), Teen Choir Trip, Teen
Musical, and family days at the park.
D
Groups
Inside the World of
TEENAGERS
A forum for adults and parents
pr esent ed by
Dr. Chap Clark
The realities of being a teenager have changed
radically over the past fteen years. But how has
adolescence changed, and how should it inform the
way parents and educators interact with the teenagers
in their lives? Come hear from a widely respected
researcher on adolescent development as he shares
his ndings on how adolescents navigate the
pressured and rapidly changing world they live in.
TEENAGERS
Sunday, 1an 29, 20l2 - 2 pm 5 pm
North Bible Church
15678 N Greenway Hayden/Loop, Suite101
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
registration cost:
$
25 per person or couple
For more information and to register, please visit:
www. n b c a z . o r g
HOS T E D B Y:
North Bible Church
7
the
CHAPARRAL family
C H A P A R R A L
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