Scottsdale Christian Church’s Blog
The catchphrase used around Scottsdale Christian Church is “Real People Experiencing a Real God.”
The Church community is a place where it is understood that people are not perfect. There is a welcoming atmosphere that is experienced by those who pass through the doors for the first time. We invite you to contribute to our blog and feel free to open up a discussion or respond to an existing post regarding any Faith Based Topic. This is also a great place to post your comments about our Church or to ask for prayer requests for a reason that is special to you.
Simply scroll down and you will see all the current posts. Fill out the form that is displayed at the end of the entries and press “submit comment”, and your comments will be posted. If you have problems using the blog, email john@mediabyjohn.com for help.
It is through forums such as this that we can express our faith and discuss what being a Christian is all about. We welcome your input.
February 18, 2009 at 11:26 pm
What a surprise Scottsdale Christian Church is. Visitors should be alerted not to be fooled by the location (a side street next to an electrical relay station) or by the building (an unpretentious structure). The real life is in the people. This is a vibrant, warm, welcoming congregation.
During the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many of the members through a series of potluck dinners in various member’s homes. Each one has made me more enthusiastic about the church than ever. Thanks for the opportunity you’ve given me to be your interim pastor. Roy Lawson
February 22, 2009 at 5:31 am
You said it, Dr. Lawson. We’ve always thought of SCC as the “little church that could”. As you mentioned in a recent sermon, sometimes a smaller congregation allows its members to get to know one another easier. That is certainly the case here, but what SCC lacks in size it makes up in heart.
We are enjoying your time with us and look forward to your experience to help us grow as a church.
March 2, 2009 at 6:00 pm
It was so nice to get to know some more about Dr. Lawson at the last “potluck” dinner. I like all the slow changes in our church. Will be nice to see what’s next.
Going to Scottsdale C.C. is so exciting. Wonder what’s next?
March 3, 2009 at 4:19 am
Great website. Your church looks like a really fun place to visit. Me and my family will have to give it a shot. Look for us soon
March 4, 2009 at 4:51 am
I’ve been going to SCC for a few yrs & I’ve really seen a lot of changes & growth. No matter what, the people are still “real people”. I think Dr. Lawson will add a nice touch, taking over where Steve left off. I think anyone looking for a church family will be very happy @ SCC.
April 3, 2009 at 12:13 am
Both my wife and I were amazed at the musical talent that Mike had. For such a small guy, he had a musical presence in him that was ten feet tall. He evoked such a bluesy kind of feel from his harmonica that was soul stirring.
More important, he was a really great guy who always shook your hand and asked how you were. I know the band will miss his unique style, but the Church will miss him more as an all around good guy. God bless, Mike.
April 3, 2009 at 5:25 am
The music of SCC was a great determining factor for me when considering attending the church. Mike always seemed to shine with his music & with his personal syle. I even told my mom, who lives in Albq., that when she came to visit she would appreciate the music & especially the guy who played the harmonica. I was right. She was almost at a loss for words. When she finally did comment about the church & the music & the harmonica guy, she said, “I can certainly see why you like it here.” I think SCC kind of has that type of an impact on people. Mike was a good example of what SCC is all about. His contibutions will continue to live on. I only wish that my dad could of heard Mike play Amazing Grace…. Perhaps Mike will play it for him in Heaven!! =)
April 3, 2009 at 3:31 pm
For my great friend Mike Laffey; I have a huge appreciation for such a wonderful man, musician, and friend! Myself personally and the whole team of “The Christ Project” have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a man that was not only extremely talented at the harp, but he was an incredibly humble, gentle, loving friend . My only regrets is our budget was not available at this time to do another Christ Project CD with Mikey being featured! Perhaps their will be an opportunity to do that in heaven? So long my friend for know, and I look forward to the next great worship service with you! I am sure when we arrive you will once again teach us much!! Love your brother in Christ – Everett
April 3, 2009 at 8:39 pm
When one listened to Mike play the harmonica, you could feel the Holy Spirit upon you… He truly used his gifts for the Lord’s work… I look forward to the day that I can hear him play again in heaven…I will miss you Mikey
Kathy
April 3, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Mike Laffey had such a great sense of humor. Who can forget him as the “mattress tag inspector” in Steve’s short flick? He could always laugh at himself. He had a serious side too. Remember his rendtition of an apostle in the Easter montage? There was a spirtual depth to Mike that made you feel comfortable with him, no matter how well you knew him. And yes…his harmonica playing could “rock” your soul. I will remember Mike as a man of grace and Jesus is now holding him saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
April 4, 2009 at 12:03 am
For my friend, Mike Laffey. Not only was he a great musician, a man of God with a great wit, he was also a personal friend who made me feel welcome when I moved to Arizona 4 years ago. We shared common interests including our love of poker! I knew I would like him right away if he could put up with my brother Paul for all these years!!! Mikey, I’ll truly miss you and will see you again one day. God Bless.
April 4, 2009 at 7:32 am
Mike will be dearly missed. I remember Mike always having a “Smile” on his face. When we attended the church he would go out of his way to great us.
Mike truly loved the Lord Jesus. Mike was a gentle person always with love & compassion toward everyone.
He sure had a wonderful talent for the harmonica, and drums. I always loved to hear him play.
I am sure he is with our Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven still playing harmonica with all the angels.
He will be greatly missed by everyone whom he knew.
April 4, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Mike will be greatly missed. He was the best harmonica player I ever heard (really!). He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful outlook on life. I will never forget him. Thank you for all the great memories and music Mike.
April 4, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I was lucky enough to be in church when Mike gave his testimony and told the story of how he came to be the harmonica player in The Christ Project. It was a great tale of hidden talent and how God guides us in finding our true calling. I feel blessed to have witnessed such amazing talent and to have known, however remotely, such a fine person. The music in Heaven just got kicked up a notch! We’ll all miss you, Mike!
April 4, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I will never forget Mikey and his harmonica. In fact, I think Mikey was the first person I got a hug from!! He will be missed.
April 5, 2009 at 5:10 am
To my brother,my friend and in many ways my hero; I have always been a bit envious of you Mike. You had so much natural talent not only in music and humor but in life!! It was so easy for you to bring joy to people’s lives when so many of us have to work at it. What a gift the Lord gave you.Thank you for sharing that with me.
BY THE WAY, THANKS FOR “ONE-UPING” ME AGAIN BUDDY!!!!!!!!!! You had to take one last shot. You just had to get to heaven before me. I can picture you and Jesus having a good laugh at my expense! Once again I’m envious of you Mike.
I love you and I miss my little buddy but I’m not sad because i know you are safe at home with our Father. Thank you for the journey (and what a journey it was). Look forward to spending more(eternity) time on our next journey together. Until then “fargetaboudit”!!!
April 5, 2009 at 6:49 pm
I remember arriving at church one day in a particularly quiet and reflective mood. I had a lot on my mind and couldn’t seem to concentrate on the service. My mind seemed to want to drift. That was until Mikey played the harmonica. I was absolutely captured by the beauty of of his music and it absolutely rocked my soul! I never knew the harmonica could be played like that! He touched me in a way that brought tears of joy to my eyes and allowed me to release some of the heaviness in my heart. I can hear him still and will always be grateful for the man, his music, and his grace. How blessed we were to have had him in our lives, however brief. He is and will be missed. Mikey, God bless you and keep you and shine his light upon you…
April 5, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Well, Mike, you are now rejoicing with the others that have gone on ahead of us. You got the best of the best now. I will always remember the day some of us heard you play for the first time back in the fellowship hall on a church clean up day. Everett was taking a break and was pounding out a bluesy tune on the old piano back there. All of us within earshot dropped what we were doing and gathered round to listen and I saw you whip out your harp from your pocket. You blew such a sweet harmony to Ev’s I wished it to go on forever. When you two ended your music you said to Everett…”Consider that an audition!” …and you found a place in our hearts forever that day. Until we meet in heaven and hear you play again, God Bless you dear man, I will miss you.
April 6, 2009 at 2:59 am
My dear Brother Mike,
You were in my thoughts and prayers each day.
I am thankful the Lord allowed us the privilege of having you in our lives.
Mike you were always an outward testimony of Lord who live within.
Consistently loving and kind.
Always smiling, greeting and embracing everyone with genuine love. Laughing and joking, and those wonderful skits…. I will miss these.
I can only imagine what it was like dear Mike, the moment you opened your eyes and looked into the face of your beautiful Lord and Savior.
Home at last, home at last.
There is a emptiness in our lives that will only be filled when we met again in God’s beautiful Heaven. Be watching for us.
I love you still Mike,
Polly Eaton
April 6, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Dear Mikey,
We will all miss you very much but know that you are in a better place now with no more suffering. I will always miss your coming back to the kitchen for your Sunday morning hug. You were always so upbeat no matter what was going on with you. You are the best harmonica player I have ever heard. Just hearing you play was a blessing. Looking forward to seeing you again in the Kingdom. God Bless.
Elaine Heineman
April 7, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Mikey, although I didn’t get the chance to know you like our fellow worshipers did, your engaging humor always had a calming effect on me! When I sat at the piano in front of you in church, you always cracked me up with your funny comments and jokes…quietly, of course. You always put a smile on my face, even on my darkest days!
But I especially remember the very first time that I heard you play the harp. The sweet, soulful sounds I heard behind me moved my soul and helped to clear my head, flooding my senses with the uplifting music that God had blessed you with. I will miss you, brother, and I can’t wait to hear that beautiful harp ringing in my ears again!
Love you and miss you……..
Rosemary
April 8, 2009 at 12:43 am
I remember some years ago Steve did something very different. We were asked to put a small note on ourselves to tell where we were from. I being from Pennsylvania went around the room and all of a sudden Mike came over to me and showed me where he was from. New Jersey! We spent some time sharing stories about our “past lives” and how the Lord transformed our lives ans brought us to this wonderful church. I always looked forward to our special hugs & the frendship we shared in. I know he is in a much better place now and I look forward to seing him again in heaven. God Bless you my friend. You are truly missed.
April 11, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I loved hearing the harmonica. My mom also played a harmonica before her stroke so his playing had a double meaning for me.
Really appreciated Mike being a waiter at our Mother – Daughter tea last year. He really got into the role and had fun with it.
He and his humor will be missed.
April 12, 2009 at 11:24 am
Can someone tell me what time the Easter Egg hunt is please? Thank you.
April 12, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I imagine it will be after the third service which will end around 12:30. That’s my best guess. Hope that helps.
J
April 13, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Dear Mikey,
I was so completly blessed to have known you in this life. I remember the day George and I decided we needed to be in church. As we walked in, you were the first person to greet us. You remembered me from a few years back when I attended SCC with my parents. I really didnt think anyone would…but you did! I knew from the moment you said welcome back, that I was right where God wanted me and my family. You were a true blessing to all of us! I can hardly wait to hear you play when we meet again dear friend…
Sarah Banevich
November 10, 2009 at 3:03 pm
My family and I would like to welcome Brian and his lovely family to Scottsdale Christian Church. I’m sure it’s a leap of faith, but faith is what we are all here to practice. You’ll make a fine minister for SCC.
We wish you the very best and hope your transition to Arizona is a seamless one. Feel free to contact us for anything that we can help you out on.
John, Laura and Darlene Williamson
November 11, 2009 at 3:24 am
I would like to wish Brian, Pam, Bryson and Chloe the warmest of wishes as they “do life” with our brothers and sisters in Scottsdale. We were blessed to have them in Ohio and we are certain they will be a blessing to you also.
Tad and Melissa
November 11, 2009 at 4:40 pm
To the Leonard Family
Welcome to Scottsdale and SCC. We look forward to your worshipping with us and seeing you Sunday.
Elaine
November 11, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Welcone to the Leonard family. We hope you will enjoy Arizona as much as we are. We have already met Brian and hope to meet the rest of his family soon. Welcome to SCC!
November 11, 2009 at 8:59 pm
We want to welcome the Leonard family to SCC as our new lead ministry family. I’ve been on “sick leave” for awhile but I hope to meet you and your family some day soon. My husband and I both look forward to it!
Rosemary
November 11, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I just wanted to echo what my husband John had said. To the Leonards, welcome to our little church w/ the big heart.
And to Roy & his wife, thank you for all you have done during this transition time.
Laura
November 11, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Welcome Home Leonard Family!
We have prayed for you before we knew your name.
We are the little church with a BIG heart so get used to being loved on:)
We love you already and crave the leadership you bring.
Can’t wait to see how together, we will move the kingdom forward.
You are among real people serving a real God.
Yipee, you’re really here!!!
November 11, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Welcome Leonard family!! Like Leona said, we have been praying for
you for along time! Looking forward to serving with you. See you on
Sunday!
November 12, 2009 at 12:09 am
Yes welcome from the dewolfe family also!!
We look forward to serving our church and Christ side by side with you.
Steve, Laura & Jeremy
November 12, 2009 at 12:53 am
Welcome Pastor Brian, Pam & children. I am looking forward to learning more about God from your point of view. I know you will love it at Scottsdale C.C. We are truly real people serving a real God. Thank you for being here & doing what some have run away from. If I can help, let me know.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
November 12, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!!!
May the Lord God Bless you all, Spiritually, Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and Financially! May he equip you with everything you need to be the servant God wants you to be! And may you be open to all the love and support we have to give. May the Grace and Love of God permeate through us… and may you always feel safe with your church family. And I pray that all of you will always feel like you can be yourselves and be honest – even when it is not comfortable and know that you will still be loved for who you are – real!!!! Cannot wait to meet you!
Kathy Carpenter
November 12, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hey Brian and Pam!
God Bless you in your new adventure, I’m sure He has big plans for you.
It’s not the end of the book, but the beginning of a new chapter!
Miss you!
God bless!
Brenda Gabel
November 12, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Dear Brian, Pam, Bryson, & Cleo,
We will keep an eye on your doings via the scottsdalecc.com Web pages.
Your “Green Acres” on Rt. 310 really looks lonely with you now in Scottsdale, but we know that Scottsdale Christian Church really has winners with the likes of you to lead them. We are glad that you’ve now safely arrived. Hope the unpacking of the truck was less “interesting” than the packing.
God bless you all, Alan & Ruth
November 13, 2009 at 9:28 am
Welcome Leonard Family! I am a snowbird who is still in Indianapolis but looking forward to meeting you when I return in December. I have been praying for you and look forward to meeting all of you soon. Thanks to Roy for all he did to prepare the way for you.
God Bless! Jean (Memaw)
November 13, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Welcome Leonard Family!! We are looking forward to serving the Lord with you! It is awesome to have you lead the ship Brian! We have been blessed with LeRoy Lawson, Steve Vinson, and my first pastor when I started attending John Hanna, and it will be wonderful to have you aboard the journey! I look forward to working with you and blessings to this great weekend kickoff as we exalt our God and share the Gospel to our community!
God Bless Everett, Marci and Christian Harwood
November 14, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Welcome Leonard Family!!!
Welcome to Arizona and Scottsdale Christian Church. I look forward to continuing my Christinan walk under your leadership Brian. God Bless you and your family in this new chapter of your lives. Pam Smola
November 18, 2009 at 11:48 pm
We just want to thank the church for everything they have done for us in the short time we have been here (and before we even arrived).
We are loving the church family, the sun, the golf and the new environment.
The Leonards
January 6, 2010 at 12:49 am
I’m xcited 4 u at scc. The Leonards have servants hearts and are willing
to b led by our Lord Jesus. I’m sure great things will b done for the kingdom. love and miss you guys
March 20, 2010 at 9:37 pm
You’re tribute to Mike laffey, after a year, still brings an emontioal loving feeling. Some of the pictures, bring back fond memories, of time gone by as we would share them together. So many faces are familiar, and so many are a part of Mike’s life as you knew it and hold no familiarity to me. Thank you for accepting him as your family and helping him to keep Our Lord close to his heart.
His Wife and family,
Linda Laffey
April 6, 2010 at 2:09 pm
After long time without following up on the Scottsdalecc web, im glad to learn of this development, pastor Leonard’s arrival. You are welcome.
Praying that you find SCC a lovely family church, and may God use you to take her to higher level of her calling. Scottsdale has been my home whenever i visited USA, i love the people they are so lovely, i trust you will enjoy the same love from them.
Hoping the working relationship between Scottsdale and Uganda will even grow stronger under your tenure and missionaries from SCC will visit Uganda. Stay blessed you and family.
Saazi Mwesige Godfrey
Grace Outreach Ministries -Uganda.
April 20, 2010 at 5:30 am
I wanted to thank everyone at our amazing church for their prayers and positive support for Lorrie. This battle with cancer would have been devastating to all of us if were not for the loyal friends God has blessed us with. For the past two years we all have prayed for a miracle of healing for her and I believe he has answered us with a diagnosis from the Oncologist and the radiology department at Scottsdale Health Care. Seems the CT scan and the latest P.E.T scan are indicating the absence of a mass and a tumor that the surgeon said could not be removed. The rest of the details are at her Blog, but I just want to say thank you God for the support of so many people and your promise to always be there for us. How Great is Our God…
July 16, 2010 at 11:59 pm
We attended SCC 8 years ago for about a year and then returned to Colorado. We always considered SCC our home church and now we are back at SCC as we moved back to Arizona. Lot’s of new faces and love seeing all the ones we remember and missed! Worship is better than ever and the Word is being taught!
March 22, 2011 at 6:12 pm
My family and I visit SCC this past Sunday and was very pleased. I feel that the Lord has directed us to this church, we needed a certain time to fit our Sunday morning schedule, not too far to travel, a daycare that our 3 yr old would like and not give a hassel, a youth group for our 14 yr old who needs to be surrounded in a spiritual, happy and positive atmosphere, and for us adults, we love the music and the sermon and most of all the people there were so inviting and nice to us.
We look forward to coming again this Sunday and my daughter is already talking about attending youth group this Thursday evening.
A lady from the church came by Monday evening, that just topped it off, it was a nice surprise.
Thank you! See you Sunday
May 24, 2011 at 10:19 pm
Wow, what memories.
I stopped in at the SCC website to just see what the blog had to say about what’s been going on the past 5 years. I was met with so many notes about Mike Laffey. As a member of The Christ Project, Mikee has a special place in my heart. I can’t tell you how many times we had tambourine wars (to Everett’s probable chagrin) or how many times we just played around with each other and just had fun.
I too miss you, Mike, and am thankful I had such a wonderful soul touch my life. I can’t WAIT to see you in Heaven some day! I know that you will have all sorts of cool stuff to show us.
November 29, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Thanks for this wonderful post! It has been very useful. I wish that you’ll carry on sharing your wisdom with us.