DIRT. Dig.
Calvary Church
MS M 5th/6th Ministry 2012-2013
Grow.
Plant.
Luke 8:15
Welcome to MSM, 5th and 6th Grade Students!
56 xth y h /s i fift i s t r n i m
We are so excited about the upcoming year, and we hope you are, too. In this brochure you’ll find descriptions of the activities and programs that you can look forward to this year. Before you check out our brochure, there are just a few things that we want to say...
GET INVOLVED
We know that our group can seem big and intimidating and you may not know many people, but the only way to get to know people is to get involved. Wednesday Nights are designed to help you get to know a small group really well; Refuge and P.A.C. Attacks are a great way to meet people; and the Fall Retreat may seem scary, but a whole weekend away helps to build strong relationships. Be brave and get involved; we promise you won’t regret it.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
We want as many students as possible at our activities. That’s why we make so many announcements and send out postcards and e-mails. However, everyone forgets things sometimes. Take time right now to mark these events down in your calendar. We’d hate for you to miss something cool like Deep Impact because you forgot.
Byron Dickey Pastor to Students
Bethann Talsma Admin. Assistant
PAPERWORK
There are a couple of documents that we need you to fill out to help us serve you better. The first is the data card that enters your contact info in our database so we can keep up with you. We’ll give you this card when you join us on Sundays or Wednesdays. The second document is our release form, included in this brochure, that is necessary for all events and activities. The good news is that once you fill these things out once you won’t need to do it again for the entire year.
Lee Bergakker, Fifth/Sixth Facilitator
Natalie Uecker Admin. Assistant
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EVENTS Refuge Begins* Sept. 12 | 6:30-8:00pm | Rm 109 Cost: $10 (Includes T-shirt)
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September
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Sept. 16 | 12:30-1:00pm | Rm 108
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Small Groups Start - What’s God Like?
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Refuge is a great time of fun and encouragement where we play games and learn about God with a small group of Christian friends. You can join Refuge any time in the school year, just show up!
Parents’ Gathering
Refuge
The Bible Red: Born
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Refuge Begins 6:30
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5th-8th Leader’s Training 6:00-9:00pm Room 108/109
Red: Announced! the
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During this parents’ meeting we will discuss our events for the year, go over our Sunday and Wednesday topics, give you an opportunity to ask questions about our ministry and meet other parents of middle school students. (Light snacks provided)
Deep Impact* Sept. 28 | 6-8:30pm | Gym | $10 Deep Impact is a great time jumping around on inflatables in the gym but the purpose of the event is to make a Deep Impact on the hearts of our unsaved friends. Students are encouraged to bring as many unchurched friends as possible and we urge parents to help their students invite, bring and pray for their friends. Pizza is provided. Extra volunteers needed. Contact Lee if you’re able to help out. * Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
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Red: As a Child
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Refuge
Fall Retreat*
The Trinity
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Refuge
Red: Prepared Creation
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Refuge
Red: CANA! Prayer
October 26-27 | 5:30pm-5:30pm Cost: $60 | $15 Non-refundable deposit required upon registration Destination: Grace Adventures Meet at Entrance D Our annual Fall Retreat is an amazing time to get away, to spend time with friends and make new ones. On our retreats we are able to squeeze great fun, exciting worship, exciting games, challenging teaching, sling shots and real friendships into one exciting 24-hour period. This is one of the best ways to make friends. * Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
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October
Red: Jerusalem!
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Refuge
Angels/Satan/ Demons Deadline for Fall Retreat Registration
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Cereal Sunday - A Film about the Life of Christ
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Movie Night
Fall Retreat Fri. 5:30pm Sat. 5:30pm
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EVENTS P.A.C. Attack* Nov. 18, 12:30- 2:30pm | Gym Cost: $3
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Red: Samaria! Man
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* Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
Red: Galilee! Sin
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November
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Thanksgiving Eve Service No Refuge
Red: The Festival
P.A.C. Attack
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Family Service No MSM
P.A.C. Attack is our party after church on Sunday afternoons. P.A.C. Attacks are very simple‌we play dodgeball, we eat pizza, and we play more dodgeball. P.A.C. Attacks are a great way to make a new friend. If dodgeball’s not your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie with us, too.
Game Night
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EVENTS ProjectSERVE! Dec. 8, 1:45-3:30pm | Entrance J Destination: Pilgrim’s Manor
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Red: Return to Galilee Part 1
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8 5th-8th Project SERVE! 1:453:30pm
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Red: God’s Kingdom
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December
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Atonement
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A Christmas Story Revisited
Family Service No MSM
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Wear festive Christmas colors and get ready to sing Christmas carols & play bingo! All MSM students grades 5-8 are welcome to join us as we serve the community during the holiday season. * Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
Christmas Party
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This is a time for us to turn the focus away from ourselves and focus on the needs of others. We will spend some time with senior citizens at a nursing home singing carols and just offering friendship to some lonely people. You’ll be amazed at how fun and fulfilling this will be. Ultimately following Jesus isn’t about us, it’s about serving God by serving others. This is a great opportunity to live that out.
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Family Service No MSM 6
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Jan. 20, 12:30- 2:30pm | Gym Cost: $3
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Resurrection
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Red: Return to Galilee Part 2
Election
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Domestic Missions Meeting Jan. 13, 12:30-1:15pm | Room 108 Parents and students, we invite you to join us as we discuss upcoming mission trips and answer any questions you might have (as time permits). Light snacks will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there! * Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
Becoming a Christian
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P.A.C. Attack is our party after church on Sunday afternoons. P.A.C. Attacks are very simple‌we play dodgeball, we eat pizza, and we play more dodgeball. P.A.C. Attacks are a great way to make a new friend. If dodgeball’s not your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie with us, too.
Refuge
Red: Tyre and Sidon
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EVENTS P.A.C. Attack*
Holiday No Refuge
Red: Crossing the Sea
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Red: Teaching at the Sea
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Refuge Party!
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EVENTS The Silly Olympics* Feb. 9, 6:00-8:30pm | Room 108 Cost: $5
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Red: Caesarea Philippi
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The Silly Olympics 6:00-8:30pm
Adoption
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Red: The Mountain
Do you love all those crazy youth group games we play on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights? Well, we thought we’d try playing games like that all night long. Here’s your opportunity to go for the gold in several high profile events like the potato roll and the washer stack. Make your country proud! Snacks will be provided. Extra volunteers needed. Contact Lee if you’re able to help out.
Perseverance * Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
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Red: Disciple Time 7/8 meets with 5/6
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Red: Last Trip to Jerusalem
Death
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Wii Night! Room 108: Guys Room 109: Girls
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EVENTS P.A.C. Attack* Mar. 17, 12:30- 2:30pm | Gym Cost: $3
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Christ Returns
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We Serve Wednesday
March
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Student Led Sunday Join us as we have our own middle school students lead The Main Event worship.
Refuge
Red: Final Week
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P.A.C. Attack is our party after church on Sunday afternoons. P.A.C. Attacks are very simple‌we play dodgeball, we eat pizza, and we play more dodgeball. P.A.C. Attacks are a great way to make a new friend. If dodgeball’s not your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie with us, too.
Mar. 10, 9:40am Final Judgement
Red: Lazarus Student Led Sunday
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Refuge
Red: Stories to the People
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Holy Week No Refuge
* Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
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April 26, 6:00-9:00pm | Ent. J Cost: $5
Spring Break - No Refuge
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Red: Crucified
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Game Night
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Red; Resurrected
This is one of the most popular events of the year. You’re not going to want to miss this exciting race all over the city. Complete challenges and solve clues that will take you to landmarks throughout Grand Rapids. This is a high energy game that everyone loves. Snacks provided. Extra volunteers needed, contact Lee to help out!
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* Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.
Red: Tried by the Romans
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EVENTS The Amazing Race*
Red: Arrested by the Jews
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The Amazing Race
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Refuge
Grand Rapids Mission Trip Mandatory Team Meetings
My Life: Transformed
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Red: The Future Church
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Red: Coming Again
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Cinema Sunday!
May
June 18, 6:30-8:30pm July 23, 6:30-8:30pm Be a part of this amazing mission trip where we serve in our own community. Often we fail to notice all the needs that are all around us. On this trip we will serve the needy right here in Grand Rapids. We will partner with urban ministries that are reaching out to those in need. Don’t miss out on this life-changing experience. Application Deadline: May 30 Trip Dates: July 30-August 1 Cost: $60
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Family Service No MSM
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Application Deadline for Grand Rapids Mission Trip
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Download an application at calvarystudents.com. Or pick up a Student Missions brochure at church.
compassion kids
Each Sunday we take an offering to support two children through Compassion International.
Selam Yilma
Selam is a 15-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives in the community of Zeway 02 Zebale, home to about 70,000 residents. Through our support, Selam is able to attend a local Christian school where he receives Bible teaching, hygiene education, clothing, nutritious food, recreational activities, tutoring and school materials.
Prayer Requests for Selam:
1. Pray for Selam as he learns more about Jesus at church and school. 2. Pray for abundant harvests for families in Selam’s village who depend on agriculture to survive. 3. Pray for Selam’s family
Facts about Selam:
Birthday: 8/29/1996 Favorite Activities: Soccer, Hide-and-Seek, Running Chores: Running Errands, Cleaning, Animal Care Average Family Monthly Income: $25 Common Health Issues in his community: Malaria, typhoid fever, pneumonia, asthma & Tuberculosis.
Vishaka Kirtkar
Vishaka is an 12-year-old-girl from India. She lives in a small hillside community called Saldhara, there are about 8,100 residents. Through our sponsorship Vishaka is able to attend a local school that provides bible teaching, health instruction, hygiene supplies, nutritious meals, recreational activities and life skills training.
Prayer Requests for Vishaka:
1. Pray for Vishaka as she learns more about Jesus through her bible classes and Church. 2. Pray for the city of Saldhara as they need electricity, proper sanitation, educational materials and employment opportunities. 3. Pray for Vishaka’s family.
Facts about Vishaka
Birthday- 1/5/2000 Favorites Activities/Hobbies- Walking, Hide-and-Seek, Running, Reading & Jump Rope Chores- Errands, Cleaning, Carries Water, Kitchen Help Average Family Income: $15 a month Common Health Issues: malnutrition, colds and viral infections.
A Note from Vishaka
A Note from Selam
Our Lumin8 Children's Choir begins on Wednesday, September 12, from 6:00 to 6:40pm. Children 4 years old (by December 1st) through 6th grade are invited to join us. LUMIN8 will proclaim God’s glory in a variety of performances throughout the year: Sunday morning services, a Christmas program, and a spring concert. The choir will also produce a CD at the end of the year that will be distributed to families in the Children’s Ministry. Registration has already begun! Pick up a form at the children's check-in desk at church, or contact Carla Boon-Julien (cboonjulien@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5067.
2012-2013 Season
How do I register for an event? Have your student sign up on the sign-up sheet passed around in the weeks before an event, call our office or email. You can also register online at MyCalvaryGR.org. Make sure your student has a parent-signed 2012-2013 year-long medical release form on file, turns in the required cost or deposit for an event, and completes any extra paperwork indicated.
What are the benefits of being involved? In addition to students being involved with worship and starting to get involved in serving throughout the church we believe Middle School Ministry has huge benefits toward helping students become fully devoted followers of Christ. It connects students with loving, spiritually maturing adults who can live out what the Christian life is all about and love and train younger men and women. Our ministry also provides students with a place to belong and a sense of ownership of their faith. It tells students “God loves you right where you are at.” It’s a place where students can begin to use their spiritual gifts and reach out to their peers. We have heard testimonies from many students who were deeply impacted by a middle school ministry and are living examples of God’s grace, power, and love!
FAQ’s
Help! My student isn’t connected! How do I get him/ her involved? Great question! It’s difficult to get involved when you’re new. It can also be hard to reach out to new people when you have established relationships. It requires stretching on both parts. We encourage our students to look for ways to be outgoing, and we pray that when someone is new they would be willing to step out of their comfort zone and keep working at making friendships.
My simple answer is come to everything. You never know which event will cause friendships and spiritual growth to click. The retreats and P.A.C. Attacks are especially helpful initially, and Refuge is the perfect place to grow deeper friendships.
Are there ways I can help out? Make no mistake, we love having parents help out! We have parents serving as small group leaders, help with various events, and open their homes to different activities. We do our best to keep connected with parents about various needs and prayer requests through email and quarterly parent’s gatherings. By the way, our dedicated leaders have each been screened and interviewed. They know how to put the safety of your student first, and they are completely dedicated to the Christian development of all the students in Middle School Ministry. If you’re interested in serving, contact our Student Ministries Office.
I have questions you haven’t answered! I’d love to answer any questions you might have and provide you with the reason and purpose behind what we do! Feel free to stop by, phone, or email us.
We deeply care about your student and are happy to help in any way we can.
Email: cal varystudents@calvarygr.org Phone: 956-9377, ext. 5181 Web: calvarystudents.com Online Registration: MyCal varyGR.org*
Note: Online payment only available for events costing $5 or more.
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