Calvary Life, August 2014

calvary life August 2014

School Supply Drive Meets Needs Locally & Internationally... p. 6 Before They Go Back to School, Let’s Pray... p. 13

grace BEYOND ... p. 14

contents Features

9 | Women’s Gathering Place Study

A new season of GPS begins in September. Join us as we study lessons from Paul’s life and ministry.

10 | Child Dedication

This month we look back at the families who have dedicated children this past year and ask God to bless them today and in the days to come.

7 | Missionary Christmas

Help us extend care beyond our walls to our Gospel workers and missionaries around the world.

Plus...

Save the date for our next all-church serving day and enjoy a great story of friendship formed through a bonfire!

Leadership

12 | Fall Registration for Calvary Kids

14 | Grace Beyond: Prayer

Watch your mail for the new fall brochures and registration information for LUMIN8 and Kids-NAction; electives fill up fast.

This month we’re focusing on the Prayer Garden - a place of refuge and a tangible reminder of the importance of prayer in our lives.

13 | Praying Them Through

15 | A Note from the Elders

Before the back to school rush takes over, let’s pause to pray for our youth.

The elders share an update on the What We Believe document as we prepare for the Annual Meeting.

Life{Together}

Program guide

4 | A New Class, A New Journey

A new class is forming in September for married couples in their 30s and 40s.

5 | Monday Night Bible Study

This semester we’re walking through the book of Joshua as we learn to trust and obey.

Plus...

The Special Needs Ministry shares what they’ll be teaching this Fall.

16-22 | Your One Stop Shop for All the Details on Activities at Calvary Church 23 | On the Bookshelf

For August we’re featuring books from author and pastor, Timothy Keller.

24 | August Calendar

Tear it out and stick it to your fridge.

Missions & Outreach

6 | 2014 School Supplies Project

Calvary’s Missions & Outreach department invites you to help them collect supplies for schools locally and internationally.

2 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

Calvary Church Phone: (616) 956-9377 Address: 707 E Beltline NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525

currently calvary staff share in the joy of gardening

See Something?

Say Something!

If you observe suspicious behavior that you feel may be a security concern or find a person / group of people acting in a strange manner which causes concern, it needs to be reported to the Emergency Response Team (ERT). If something's amiss, trust your intuition — see something? Say something!

Perhaps you’ve noticed something new growing on the East Lawn? This spring the Abundance Garden was brought to life by a group of Calvary Church staff. This group has pledged their shovels, children and summertime lunch hours to see a new gardening community take shape right here on our own grounds. The goal is to grow food for themselves and for the Yellow House, while better using the sustainable resources in Calvary’s immediate environment. The Abundance Garden group prays that they will grow in their relationships with one another, that they will heighten their appreciation for God and His creation, and that they will be blessed to share their abundance with many.

You are more than welcome to walk through the garden and sneak a peak at what’s growing!

As in all large public gatherings, for your own safety and the safety of those around you, please be aware of possible risk factors. Upon noticing something that needs to be investigated further, use a Help Phone to ask for an ERT member to come to the area. When the ERT member arrives, they will observe and take necessary steps to investigate and address the situation, as needed.

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 3

life{together} experiencing community at calvary

Are you married, in your 30s and 40s, and looking for a community that meets on Sunday morning?

A brand new class, Journey, is starting Sunday, September 7 just for you!

A New class, A new journey Plan to join us on September 7 when we begin our newest Adult Sunday Class, Journey. Journey with us through God’s Word as we seek both His will for our lives and opportunities to fellowship and serve Him together. Whether you have been married for years or months, this class is for you. We will meet in room 105 during the 9:40am service.

The Lord has provided a great team to get the class started. Our Leadership Team includes Dave and Carla Douglas, Mike and Cathy Oosse, Todd (not pictured) and Amy Kuppler, Ardo & Joyce (not pictured) Draper, Deena and Jonathan Lohr, Matt and Lisa DeLano (not pictured), and Dean and Becky Lantinga (not pictured). Our team teachers (Dave, Ardo, Mike and Matt) have a wide range of experiences including serving overseas on the mission field, serving in prison ministry, mentoring, and teaching in previous Sunday classes at Calvary.

4 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

Calvary Church Monday Night Bible Study Who We Are Monday Night Bible Study is a place where men and women of all ages meet weekly throughout the school year to study God’s Word, for prayer and for fellowship. We begin at 7:00pm and end at 8:30pm.

The evening begins with men and women meeting in separate small groups to discuss the week’s lesson and pray for one another. The evening concludes with everyone in the Chapel where our teacher, Ed Kaleefey, will share insights from the lesson.

A $5 suggested donation per semester is appreciated to cover materials. Join us.

What We’re Studying For our Fall/Winter semester, September 8 – November 24, our study will be Trust and Obey: A Study of the Book of Joshua. There will be many battles in life. God’s message to Joshua was: “be strong and courageous, obey My Word, and remember I am with you.” This is the same message God gives us today. If we are to be strong and courageous, we must trust and obey God. Because Joshua chose to trust and obey God, serving God and God alone, God was able to use him in a mighty way.

TRUST & OBEY a study of the book of joshua

How to Join No per-registration is necessary and new members are always welcome throughout the year.

Sorry, no childcare is available.

On September 8, everyone will meet in the Chapel at 7:00pm to receive your lessons and register.

After September 10, new members register in the following rooms: • Women in room 114 • Men in room 211A

Questions For more information, or if you have any questions, contact Karen VanHolstyn (kvanholstyn@calvarygr. org) at ext 5173.

Ministry Reference Guide

Special Needs Ministry: What we Teach As we anticipate the upcoming season of events in the Special Needs Ministry, we would like to begin with sharing “What We Teach” to the adults and children on Sundays and Wednesdays. This year we are excited to continue teaching through the books of the Bible for the adult worship on Wednesdays. We began last year using the book “66 Love Letters” by Larry Crabb along with the Bible as a guide to our lessons. Since our theme for the duration of this study is “Never Alone” we will focus on the books of the Bible and how our great God was there for the events of the Bible and how He will never leave us either!

these names and where they show up in scripture, we will be led on an exciting adventure of learning more about God’s character.

Sunday morning lessons will focus on the “Names of God”.

Names like Elohim, Jehovah, Yahweh, El Shaddai may not be so familiar to us, but by digging deeper into the meaning of

If you would like to know more about the Special Needs Ministry at Calvary, please contact Judi Warner (jwarner@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 5272.

Our children and youth also have some sensational changes on the horizon. We will be participating with Calvary’s Children’s Ministry in a unified curriculum as well as joint training sessions on engaging all of the kids here at Calvary Church. We are blessed by the opportunity to work in support of the Children’s Ministry and utilize the same curriculum; curriculum that highlights CHRIST as our captain and engaging ways to reach children so that they will trust and follow Christ for the rest of their lives.

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 5

4 1 0 2

l o o s h e c i S l p p Su ject o r P Now through August 17 This year we will again be collecting school supplies for both a local school and internationally.

Our local school is the William C. Abney Academy here in Grand Rapids. Several Calvary attendees are involved at WCAA, either teaching or volunteering, and our Young Adult Ministry is looking to establish a partnership with WCAA, leading an after-school Bible study in the fall. WCAA is a tuition-free public school here in Grand Rapids serving children in grades K-8. The academy was established in 1998, by the late Bishop William C Abney, pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church to offer an education alternative to the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

On the international front, we will be partnering with Joanna Mangione, a member of Calvary Church and daughter of Greg & Susan Mangione, to help children in the Black Sea region of Abkhazia. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, Joanna became a missionary with SOAR – Service & Outreach Alaska to Russia –

6 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

living in Alaska and ministering in Russian towns, including Sochi during the winter Olympics. SOAR connects with Russian church leaders to help them reach out with the Gospel and provide physical help for poor children in their own communities.

Abkhazia is a disputed region of the Republic of Georgia in the former Soviet Union just south of Sochi, Russia. The area has been plagued by a 20-year-long civil war and the resulting economic desperation. The unemployment rate is an astounding 70%! Last year, at the request of an evangelical church leader in the area, SOAR helped to provide school supplies and Bibles to children there.

As you are shopping for school supplies for your own children, please pick up some extras to encourage children in our own urban area as well as the needy overseas. Drop your donated supplies in the buckets now through August 17.

Supplies Needed: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pencils Erasers Glue sticks Colored pencils Crayons Markers Scissors Highlighters 3x5 index cards Wide ruled notebooks Pocket folders Plastic pencil boxes Rulers File folders

• Stickers • Plain T-Shirts • Socks for girls and boys

Missionary

Christmas Calvary Church is a church that cares – for each other, for those among us who are suffering, and for the poor and oppressed in our community and around the world. One way we extend care beyond our walls is by caring intentionally for our Gospel workers and missionary partners.

In the past year or so, we’ve been ramping up our care for our missionary family in several ways: • We’ve made certain that every supported missionary has an adult Sunday class to provide community for them. The Missionary Care Team, led by Pastor Bruce, developed and rolled out a program to train class coordinators in all the ways they can care for their missionaries.

• Pastor Bruce and Debbie travelled to visit and care for missionaries in Bolivia, Paraguay, and North Africa. We want to involve more people in these on-site care visits, like the one Lisa Samra made to France and Romania. Most missionaries can go their entire careers without having a visit from a home church pastor or pastor’s wife. Not Calvary missionaries!

• We’ve continued and deepened our partnership with Alongside, Inc., a ministry in the Kalamazoo area that offers three-

week intensive counseling retreats for missionaries who return from the stress of the field and need healing.

• We’ve helped launch the Olive Tree Christian Counseling Center, located in a strategic Mediterranean city, as a first-line place where missionaries and national believers in difficult settings can find respite and the counsel that they need.

Intentional care for our missionaries is something you can be involved in! Here are two ways: • Throughout the month of August, and into the fall, you can give to our annual Missionary Christmas offering. Through your generosity, our missionaries each year receive a love gift with no strings attached to use for whatever they need the most.

• Your small group can get involved in “adopting” a missionary family for prayer and care as well! Have your leader check the Community Leadership Portal for information about how you can connect with a Calvary Church missionary.

SAVE THE DATE!

All Church Serving Day On the morning of Saturday, September 20, Calvary Church will participate in the 11th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Clean-Up. Last September, Calvary brought over 300 volunteers to the event, providing more than a third of the manpower cleaning up the riverbank. We picked up 5500+ pounds of trash in only one morning of work! Sign up to help this year as we join with our neighbors and show that we care about our community.

Sign ups here at Calvary will begin in mid-August.

This will be a great family or small group activity.

Watch for more details in the bulletin, the enews, the September Calvary Life, and on the web.

Thank you for caring – not only that the Gospel goes out, but that those who carry it forward are blessed through their connection with Calvary Church.

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 7

A Bonfire Started It All!

by Steve and Cindy Gronsman

Neighbors Internati nal The desire to experience a real bonfire is how our relationship began. Neighbors International, Calvary’s outreach to International college students, were hosting their annual dinner at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. At this dinner, the students have an opportunity to sign up for the friendship family program. Neighbors International volunteers donate prizes and activities for the event, so we decided to donate a bonfire party. A male student from the Middle East put almost all of his tickets in the bonfire drawing, as it had been his lifelong dream to attend one. He was so devastated when he did not win, that we were asked if we would donate a second bonfire party just for him. We said yes, and thus began a relationship that has blessed us in so many ways.

Our Middle Eastern student invited friends from four or five different countries as he wanted an international feeling at the fire. He had seen bonfires in American movies and was so excited to actually be at one himself. We sat around the fire and had the most amazing conversations, sharing about our lives and families. The joys and struggles of being a student in America, so far from home, was a common theme.

As the night came to a close we asked him if he would want to get together with us again. He said “Yes!” He hadn’t originally signed up for a Friendship Family but after our evening together we couldn’t imagine not seeing him again!

This fall it will be two years ago that we met. He loves to talk and is so interested in American culture and wants to experience so much of what America has to of-

fer. We have spent time eating together in our home, playing games, attending Festival of Lights, going out to eat, seeing a movie, riding snowmobiles, etc. We are thankful that he will be studying in West Michigan for several more years.

We recognize that this will be a long process as we continue to plant seeds in his life. We are not running a sprint, but a marathon. He has many questions about Christianity and we have learned a lot about Islam. We have learned about his culture, and it has been fascinating. We have discovered that his faith is woven through every part of his life including his family, his country, and his culture.

We pray that he sees that our faith in Jesus Christ is more than just being a “Christian” because we are Americans.

We continue to pray that he will see the love of Christ through the relationship we are building together.

Being a friendship family with Neighbors International has enriched our lives by opening our world and allowing us the opportunity to have a friend from a culture that we would probably never experience. Knowing that God has him here at this time for us to impact his life and he ours, is a special privilege. If you have ever thought about becoming a Friendship Family, DO IT!! If you have never considered it, we would encourage you to begin praying that God would speak clearly and show you if this is a ministry you should become involved in. God is clearly working and moving among this ministry and in the lives of students that He has brought to West Michigan and we are the richer for it!

Neighbors International needs 20 more families or individuals to be a friend to an international student arriving this fall. For more information, please contact Sonja at neighbors_international@ calvarygr.org or call 616-676-7292.

8 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

the GATHERING PLACE

Tuesday morning Women’s

B i b l e ∙ St u d y

Join us this year as we study Paul’s letters of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. This year’s focus is Knowing Christ: Lessons from Paul’s Life and Ministry.

We will accompany Paul, starting at his conversion encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road, and retracing his steps to some of the early churches he helped establish.

With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we will look closely at those early beginnings and come to understand the pattern of sound doctrine for Christians in Paul’s letters to those churches.

Beginning Tuesday, September 16, women will gather at 9:00am in the Fellowship Hall. Within the large group meeting we will have quality time to catch up with friends and make new ones, be inspired by thought-provoking speakers, drama, music and testimonies. We’ll then break into small groups where we will actively discuss and study God’s Word until 11:15am.

While every group will journey together in the same section of the Bible, each woman will be able to choose the type of small group study she would like to join: • Directed Approach (our traditional main study) – Questions will lead you through Paul’s letters • Discovery Approach – Inductive tools will help you unpack God’s truths in Paul’s letters Register for the Gathering Place Study by September 10 at MyCalvaryGR.org. You can also find registration forms at the Sanctuary Information Center and Women’s Bulletin Board (on the lower level).

GPS

kids

Something for the kids too!

While mom is in the Gathering Place Study, our free GPS Kids program is a wonderful place for children birth to six years of age to learn God’s truth in a loving atmosphere.

Teachers and helpers use Bible stories, music and fun activities to reinforce the weekly lesson.

Free for kids!

Kendrick & Adler Barry

Marion Bergakker

Nehemiah & Annika Bolduc

Lydia Bonter

Penelope Braaksma

Norah Butler

Breslin & Piper Cotter

Nick Curnow

Alden DeGennaro

Natalie Deppe

Naomi Serah Githu

Henry Goebel

Judah Gregory

Alice & Autumn Grummet

Hodgson Family

Nathan Hoven

Levi Michale Izenbaard

Ellory Johnson

Gavin Koopman

Zachary Kuppler

Child Dedications 10 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

Elise Larson

Quinn Lauria

Caleb & Alivia Mohr

Emersyn Morley

Carter Scott Owens

Owen Palmer

Emma Putnam

Graham Allen Putnam

Amy Mikaela Ray

Elleanna Reiffer

Peter Robert Stolle

Elijah Walz

Lincoln Russell

Aubrey Ann Sperling

Emma June Sytsma

Simon Telman

David Underwood

Libby Jeanne Warren

Ahnalicica Witzel

Adilyn Grace Nichole Woy

Child Dedication is a time for parents to make a commitment, to God and in front of friends and family, to raise their children to trust and follow God. Please join us in praying for these families who have dedicated their child(ren) this past year. Let us pray for God to bless these children, so that they would trust and follow Christ, for the rest of their lives.

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 11

n o i t a r t s i g e R l l a F

n o i t c A N s Kid FOR

AND

L UMIN8

ll brochures and regisfa w ne e th r fo d an ail Watch your m -N-Action electives have ds Ki r ou of st Mo n. io at tration inform ur gister soon to ensure yo Re ly. ick qu up l fil d an limited space st choice. child(ren) receive their fir

Kids-N-Action kids learn to put their faith into action through fun, educational activities! Kids in action don’t just talk about trusting God and doing good things, they actually DO good things and follow God’s commands!

• An emphasis on Bible characters who demonstrated actions of faith

Our Kids-N-action program will continue to provide:

Every Bible story in KNA is covered the following Sunday morning as well for additional reinforcement, though from a different angle and perspective.

• Elective activities that children can choose • Scripture memorization centered in the book of James in the Bible (one chapter a year)

12 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

• An incentive store (James General Store) for all children who earn James Bucks throughout the year!

• A preschool-age program (Lil’ Kids-N-Action)

LUMIN8 is for children that are age four (by October 1) though 6th grade.

Children will: • Memorize the first chapter of James put to music • Perform an evangelistic Christmas Musical & Spring Concert • Record a CD • Sing in two Sunday morning worship services

Praying

them through

all church

prayer night

Sunday, august 24 | 5:00-8:00pm open house - come and go as you are able start at entrance n (children’s wing) In the midst of the “back to school” rush, we urge you to set aside a quiet, reflective time of fasting and prayer for Calvary’s young people. Together we will spend 24 hours fasting* and then gather at Calvary for a self-guided prayer tour. Participants will walk through the Children’s, Special Needs’, Students’ and College ministry settings, praying for their specific needs and learning what each unique age-group is facing in the year ahead.

Everyone at Calvary is invited to participate in this back-to-school prayer event.

Childcare is not provided.

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 13

grace BEYOND

more than we ask or imagine for our prayer

This month we are continuing a conversation about our facilities and how we could enhance them to more fully live out God’s vision for our body, focusing on who we are as God’s people, and who He has called us to be as a church. Even though Grace Beyond is a building project, it’s about how God has shown His grace to us and how He wants to show it through us.

This month we’re focusing on the prayer garden. The prayer garden will be a place of refuge and a tangible sign of the value we place on prayer and relationship with God. As we are filled with God’s love and grace through time in prayer our lives overflow with His blessing. We can’t help but spill His grace and mercy into the lives of those around us. Our Prayer Garden will be a tangible representation of our belief that prayer is essential to our lives as God’s people, and of our commitment to spend time in relationship with our Creator both individually and corporately.

offering when we each went forward to give our gifts.

We gave generously to an unknown cause because God enabled us. Over the next few months the elders wrestled with what to do with this truly “extravagant” gift. In time God made it very clear to the Elders that this money should be used to build a prayer garden. The prayer garden committee began meeting in January 2012 to consider what this garden should entail.

What does your team envision for the Prayer Garden?

We seek to create a space that increases our intimacy with God and encourages our church to imitate Christ and His emphasis on prayer.

Although we are waiting to hear from the Lord about moving forward with other aspects of the proposed new building, the Elders have committed to building a prayer garden. Our reason for delay is to allow the garden to be seamlessly integrated into the proposed building project.

If God does not lead us to renovate our facility, it will still be built. For more information on the committee that has been working on this garden behind the scenes over the past few years, we talked with its chairman, Warren DeHaan.

How have you and the committee seen God at work in this process?

Early in the process after meeting our architect, Doug Pasma, we agreed that we would each pray about a location for the prayer garden and at our next meeting discuss different options. At our next meeting we discovered that both the committee and our architect had chosen the exact same location. I believe that God had a hand in that very first decision. In putting together our purpose statement for the garden, I believe God was speaking through each member as together we wrestled with a purpose that was not about just a prayer garden space but rather seeing God’s will be done in that space. There were times when the prayer garden work languished because we had to wait for the entire project to evolve, but God saw us through that time.

How was the Prayer Garden Committee formed?

Pastor Jim’s message “The Worthiest One” on February 27, 2011 reminded us that God is so deserving of our worship that we should go to radical measures to give Him all the praise, honor and glory He so richly deserves.

It was at that time that Pastor Jim felt that we as the body of believers at Calvary should have an opportunity to give an extravagant offering which could be given during Holy Week culminating with the Good Friday

How can the church be praying for you and the committee in the months ahead?

The best way to pray not only for our prayer garden committee but for this entire proposed project is to pray Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.” May God’s will permeate every decision that we make so that the prayer garden will be all about Him and knowing Him more intimately.

14 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

2013-2014 Elders

A Note from the elders

If you have any questions or comments you would like to share with an elder, their individual contact information is listed below.

What we believe After several years of praying, writing, editing, asking for your feedback and then re-writing and re-editing, the elders of Calvary Church are ready to bring our new “What We Believe” document to a congregational vote this fall.

Our intention all along has been to simplify this statement so that it is clear and understandable to everyone. The final document contains two parts.

First, there is a shorter “What We Believe” section, which will be voted on at the Annual Meeting to replace a much longer statement of belief in our official church constitution. This “What We Believe” statement contains what we feel to be the basic, essential parts of our faith, with which we hope everyone who joins Calvary will be in agreement.

Second, there is a longer “What We Teach” section that explains the doctrine of Calvary in much greater detail. This section will not be included in the constitution.

Bill Azkoul

(bazkoul@calvarygr.org)

Dan Challa

(dchalla@calvarygr.org)

Dick Doyle

(ddoyle@calvarygr.org)

Dennis Bergakker

(dbergakker@calvarygr.org)

Clare DeGraaf

(cdegraaf@calvarygr.org)

Chad Kerr

(ckerr@calvarygr.org)

Dane Bjork

(dbjork@calvarygr.org)

Steve Doren

(sdoren@calvarygr.org)

Ross Pettinga

(rpettinga@calvarygr.org)

A final, printed version of “What We Believe” and “What We Teach” will be available at the Information Center at the back of the sanctuary. Please pick one up to read in preparation for our vote at the Annual Meeting on September 21. If you have questions, let us know by emailing elders@calvarygr.org.

Sam Roth

Help for the hurting

(sroth@calvarygr.org)

Kent Snoeyink

(ksnoeyink@calvarygr.org)

Vernon Spears

(vspears@calvarygr.org)

At Calvary we recognize that many marriages struggle and are in need of counsel, guidance and direction. We also understand that some marriage issues escalate to a point where the safety of a spouse or family member is in danger. Unfortunately the statistics tell us that this level of abuse is more widespread than most of us would assume.

Tom Thurston

We take the safety of women very Help is available. Free, confidential, 24/7. seriously. As a result the Pastoral Calvary Church cares about you!

Specialized Domestic Care Ministry is partnering with Safe Abuse Services for Women and their Children Haven Ministries to facilitate the appropriate help and protection for women facing domestic abuse.

In strategic places around the building we will be placing posters with information related to avenues of help for women in need. Each poster will have tear away sheets giving contact information for Calvary Church’s Pastoral Care Ministry (ldegraaf@calvarygr. org / 956-9377, ext. 3618) as well as information to contact Safe Haven directly (safehavenministries.org / 452-6664) to connect to their expertise in the areas of counseling and protecting women. If you or someone you know is in danger, don’t hesitate to call the Yellow House or Safe Haven.

Shelter, Counseling, Support Groups, Safety Planning, Crisis Intervention, Educational Presentations

SAFE HAVEN MINISTRIES (616) 452-6664 | safehavenministries.org

(tthurston@calvarygr.org)

Allen VanHaitsma

(avanhaitsma@calvarygr.org)

For a professional, confidential appointment with our staff counselor, call Lou at 956-9377, ext. 3618 in the Pastoral Care Office to schedule an appointment.

If you have an urgent need and would like to speak to a pastor, please call the main church number, 956-9377. A pastor is always available.

CALVARY CHURCH (616) 956-9377 | calvarygr.org

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 15

calvary church

Program GUIDE Quick Connect

administrative staff information in alpha order by ministry

Benevolence

Lynnell Bok lbok@calvarygr.org ext. 3510

Calvary Community Brenda Neher community @calvarygr.org ext. 5650

Missions

Chris DeHaan missions @calvarygr.org ext. 5022

Pastoral Care & Senior Adults

Regina Scovill rscovill@calvarygr.org ext. 3672

Children

Carla Boon-Julien childrensministry@ calvarygr.org ext. 5067

Serving

Community Outreach

Special Needs

Compassion Ministries

Students

Sharon Kaiser skaiser@calvarygr.org ext. 5077

Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618

Facilities

Melissa DeBoer mdeboer@calvarygr.org ext. 5097

Library

library@calvarygr.org ext. 5290

Marketing

Jackie Rice jrice@calvarygr.org ext. 5042

Men

Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618

Elaine Lohroff elohroff@calvarygr.org ext. 5903

Judi Warner jwarner @calvarygr.org ext. 5272

Natalie Uecker calvarystudents @calvarygr.org ext. 5181

Technical Services

media@calvarygr.org ext. 5150

Women

Donna Ross dross@calvarygr.org ext. 5186

Worship

Kristen White kwhite@calvarygr.org ext. 5013

Young Adults Natalie Uecker youngadults @calvarygr.org ext. 5181

Phone: (616) 956-9377 Address: 707 E Beltline NE Grand Rapids MI 49525

16 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

Sunday Morning Worship Service 9:00am & 10:45am - Sanctuary Sunday Evening Worship Service 6:00pm - Chapel

August 2014 Church Office Hours Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm Sunday: 7:30am-12:30pm (Receptionist Only)

Children Carla | ext. 5067 childrensministry@calvarygr.org

send current 8th graders on to High School.

Calvary Kids Team Member Training September 3 from 6-8pm in Room 129 (dinner served) or September 6 from 9-11am in Room 129 (breakfast served) Come hear how you can engage children more effectively across the board at Calvary Church! Guest speaker Lynda Freeman will share practical tools and tips which help effectively engage children with the message of God’s love.

This training is required attendance for every volunteer in Calvary Kids, Special Needs and Women’s Ministry involving children. RSVP by August 27 at MyCalvaryGR.org.

5th-8th Combined at 3 Mile Project August 27 | 6-9pm Meet/Pick Up: 3 Mile Project 3050 Walkent NW | Cost: $3

KIDS N ACTION & LUMIN8 Registration Watch your mail for the new fall brochures and registration information.

Most of our Kids-N-Action electives have limited space and fill up quickly.

Register soon to ensure your child receives their first choice. See page 12 for more information.

5th-8th Grade Natalie | ext. 5181 calvarystudents@calvarygr.org The Main Event Sunday Mornings | 9:00am 5th/6th: Room 109 | 7th/8th: Room 108 The Main Event is a time of worship and teaching just for middle school students. Connect with others your age and learn what the Bible has to say to you. No need to register, just show up!

Note: All current 5th-8th grade students will be promoted on Sunday, Sept. 7. At that time we will welcome new 4th graders, advance 6th grade students and

No Main Event: August 31

This is your last event before you are promoted so come and have fun with your friends! There will be reball, basketball, volleyball, video games and the café, we will have the 3 Mile Project all to ourselves! Parents, if your student is new to the 3 Mile Project, visit 3mileproject.com for a special release form that is needed on file to attend. *Plan on eating dinner before you come, or bring money for the 3Mile Project Café.

5th/6th Grade Natalie | ext. 5181 calvarystudents@calvarygr.org Whitecaps Game August 18 | 6:15-10:00pm | Cost: $10* Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J We are going to experience the all-American pastime, baseball! Register by noon on Friday, August 15 at MyCalvaryGR. org. In the event of rain, we will do an alternate activity within the same time frame. We will transport the students in Calvary vans with approved drivers. *You may bring additional money for snacks and/or souvenirs.

Parent-signed, year-long release form needed on file to participate in all summer events.

7th/8th Grade Natalie | ext. 5181 calvarystudents@calvarygr.org Michigan’s Adventure August 14 | 10:30am-8:00pm | Ent. J Cost: $30 (includes lunch) Can’t decide if you like rollercoasters or waterslides more? Join us for a day at Michigan’s Adventure to finally decide.

Bring a modest swimming suit*, towel, sunscreen and money for dinner. In case of bad weather, we will cancel the event three hours prior to arrival time.

In order to ensure a ticket, register by Sunday, August 10 at MyCalvaryGR.org. *Bring a dark tank top to cover two-piece bathing suits.

Parent-signed, year-long release form needed on file to participate in all summer events.

7th/8th Bible Studies July 30-August 20 | 10:30am-12:00pm No need to register just show up!

GUYS: Room 109 & Gym Many people have a hard time fully embracing the unique and unparalleled message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Because of God’s love and grace toward us, we can have eternal life and all sorts of blessings today through no effort or merit of our own. That seems too amazing to be true! Join us for dodgeball and a video series by Francis Chan about what grace truly means.

GIRLS: Room 207 Life can be messy. Each week we will gather together for some snacks, nail painting and to chat about life and what God has planned to teach us this summer. We will discover how valuable we are to God, despite our messiness. We will investigate the right ways to handle the stuff that makes life messy and causes our pain and brokenness. And we’ll be encouraged to invite God and others into the process of change in our lives.

High School Natalie | ext. 5181 calvarystudents@calvarygr.org UNITED Sundays | 6:00-7:30pm | Room 108 All High School students are welcome to join a community of students seeking to know God and live for Him. In our summer teaching series we will explore some of the most common obstacles we

Young Adult Ministry

FALL RETREAT October 24-26 | Miracle Camp

Early Bird Price: $50

ACCEPTANCE·LOVE·IDENTITY

Break away for a weekend retreat. Be refreshed and rejuvenated through teachings, worship, and time with the Lord.

Register at MyCalvaryGR.org. Cost is $65 after October 5.

face as believers, and we will learn how to live a more godly life, as well as be better witnesses to those around us. Visit UNITED and worship God together in community. It’s the perfect place for students to belong at Calvary.

No UNITED: August 31 High School Bible Studies Wednesdays Through August 20 10:30am-12:00pm Girls Bible Study-Masterpiece | Room 212 Join us this summer as we dig deeper into how we live emotionally, physically and spiritually whole the way God created us to be. You are God’s Masterpiece!

Guys Bible Study | Room 108 Join us this summer as we learn to live a life free from the grip of lust and trust in God to find victory in this ongoing battle.

Beach Day/Dune Rides August 12 | 9am-6pm | Cost: $35 Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J Join us for a day of swimming in Lake Michigan, climbing the dunes and taking a seven-mile dune ride at Silver Lake Dunes. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Bring a modest bathing suit, towel and sunscreen. Register at MyCalvaryGR.org.

End of Summer Party August 26 | 4-7pm | Cost: $8 Meet/Pick Up: GR Township Park 1836 East Beltline Ave NE Come enjoy a fun night at the park as we grill out, play games and squeeze out the last bit of summer fun before school starts.

Parent-signed, year-long release form needed on file to participate in all summer events.

Young Adults a ministry for young adults 18-34 Natalie | ext. 5181 youngadults@calvarygr.org Summer at the Table Dinner & Bible Study This summer all young adults (ages 18-34) will meet together on Thursday nights at 6:00pm in room 121. We will gather to share a simple meal and dive deep with each other over real stories and Christ-centered conversations. We will also spend time studying Philippians through teaching and small group conversation. We will wrap up each night with a time of worship, praising God for the things we just learned. Contact Natalie Uecker (nuecker@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5181 for more information.

Calvary community Brenda | ext. 5650 bneher@calvarygr.org Membership Class August 16 | 9:00am-2:30pm Register at MyCalvaryGR.org by August 11 We believe membership in the local church is important. Membership means commitment to learn, to be in community, and to contribute – giving back to God what He so richly gives to us. Come as a family (children 12 and older) or invite non-members in your community group to join you!

Single 35-50? Join Gil’Christ!

Sundays | 10:45am | Room 211 On Sunday, August 10, after class, we will provide lunch and fellowship in room 211. After lunch we will be heading to a fellow class member’s home to help her with a project on which she is

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 17

TIGERS GAME Saturday, September 6 at Comerica Park Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants Cost: $75 (includes lunch & transportation) Contact Elaine Lohroff (men@calvarygr.org) for more information.

Calvary Church Men’s Ministry Event working. Everyone is welcome to join us for one or both of these events.

On Saturday, August 23, at 11:00am, we are getting together for a bike ride from Rockford down the White Pine Trail with a stop for lunch and dessert at Arnie’s Restaurant.

For more information on any of these events, contact Danielle Reid (reid.danielle@att.net).

Compassion ministries Lou | ext. 3618 ldegraaf@calvarygr.org Choosing Forgiveness September 8 | 9:00-11:30am | Yellow House Scripture says that offenses will happen.

People will let us down and we will let others down, too. Forgiveness is left up to us to pray about and then practice. Far from minimizing the hurt of the offense, participants are called to understand that offering forgiveness and letting go of bitterness is the only way to walk in faithfulness. Drawing on biblical teaching of our call to forgive, Nancy shows that forgiveness is a choice, and the only pathway to true freedom. Questions?

Contact the study leader, Jodi Sonksen (jodi.sonksen@gmail.com). Register at MyCalvaryGR.org.

DivorceCare September 2-November 25 | 6:30-8:30pm Room 140 | Cost: $20 If you are experiencing the pain of separation or divorce, we invite you to be part of this 13 week seminar where you will meet others who understand what you are feeling and who will be able to offer you encouragement. Register at MyCalvaryGR.org.

18 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

DivorceCare For Kids (DC4K) September 2-November 25 | 6:30-8:30pm Cost: $10 DC4K provides a safe, neutral, fun place where children learn to understand their feelings, express their emotions appropriately, improve their self esteem, develop coping skills and discover biblical concepts that bring comfort.

DC4K sessions are filled with engaging activities centered on a weekly theme.

A typical evening is filled with activities, discussions, journaling, music, a story, and video dramas.

Note that DC4K is designed to run alongside of DivorceCare for adults.

Childcare will be provided for children birth through preschool. Register at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Divorce Through the Eyes of a Teen September 2-November 18 | 6:30-8:30pm Room 152 | Cost: $10 This ministry is designed to encourage and empower teens to deal with their feelings, fears, and emotions while experiencing the divorce or separation of their parents. This 12-week session equips teens with the God given tools to live a life of hope and the promise of a changed tomorrow. Register at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Healing Injured Sisters Next 8-Week Session: Mondays, 6:007:30pm Beginning in September H.I.S. is a group designed to help women toward their journey of healing from various forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and mental). If you’ve suffered from the effects of abuse, you may feel bound, trapped, and oppressed. We want to walk with you on this path of

healing. If you are interested in participating in H.I.S. contact Lou (ldegraaf@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618 to schedule an appointment. All participants need to meet with the H.I.S. ministry director, Joanna Gordon, prior to the first session.

Redesigning Your Life August 2 | 9:00am-12:00pm | Free | Rm 140 You have been through the grieving of divorce, and with the help of the Holy Spirit you have begun healing. What now? Where do you go from here? Join us for a three-hour workshop of prayer and discovery to Redesign Your Life and begin a new life on the other side of divorce. Register at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Marriage enrichment Regina | ext. 3672 rscovill@calvarygr.org Marriage Counseling Confidential professional marriage counseling is available by contacting Regina Scovill (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672.

Pastoral Support If you have a need and would like to speak to a pastor, please call the main church number, 956-9377. A pastor is always available.

Threshold Join in community with other young married couples and new families (in their 20s and 30s) as we study God’s Word, pray, serve and grow in Christ together. Contact Brenda (bneher@calvarygr.org) for details.

men Elaine | ext. 5903 elohroff@calvarygr.org Authentic Manhood Begins Sept. 15 | 6:30-8:00 pm | Rm 151-153 or Sept. 16 | 6:00-7:30am | Rm 130-132 This study explores Authentic Manhood as demonstrated by Jesus during his thirty-three years on earth. It teaches and inspires men in a clear and compelling way, provides a forum for group discussion, and encourages mentoring friendships. Topics studied are: God’s design, a man’s life story, manhood traps, and how a man relates to his work.

This course is a video series. The

Monday course is facilitated by Mark Nickerson and Tuesdays by Rick Huls.

Men of 6:10 Begins Sept. 16 | 6:10-7:15am | Room 122-126 The Men of 6:10 will study the Book of Hebrews. Come join us every Tuesday morning as we study God’s word together. Facilitated by Terry Markham.

Men of 7:24 Begins Sept. 20 | 7:24-8:45am | Rm 122-126 We will be continuing our study of the Seconds. First up will be 2 Peter, then 2 John, then 2 Corinthians. The study is fairly comprehensive with overviews of the original letters. Learn – Grow – Tell – Glorify God. Facilitated by Steve Cox. Men’s Fall Kickoff BBQ Feast August 21 | 6:30 pm | East Lawn | $5 Join other Calvary men in kicking off the fall with a bbq feast plus all the fixins. We’ll enjoy chicken and polish sausage fresh from the grill, then follow our feast with a devotion from Ardo Draper. Details will also be available on our new Bible studies as we enjoy a summer night together in God’s great outdoors.

Register to attend at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Contact Elaine Lohroff (men@calvarygr. org) at ext. 5903 with any questions.

pastoral care Regina | ext. 3672 rscovill@calvarygr.org Confident Caregivers September 17 | 12:00pm | Room 123 As a caregiver, do you ever feel alone?

Does it seem like no one really understands the burden you’re carrying? Confident Caregivers of West Michigan is a support group for sharing needs, questions, answers and encouragement. Join us for lunch, conversation and support.

RSVP by September 10 to Regina (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672.

Eating and Body Image Support Group August 11 | 7:00pm | Yellow House Join this guided discussion group, meeting on the second Monday of the month, for women (18+) offering a spiritual perspective on eating and body image issues as well as prayer and support. For more information, contact Jen Lane (mieatingdisordersalliance@gmail.com)

GriefShare Workshop Sept. 2 - Nov. 25 | 6:30-8:30pm Room 207 | Cost: $20 This 13-week seminar and support group, led by facilitators who understand what you are experiencing, is for people grieving the loss of someone close. It will offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time as well as give you the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss.

For more information, contact Regina Scovill (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext.3672.

Hands of Jesus Ministry If you need help with small projects around your home — electrical repair, painting, plumbing, yard work, cleaning, meal prep/delivery, furniture moving, transportation, respite care, handyman projects and carpentry — consider contacting the Hands of Jesus Ministry for assistance. For more information, contact Glenn DeMots (gdemots@comcast.net) at 454-0232, Bill Skinner (skinnerws@gmail. com) at 456-9296 or Regina at ext. 3672.

Stephen Ministers Available Would you like to connect one on one with someone in an entirely confidential manner that can provide you with a listening ear to care and guide you through your struggles and spiritual crises? Stephen Ministers are trained lay members of the Calvary Church congregation who will listen, care, encourage, provide emotional and spiritual support and help you bring Christ’s presence into focus in your life on a confidential basis. To learn more, call Regina at ext. 3672.

Prayer groups

Intercessors Prayer Group Wednesdays | 6:45pm | Room 212 Open to anyone who is interested in praying for Calvary Church, its pastors, staff, volunteers, congregation and programming. For details, or to submit requests, contact prayer@calvarygr.org.

Nehemiah Prayer Team When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem needed repair, his first response was to fast and pray for four months. As the elders and deacons continue to pray and fast for God’s vision for Calvary Church, we invite our church family to join us. If you are willing, please email Pam Tuinstra (ptuinstra@calvarygr. org), and we will add you to a regular prayer update.

Pastor Jim Samra’s Prayer Team People on this team agree to pray daily for the Samras and for the church. Jim sends out weekly prayer requests to the team as well as requests throughout the week when he needs immediate help.

Contact Kristen White (kwhite@calvarygr. org) at ext. 5013.

Pastors’ Prayer Partners You will receive weekly updates from the Pastoral Staff via email or postal mail.

Your obligation is to pray with a team of prayer warriors during one service a month, and pray in your own home regularly for their requests. Contact Arlene Timmer (hrtakt@iserv.net) at 365-0728.

Pray with the Elders The elders meet for prayer from 6:157:15pm on the first Tuesday of the month in room 211. If you would like the elders to pray for you, please stop by.

men’s fall kick-off

bbq feast August 21 at 6:30pm Calvary Church East Lawn | Cost: $5

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 19

You are welcome to come unannounced, but if possible it would be helpful if you could contact Cindy Marrell (cmarrell@ calvarygr.org) in advance so she can put you on the schedule. Thank you!

year expect: more special music, more discussion, as well as our regular times of fellowship. Enjoy coffee and cookies at 9:30am with bible study beginning at 9:55am ending promptly at 11:00am.

Prayer & Fasting for the Unemployed Thursdays | 12:00-1:00pm | Chapel Please join us every third Thursday for a time of prayer and fasting for the unemployed.

Special needs Adults Elleen | ext. 5623 efitzgerald@calvarygr.org

Prayer for Worship Services Sundays | 8:35-8:55am, 10:20-10:40am in room 105 You are invited to come pray specifically that God would bless our morning services. All are encouraged to join.

SOS Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs) Sundays | Chapel | 10:45am Go-Getters for Jesus is a large community of youth and adults with special needs who are eager to serve God and one another.

Seniors (Adults age 55+) Regina | ext. 3672 rscovill@calvarygr.org

Children and Youth Elizabeth | ext. 5163 ethelen@calvarygr.org

55+ Leisure Luncheon Sept. 8 | 10:30am | Fellowship Hall Join us for a presentation with Valerie VanHeest on the “Fatal Crossing.”

Punchbowl is 10:00-10:20am. Lunch is served after the program at noon. Reservations must be made one week in advance by contacting: Howard & Arlene Timmer (hrtakt@iserv.net) at 365-0728, Terry & Linda Markham at 247-8619.

Explorers (Students with Special Needs) Sundays | Room 114 | 10:45am Explorers provides an active, less structured environment where learning takes place using interactive centers based on 66 books of the Bible.

Ol’ Fashioned Hymn Sing September 14 | 7:30pm | Chapel Come lift your voices as we rejoice together with the timeless hymns you know and love. Our hymn sing will begin at 7:30pm, following the evening service. Maury Lehmann will lead us in singing.

Senior Men’s Golf Tuesdays | 8:45am | Boulder Creek Join us for some good Christian fellowship. This is not a formal league, just show up when you can. Each week we have a draw to determine foursomes, so it is a good way to meet people from Calvary. Cost is $25 for 18 holes with a cart. Contact Jim DeWeerd at 901-5561 or John Nibbelink at 443-5957.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study 9:30-11:00am | Chapel | Begins Sept. 10 Retired, currently unemployed, homemaker, or just enjoying Wednesday’s off?

Make plans to attend our weekly Bible Study with Pastor Bruce Huseby. This

20 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

Seekers (Students with Special Needs) Sundays | 10:45am | Room 112 A calm structured environment for those who learn best with less activity.

Adapted curriculum based on the 66 books of the Bible will focus on learning about God and His love throughout His Word.

Women Donna | ext. 5186 women@calvarygr.org Apples of Gold Wednesdays or Fridays, 9:30am-12:30pm (Begins Sept. 17 or 19) or Thursdays, 6:009:00pm (Begins Sept. 18) | $30 The Apples of Gold ministry is now taking registrations for a morning and an evening class this fall. This is an opportunity for young women to connect with mature women from Calvary Church to learn more about God’s plan for our lives as women, wives and mothers. We spend the evening discussing our lesson from God’s Word and learning how to show love from our kitchens. Contact Pat Cebulski (aogatcalvary@gmail.com) at 855-4008 to register.

Exercise Class Mondays (Begins Sept. 8) | 9:30am | Gym Enjoy a variety of aerobics including: Tae Bo®, Zumba®, Pilates, stretching, self defense and games. Devotional offered fourth Monday from 11:00– 11:30am. Limited childcare is available, contact Women’s Ministry (women@ calvarygr.org) to reserve. For class questions, contact Angela Crompton, Certified Fitness Instructor at 406-8106.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Thursdays (1st, 3rd & 5th) | Begins Sept. 18 | 9:00-11:15am | Room 129 MOPS Registration & Yearly Fee: $90 MOPS is an international organization that exists to encourage, equip, and help women become the best moms that they can be! Women who are pregnant or have young children (birth through kindergarten) are invited to join MOPS. If you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration and guidance during this crazy, yet critical time of motherhood — MOPS is for you! Registration forms are available at the Sanctuary Information Center or at the Women’s Ministry bulletin board in the lower level office area.

Teen MOPS (Teen Mothers of Preschoolers) Wednesdays (1st & 3rd) Beginning Sept. 17 | 6:40-7:50pm | Room 123 Are you a teen mom? Teens MOPS is here to come alongside you during this season of early mothering to give you the support and resources you need to be a great mom. Contact Marcy Sobczak (marcysobczak@hotmail.com) to register and receive more details.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Begins Sept. 11 | Thursdays (2nd & 4th) 10:00am | Room 215 If you enjoy knitting and crocheting we encourage you to join us. If you prefer to work at home, we will supply you with patterns. We also accept yarn donations.

Contact Mary Hulst (mimijean1949@ gmail.com) with questions.

Surrendering the Secret Did you know that one in four women in the church are affected either directly or indirectly by the decision of abortion? Many women hide the painful secret of abortion deep in their hearts, and carry a great burden of shame and failure. Surrendering the Secret allows

women to release this burden and find freedom through a redemptive community, while experiencing hope and joy as shame and failure are replaced with beauty. If you are struggling in silent pain, God loves you and desires to touch you with forgiveness. Groups start throughout the year. Contact Karen Marsman (proclaimfreedom61@gmail. com) at 724-0649 for dates and times. No fee. All communication regarding this study is kept private and confidential.

Advance registration required.

Volleyball Mondays (Begins Sept. 8) | 6:00pm | Gym No fee. No childcare. Injury waiver needed. Contact Pat Engels (engelspa@ aol.com) for further details.

Women’s Informal Golf Tuesdays | 9:30am GraceWil Country Club, 2597 4 Mile Rd Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of tee time, and join the group for lunch afterward if you can. No substitutes or registration required. Great exercise and you decide when you play! Contact Women’s Ministry (women@calvarygr. org) at ext. 5186 if you have questions.

Worship Carrie | ext. 5615 ccarr@calvarygr.org Creative Arts Workshops We believe God is worshiped through the use of arts in the Church. We invite everyone, with any background or skill level, to join us for a Creative Arts Workshop.

Dance for Children August 11 | 11:00am-12:00pm | Choir Room This workshop is open to children, ages 5-10, and will teach basic dance techniques while encouraging children to worship God through creative movement.

Dance for Adults August 11 | 6:30-8:00pm | Choir Room This workshop is open to all women ages 15 - Adult. Whether you have many years of dance experience or are interested in dance for the first time, you are welcome. The workshop will provide technical tools to strengthen dance skills for serving the Church and community.

Drama for Adults August 14 | 6:30-8:00pm | Choir Room This workshop is open to all individuals of high school age and above. Whether you have years of theatre experience or are interested in trying drama for the first time, this workshop will provide practical interactive exercises to help strengthen and prepare you for service in the Church and community.

Serving opportunities Serve in Children’s Ministry This Fall Calvary Kids has many different types of serving opportunities this fall. We will need a variety of teachers, helpers, and caregivers for all ages on Sunday and Wednesdays. Please don’t hesitate to contact Joy (jgelderloos@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5381 to serve in nursery or preschool, or Brian (bnix@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5053 for elementary.

pantry also needs the for healthy lunches: • Peanut butter • Jams and jellies • Honey • Butter • Juice boxes • Individual snack items

following items • • • •

Chips Pretzels Cookies Cheese and crackers • Fresh and canned fruit

Too Much Zucchini?

If your garden is flourishing and you have more fresh produce than you can use, please consider donating your extras to Calvary’s Food Pantry at the Yellow House. For the best time to drop off your perishables, please contact Lynnell Bok (lbok@calvarygr.org) at ext.

3510. Thank you for sharing God’s bounty.

Giving opportunities Lynnell | ext. 3510 lbok@calvarygr.org Clothes Closet School will be starting in a few weeks and we would appreciate your help with providing kids clothing for our Clothes Closet. The following items are needed for all ages:: shoes, pants, long-sleeve shirts and fall jackets. Your donations are greatly appreciated. If you have questions, call Lynnell at ext. 3510.

Food Pantry We are assisting more families with special dietary needs and would appreciate gluten-free items as well as products for people who are lactose intolerant. Our

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 21

On The Bookshelf

Author Spotlight: Timothy Keller

Tim Keller, a pastor in New York City, has written a number of bestselling books on a variety of topics. Here are just a few.

Every Good Endeavor just released this summer and is the latest from Tim Keller. With deep conviction and often surprising advice, Keller shows readers that biblical wisdom is immensely relevant to our questions about work today.

In fact, the Christian view of work—that we work to serve others, not ourselves—can provide the foundation of a thriving professional and balanced personal life.

The Reason for God addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Using literature, philosophy, anthropology, pop culture, and intellectual reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand against the backlash toward religion spawned by the Age of Skepticism.

And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.

The Meaning of Marriage offers instruction on how to have a successful marriage, and is essential reading for anyone (single, engaged, or married) who wants to know God and love more deeply in this life. Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; and many other falsities. But these modern-day assumptions are wrong. Keller and his wife of thirty-seven years shows marriage to be a glorious relationship that is also misunderstood and mysterious.

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering explains from a clear and biblical perspective why bad things happen and how we should respond to them. The question of why there is pain and suffering in the world has confounded every generation; and Keller brings a much-needed, fresh viewpoint on this important issue.

The Library is located across from Fellowship Hall on the lower level. Our hours in the summer are Sunday, 8:45 - 10:45am.

22 | August 2014 | calvarygr.org

sun

mon

tue

wed

August 2014 thu

fri

There’s so much going on at Calvary, we can’t fit it all on this calendar! We’ve only listed a few events for each day so be sure to refer to the web calendar at calvarygr.org or the back of the Sunday bulletin for all our recurring weekly activities.

1

sat

2

9:00am Redesigning Your Life

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

11:00am Creative Arts Workshop: Dance (Kids)

9:00am High School: Beach Day/Dune Rides

10:30am Michigan’s Adventure 6:30pm Creative Arts Workshop: Drama (Adults)

6:30pm Creative Arts Workshop: Dance (Adults)

17 Last Day to Drop Off School Supplies!

24 5:00pm Praying Them Through

7:00pm Eating and Body Image Support Group

18

19

20

6:15pm 5th/6th: Whitecaps Game

25

9:00am Membership Class

21

22

23

29

30

6:30pm Men’s Fall Kickoff

26

27

28

4:00pm 6:00pm High School: 5th-8th End of Summer Party 3 Mile Project

31 Family Service Sunday Morning No UNITED

August 2014 | calvarygr.org | 23

We are so glad you have joined us today. We know there are many churches you could have chosen to attend and we are glad you chose to be here.

Perhaps this week you have experienced what a stormy place this world can be. At times our lives feel unpredictable and out of control.

The Apostle Peter knew all about that.

He knew what it was like to fail and to feel defeat and he knew what it was like to suffer. But he also knew what it was like to walk on water.

This year at Calvary Church, we are studying Peter’s letters to the church.

In them we see that Peter is telling us that hard times come and that life isn’t always easy, but that God is a refuge for each one of us.

While you are here we hope you will experience the grace and peace that can come from Jesus Christ — the same Jesus who helped Peter defy nature on the Sea of Galilee.

Jim Samra Senior Pastor

Need More Info?

Go to the Connection Point located through the Sanctuary doors on the right as you exit (in the Chapel wing) or stop at the Information Center at the back of the Sanctuary.

Audio Resources: For past sermons or a series on CD, the Audio Resources booth is located through the Sanctuary doors on the left as you exit (in the Chapel wing).

Children’s Activity Boxes: Located inside the Sanctuary doors by the Children’s wing.

Explore Calvary: This staff-led, threeweek class is for people to learn more about Calvary, take a tour of the building and find out what your next steps in connecting may look like. Contact Elaine (elohroff@calvarygr. org) at ext. 5903.

Pastoral Need: If you have a need and would like to speak to a pastor, please call the main church number, 956-9377. A pastor is always available.

Welcome to calvary church

Sundays at Calvary

Connection Point Our Connection Point is a place where you can receive a warm welcome.

Whether this is your first time at Calvary or your sixteenth, the Connection Point is your place for information on connecting at Calvary Church. It is located in the Chapel wing of the building, on your right as you exit the Sanctuary, in room 215.

Calvary Café 9:00am-11:00am in the Gym The Calvary Café is designed to give you the opportunity to mingle with other attendees between services. Stop in for a cup of coffee and a donut. From discussing the morning’s sermon to catching up on your community group leader’s recent vacation, the Calvary Café is a great place to gather for conversation.

Adult Sunday Classes Find a class that’s perfect for you. There are classes for adults of all ages, stages and interests, from singles to parents to senior adults. For exact location and class descriptions, pick up a copy of our Life{Together} Guide at the Information Center or at calvarygr.org.

Special Needs Adult (Go-Getters): 10:45am Chapel *Students (Seekers and Explorers): 10:45am Rooms 112/114

*Pre-registration recommended Children’s Ministries Kindergarten - Fourth Grade: 9:00am and 10:45am Visit the check-in desk at Entrance K on the lower level to register.

Nursery Care: 9:00am and 10:45am For infants birth through preschool. Visit the check-in desk at Entrance M on the upper level to register.

Student Ministries Middle School (MSM): 9:00am 5th & 6th Main Event 7th & 8th Main Event High School (United): 6:00pm (Just show up!)

Room 109 Room 108 Room 108

Young Adults This summer all young adults (ages 18-34) will meet together on Thursday nights at 6:00pm in room 121 for Bible Study & dinner.

LIFE {TOGETHER} Community is a place where you belong; a place where you develop relationships with other Christians and do life together. When you experience true community, you have close friends who meet together, pray together, grow together in God’s Word, and care for one another. In community you will be loved; you will be valued; you will be transformed more into Christ’s image. If you realize it is time to engage with people in a new way and want to be a part of a community group, visit the Connection Point on Sunday mornings or contact Brenda Neher (community@ calvarygr.org).