Calvary Life, February 2013

calvary life A Safe Place How Calvary Cares For You...16

February 2013

Got Books? Fill the Shelves of The Esther School Library...13 Community Group Launch...7

contents

7 Community Launch

join a new community group this winter

13 Fill The Shelves expand the Esther School Library with your new or gently used books

16 A Safe Place SAFETY MONTH

how calvary cares for you by maintaining a safe environment for ministry

4 | 5 Questions with Ken Meines

9 | Preparation for Easter

15 | A Link in the Chain

5 | On the Bookshelf

10 | A Caring Community

18 | Program Guide

Calvary Life sits down with the church’s Facility Manager.

The season of preparation for Easter (often referred to as Lent) begins February 13.

Reading recommendations for February from the How the members of our special needs community both experience and demonstrate Library, Calvary staff and volunteers. care.

Imagine Me, Set Free is coming to Calvary this March, registration ends February 25.

18 - Children, 5th-8th Grade 19 - High School, Young Adults (College, Merge, Foundations) 20 - Calvary Community, Pastoral Care, Prayer Groups 21 - Senior Adults, Special Needs, Women 22 - Serving Opportunities, Giving Opportunities

12 | Missions & Outreach Update

23 | February Calendar

6 | From Obedience to Blessing

How God called one Calvary family to adoption.

7 | Community Group Launch

Are you experiencing authentic Christian community?

8 | Behind the Scenes

Serving at Calvary with ERT member Jennette VanSweden.

9 | Hands of Jesus

Everything you need to know about this new ministry at Calvary Church.

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Calvary’s Friendship Families are changing lives here in Grand Rapids and around the world.

11 | Women’s Conference - Mar. 1 & 2

This month we focus on Mozambique and look forward to Missions Conference 2013.

14 | Student Missions Summer 2013 Take a look at our four short-term trips for students taking place this summer.

Dates to know and hold onto for February.

As you plan your Wednesday evening here at Calvary don’t forget that we serve a hot, fresh, homemade meal made right here from our Calvary Kitchen. We are grateful for your participation and fellowship on Wednesday nights. All of us who serve in the kitchen are energized by preparing and serving all of you.

February 6 Grilled Chicken with an Asian Flair Grilled chicken tenderloins in a classic, not too spicy, sweet and sour sauce on a bed of seasoned rice A side of Asian style grilled vegetables Pork eggrolls with your choice of sweet and sour sauce or a mild Asian mustard

Each Wednesday we serve a hot entrée paired with fresh sides, our own oven baked fresh rolls, a salad bar, soda and ice cream cups. We have a kid sized meal, a Healthy Hero’s meal and a Super Hero’s Meal.

Wednsheipsddinnaery Fellow

February 13 Best from the Southwest - Showdown at the Coral Chef Rod’s Famous White Chili with sautéed chicken tenderloin and Great Northern Beans or Chef Neal’s Classic Red Beef & Bean Chili…both excellent New Mexico blend of vegetables, broad green beans, corn, cauliflower, broccoli & carrots

Prices: $5.00 for the featured meal, $3.00 for the Children’s (under 10 only) or Healthy Hero’s Meal.

If your child would like a larger portion there is the Super Hero meal for $5.00. To keep the cost down for families, there is a family meal plan for $15.00 (two adults, and three Healthy Hero’s Meals.

February 20 A Diner Classic

Let us know ahead of time if you have any special dietary concerns that we could accommodate for you.

Knife and Fork Hot Roast Beef Sandwich on sour dough bread Beef gravy Whipped potatoes Roasted mixed veggies

Blessings Kevin Troupe, Director of Culinary Services & Special Events

february 27 The Sweet Smell of Tuscany A classic beef, sausage, cheese blend and red sauce lasagna Grilled Italian vegetables Garlic bread

good to know Experiencing a Crisis?

If you are experiencing a crisis, or perhaps going through a difficult emotional, spiritual, or relationship situation, Stephen Ministry & Lay Counseling can help. Contact Phyllis Dykstra at 784-1858.

MyCalvaryGR.org Did you know that you can give online anytime, from any location at MyCalvaryGR. org? You can also visit MyCalvary to review

your giving for the current fiscal year, register for events, and find a small group. If you encounter any trouble with your log-in, email mycalvary@calvarygr.org for assistance.

Know a Shut-in?

If you know of someone from the Calvary family who is now considered a shut-in, please let our office know so that we can coordinate a visit with them. Contact Regina (rscovill@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672.

Inclement Weather Please note that in the case of inclement weather, cancellations are available on TV at WOOD 8 and WZZM 13 and via the radio on WCSG 91.3FM. Cancellations will also be posted on calvarygr.org.

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connections getting to know calvary 1

5Questions with Ken Meines Facility Manager

What is your role at Calvary Church?

My role as Facility Manager is very broad.

With the oversight of all the facility and grounds, no two days are the same. I am blessed because there are many things that our staff and volunteers faithfully take care of every week so that I can focus on items like the temperature control system, improvement projects, energy saving initiatives, contractors, physical security, utilities and budgets.

2

What encourages you most as you minister at Calvary?

I would have to say the people encourage me in multiple ways. From positive comments about the facility or how a staff member assisted them to hearing stories of how lives are being changed.

3

How have you experienced life{together}?

In my position, I come in contact with a lot of people, but often it is for a brief period of time as I work with them on a specific need. There is something about serving together for a longer time span that unites people, working alongside the staff and volunteers on a daily basis creates a community in itself. I have

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also been blessed in how many people have reached out and have encouraged our family as we have walked a relatively new path of having an adult child with special needs.

4

How has God recently revealed Himself in your life?

Over the past year I have felt called to once again serve in South Sudan, Africa. It has been humbling how I see God answer my prayers and open all the doors to make it possible.

5

How can the Calvary family pray for you and your ministry this month?

Personally for safety, strength and effectiveness for the February trip to Sudan along with protection for our family as I am away.

In ministry for those that serve in the facility area as we have had our share of sickness. That God will continue to allow us to reach out to those in the community service program while using us to make Calvary a wonderful place to do ministry.

on the bookshelf recommended reading for february found in the calvary library

Following her amazing performances in both the team and all around competitions, US gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas became one of the biggest names to emerge from the 2012 London games. Almost no one would have guessed this child born in 1995 with a rare blood disorder would go on to make Olympic history. In this personal autobiography, Gabrielle looks beyond the lessons she’s learned at the gym and shares the leaps of faith she has needed to make throughout her life. Grace, Gold & Glory tells the incredible true story of a girl who overcame tremendous odds to bring glory to her team, her country, and her Creator.

Todd and Sonja Burpo’s almost four-year old son Colton made an unforgettable trip to heaven and back during the darkest most-stressed-out days of their lives. Colton’s story changed their lives --- and the book they wrote about it, Heaven Is for Real, gave new hope to millions of readers. Now, in their second book, Heaven Changes Everything, Todd and Sonja share what happened next --- in their lives and in millions of others. These forty unique inspirational readings provide a powerful reminder that, beyond the hardships we may face in this life, God’s incredible gift of heaven awaits us.

Imagine being completely fearless on earth because you know that after this life you are going to heaven, and you know, really know that you are going to love it there.

Jesus is calling out to our hearts, and you can hear his voice in every story in the Bible. These carefully selected stories in the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook are paired with new children’s devotions from Sarah Young. They will help young hearts understand God’s grand plan to send His son, Jesus, to save his children and prepare a place for us in heaven. This book will lead God’s children, young and old, to talk to Jesus through prayer and to listen to His voice speaking love to their hearts.

Jakob Jackson Facilitator, Calvary Community

Elaine Lohroff Volunteer, Women’s Ministry

Big Truths for Young Hearts is the most recent book released from one of my favorite authors.

This particular book is designed to be read by parents to their children.

It takes some of the greatest truths in scripture and articulates them in such a way that a 12-14 year old should be able to understand them well. It also helps teach theology to parents, including helpful questions in it at the end of every section. While I know it is geared towards a particular audience, I believe that the greatest teachers are those able to share difficult truths to a child. Big Truths also continues to point to the grace of God and the sufficiency of scripture, helping to increase our faith in hopes of being a blessing to others.

Sometimes fiction brings home spiritual concepts that otherwise seem abstract to me. For example, in the same way that we often think the Pharisees were just idiots — how could they not see HE was the Christ — we think WE never would have fallen for Satan’s trick with the forbidden fruit. C.S. Lewis’s lesser known Space Trilogy illustrates the temptation so clearly — a persistent wearing down of the defenses. Each time I read these books I am struck by the reality of the temptation, how reasonable Satan can make things look to us. There are many other lessons in this fun but weighty series, I highly recommend that you try all three!

All the books mentioned are available in Calvary's Library. The Library is located across from Fellowship Hall on the lower level.

Their hours are Sunday, 9:15 – 11:15am; Wednesday, 9:15 – 9:45 am and 6:00 – 7:30pm.

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From Obedience to Blessing: A Journey with God

“We adopt not because we are rescuers.

No, we adopt because we are the rescued.” - David Platt As Brian and Jen Knapp responded to God’s call to travel to various parts of the world to serve on short-term mission trips, they could not see that their very footsteps were being directed beyond their immediate efforts in accordance with God’s plan. They had no idea that their multiple exposures to different people groups and cultures were laying the groundwork for a much bigger work in their lives. Yet, over time, the Lord began to impress upon them that they needed to look inside their own lives and hearts and seriously consider what God wanted them to do with the wider, global picture He had allowed them to experience. They wrestled with their glimpses into world poverty and need juxtaposed against the magnetic pull of consumerism pervading our American culture.

to complete a card that offered a variety of response options, including pursuing adoption. Jen was diverted from the table, and Brian was left to complete the card. Already knowing Jen’s heart on the matter and being moved by the Spirit, Brian checked the box next to adoption. The very next day the two began to pray and explore adoption agencies in the area.

Brian, Jen, and Sahara’s family now includes Ayantu from Ethiopia and Juliana from Ghana. As Jen relates their amazing journey, her story is filled with the testimony of God’s incremental calls to obedience. In the grappling process of saying “yes” to God and “no” to their own desires, this couple has found that God has released them from the snare of pursuing the things of this world. Their lives have been overwhelmed by blessing upon blessing as In the midst of this struggle—-and at a time when Jen began yearning their hearts are filled with God. to expand their family that now included In addition to adoption, God provides daughter Sahara—the couple learned a variety of avenues to live out His that it would be medically unwise to mandate to look after orphans. For pursue a second pregnancy. Brian, example, participants in two newly understandably, was very concerned formed compassion groups at Calvary are about Jen’s health and also worried about responding to God’s call by partnering the financial burdens of a larger family. with Sybil Baloyi, a Calvary-supported Jen committed to pray about this matter missionary in Mozambique who operates for a year with a small group of women.

Morning Star School. 40% of the school’s She also committed to not press Brian attendees are orphans. Through a about it during this time. Throughout the deacon-approved project, the two small ensuing months, God saw to it that their groups are helping to raise funds to build paths repeatedly intersected with those involved with international adoptions. Jen sensed that God was calling a kitchen and dining hall at the school, where attending orphans receive them to adopt from northern Africa (where they had traveled), but Brian breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to a Christ-focused education. was not yet on board, and Jen remained faithful to her pledge not to push Perhaps God is awakening your spirit to care for the least of these by learning him. more, by praying, by financially supporting an adoptive couple or agency, Providentially, through a long series of God-directed events and toward by participating in a compassion group, or in some other way. Do you have the end of Jen’s year of prayer, Brian and Jen were invited to an adoption questions about orphan advocacy or adoption? Contact Brian and Jen awareness dinner sponsored by Bethany Christian Services. It was there Knapp (jenknapp4@gmail.com). If you have questions about compassionthat together they learned more about the plight of world orphans and focused small groups, contact Claire Walker (cwalker@calvarygr.org) at ext.

God’s heart for them. At the close of the evening, attendees were asked 3613.

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experiencing community at calvary

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“When my husband and I attended a Community Group Launch last October, we thought, at the very least, we would come, enjoy some dinner, and meet a few new people. What’s the worst that could happen? Boy did God have bigger plans! We got along famously with the people at our table, and, were asked to lead the group. Hesitant at first, we figured we’d give it 8 meetings to see if a Community Group was even “right” for us. Immediately, it was clear that God had his hand on our group. It has been such a blessing getting to know these families and sharing our life with them. We look forward to meeting every other Friday so much that our kids ask us why we don’t meet on the “off” weeks! I encourage you to give it a try. You’ll never know what God has in store for you if you don’t take him up on it!”

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Our goal at Calvary is to see every believer experiencing authentic Christian community. A Community Group is a great place to build caring relationships; join us! New groups will be forming on February 10 at our Community Group Launch. We would love for you to experience community here at Calvary Church.

To join one of the new groups, plan to attend the launch on February 10 and complete a registration form located at the Connection Point, on the web at MyCalvaryGR.org, or contact Brenda Neher (bneher@calvarygr.org) at 616-956-9377, ext. 5650.

Please register by February 4.

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Behind the Scenes

Serving at Calvary with Jennette Van Sweden Where do you currently serve at Calvary?

Jennette Van sweden

I’m currently involved with the emergency response team here at Calvary. The ERT team consists of medical and security members who volunteer to help ensure the safety of our congregation. I serve the team in a medical capacity, assisting with any medical concerns that happen at the church. I have also been involved with the ERT advisory group that advises the church about emergency concerns.

How did you begin serving at Calvary?

After a message from our Sunday school teacher several years ago I began feeling very convicted to serve more at Calvary. I had tried serving in other areas around the church but never found the right fit. God provided through the ERT program the prefect opportunity to use the talents He has given me for my career as an emergency department nurse to serve my church body. Romans 12:4-6a, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”

What challenges have you encountered in your ministry?

As a busy wife and mother to three young kids, my biggest challenge has been time. It’s always a balancing act of how to use my time and talents the way God would want me to. I currently serve Wednesday nights when my family is here enjoying their programs and one Sunday a month. I have found a peace in this schedule that honors both my family and my church.

How has God blessed you through serving?

This ministry has allowed me to meet many people I would not normally encounter during a Sunday morning. It has been an amazing blessing to be able to offer a quick response to those experiencing medical problems, often being able to stabilize them prior to outside medical help arriving. However, the best part is that is I can offer God’s peace, comfort and prayers to those who are hurting.

How do you experience community at Calvary?

I have been blessed here at Calvary to find several small groups that have really become family. Koinonia, in particular, is a wonderful Adult Sunday Class that I have attended for seven years now. It is a wonderful blessing to share life with these people, whether good or bad. We have shared tears of joy and tears of sorrow. It has been so amazing to know that I have a band of prayer warriors surrounding me no matter what life brings.

Discovery is a great program for those looking to learn more about their spiritual gifts or to discover them for the first time. You will have the opportunity to meet with a trained staff member to review the Discovery program and learn more about developing your spiritual gifts and how to use them.

Fill out a Discovery card at one of the Information Centers today to receive your packet, go online to our Serving Ministry page, or contact Christy Van Andel (cvanandel@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615.

Get serving!

We need your help! We have plenty of areas that are looking for more volunteers. Whether you enjoy greeting and welcoming people on Sunday mornings, helping out with children, or using some of your cooking skills to serve in the kitchen we can use your talents and passions.

It doesn’t matter how much time you’re able to give, we can find a place for you to serve in. Contact Judie Fielstra (jfielstra@calvarygr.org) or at ext. 5095 today to get serving.

Are you new to Calvary Church? Journey together with us for three weeks on Wednesdays in February (February 6, 13, and 20) in room 126, 5:15-6:30pm We’ll enjoy gathering in an informal setting to share a meal together, meet staff, and learn more about Calvary. R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, February 5 for the February session to Christy (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) or at ext. 5615.

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Jesus Hands of

a ministry of Calvary Church Hands of Jesus is a new ministry at Calvary Church seeking volunteers to contribute time and resources to help fellow Calvary families in need. Our intention is to gather information from Calvary people about skills they would be willing to use to help others, and then match them up with others as needs arise.

Plumbing: Provide repair or replacement of faucets, toilets etc.

Please prayerfully consider this opportunity for service to others! We will identify the individuals and families who need your help and connect them with you. Contact us to gain more information or to become one of our volunteers: Glenn DeMots (gdemots@comcast. net) at 616-454-0232 or John Obradovich (jobradovich@hotmail.com) at 616-648-6992.

Furniture Moving: Help with the moving of furniture or appliances.

The areas where the ministry can add the most value to those in need include:

Handyman, Home Repairs and Small Projects: Provide minor home repairs and help with misc. small jobs.

Auto Repair: Auto repair services for individuals or families.

Electrical Repair: Resolving various electrical repair issues.

Yard Work: Provide raking, mowing and various yard work.

Cleaning: Provide house cleaning or minor repairs for elderly & disabled.

Transportation: Provide transportation for doctor appointments or other needs.

Respite Care: Care for a few hours for an individual with “special needs” to provide relief for the primary caregiver.

Carpentry: Small carpentry tasks.

Computer Instruction: Computer training for those unfamiliar with their use.

Painting: Provide internal and external painting assistance.

preparation for Easter The season of preparation for Easter (often referred to as Lent) begins on Wednesday, February 13. This period in the traditional church calendar is a time for selfexamination and spiritual preparation, leading up to Holy Week and Easter.

Prayer guides for this season will be available to our congregation beginning on Sunday, February 10. Be sure to pick one up and watch for more information in next month’s Calvary Life.

Prayer for Easter We encourage our body to begin praying for the upcoming Easter and Holy Week services. As we plan for the services, we would appreciate your prayer not only for the preparation but for those who will be in attendance.

More information about our special services will be available in the weeks to come in the Bulletin and in the March Calvary Life.

“do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

Proverbs 3:2 February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 9

Special needs Ministry A caring community

By Judi Warner We’ve all heard a lot about community over the past year. We’ve heard it’s 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 in God’s Word and CARE for one another.

Upon reflecting over the past 10 months as the Director of the Special Needs Ministry, it has been exciting to see how this community (Special Needs) really does DO life {together}. We DO meet together, pray together, grow in God’s Word and CARE for one another, but we do more.

We accept and respect one another, we are patient and giving, we value one another as we continue the process of being transformed more into Christ’s image.

I’ve also been touched by the way CARE happens “naturally” in this ministry, in part because of the relationships that have been formed over the years with those who are a part of this community. CARE happens when there is a need. One could imagine that needs are great in this community and they are, but so is the CARE that happens as a result. So… when Joyce receives a call that a student needs a custom made pajama sleeper… it gets done. When an individual is insecure about sitting alone in the worship service…. a family makes sure they save a place for her. When an individual looks unkempt and sad… a volunteer takes the time to listen and help them freshen up. When individuals love to sing but have no speech… our song leader hands them the microphone anyway. When several women desire to attend the father/daughter date night but have no earthly father… men in this church become surrogate dads. When Lisa needs some extra attention due to her inability to handle certain situations, her friend Becky is right beside her, accepting her just as she is.

I could go on with more examples, but I would rather stop and just praise God for what is going on in this ministry.

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Fundamentals of faith: What we believe Begins Sunday, February 3 | 9:40am | Room 105

How do we know the Bible is God’s Word? What is sin and where did it come from?

How is Jesus fully God and fully man? If you’ve asked questions like these, this class is for you. This introductory, eight-week class takes a look at 8-10 basics that every Christian should know. Register at MyCalvaryGR.org or contact Ruth (rgudbrandson@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5013.

simple faith the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask

Joe & Carol DeGennaro Simple Faith Teachers

Have you ever wanted to ask a question about the Bible and didn’t because you were sure people would think you were inadequate or would wonder what the heck you were doing in church? This is a class you need to investigate. It’s called Simple Faith because we make it a point to keep it simple.

At one time we have both felt inadequate, like we didn’t quite fit in here, and have since become passionate about meeting with people who feel the same way.

If you have been at Calvary for 40 years or this is your first time, come check out Simple Faith. The next class begins Sunday, February 17 at 11:15am in room 13133. All you have to bring is a Bible, if you have one, or if you don't we'll get you one.

Each week we take our time going through a study guide and learning along with you what God is teaching. Remember, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. To sign up for our next class, contact Ruth Gudbrandson (rgudbrandson@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5013.

March 1-2 at Calvary Church Imagine...

Embracing PEACE WITH YOUR PAST that allows you to move freely into all that God has for your life. Experiencing PURPOSE IN YOUR PRESENT circumstances, relationships, challenges, and life celebrations. Expressing PASSION FOR THE FUTURE that God has promised and planned specifically for you.

Join Calvary’s Women’s Ministry for a weekend of spiritual growth and

refreshment for women of all ages, featuring Pat Layton. Pat is a national speaker, radio host and author. She has been published by Lifeway, Baker Books, Proverbs 31 Ministries and Focus on the Family. Her passion is to lead women on an adventure in freedom!

The conference will go from Friday evening (6:00-9:00pm) to Saturday afternoon (8:45am-4:30pm). In addition to wonderful teaching, there will be personal time with God and breakout sessions for group discussion and encouragement.

Also included in your ticket price: • a dessert and cocoa bar on Friday night • continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday • all conference materials Tickets are $55 and available through February 25. Register and view further details online at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Make it a real retreat and book a stay at the Country Inn and

Suites just down the road from Calvary. Country Inn and Suites is offering a room for four at a rate of $89.99. For just $25/person you can enjoy laps in their indoor pool, late night giggles and a true bonding experience with your favorite girlfriends. Book your stay by February 1 to secure this special rate; call 942-7000 and mention the Calvary Church Women’s Retreat.

Susan Sorensen Pastoral Staff, Women’s Ministry

As winter drags on and the sun continues to hide, it’s easy to feel a little down. Knowing how much we could all use a little refreshment and rejuvenation, I want to encourage you to take this chunk of time, March 1 and 2, to stop and just be with our Lord. Take 24 hours and give it fully to fellowship with other women, to digging into Scripture, to examining your soul and drinking in His presence. I would so love for each of you to join us for this weekend of spiritual growth and refreshment. We are praying and waiting in anticipation of all the Lord will do in and through this conference. Please join us!

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Short-term missions 2013 Focus on Mozambique Three teams traveled to Calvary Church’s adopted village of Chinhangane in 2012 and saw how God is working there. The April team heard the people praise God for the January flood that destroyed their fields, because it enabled them to plant corn. The August team rejoiced with the village as a tractor was delivered through the generous relief offering given by Calvary Church. The October team praised God for the rebuilt field, and the crops that were growing. Today the fields are healthy. Dr. Pieter Ernst from our partner World Relief reports, “One feels you just want to stay in the field and look and look without getting tired.” Praise God! Ministry in 2013 will focus on training and equipping Mozambicans to be disciple makers. We are praying that God will build a healthy church that is committed to following Christ.

It is not necessary to go to Mozambique to be a vital part of this ministry; you can support what is going on in Chinhangane in the following ways: 1. Prayer: On the first Sunday of each month a group gathers right here at Calvary to pray for Chinhangane, our missionaries there, and our teams who go. All are welcome to join us during the third service in Room 110. Prayer is the key to our mission in Chinhangane.

2. SaleS & Marketing: We desire a person with professional skills to develop and execute a marketing and sales plan for sewing projects made by the women of the village.

3. Sending: Those who are on our short-term teams must raise support to be able to go, and appreciate every dollar that is contributed to the team.

Calvary Church will send two teams to Mozambique in 2013: April 25-May 6 and October 3-15. If God is calling you to become involved, please contact Bruce or Rika Diephouse at 676-1733 or rika@diephouse. com, or the Calvary Missions Office at 956-9377, ext. 5022 or cdehaan@calvarygr.org.

awaken

to god’s glory | to the world’s need

do you volunteer?

We want to learn about what you do in the local community In an effort to better understand the involvement of Calvary volunteers in our local community, and to celebrate those partnerships, we are seeking details about your work. If you are in any way serving together with one of our local ministries, or if you know of someone who is, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sharon at ext. 5077 or skaiser@ calvarygr.org.

Special offering The Gideons God’s Word leads people to faith in Christ, and those new Christians grow by studying the Scriptures and by using them to share their faith with others. For this reason, the Gideons focus on distributing Bibles or New Testaments. Copies of God’s Word are printed in more than 90 languages and are given directly to individuals or placed in public locations where large numbers of people will have the ability to encounter the Word of God. During the month of February, we are accepting donations for this worldwide ministry. To participate, please indicate “Gideons” on your check or donation envelope.

save the dates!

Missions Conference: April 20-21 This year’s Missions Conference will offer opportunities to interact with our missionaries, as well as short seminars on many topics related to missions including the impact of short-term missions, caring for missionaries, and becoming a missional family. Activities will be concentrated into the weekend of April 20-21, so mark this weekend on your calendar, and plan to join us.

All-Church Serving Day: May 4 Please reserve Saturday, May 4 on your calendar to join us as we impact our community in Jesus’ name. Plan on serving together as a small group, a Sunday Adult class, or as a family; there will be age-appropriate tasks for children five years old through adults.

More details are to come for both the Missions Conference and the Serving Day, so keep watching for announcements in the bulletin and future editions of the Calvary Life magazine.

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got books?

Help fill the shelves of The Esther School library!

thank you, Calvary!

We received the following note from Shane & Heather Cox in response to your donations to Take Hold Church: “Thank you for your donations of coats, hats, gloves, boots, bus passes and Meijer gift cards. Through your gifts, we were able to bless over 200 men, women and children. Many hearts and people were touched by your giving. What a huge blessing! Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and giving. God bless you all as we begin this new year serving our Lord together! “ In His service, Take Hold Church Those of us in the Missions Office would also like to thank you for your generous giving for this project.

During the month of February, children’s and student’s ministries will collect books for the Esther School in THE ESTHER SCHOOL Zambia, Africa, where Calvary members Drew and Arika Roelofs are serving. Currently the Esther school has a limited number of books in their library. Your donation will allow them to expand their community outreach and help foster their relationship with the local public school.

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Building a community of faithful and skillful servant leaders

We are looking for books which follow these guidelines: • New or Gently Used • Appropriate for ages Preschool to 5th grade • Model moral values • Culturally accepted - no sarcasm, disrespect to elders or violence • Diverse in character ethnicity • Hard or Soft Cover books – please consider that hardcover and cardboard books will have a longer shelf life A $1 donation per book would be appreciated to help cover our shipping and handling cost. Write your check to Calvary Church and place it one of the money donation boxes located by each book collection bin. Thank you in advance for helping us encourage the Roelofs through this book drive.

Through literacy, God’s Word will be read and the Good News will be spread. look for the gOt BOOkS? collection bins throughout the church starting Sunday, February 3.

Questions? Contact, Alisa (alisa.wilde@comcast.net) at 616 365-8069.

February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 13

Student Mission Trips Summer 2013 Grand Rapids

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$60 | july 30-august 1 | 25 Students | 10 Leaders Full payment (No Deposit), non-refundable Application Deadline: May 30

We Believe

in serving and being used by God in various ways. Each summer we take students locally, across the country, and around the world as we partner with various ministries and missionaries to serve on missions trips. While we believe in the work and ministry that takes place on these trips, we also strongly believe that mission trips are a place of growth for students—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

We’ll be taking students on trips to urban settings and have them interacting with kids, teenagers and adults in those communities as well as with students from other churches. They will be serving by doing work projects, leading kids clubs and sports camps, helping lead summer camps for teenagers, evangelizing and more. Team members will have unique opportunities to develop relationships as they prepare to go and serve.

Applications for student mission trips are available at calvarystudents.com.

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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.

Louisville

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$375 | july 6-12 | 25 Students | 5 Leaders Deposit: $50 (non-refundable) Application Deadline: MaRch 25 Despite its progressive economic development, Louisville faces challenges of poverty and homelessness. Students will have the opportunity to shine the light of Jesus to struggling families through children’s ministries, serving the elderly and ministering to the homeless of this great city.

Chicago

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$696 | june 24-30 | 34 Students | 8 Leaders Deposit: $50 (non-refundable) Application Deadline: march 18 Come to downtown Chicago to learn peer evangelism. This mission trip is designed specifically for students who cry out for a deeper relationship with God and are serious about sharing their faith with their friends. This event will be a holistic equipping experience that will stretch, challenge and prepare you for peer ministry.

Kiev, Ukraine

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$2600 | june 20-29 | 15 Students | 3 Leaders This is an intergenerational trip that includes seven adults from Calvary.

Application Deadline: january 28* Deposit: $100 (non-refundable) Members of this intergenerational trip will partner with supported missionary Amy Richey in Kiev, Ukraine to operate a day camp for junior high and high school students and serve the community. *Students applying for this trip need to fill out the missions & Outreach Application, not the Student Application.

Available at Calvarystudents.com.

Neighbors Internati nal A Link in the Chain

By Dan Wynalda Our family first met Jie in September 2012. He was enrolled at the English language school in Allendale and had recently arrived from Shanghai China. Jie (his chosen American name) grew up with no faith in his family at all. In fact his native country forbids teaching underage children about God. He knew some Christians in China and attended a Chinese church once or twice – but that was about it.

When we first met Jie, he had a number of questions about life in the USA. He had not seen snow, was not used to driving and needed help arranging housing in the city where he was required to take a college entrance English Language test. Because I travel frequently, “frequent flyer” miles abound. To me this was a simple matter of booking a “free” room for him at the campus. To Jie, this was a tremendous relief – as he knew no one else to ask. Over time Jie became a good friend. We went out to eat, he came to our house to play video games (beating my sons handily), and joined us for Thanksgiving with extended family. Jie would talk with us about Jesus and seemed curious, but God did not have a place in his life.

After Thanksgiving, we invited Jie to Festival of Lights. I could tell the program had a significant impact on Jie: he was silent and completely absorbed. Afterward I asked him how he liked it – but he was obviously shaken. He did not have words to answer. I think he expected “typical church” or a kids’ program. Festival of Lights was anything but!

Jie then accepted my invitation to attend a Chinese language church together. With the advice of a Calvary elder, I attempted to contact a local Chinese congregation, but was unable to make contact the first week. The next week I messaged Jie and let him know I was still trying.

He responded, “That’s ok, I’ve already been there! I asked some people here in Allendale and we went Friday to a Bible study.”

During conversation later that month, I asked Jie if he had a girlfriend.

To my surprise he said “I have a wife!” This is not a fact one usually skips during four months of friendship — so I dug deeper. Jie’s wife is Taiwanese and was one of his cello students. Since she was born in Minnesota while her parents were in college, she is an American citizen. Jie’s reluctance to share this information was related to the complications it could cause. He wanted to be sure his wife could join him here in the USA, and the fact they were married could cause issues with his government. I also learned the reason for Jie’s curiousity about the church: His wife had become a Christian and Jie was trying to sort through what that meant.

Jie and his wife moved to Northern Illinois to attend college during the winter months. I’ve been praying for Jie and occasionally message him through Facebook. Sunday night I visited a Neighbors’ International training session and I felt prompted to see what Jie was up to. Much to my surprise, Jie’s Facebook status was posted by his wife. It was a picture of Jie in a baptismal robe and a statement saying “… family, today is the first day I can introduce my husband to you as brother Hou!” My heart is filled with great joy ! Later I exchanged emails with his wife and she expressed how excited she was that she would be facing the future challenges of life with her husband as a fellow believer and partner in Jesus Christ!

God is great and it is a wonderful thing to have a little part in Jie’s journey to meet Jesus!

If you are interested in having an impact on international students, consider getting involved with Neighbors International; please contact Sonja at neighbors_international@calvarygr.org

February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 15

A SAFE PLACE

how calvary cares for you Calvary Church is a public setting, and while we experience the unique presence of God on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, we are still open to the same risk factors that all other public places face. As a staff we are aware of these varied possibilities and do our best to keep the risk levels low for our congregation and ministry settings. These risks may entail natural factors like germs entering the building during flu season and the possibility for a tornado or fire, or they may include more personal factors like intruders entering in attempts of thievery, or those with criminal backgrounds (assault, sexual offense, etc.) desiring to worship in our midst.

In all of these situations and more we have implemented security measures with policies and procedures. Calvary hopes to be a place where grace and justice meet. These measures help us to keep Calvary as secure as possible while at the same time allowing it to be a place of grace for those seeking hope and forgiveness in a community of worship.

Always improving

As stated above, Calvary’s ministries are always making improvments to their policies and procedures in order to retain a safe environment for our attendees. Below is a quick look at some of the ways our Children’s, Student’s and Special Needs’ Ministries maintain safety guidelines in order to best care for you and your family.

Children’s Ministry •

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All leaders are screened by way of background checks and personal interview.

We maintain the appropriate ratio of adults to children at all times.

Our secure, check-in/check-out system provides unique, random claim numbers for each parent.

All volunteers in Calvary Kids are required to wear picture id tags.

16 | February 2013 | calvarygr.org

Student Ministries •

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All leaders are screened by way of background checks and personal interview by staff.

All students complete parent-signed year-long release forms for events.

Lanyard badges are used to identify adult leaders on Wednesday nights.

A well-stocked first aid kit is on hand at all events.

All van drivers are certified by Calvary.

Special Needs Ministry •

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All volunteers are required to wear picture ID badges and have cleared Calvary’s background check.

All volunteers understand the drop off and pickup procedure for students Adult classes have hall monitors and escorts.

In the months ahead we will be taking a big step forward in our efforts to create a safer environment by posting color-coded emergency plans throughout the building.

These charts detail what to do in such situations as fires, medical emergencies or other disturbances. As we roll these out, Calvary’s staff and lay leaders, including ushers, First Impression Team members, Calvary Kids volunteers and others will all receive further training on their role in carrying out these plans.

There are two basic tips that all Calvary attendees should be aware of, especially in the case of an emergency: 1) Help phones are located throughout the building for emergencies and general assistance. Anyone can use them for situations from reporting a medical need or locating a Facilities team member to unlock a room.

2) The Emergency Response Team (ERT) is on hand on Sundays to assist, evaluate and take charge in emergency situations. They will arrive, if needed, when you make a call on the Help Phone.

If you have questions about Calvary’s emergency plans or want to volunteer to serve on the ERT, contact Ken Meines (kmeines@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5125.

February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 17

CALVARY CHURCH

Program GUIDE Sunday Morning Worship Service

8:10, 9:40, and 11:15am | Sanctuary

Quick Connect administrative staff information in alpha order by ministry

Benevolence

Missions

Calvary Community

Pastoral Care & Senior Adults

Lynnell Bok lbok@calvarygr.org ext. 3510

Brenda Neher community@calvarygr.org ext. 5650

Chris DeHaan missions@calvarygr.org ext. 5022

Regina Scovill rscovill@calvarygr.org ext. 3672

Children

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

Community Outreach Sharon Kaiser skaiser@calvarygr.org ext. 5077

Special Needs

Judi Warner jwarner@calvarygr.org ext. 5272

Compassion Ministries Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618

Facilities

Students

Natalie Uecker calvarystudents @calvarygr.org ext. 5181

Melissa DeBoer mdeboer@calvarygr.org ext. 5097

Technical Services

Library

Women

library@calvarygr.org ext. 5290

media@calvarygr.org

Elaine Meredith emeredith@calvarygr.org ext. 5186

Marketing

Jackie Rice jrice@calvarygr.org ext. 5042

Worship

Kristen White kwhite@calvarygr.org ext. 5155

Men

Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618

Sunday Evening Worship Service

Church Office Hours Monday-Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm Sunday: 7:30am-12:30pm (Receptionist Only)

Children Carla | childrensministry@calvarygr.org | ext. 5067 KIDS N ACTION Wednesdays | 6:30-7:50pm Our desire in KIDS N ACTION is that children, five-years-old through fourth grade, understand what God says in the Bible, believe it, and obey it in their daily lives. KIDS N ACTION is designed to foster social interaction through chosen electives, while facilitating spiritual growth in learning from the book of James how to “put your faith into action.”

Silly Olympics February 8 | 6:00-8:30pm | Room 109 | Cost: $5 Do you love all those crazy youth group games we play on Sunday morning 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. Parentsigned year-long release form needed on file to participate (download at calvarystudents.com).

6:00pm | Chapel

Serving

Judie Fielstra jfielstra@calvarygr.org ext. 5095

Young Adults

Mason D. Sherrill msherrill@calvarygr.org ext. 5036

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

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February 2013

5th-8th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 The Main Event Sunday Mornings | 9:40am 5th/6th: Room 109 | 7th/8th: Room 108 This school year we are digging deep on Sunday and discovering how the words of Jesus fit into our everyday lives. Starting with the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and continuing right until the end, you won’t want to miss a Sunday as we discover who Jesus is, the difference He can make in our lives, and why those little red letters should be a big part of our lives. No need to register, just show up!

5th/6th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Refuge Wednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm | Room 109 Refuge is a great time of fun and encouragement for fifth and sixth grade students. We learn about God, gather for small groups, play games together, laugh and experience Christian community. To join, just show up.

Extra volunteers needed for this event. Please contact Lee Bergakker (lbergakker@calvarygr.org) to help out.

7th/8th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Oasis Wednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm | Room 108 Oasis is our Wednesday night small group program! Want to go deeper, asking specific questions about topics that concern you? Want to make some close friends? Want to get to know some of our fun, caring, super skilled leaders on a more personal level? We’ll play games, worship, hear a brief talk, and break up into our small groups. To join, just show up.

Sketch: Winter Retreat at SpringHill February 15 at 5:30pm - February 17 at 3:00pm Drop-off/Pick-up Entrance D Cost:Early Bird - $120 (paid in full on February 6) Regular Rate - $130 (after February 6) $25 non-refundable deposit due at registration.

Sign up at the Student Ministries Office or register and pay at MyCalvaryGR.org. Note: In addition to the year-long Calvary release form, you’ll need to complete a Spring Hill medical release form.

High school calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 UNITED Sundays | 6:00-8:30pm | Room 108 Join a community of students seeking to know God and live for Him. In our current series, >Greater Than, we are going through the lives of famous Old Testament characters. As we examine their lives we can learn how to live our lives but they also direct us toward the life of Christ and how he lived. We are not just learning about Old Testament characters we are learning how they direct us to Christ.

No UNITED February 10, due to Winter Retreat.

Senior Pictures Due February 11 February 11 is the last day parents/students can drop off or send senior pictures to calvarystudents@calvarygr.org in order to be included in the Calvary Life in the spring. Please provide your student’s name and the high school he/she is graduating from in the body of your email and/or back of your photo (type “Senior Photo” in the subject line of your email). If your student has decided to attend college in the fall, please let us know where they will be. Thank you.

Sketch: Winter Retreat at SpringHill February 8 at 5:30pm - February 10 at 3:00pm Drop-off/Pick-up Entrance D Cost:Early Bird - $120 (paid in full on January 28) Regular Rate - $130 (after January 28) $25 non-refundable deposit due at registration.

Sign up at the Student Ministries Office or register and pay at MyCalvaryGR.org. Note: In addition to the year-long Calvary release form, you’ll need to complete a Spring Hill medical release form.

Young Adults a ministry for young adults 18-34 Mason | msherrill@calvarygr.org | ext. 5036 We were not meant to walk through this life alone, but to experience its fullness in community. That’s why we gather together to grow spiritually through age-specific teaching, edifying fellowship, and serving. The Young Adult Ministry offers three different communities where you can connect with a group that’s right for you.

Young Adult Book of the Quarter: Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis February 5 | 7:00pm | Room 137 Come and share what you learned from the book Kisses from Katie. Did she challenge you to ask questions like, “Am I really open to God’s will for my life?” We will discuss this and much more.

Please contact Elizabeth Thelen (ethelen@calvarygr.org) with questions.

College a community for young adults 18-22 Mason | msherrill@calvarygr.org | ext. 5036 College Life Thursdays | 7:00pm | Room 108 Are you interested in joining a diverse community of fellow college-aged young adults? We meet together as a community for worship, small groups, and teaching each Thursday. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with other young adults from the Grand Rapids area and grow in our faith together. For more information contact Mason D. Sherrill.

College Discipleship On-Campus Community Groups meet on-campus weekly for an informal time of sharing and catching-up about what is happening in our lives. Even if you aren’t taking classes, we still have a group for you! For more information, contact Mason D. Sherrill.

College Ministry Lunch Sundays | 12:30pm | Room 121 Are you looking for a way to connect with other college students that attend Calvary on Sundays?

Come enjoy a free lunch after the third service.

This is a great way to fellowship with other students and to learn about additional ways to get involved at Calvary Church College Ministry Pizza Party with the Special Needs Ministry February 3 | 12:30pm | Fellowship Hall Join us for a change of pace from the regular College Lunch on Sundays for a pizza party with the Special Needs ministry! We will be eating some great pizza and getting to know families and students from Calvary’s Special Needs community. It’s a great way to connect with others that are involved here at the church.

College Life Small Group Gatherings February 21 | 7:00pm | Room 108 Come together with your small group peers and leaders for a special outing in place of the normal Thursday night meeting. We will meet at 7:00 in Room 108 and worship together, after that we will split up into assigned small groups and do an outing to help build and foster the community of your group. Contact Elizabeth (ethelen@calvarygr.org) with any other questions.

MErge a community for single young adults ages 22-34 Sue | sschroeder@calvarygr.org | ext. 5198 Merge Sundays | 11:15am | Room 137 Join us this February as we learn how to study God’s Word and pray for our community. We will also have a wonderful time of fellowship.

February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 19

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH

MADNESS 2013

An Event for the Whole Family!

Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 | Calvary Church Gym

Together we’ll explore what God is revealing to each one of us. For more information contact Sue Schroeder.

Valentine’s Luncheon February 10 | 12:45-1:45 pm | Fellowship Hall Hosted by Merge for the Widowed in Calvary’s Family This is a great time of year to extend the love we have in Christ to each other through fellowship.

Together we’ll enjoy a light lunch and conversation. We want to get to know you and for you to get to know us. Come be blessed and encouraged. R.S.V.P. to Regina Scovill (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext.3672 if you can attend.

Foundations a community for young couples ages 22-32 Mason | msherrill@calvarygr.org | ext. 5036 Sundays | 11:15am | Room 130 Join this community of young marrieds and be challenged and encouraged as you work on building a strong and lasting foundation for your marriage. Through a combination of sermon discussion and teaching, friendly mentor couples will help guide us towards making godly decisions and form healthy life-long habits that will strengthen our relationships and help us grow in Christ.

Calvary community Brenda | community@calvarygr.org | ext. 5650 Monday Night Bible Study Mondays at 7:00pm | Chapel | No need to pre-register Monday Night Bible Study is a place where men 20 | February 2013 | calvarygr.org

and women of all ages meet together throughout the school year to study God’s word, for prayer and for fellowship. This winter, from now through April 15, our study will be The Astonishing Secret to a Joy-Filled Life: A study on the book of Philippians, written by Nancy Samra. In our study of Philippians, we are going to see our faith dressed in everyday work clothes. We are going to gain practical tools to help us reshape our thinking according to God’s ways.

The evening begins with men and women each meeting in small groups for about an hour, then for the last half hour, we all meet together in the Chapel until about 8:35. Our teacher, Ed Kaleefey, shares with us additional insights from the lesson for that week. A $5 suggested donation per semester is appreciated to cover materials. You are welcome to join us at any time throughout the year. Women register in room 114 (lower level across from the choir room) and men in room 211 (upstairs near the Chapel). Sorry, no childcare. If you have any questions, men contact Dave Thrasher at 243-6603 and women contact Carol Spencer at 942-4743. Please join us.

Pastoral care Regina | rscovill@calvarygr.org | ext. 3672 Life-Threatening Illness Support Group Are you or a loved one dealing with cancer or another life-threatening or long-term illness?

Would you benefit from being part of a Christian support group? Please consider attending a meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 7:00-8:30pm at the Yellow House.

The goal of this group is to provide a time of

sharing and support as well as prayer and encouragement from the Bible. Occasionally we will invite a special speaker to share. For more information contact Phyllis Tack (ptackrn@yahoo.com).

Marriage Prep Workshop March 17 and 24 | 1:00-5:00pm | Yellow House We believe it is necessary to know as much as possible about each other going into marriage.

It is important to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, as well as faith and fears, in order to build your relationship into all that it can be – into all that God intended it to be. Cost is $50/couple. Contact Regina for more information.

Mental Illness Family Support Group February 26 | 7:00pm | Room 114 Bipolar, or Manic Depressive disorder affects about 1½% of the population, and can be very debilitating. It is however, usually quite treatable, often enabling the person to live an active life. Please join us at our next meeting. If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact John or Betty Walker at 956-6141.

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 prayer 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 to fast and pray with the elders, 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 Ruth Gudbrandson (rgudbrandson@ 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.

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.

Prayer for Worship Services Sundays | 7:45-8:05am (in Jim Samra’s office), 9:15-9:35am, 10:50-11:10am (in Room 105) You are invited to come pray specifically that God would bless our morning services. All are encouraged to join.

Third Monday Missionary Prayer Bring your lunch and pray for our missionaries serving around the world on the third Monday of each month at 11:30am in room 207.

Senior Adults Regina | rscovill@calvarygr.org | ext. 3672 Confident Caregivers February 14 | 11:30am | 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 is a monthly support group for sharing needs, questions, answers and encouragement. Join us this month for a “Stress Reduction” with Karla Sorensen from Holland Home. Be sure to RSVP by February 14 to Regina.

Monday Monthly Luncheon February 4 | 10:20am | Fellowship Hall | Cost: $7 Join us for fellowship and good food. Les Lamborn will join us along with his puppets. Punchbowl begins at 10:00, the program starts at 10:20 and then we enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Calvary’s fine culinary team. Make reservations with Howard & Arlene Timmer at 365-0728, Virginia

Claybrook at 940-1807 or Terry & Linda Markham at 247-8619 by January 29.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays | 9:30am | Chapel Join us as we study God’s word together. Mike Oatis is teaching from the book of John this winter. Refreshments are served from 9:30-9:50am, and the study begins promptly at 10:00am.

Special needs Adult/Individuals Elleen | efitzgerald@calvarygr.org | ext. 5623 SOS Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs) Sundays | 11:15am | Chapel WOW Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs) Wednesdays | 6:30pm | Chapel Go-Getters for Jesus are a large community of youth and adults with special needs who are eager to serve God and one another.

Classes for Adults with Special Needs Wednesdays| 6:00pm Art Class (Room 114): Artistic skill development, in a socially friendly environment, is a regular part of Wednesday evening (during the school year) for any Go-Getter student who would like to attend.

Choir (215): Scripture set to music is the focus of this group of Go-Getters. It is a way for those who cannot read to hide the word of God in their hearts. The focus is not on singing ability.

Sign Language (Room 211): The sign language

THE SILLY OLYMPICS

class is open to the larger community of the church. There, students are taught basic communication and the use of signs to praise during worship.

Children and Youth Elizabeth | ethelen@calvarygr.org | ext. 5163 Explorers (Students with Special Needs) Sundays | 11:15am | Room 114 Explorers provides an active, less structured environment where learning takes place using interactive centers based on 52 Bible stories.

Seekers (Students with Special Needs) Sundays | 11:15am | Room 112 A calm structured environment for those who learn best with less activity. Adapted curriculum will focus more on learning about God and His love.

Women Elaine | emeredith@calvarygr.org | ext. 5186 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) First, Third & Fifth Thursdays | 9:00am Fellowship Hall MOPS is a place that gets moms. It’s a group of women with children from birth through kindergarten that meets for spiritual enrichment, encouragement, mutual support and fun. We understand your unique needs, challenges and joys in this vital season of early mothering. You will be welcomed in our MOPS group just as you are! Register at calvarygr.org/ mops or get more information by emailing mops@calvarygr.org.

56 TH H /S IX Y F IF T I S T R MIN

Friday, February 8 6:00-8:30pm Room 109 Cost: $5 See page 18 for details.

February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 21

YOUNG BOOK A D U LT CLUB February 5 | 7:00pm | Room 108 Come and share what you learned from the book Kisses from Katie. Contact Elizabeth Thelen (ethelen@calvarygr.org) with questions.

Women’s Exercise Mondays | 9:30-11:00am | Gym Join us for a variety of aerobics, Zumba©, Tae Bo©, pilates, stretching, weight lifting and games all taught by a Certified Fitness Instructor. Limited Childcare is available – call Elaine to reserve a spot for your child. For more information contact Angela Crompton at 682-1524. An injury waiver is required.

Women’s Volleyball Mondays | 6:00-8:00pm | Gym Women over the age of 16 are invited to join us for recreational volleyball on Monday nights.

Get out of the house, get some exercise and make some new friends. There is no fee. No childcare available. Gym shoes are required along with an injury release waiver. Contact Pat Engels (engelspa@aol.com) or 457-3813 for more information.

Serving opportunities Shut-In Ministry If you have a heart of mercy for those who are lonely and compassion for those who are suffering, please prayerfully consider joining the ShutIn Ministry Team. This ministry is dedicated to reaching out to Calvary members who are no longer able to attend church services and functions.

For questions, contact Rich Dyer (richguy101@ sbcglobal.net).

Teachers Needed Do you have the gift of teaching? Can you tell a Bible story as if you were there? Are you able to jump into a teaching role without notice? Do 22 | February 2013 | calvarygr.org 20

you love to see the excitement of a child, learning a new concept? If so, the children’s ministry needs your help. We are looking for individuals who would be willing to occasionally step into a classroom to teach the Bible story at a moment’s notice. There are some situations when a teacher is unexpectedly absent and an immediate substitute is needed. If you are willing to help or would like more information, contact Heidi Storms (hstorms@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5161.

Giving opportunities Lynnell | lbok@calvarygr.org | ext. 3510 Clothes Closet We are currently accepting cold weather items for the whole family. If you have any of the following items you are not using or the kids have outgrown, we would love to have them. Sweaters, long sleeve shirts, pants, winter coats, boots, snow pants, hats, mittens and gloves.

Food Pantry This month we need the following: • Tuna fish • Tuna and Hamburger Helper • Crackers • Brown sugar • Powdered sugar • Butter • Cooking oils • Boxed cakes

• Frosting • Cookie decorations • Honey • Peanut Butter • Jams and Jellies • Salt and pepper • Assorted spices

February 2013 sun

mon

12:30pm College Life/Special Needs Ministry Pizza Party

3

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.

tue

4

10:00am Senior Adults Monthly Luncheon

wed

5

7:00pm Young Adult Book Club

thu

6

WFD Menu: Grilled Chicken with an Asian Flair

fri

7

Early Bird Deadline for 7th/8th Winter Retreat

12:45pm Merge Valentine’s Luncheon for the Widowed

10

High School Senior Pictures Due

11

12

5:30pm High School Winter Retreat Leave

8

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9:00am Membership Class Register by January 28 at MyCalvaryGR.org

9

10:30am Veggie Tales Movie Event

6:00pm 5th/6th Grade Silly Olympics

13

14

20

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27

28

Season of Preparation (Lent) Begins

1

sat

15

16

22

23

5:30pm 7th/8th Grade Winter Retreat Leaves

WFD Menu: Chili

3:00pm High School Winter Retreat Returns 4:00pm Community Group Launch (Register by February 4) No High School UNITED

17 3:00pm 7th/8th Grade Winter Retreat Returns

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18

11:30am Third Monday Prayer

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WFD Menu: 7:00pm Hot Roast Beef Sandwich College Life Small Group Gatherings

Confident Caregivers

25

Registration Closes for Imagine Me, Set Free

26

7:00pm Mental Illness Family Support Group

WFD Menu: Lasagna

February 2013 | calvarygr.org | 23

Welcome to calvary church 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. We believe that you are not here by accident, that God has brought you to this place for a specific purpose. We look forward to connecting with you and caring for you in any way that we can.

This is a big church, we know... but you’d be surprised at how quickly you can find your place. All over this page are ways to meet people and get involved at Calvary. You will find there really is something for everyone!

Jim Samra Senior Pastor

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 the Adult Sunday Classes Guide at the Information Center or at calvarygr.org.

Special Needs

Adult (Go-Getters): 11:15am *Students (Seekers and Explorers): 11:15am

Chapel Rooms 112/114

*Pre-registration recommended

Children’s Ministries

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.

Media Center: For past sermons or a series on CD, the Media Center 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, four-week 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 Christy (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615.

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

Young Fives - Fourth Grade: 9:40am and 11:15am Visit the check-in desk at Entrance K on the lower level to register.

Nursery Care: 8:10am, 9:40am and 11:15am For infants birth through preschool. Visit the check-in desk at Entrance M on the upper level to register.

Student Ministries

Middle School (MSM): 9:40am 5th & 6th Main Event (Studying the Life of Jesus) 7th & 8th Main Event (Studying the Life of Jesus) High School (United): 6:00pm (Studying >Greater Than)

Young Adults

Merge (Singles 22-34): 11:15am Foundations (Young Couples 22-32): 11:15am College Lunch (Young Adults 18-22): 12:30pm

Room 109 Room 108 Room 108 Room 137 Room 130 Room 121

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).