Calvary Life, July 2012

calvary life July/august 2012

July 1 — Summer Service Times Begin...2 Join The Gathering Place This Fall...9 Can You Guess Who?...14 The Path to a Policy...17

contents

9 The Gathering place a warm, loving atmosphere for women to grow in God’s Word

14 Guess who

identify the calvary people on our Children’s Ministry Bible cards

17 Path to a policy

if you’ve ever wondered how a church policy is made, this is for you

3 | Festival of Lights Auditions

Dates, times and details for those interested in auditioning for this year’s production

4 | 5 Questions with Lee Bergakker

Calvary Life sits down with the Fifth/Sixth Grade Ministry Facilitator

5 | On the Bookshelf

Reading recommendations for the months of July and August from Calvary staff, volunteers and the library.

6 | Life{Together}

8 | Special Needs Ministry

Do you know what the Special Needs Ministry offers? Get connected.

10 | Decisions, Decisions

12 | One Heart: Missions & Outreach

Summer Short-Term Mission Updates, A New Staff Member and a Church Plant Update

7 | Behind the Scenes

An update from the elders on recent issues

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Don’t miss this night outdoors

19 | Program Guide

19 - Children, 5th-6th Grade, 7th-8th Grade Experience the Grace of Giving as we dig into 20 - High School, Young Adults (College, Merge) 2 King 18.

21 - Foundations, Calvary Community, Men, Pastoral Care, Prayer Groups 22 - Senior Adults, Special Needs, Women, 11 | Opportunities to Share A supernatural, everyday story from a Neighbors Worship, Serving Opportunities, Giving Opportunities International volunteer

How we can build care in community and how that was experienced through the Prayer Shawl Ministry Serving at Calvary with Ryan Mebert, 5th/6th Grade Small Group Leader

18 | Men’s Kick-off Pig Roast

16 | A Note from the Elders

19 | July/August Calendar

Dates to know and hold onto for July & August.

Festival of Lights

AUDITIONS

Interested in auditioning for Festival of Lights 2012? We need you!

This is a wonderful opportunity for God to use your talents to reach many with the salvation message. Please see below for specific audition dates, times and cast needs. For a more detailed synopsis and list of characters, please contact Christy (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615 in August.

Wednesday, August 22 3:30-4:30 (Kids, ages 7-12); 4:30-5:30 (Adults & Teens, ages 13+) Thursday, August 23 6:30-8:30 (Adults & Teens, ages 13+) Monday August, 27 6:30-7:30 (Kids, ages 7-12); 7:30-8:30 (Adults & Teens, ages 13+) Tuesday, August 28 6:30-8:30 (Adults & Teens, ages 13+)

good to know 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.

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.

Calvary Kids Fall Re-registration We will begin fall re-registration in July. Reregistration is necessary for all children who

turn one by December 1, 2012, through children entering fourth grade. Thanks for helping us keep our database current!

Family Service July 1 & September 2 Nursery is available for infants through young threes; children preschool age and older are encouraged to attend the service with their family (activity boxes are available at the desk near Entrance N). If needed, room 254 is open for children ages three through five.

College Scholarships Available to Single Parents & Their Families The Roger W. Smith Memorial Trust Fund was established by a gift to Calvary Church to help single parents and their kids further their

education. This trust fund has provided funds for education, summer camp fees and other special projects. To apply for fall semester scholarships, applications need to be turned in no later than August 12. To apply for an education scholarship, contact Lynnell Bok (lbok@calvarygr.org) at ext.

3510.

Congratulations We have one more graduate to acknowledge—congratulations, Kimberly. We pray that God would keep and guide you through this next season of your life.

Kimberly VanderKooy Forest Hills Northern

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connections getting to know calvary 1

5Questions with Lee Bergakker Fifth/Sixth Grade Facilitator, Middle School Ministry

5th/6th Mission trip

Cstar2 | 10W:00aams-12h:00pm

Augu Calvary Church Pathrke mininig strLoyt

All proceeds benefit of Take Hold Church

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What is your role at Calvary Church?

I serve as the 5th & 6th Grade Ministry Facilitator. This means that I work with Byron Dickey, our Pastor to Students, to lead the 5th & 6th grade ministry. Byron and I work together to create programming and train leaders, and then I am responsible to lead and coordinate our regular Sunday morning and Wednesday night programs as well as special events, retreats and mission trips. I generally teach twice a week so I spend a lot of time studying.

It also seems that I’m always leading games so I’m constantly making runs to Meijer for crazy game supplies, which means I’m usually turning in receipts full of really strange items.

2

What encourages you most as you minister at Calvary?

First of all, I have been here long enough now that I get to see students that I worked with as Middle School students growing up to be mature followers of Christ. This year I had two high school students that I worked with as 8th graders, serving as small group leaders. It’s awesome to see them bearing fruit like that.

The second thing that is so encouraging for me is that as I meet the parents of my students, I see so many young moms and dads who are earnest about serving the Lord and being godly parents.

3

How have you experienced life{together}?

This year my wife and I joined a community group, and that has been a great way for us to grow and get fed. Also, for the last two years I

have had the privilege of leading a small group of 5th & 6th grade boys, and it’s been cool to see them grow in community.

4

How has God recently revealed Himself in your community?

This year in our ministry we have had some students deal with some very difficult things and it’s been amazing how these kids have received so much care and encouragement from their small groups. God has used these challenges to give our leaders opportunity to speak truth into their lives and God has done some great things.

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

There are two big things that we need prayer for this time of year. The first is for our missions trip to inner-city Grand Rapids. On July 31 to August 2, we will be serving different ministries that minister in inner-city Grand Rapids. In addition to your prayers you can help by coming to get your car washed on August 2, from 10:00am to noon. This car wash raises money for Take Hold Church. At this time, we will also be accepting clothes and toiletries for their clothing distribution ministry.

The second thing you can pray for is for volunteers for our ministry. Every year we need at least 8 male and 8 female leaders, so you can pray that God brings us Godly leaders to serve our kids. If you are interested in being a volunteer, you can contact me at lbergakker@calvarygr.org.

on the bookshelf

recommended reading for july & august found in the calvary library On the night of November 5, 2006, the Barrick family was driving home from church when their van was struck by a drunk driver. Fifteen-year-old Jen suffered multiple skull fractures and severe brain trauma and was not expected to survive the night. As she lingered in a coma, doctors warned that if Jen ever woke up, she would be cursing and screaming in confusion due to her brain injuries. Instead, when she opened her eyes she began praying and praising God. Miracle for Jen is the remarkable story of a family’s tragic accident, a mother’s desperate prayer, and heaven’s extraordinary answer.

After high school, Adam’s appetite for risk eventually landed him in jail. On a lastchance road to redemption, Adam had one goal: to become the best of the best - a US Navy SEAL. Fearless presents an indelible portrait of a highly trained warrior who would enter a village with weapons in hand to hunt terrorists, only to come back the next day with an armload of shoes and meals for local children. As one of the members of the elite SEAL Team SIX – the counterterrorism unit that took down Osama bin Laden, Adam’s courage was fueled by faith and family and his final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

Like millions of other women, CNN’s HLN anchor Christi Paul blamed herself for the emotional abuse heaped on her by her first husband whose violent tirades left her feeling as though she had no value, no self-worth, and nowhere to turn for help.

Then one day, when Christi was taking refuge in a church parking lot, the verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” popped into her head. In that moment she realized she did have someplace to turn after all. Love Isn’t Supposed to Hurt chronicles Christi’s personal experience with emotional abuse and how, with God’s help, she was able to break the cycle of abuse and discover what true love is all about.

Martha Hidalgo, Small Group Leader, The Gathering Place Bible Study

Brian Nix, Assistant Pastor, Children’s Ministry

Discernment is one of those areas I pray for myself, so I will be able to separate truth and error accurately based on God’s unchanging truth in His word. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is simple and clear on this subject and very well written. I love one of the quotes, included in the book, from Charles Spurgeon: “Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather, it is the difference between right and almost right.” Discernment is a topic we hear very little about and is much needed. If this is a discipline you’d like to grow, do pick this book up.

The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story is a new way to tell the timeless story of God’s love for us. I highly recommend it for those who are teens and beyond who enjoy comic books or graphic novels. Warning: Its drawings are more realistic in its action scenes because it is drawn for the teen and adult market, this is not for children.

Are you going through cancer or do you know someone who is? Susan Sorensen, Calvary’s Pastoral Representative for Women’s Ministry, co-authored Praying Through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free From Fear. This 90-day devotional is a collection of stories and prayers by women who have faced cancer and, with triumphant spirits, found comfort and sometimes even joy in the midst of it. For these women, cancer was a comma, not a period, in the sentences of their lives because they put their faith in the Lord and He strengthened them beyond comprehension. This book not only provides great comfort but a clear message of God’s redeeming love and salvation in Christ. The book recently came out in Spanish. Both an English and Spanish version are available in the Library.

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.

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life{together} experiencing community at calvary

building care in community

by Josh Mateer, Pastoral Care Ministry

When Peter was walking alongside the Lord near the end of his ministry Jesus lovingly reinstated Peter to service despite denying Jesus three times. The ministry task that Jesus gave Peter in John 21:16 can be paraphrased, “Peter, if you truly love me, then take care of my sheep.” Peter was commissioned by the Lord to take care of His people. That commissioning did not stop with Peter. Paul reminds us that every one of us is called to care. He says in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God, “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” A significant emphasis this last year at Calvary, and one that will continue into the future, is the importance of being in community. As we have seen from the book of Ephesians, God designed people to be in community for many reasons. The key reason that will be emphasized this next year is that community is one of the best places to give and receive care.

When a group of individuals commit to meet together and experience life together they will form a relationship filled with care.

Many of you have experienced this already at Calvary. When you are in need of care it is the group of people who know you the best and who

have spent the most time with you who are able to provide loving care in your time of need. It is our desire at Calvary to continue to foster this care. As a result, we are going to spend this next year training, equipping and strengthening community groups to care for one another.

We recognize that not all care needs can be met through community groups. The various ministries at Calvary, including marriage counseling, the benevolent fund and the food pantry to name a few, will continue to serve as resources to partner with the community groups to care for those who attend Calvary.

We also know that many of you are not yet in community and finding help in a large church can be a challenge. On our website you will find a little green box that says, “I need care”. If you would like someone to contact you about a care need this link will put you in touch with the resources the church offers.

It is our prayer that every individual will receive the care they need at Calvary, and in so doing we as God’s people hope to fulfill the heart’s desire of our Lord.

Calvary Cares: Prayer Shawl ministry Sophie recently underwent spinal fusion surgery and was presented with a prayer shawl created by one of the talented women who is part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry of Calvary Church. Perhaps this thank you note speaks for itself:

Sophie and her mom, Jane

“Thank you so much for praying for Sophie and making her a beautiful prayer shawl. As you can see by the picture enclosed, she was very happy to receive it…We wrapped the shawl around her and prayed for her.

Immediately she was filled with peace and the deep pain she was experiencing due to her back surgery seemed to lessen. What a wonderful ministry you have. Sophie, her mom and family pass on their deep appreciation.”

If you are aware of someone who is undergoing a difficult time and would benefit from a prayer shawl, please let us know. We’ll be happy to supply one at no cost. And if you are a knitter or crocheter and would like to join the Calvary Prayer Shawl Ministry, just give us a call. We will resume meeting together in September on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm. Contact Mary Hulst (mimi1949@juno.com) at 887-2557.

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Behind the Scenes Serving at Calvary with Ryan Mebert

Where do you currently serve at Calvary?

I presently serve as one of the boys’ fifth/sixth grade small group leaders in the Middle School Ministry. I have been blessed to serve alongside some great men and women leaders who love to mentor these students.

How did you begin serving at Calvary?

Ryan Mebert We moved to the Grand Rapids area a few years ago and found our home at Calvary. My wife and I decided that it would be great to be a part of the fifth/sixth grade ministry since our oldest son was going into fifth grade at the time.

I must admit, it was more of my wife nudging me to volunteer, but I’m glad she did, it has been great.

What challenges have you encountered in your ministry?

Fifth/sixth grade students are at that pivotal age. They begin to be exposed to so many outside influences at this age and sometimes their faith can take a back seat to those outside influences. The challenge is to show them that God comes first in everything you do.

How has God blessed you through serving?

I have met and become friends with some great volunteers and been a part of many kids lives over the last two years and through serving with them I get to see how God works in their lives and that is a blessing in itself.

How do you experience community at Calvary?

I consider our 5th/6th grade groups as a small community. Our family is part of a small group at Calvary as well and it has been wonderful. The members are no longer our small group, but part of our family.

Start serving

As Lee Bergakker mentioned on page 4, every year the 5th/6th Ministry needs at least eight male and eight female small group leaders. If you are interested in being a volunteer you can contact Lee (lbergakker@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5634.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Discovery

Discovery is a great way to not only learn what your spiritual gifts are, but also learn how to deepen your spiritual walk. Signing up for Discovery will allow you the opportunity to meet with a trained staff member to discuss your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to connect to others. You can 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.

Membership Class Saturday, July 14 from 9:00am-2:30pm R.S.V.P. by Monday, July 9

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 those in your community group who aren’t members. Register online through mycalvarygr.org or contact Brenda (membership@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5650 by July 9. Pre-registration is required.

Lunch is provided. Sorry, no childcare.

Are you new to Calvary looking to get connected? Are you a long-time member seeking to do more? Calvary has plenty of serving and ministry positions available! Whether you are looking to serve once a week or once a month; Calvary has opportunities for you. We have a variety of serving areas that need your help. Some of those areas include greeting people, helping out in the kitchen, serving in the Café and helping staff with special events. No matter if you have years of volunteer experience or this is your first time, we need your help. Contact Judie Fielstra (jfielstra@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5095 today.

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Do You Know the Special Needs Ministry?

Get Connected…

Events

Educate

Volunteers

Hayride: Each fall, the students of each segment of the special needs ministry are encouraged to attend the annual hayride at Duffort Farms.

Resource Guide: Due to the challenges of raising children youth and adults with special needs we have produced a guide full of organizations that may be helpful with this unique journey.

The Special Needs Ministry is held together by faithful volunteers and with each area continuing to grow, additional volunteers are always needed. Training will be provided.

Christmas Party: During the month of December students and their families are invited to celebrate Christ’s birthday with food and fellowship.

Dad and Daughter Date: This is an evening designed exclusively for building the dad and daughter relationship through dining, inspirational speaker and an activity.

Movie Nights: On the second Friday evening of each month during January, February and March, the students in each segment of ministry are encouraged to come for a movie, popcorn and pop.

Mom’s Spa Brunch: Around Mothers Day each year, this inspirational event focuses and encourages by feeling a pampering moms who are caregivers for the children and adults.

Summer Picnics and Movie Nights: Summer picnics take place in June, July and August and movie nights in January, February and March. All students, parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

Transportation At Calvary we invest in providing transportation through Hope Network, Go Bus, church vans and with our own bus to our special needs community, so that that many who would otherwise not be able to attend church, can come.

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Annual Training: All staff, volunteers, families and others are invited to our annual training to learn more about a specific topic related to disabilities.

Community Group: A wonderful group of men and women come together each Wednesday evening to support and pray for one another. This group is parents, caregivers, or anyone who would like a place to belong. A variety of inspirational speakers frequent this group. Everyone is welcome.

Hearing Help Live Captioning: Live captioning is available at the 9:00am service in the summer and 9:40am the rest of the year. Notebook computers are available for use back by the Information Center or you may access the live stream via www.streamtext.net/ player?event=calvarychurch T-Coil Feature: This service is available in designated areas of the Sanctuary, clearly marked by signs.

Outreach Community Involvement: Many of our families, students, teachers, volunteers and staff are involved with organizations outside of Calvary Church such as Special Olympics, various camps, and Very Special Arts (VSA). Special Olympics basketball events take place in our gym as well as bicycling in our parking lot.

Hope Network Chapels: Every other month the special needs staff along with several volunteers travel to Hope Network on 36th street to do two brief chapel services for the students who attend daily.

Business Cards: Simple business cards with general special needs information are available in the Special Needs Ministry Office to anyone who would like to share with others in the community.

Portable FM Transmitters: These devices are available at the Information Center and will automatically connect your hearing aid to the T coil allowing you to sit anywhere in the Sanctuary.

*

If you feel God tugging at your heart strings to serve within this ministry, please call.

Judi Warner Director of Special Needs Ministry jwarner@calvarygr.org ext. 5272 Elleen Fitzgerald Facilitator, Special Needs Adults efitzgerald@calvarygr.org ext. 5623

the

GATHERING PLACE Tuesday morning Women’s

B i b l e ∙ St u d y

This fall, the Gathering Place Study (GPS) will be connecting women to Jesus and each other by creating a warm, loving atmosphere for growth in God’s Word, prayer, worship and community. We invite you to join us.

We’ll explore “The Life of Moses: God’s Appointed Leader.” This study of Exodus will focus on God’s deliverance, guidance, provision and protection. Our theme verse is Exodus 33:14, “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest.’”

Beginning Tuesday, September 11, 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 11:15 am.

Something for the kids too!

While mom is in the Gathering Place Study, GPS Kids will be a wonderful place for children birth to 6 years of age to learn God’s truth in a loving atmosphere.

While the “big” GPS is studying the life of Moses, our little ones will learn about Moses too! Teachers and helpers will use Bible stories, music and fun activities to reinforce the weekly lesson. For our older children, values, character building and the wordless book will also be part of the morning. a warm, loving atmosphere for growth in God’s Word

While every group will study the same book of the Bible, each woman will be able to choose the type of small group she would like to join. We will offer four different electives for small group study: ŪŪ Beginner’s Study ŪŪ Mom’s with Preschoolers group ŪŪ Intermediate group ŪŪ Advanced Study Register for the Gathering Place Study online at MyCalvaryGR.org or pick up a registration form at the reception desk or Women’s Ministry bulletin board on the lower level of the church. Register by September 3 to ensure a spot in the small group of your choice.

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Decisions, deci2skiiongsns18

Stewardship means more than how we manage the treasures God has given us. It also includes how we invest our time and talents. Stewardship asks the ultimate question, “How will you spend your life?”

Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, surrounded Jerusalem and made a very tempting offer, “Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey. Choose life and not death!” (2 Kings 18:31-32). Essentially he said, “Give up the fight and enjoy life.”

Sennacherib’s deal was compelling – starve to death or surrender and I will give you vineyards, fig trees, and water, plus an endless supply of bread, olives, and honey. There was just one little catch in the fine print, “Oh, by the way, you will be my slaves.”

The Wrong Choice Satan and the world’s system offer us the same deal, “Choose life and not death!” According to the world, “living” means pleasing yourself in every possible way. Indulge in every passion that your heart desires. Live with no boundaries, restrictions, or regrets. Grab anything your eyes can see.

Enjoy the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Is living for yourself really living? Do fancy homes, cars, and clothes bring genuine satisfaction?

by Ron Haas, Elder Clerk

The Right Choice Moses understood the deceitfulness of wealth. “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

King Tut’s stuff reveals the kind of treasures that Moses gave up. Tut’s coffin was 243 pounds of solid gold. That’s 3,888 ounces! With gold prices bouncing around $1,600 per ounce, today’s value would be more than $6.2 million. Impressive, but Tut still died. Moses made a better decision.

Instead of living large in the Egyptian palace and enjoy sin for a moment, he chose suffer with God’s people. He gave it all up for the sake of Christ.

Your Choice Each of us must respond to Sennacherib’s appeal, “Choose life and not death!” Satan shouts, “Abandon Jesus and enjoy life now, the sacrifice isn’t worth it,” but he hides the eternal costs of that decision. Jesus offers, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

More than 50 years ago a young missionary named Jim Elliot and four missionary companions attempted to evangelize the Huaorani people who lived in the rainforest of Ecuador. Their missionary effort ended tragically when they were attacked and killed by tribal warriors. A few years earlier Elliot had written this phrase in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” King In the parable of the four types of soil, Jesus cautioned that “the worries Hezekiah, Moses, and Jim Elliot all understood this important principle of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things what the world calls life is really death, and dying to self is really living. come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). The chase You have the same choice. Choose wisely. for stuff clouds our perspective on what’s really important in life. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not If you want to learn more about your stewardship of time, talent and consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). The rich farmer treasure; visit generousyou.com. wanted to build bigger barns to store more stuff but Jesus asked, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

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Supernatural “Everyday� opportunities to share Volunteer Testimony from Azhar Ismail Azhar Ismail, a native of Pakistan, volunteers as a van driver for Neighbors International. Neighbors International is a ministry whose mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ, through hospitality and friendship, to international students studying at local colleges and Universities.

This was my first year as a Neighbors International volunteer, and my job was to pick up students from local colleges and bring them to Neighbors International activities. Each time I was doing this job, God opened up doors for me to talk about my Christian faith.

One particular day, I was picking up a large group of students and to make sure they were still interested, I called ahead to let them know I was on my way. On the first call I made, there was no answer. I left my name and a brief message and continued contacting and picking up the remaining students on my list. My van was nearly full and while taking the final count before departing, my phone rang and it was the first student I had called and had not been able to reach. She wanted to join us, and asked if I could please wait for a few minutes as she hurried to meet us. She arrived and filled the only remaining spot in the van, the front passenger seat.

As we were driving back to Calvary Church, she started to talk to me and asked if I was a Christian. While driving, I was able to give her my testimony and told her the story of how I grew up as a Muslim, in a Muslim family. I shared about how many of my family and friends rejected me because of my new Christian faith, but also how what I have gained by becoming a Christian is far better. Because I have Jesus living in me, I am able to persevere.

While listening, her face lit up and she shared about how she was scheduled to get baptized the following Sunday, but because her family was Buddhist and she feared their rejection, she was planning to back out. However, after listening to how God had worked in my own life, she said she planned to go ahead and get baptized. I could see then, exactly what God had perfectly planned. She was late to get there, so that she could sit in the front seat and be able to talk to me.

With tears running down my cheeks, I told her to follow Jesus no matter what the cost and to remember that he will always take care of us. I have shared this story to encourage you to make yourself available to God’s work. He really can use you, even as a van driver.

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

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one heart

Calvary Missions & outreach 2011-2012

international short-term missions updates Honduras: July 9-19 In July, the first of two teams is going Honduras to serve alongside our missionaries, Andy & Carmen Castillo. This first team’s primary focus is to be an encouragement to a neighborhood community in Siguatepeque through teaching VBS for five days at a local school, general repair of a playground, as well as involvement with a family ministry at Andy’s church.

The team has also planned a visit to an orphanage and a new church plant in a nearby village.

The team will be working side-by-side with members of the church in these endeavors.

There are 15 members on this team including eight children and two college students.

Please pray for: • team unity, safety & health • last-minute details • that the Lord would speak through them to the children attending VBS • that the team would indeed be an encouragement to everyone they come in contact with

Power shift

Pastor Bruce Meets with Global Missions Leaders During the recent meeting of the Global Leadership Council of the Missions Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance, trends and changes in the geo-political world were discussed, particularly in light of their impact on missions. Catch up with all the details on Pastor Bruce’s blog, brucesglobalblog.blogspot.com.

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Mozambique: August 2-14

Honduras: August 11-23

In August, our second Mozambique team will travel to Chinhangane. They covet your prayers for their time of preparation, as well as for their time in the village as they seek to bring light where there once was only darkness.

On August 11, our second team to Honduras leaves to minister alongside Andy & Carmen Castillo. This team is made up of four of our families – the Snoeyink’s, Gibson’s, Kerr’s, and Wilde’s – a total of 8 adults and 11 children.

The team asks prayer for the following:

There has been much spiritual warfare this year in Chinhangane. The village’s crops were destroyed in January’s floods; one of the women of the village that previous teams have spent time with was killed by a crocodile in the river, and now her husband’s family is trying to get him to go back to ancestral worship.

Through all of this, God’s work in Chinhangane continues to grow as the villagers learn more about His provision and faithfulness.

Please pray specifically for: • the Bible training that will be presented to 70 adults • the teaching to the youth and children • the instruction of a sewing project to the women that the sales of will add to their truck fund • that the team will be fully funded by July 15 Follow the team on facebook.com/mozambiquesummer2012.

• • • • • • • • • •

the VBS they will conduct for local children safety as they build a playground finances to come in continued team unity special prayer for the younger children going on the trip that their children would capture a heart for missions to last a lifetime that the adults would grow in their love for God and others that those they serve in Honduras would be truly blessed that their team seeks to glorify God in every aspect of their trip that the Lord would use them to support and encourage Calvary-sponsored missionaries Andy and Carmen Castillo and their three boys

You can follow the team on their blog: http:// calvaryhondurasfamilymissiontrip2012. blogspot.com/.

Welcome celeste mcdonough!

by Pastor Bruce

In 2003, I was able to meet Dan and Celeste McDonough. I was so impressed with their love for the Uzbek people and the fact that they lived among Uzbeks in the Chorsu market area of Tashkent. As our relationship developed, we became aware of their support needs and later that year, the McDonough’s became part of Calvary’s missions family.

However, we were never able to publish their names because of the area of the world in which they worked. So, why are we publishing their names now?

The last few years brought much upheaval and Dan and Celeste eventually were unable to go back to the country in which they served. As other doors closed, God worked in amazing ways that brought Celeste to be considered for the pastoral staff position responsible for missions and outreach here at Calvary. God’s leading has resulted in Celeste being hired into that position.

Celeste has wonderful administrative and leadership gifts and a huge heart for people and the gospel. She will be leading and administrating the department including evangelism, local outreach, church planting, special projects and global missions. I will assist her specifically focusing on our local and global missionaries, our key global partnerships and short-term missions.

Pray for Celeste as she comes to Calvary and for our team as we work together to see God’s glory declared among all people.

church plant update

New City Church ministers right here in Grand Rapids

by JT Richards God is at work in Grand Rapids! Since the launch of New City Church last year, many lives have been forever changed by God. A few months ago two young men who were baptized this past year were standing on a street corner in their neighborhood talking about old times and dreaming together about how God might change that neighborhood. Suddenly a stark realization came over them: just a year earlier they had stood on that same street corner dealing and hustling for their gang. Today they preach the gospel in the same neighborhood.

We’re excited to see young men discover what it means to “man-up” for God—to become the men God created them to be. The life-change that is occurring is holistic: they’re getting jobs, becoming chaste until marriage, getting married, paying their bills, caring for their children, serving in the church, reading and studying

the Bible. We see similar changes in young women. JT Richards, New City’s pastor and former Calvary resiThey’re becoming godly dent, will be our guest preacher women who love the Lord on July 1. Please join us! and their children and are excited to honor God. Older believers are also growing in their faith as they become excited for the gospel of Jesus in ways they’ve never experienced before.

Whether it’s an older single woman moving into the city from the suburbs to make it easier to disciple younger women or an older married couple engaging in life-onlife discipleship with younger couples, we’re seeing the mission of Jesus accomplished in the near-northeast.

Please continue to pray for New City Church and the mission God has for us. Pray for continued boldness in serving others and in preaching and teaching as we share with others the life God offers through Jesus Christ.

School Supplies Project Your response to our previous school supplies projects has been overwhelming, and the students and families who have received the needed items have been very grateful.

This year’s school supplies drive will benefit Calvary’s own families who are in need: those who are currently involved in our Benevolent ministry, DivorceCare, Teen MOPS, and those who are engaged in Calvary’s Employment Resource Service.

This year we will be collecting school supplies on Sunday August 5, 12, and 19. Look for the blue buckets in Entrances C, J, and K. Please see below for specific items requested.

• Backpacks • Paper • Pencils • Rulers, pencil sharpeners • Safety scissors • Glue sticks • Protractors • Markers • Crayons • Notebooks • Folders

Boy Jesus in the temple

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Jesus’ first miracle

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Jesus is transfigured.

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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1/18/2012 4:06:23 PM

Jesus walks on water

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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10/12/2011 3:17:20 PM

Sermon on the Mount

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Jesus pays the temple tax.

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Jesus’ responsibility to preach

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Jesus calms the storm

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

1/30/2012 4:31:43 PM

Jesus heals the ten lepers

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

Jesus feeds 5,000

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Jesus calls the disciples

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

Jesus raises Lazarus

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

Raising Jairus’ daughter

Guess Who! Can you identify these Calvary Church attendees?!

Extra card sets available for $5.

To purchase a set, contact Children’s Ministry at 956-9377, ext. 5067.

Jesus is tempted

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

1/30/2012 2011-wow-cards-set7.indd 4:31:47 PM 1

1/18/2012 4:06:21 PM

ANSWERS: 1) Baby Jesus = Eli Gillett 2) Boy Jesus = Matt Wilde 3) Jesus, John the Baptist = Todd Wilde, Shane Cox 4) Jesus = Todd Wilde 5) Disciples = Byron Dickey, Riad Kamil 6) Water to wine 7) Jesus = Todd Wilde 8) Jesus = Todd Wilde 9) Jairus’ daughter = Brielle Oosse 10) Disciples in boat = Earl Jenkins, Ken Meines, Brian Novak 11) Boy = George Samra; disciple = Brian Klaver 12) Jesus walks on water = Todd Wilde 13) Jesus transfigured = Todd Wilde 14) Temple tax = Todd Wilde 15) Lazarus = Ron Haas; Martha = Cathy Oosse 16) Ten Lepers = Bob Meredith, Noe Palacios, Dan Challa, Byron Dickey, Andy Crowder, Steve Gibson, Brian Nix (three unseen)

Children in our Wednesday night WOW program this past year received a set of 27 Bible cards on the life of Jesus to help them memorize and understand some important stories from the Bible.

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist

Jesus is born

Zacchaeus

Jesus loves the little children

Jesus heals a blind man

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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10/24/2011 3:06:07 PM

a Put your faith into

Jesus prays in the garden

The Trimphal Entry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

ction

Next year, our Wednesday night children’s program will be THE SAME PROGRAM, with a DIFFERENT NAME. Jesus washes His disciples’ feet

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Jesus Silent Before Pilate

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Kids-N-Action are kids who are learning to put

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Jesus died on a cross

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

2/21/2012 2:33:28 PM

Jesus rose from the dead

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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The Great Commission

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!

Our Kids-N-action program will continue to provide: • Elective activities that children can choose from • Scripture memorization centered in the book of James in the Bible (one chapter a year) • An emphasis on Bible characters who demonstrated actions of faith • An incentive store (James General Store) for all children who earn James Bucks throughout the year!

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

Jesus’ ascension to Heaven/empowering of Spirit

Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Calvary ChurCh Children’s ministry

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Our name is changing, but what we do will be the same!

ANSWERS: 17) Blind man = Dan Challa 18) Children with Jesus = Lots of kids from Calvary Church! 19) Zacchaeus = Jim Samra 20) Triumphal entry = Lots of people from Calvary Church! 21) Disciple’s foot = Pastor Joel’s very dirty foot 22) Jesus prays = Todd Wilde 23) Pilate = Chris Fisher 24) Crucifixion 25) Angel rolls stone away = Dan Challa 26) Great Commission = Todd Wilde 27) Empowering of Spirit = Pam Lammers, Jeremy Jacoby, Nelson Vander Lugt

2011-2012 Elders & Deacons If you have any questions or comments you would like to share with an elder, please see the list above the blue line. If you would to contact a deacon, they are listed below the blue line.

Dennis Bergakker

(dbergakker@calvarygr.org)

a note from the elders

Respectfully Submitted by Ron Haas, Elder Clerk

Here are some of the recent items the elders have been discussing.

Lee Brenner

Eric Cerling

Jim DeVries

Ron Haas

Larry Hulst

Noe Palacios

(lbrenner@calvarygr.org) (ecerling@calvarygr.org) (jdevries@calvarygr.org)

(rhaas@calvarygr.org)

Kent Snoeyink

(lhulst@calvarygr.org) (npalacios@calvarygr.org)

Vernon Spears

(ksnoeyink@calvarygr.org) (vspears@calvarygr.org)

Allen VanHaitsma

Mike Still

(mstill@calvarygr.org)

Dan Visser

Jerry Ward

(avanhaitsma@calvarygr.org)(dvisser@calvarygr.org) (jward@calvarygr.org)

Bible Translation Advisory Committee Update Calvary Church uses the NIV/1984 version of the Bible. However, Zondervan no longer prints the 1984 version and has replaced it with the NIV/2011. The Elders have formed a Bible Translation Advisory Committee to research if the church should use the NIV/2011, or consider a different version. The committee members are John Zimmerman, chair; Eric Cerling, Lisa Eary, Ed Kaleefy, Julie Link, Chris Lohroff, and Josh Mateer. They begin work in July and will bring a recommendation to the elders by March 2013. Please pray for wisdom as they seek God’s direction for this important decision.

Space Needs Update You are probably wondering, “When is the building project going to be presented to the congregation to see if this is the direction that our members feel God is calling Calvary Church to follow, or if the majority of the members believe God is leading in a different direction?” We have waited to give our architect, Doug Pasma, enough time to fully understand our needs and design solutions to meet these needs. The elders did not want to present a dream without figuring out what it would take to turn that dream into reality. We now have designs to show everyone and soon we will have some accurate cost estimates.

We plan to make a space needs presentation this fall. When we finally reveal the plans, the congregation will have lots of time to discuss, ask questions, and give feedback on various aspects of the building. We will not be voting on the plans at the Annual Meeting in September, instead we will encourage the entire church family to begin praying and fasting for God’s wisdom. Sometime next year the congregation will have a formal meeting to discuss the plans and vote.

More than 275 people have joined the Nehemiah Prayer Team and are praying and fasting every week for God’s clear direction to solve our space needs problems. Every Sunday, team members receive an update and prayer requests. If you would like to sign up for this prayer effort, please email rhaas@calvarygr.org.

Pastoral Staff Representative, Missions and Outreach Ministries The elders are pleased to introduce Celeste McDonough as our new Pastoral Staff Representative for Missions and Outreach Ministries. Celeste and her husband Dan have partnered with Calvary Church as church planters in Central Asia working with Converge Worldwide International Ministries.

Robert Bass

Jim Hoekwater

Robert Johnston

Brian Klaver

Tom Miller

David Radde

Mike Reiffer

Jeff Rogers

Jim Stubblefield

(rbass@calvarygr.org) (jhoekwater@calvarygr.org)(rjohnston@calvarygr.org)

(bklaver@calvarygr.org) (tmiller@calvarygr.org) (dradde@calvarygr.org)

(mreiffer@calvarygr.org) (jrogers@calvarygr.org)(jstubblefield@calvarygr.org)

The Missions and Outreach pastor is responsible to provide spirit-led visionary and strategic leadership for all church missions and outreach ministries. Celeste brings passion for evangelism and discipleship, locally and globally, and wants to produce transformed followers of Jesus Christ. She will lead the Missions Department’s long-range strategy and work with other church leaders to create opportunities for Calvary Church to be involved in proclaiming the full gospel of Jesus Christ.

The elders want to express our appreciation to Dan Wiersma, chair; Carole DeGennaro, Steve Gibson, Dave McGinnis, and Scherlyn VanHaitsma for their tireless efforts in seeking God’s direction for this position. We also want to thank Noe Palacios who served as Interim Missions Director and helped reorganize the department. During the two-year search process the committee contacted 36 individuals about the position, narrowed the list to 8 candidates, and spent time in prayer and fasting to seek the fingerprints of God. The committee came to the unanimous decision that God had uniquely prepared Celeste to serve in this key position. We welcome Celeste, Dan and their two children, Martin (age 14) and Meredith (age 7).

Anointing Prayer The elders pray from 6:15-7:15pm on the first Tuesday of each month, in Room 211. If you would like for the elders to pray and anoint you with oil, please email Cindy Marrell at cmarrell@calvary.org. The elders can also pray with you on a Sunday, or visit you in your home or hospital room.

If you have a comment or question you would like to share with the Elders, please email elders@calvarygr.org.

Howard Timmer

Todd Wilde

Dan Wynalda

(htimmer@calvarygr.org) (twilde@calvarygr.org) (dwynalda@calvarygr.org)

16 | July/August 2012 | calvarygr.org

The Path to a Policy at Calvary Church Ever wonder how a church policy gets made?

First, an issue comes up for which a policy would be helpful.

Church staff or congregation members may bring this to the elders’ attention — or the elders may address it themselves.

Reactive

PO LI

CY

Often a staff member (like the Executive Pastor) will outline the core elements involved and make an initial recommendation.

Proactive

In response to a problem or challenge that arises.

Arise from current issues in our culture, or when we realalize it is time to update or systemetize a procedure.

Ever wonder why we have a large animal policy?!?

The elders pray about and discuss the issue and potential policy.

Harder Issues The elders set up a temporary team to investigate the issue, look at various sides and seek outside input when appropriate.

This team makes a recommendation.

The broader Pastoral Staff is given opportunity to give input and voice concerns.

If the issue involves the church constitution, it is brought to a congregational vote.

Easy Issues

More prayer and discussion.

Sometimes issues are easy and the elders immediately agree.

A policy is born!

Most church policies serve to help us function on a day-to-day basis and assist the staff in implementing the elder’s vision.

Any staff, volunteers and congregation members who are affected by a new policy are notifed.

July/August 2012 | calvarygr.org | 17

fall kick-off

piG roast August 23 at 5:30pm

Join other Calvary men in kicking off the fall with a campfire and pig roast with all the fixins. We will share the details on our new Bible Studies and enjoy a summer night together in God’s great outdoors.

Bring your chair and plan to meet at Entrance J. A shuttle will take you to the event. The cost is $5.

RSVP Register to attend at MyCalvaryGR.org. Contact Lou DeGraaf (men@calvarygr.org) at 956-9377, ext. 3618 with any questions.

Calvary Church Men’s Ministry | calvarygr.org | (616) 956-9377 18 | July/August 2012 | calvarygr.org

CALVARY CHURCH

Program GUIDE Sunday Morning Worship Service

9:00am & 10:45am | Sanctuary

Quick Connect administrative staff information in alpha order by ministry

Benevolence

Lynnell Bok lbok@calvarygr.org ext. 3510

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

Pastoral Care

Regina Scovill rscovill@calvarygr.org ext. 3672

Senior Adults

Regina Scovill rscovill@calvarygr.org ext. 3672

Children

Serving

Community Outreach

Special Needs

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

Sharon Kaiser skaiser@calvarygr.org ext. 5077

Facilities

Melissa DeBoer mdeboer@calvarygr.org ext. 5097

Library

Judie Fielstra jfielstra@calvarygr.org ext. 5095

Judi Warner jwarner@calvarygr.org ext. 5272

Students

Natalie Uecker calvarystudents @calvarygr.org ext. 5181

library@calvarygr.org ext. 5290

Technical Services

Marketing

Women

Men

Worship

Missions

Young Adults

Jackie Rice jrice@calvarygr.org ext. 5042

Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618

Chris DeHaan missions@calvarygr.org ext. 5022

media@calvarygr.org

Elaine Meredith emeredith@calvarygr.org ext. 5186

Kristen White kwhite@calvarygr.org ext. 5155

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

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

July/August 2012

Sunday Evening Worship Service

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

Children Carla | childrensministry@calvarygr.org | ext. 5067

Movie Night - Despicable Me August 28 | 6:30-8:30pm | Room 108 | Cost: $2 Snacks will be provided. We will be watching the movie Despicable Me. A full review of the content of the movie is available at movieguide.org.

6:00pm | Chapel

Sunday Mornings 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.

5th-8th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 The Main Event Sunday Mornings | 9:00am 5th/6th: Room 109 | 7th/8th: Room 108 On Sunday morning, we spend time hanging out, worshiping, and finding creative ways to learn more about God’s Word as a community of middle school students. Our theme this summer is I Heart Beets. This summer we are going to dig deep in to what it means to be set apart for God’s purpose and possess a willingness to do whatever God asks (for Daniel that was eating vegetables).

5th/6th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Register for all events at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Cookout July 18 | 6:30-9:00pm | 11901 Foreman St, Lowell Cost: $3 We will cook out, enjoy swimming in the pool, and play cookout games including whiffle ball, bean bag toss and more. Bring tennis shoes, your appetite, sunscreen, a modest swimsuit, and a towel. If weather is bad, there will be an alternative activity. Alternate events details will be posted on calvarygr.org after 3:00pm.

Whitecaps’ Game August 13 | 11:15am-3:30pm | Entrance J Cost: $10 (plus extra money for snacks at the game) Come rain or shine. We’ll do something else fun if the game is canceled. Advance sign-up is necessary for this event.

Please register at MyCalvaryGR.org by August 6.

7th/8th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Register for all events at MyCalvaryGR.org.

Bible Studies July 11-August 15 | 10:30am-12:00pm Girls: Room 207 - Get ready for good laughs and great discussion in this summer’s Bible Study! We will hangout, paint our nails and explore what it means to live and love like Jesus. Don’t miss out on a chance to make new friends and dig deeper into what it means to be the light of the world. Book: Live Large, Be Different, Shine Bright by Doug Fields & Joshua Griffin Boys: Room 109 - What comes to your mind when you think of the Word “connect”? One thing I think of is puzzle pieces.

Sometimes you figure it out the right away. Sometimes it takes a while to see how they fit together. Sometimes I get so frustrated looking at the pieces that I just want to quickly throw it all back in the box. The other thing I think of is the holy, infinite, all powerful God of the universe who wants to connect with us. This Summer guys are invited to join us Wednesday mornings as we build relationships, laugh together, and study how God desperately wanted to connect with the Israelites through Moses and how that relates to us today. Bring your Bible and note paper as we dig deeper in friendships and God’s Word. You won’t want to miss it!

Beach Trip (With High School Ministry) July 17 | 10:00am-6:00pm | Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J Location: Maranatha Lake Michigan Access | Cost: $5 Bring sunscreen, modest swimsuit, beach clothes and a towel. Lunch and dinner provided.

Michigan’s Adventure August 9 | 10:30am-8:00pm | Meet/Pick-up: Ent. J Cost: $25 Includes: lunch. Bring: money for snacks and dinner, modest swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.

July/August 2012 | calvarygr.org | 19

MILITARY  Appreciation Dinner  July 12 | 6:30pm | Fellowship Hall Active and veteran military members are invited, along with a guest, to a dinner in appreciation of their service to our country. The evening will start with a punch bowl and a military equipment will be on display. We will then enjoy a meal together. Register to attend at MyCalvaryGR.org or contact Ruth Gudbrandson (rgudbrandson@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5013.

3 Mile Project (with High School Ministry) August 21 | 6:00-9:00pm | Cost: $3 Meet/Pick-up: 3 Mile Project (3050 Walkent NW) Includes: pizza and full access (reball, basketball, volleyball, video games).

Movie Night August 29 | 8:00-10:30pm | Entrance J | Cost: Free Popcorn & fun provided. We’ll head out to the east lawn to watch “Despicable Me.” Come rain or shine. If the weather is bad, we’ll move inside.

High school calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Register for all events at MyCalvaryGR.org.

UNITED Sundays | 6:00-7:30pm | Room 108 If you are in high school, you belong with us at UNITED. Come out for a night of worship through singing, learn from God’s word, interact with friends and leaders , play fun games, and watch crazy videos…anything could happen.

No UNITED on July 1 due to Family Service.

Bible Studies July 11-August 22 | 10:30am-12:00pm Guys: Room 108 | Girls: Room 212 This summer we will be reading and discussing together Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris. In Dug Down Deep Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris’s humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn’t just for scholars--it is for anyone who longs to know to know the living Jesus Christ.

No need to register in advance.

Beach Day (With 7th/8th Ministry) July 17 | 10:00am-6:00pm | Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J Location: Maranatha Lake Michigan Access | Cost: $5 Bring sunscreen, modest swimsuit, beach clothes and a towel. Lunch and dinner provided.

20 | July/August 2012 | calvarygr.org

Vacation with Jim (Upperclassmen Only) July 30-August 1 Applications are available at calvarystudents.com.

River Tubing August 7 | 9:30am-5:00pm | Cost: $10 Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J Includes: Lunch and tube rental. Bring: Towel, sunblock and a modest swimsuit.

3 Mile Project (with 7th/8th Ministry) August 21 | 6:00-9:00pm | Cost: $3 Meet/Pick-up: 3 Mile Project (3050 Walkent NW) Includes: pizza and full access (reball, basketball, volleyball, video games).

End of Summer Party August 26 | 6:00-9:00pm | Room 108 | Cost: Free

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.

College a community for young adults 18-22 Natalie | nkompik@calvarygr.org | ext. 5165 College Life Thursdays | 7:00pm | Room 108 Are you interested in joining a diverse community of fellow college-aged young adults? Join us as we meet together for worship, small groups and teaching on Thursdays. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with college-aged young adults in the Grand Rapids area and to grow in our faith together. Questions? Contact Natalie Kompik.

College Ministry Lunch Sundays | 12:00pm | Room 121 If you are interested in connecting with other collegeaged young adults that attend Calvary, you are invited to join the College Ministry for a free lunch every Sunday after the third service. This is a great way to get connected to the community and learn about additional ways to get involved at Calvary Church. For more information, contact Natalie Kompik.

MErge a community for single young adults ages 22-34 Sue | sschroeder@calvarygr.org | ext. 5198 Merge Sundays | 10:45am | Room 137 Come just as you are and join us for a time of fellowship and prayer as we discuss the sermon and study God’s Word. Together we’ll explore what God is revealing to each one of us.

Terrific Tubing on the Muskegon River July 21 | 11:00am | Calvary Church Entrance J Young Adults (ages 22-34) join Merge for a terrific tubing experience down the Muskegon River. Bring a friend and lunch and we will enjoy the sunshine as we float down the river. Please sign up and pay $10 on Sundays in Merge to hold your spot.

Verses and Volleyball July 29 | 7:00pm | Millennium Park Before you begin another week, dig into the Word with Merge on Sunday Night at Millennium Park (1415 Maynard Ave. SW, Walker, 49534) at 7pm. Enjoy encouraging fellowship as we play volleyball. We’ll also reflect on some Bible verses and discuss together how we can set the groundwork for our faith as we head out into the world.

Blues on the River August 14 | 6:00pm | Rockford Head up to Rockford for a relaxing night of music by the dam and hanging out with the Merge group! Bring a dinner with you or grab a hot dog in town and enjoy eating together at 6:00pm. The Blues concert starts at 7:00pm and we will end the evening by grabbing some ice cream together.

Merge Lunch in the Park August 26 | 1:00pm | Manhattan Park The Merge community will be joining together for fellowship and lunch immediately after Merge. Bring a lunch or grab something on the way to Manhattan Park.

Foundations

A NEW BEGINNING

a community for young couples ages 22-32 Mason | msherrill@calvarygr.org | ext. 5036 Sundays | 10:45am | 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 toward making godly decisions and forming healthy life-long habits that will strengthen our relationships and help us grow in Christ.

Calvary community

Brenda | bneher@calvarygr.org | ext. 5650

Monday Night Bible Study Will adjourn for the summer and begin again on September 10 in the Chapel at 7:00pm. The study will be on the book of Jeremiah, no pre-registration is necessary.

Compassion ministries

Lou | ldegraaf@calvarygr.org | ext. 3618

DivorceCare September 4-November 27 | 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. To register, contact Lou. DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids) September 4-November 27 | 6:30-8:30pm | Room Cost: $15 (Scholarships are available.)

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 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.

Please note that DC4K is designed to run alongside of DivorceCare for adults. The topics covered in DC4K correlate with those discussed in the adult sessions. Childcare will be provided for children birth through preschool. To register, contact Lou.

men Lou | men@calvarygr.org | ext. 3618 Men’s Breakfast July 14 | 8:00-10:00am | Fellowship Hall | Cost: $5 Join us to hear from Dr. Rex Rogers, author, speaker, and President of SAT-7 USA. A full, hot breakfast will be served.

R.S.V.P. to Lou (men@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618 no later than Thursday, July 12 at 12:00pm.

Pastoral care Regina | rscovill@calvarygr.org | ext. 3672 GriefShare Workshop September 4-December 4 | 6:30-8:30pm | Room 207 | $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. Please join us. For more information, contact Regina.

Stephen Ministry & Lay Counseling Do you need a listening ear? Are you struggling with tough times, un-employment, personal difficulties, a spiritual crises or perhaps even an addiction? 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. If you would like to learn more about Calvary’s Stephen Ministry and how a Stephen Minister can help you, contact Regina.

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.

Needed: People Committed to Prayer Every half hour throughout Saturday night there are people praying for Pastor Jim and the Sunday services. Right now that chain is broken. Would you please consider filling one half hour time? You will be provided with a prayer guide but this is your private prayer time with God on behalf of our church. Contact Amber (akkoster@yahoo.com).

Nehemiah Prayer Team When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem needed repair, his first response was to fast and pray for four months. For the past two years, the elders and deacons have been praying and fasting for God’s wisdom concerning our space needs. Now we would like to invite our church family to join us. If you are willing to fast and pray with the elders, please email Sarah Merrill (smerrill@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), 9:159:35am, 10:50-11:10am (in Room 105) You are invited to join others on Sundays before each service to pray specifically that God would bless our morning services. All are encouraged to pick a time and come.

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.

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Senior Adults Regina | rscovill@calvarygr.org | ext. 3672

Women Elaine | emeredith@calvarygr.org | ext. 5186

Monday Monthly Luncheon September 10 | 10:20am | Fellowship Hall | Cost: $7 Please join us for fellowship and good food. Valerie VanHeest will be sharing with us about Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. Punchbowl is from 10:00-10:20am; the program starts at 10:20 and then a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Rod Pierce. Make reservations with Howard & Arlene Timmer at 365-0728, Virginia Claybrook at 940-1807 or Terry & Linda Markham at 247-8619.

Women’s Informal Summer Golf Tuesdays | 9:30am | Gracewil Country Club Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead and join the group for lunch afterwards if you can. No substitutes or registration required. Great exercise and you decide when you can play.

Contact before joining so they can plan on you: Marilyn Vredeveld (amvred@comcast.net) at 365-2419 or Karen Weber (klw1453@comcast.net) at 364-4478.

Senior Men’s Golf Tuesdays | 8:45am | Boulder Creek Golf Course 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.

Special needs Elleen | efitzgerald@calvarygr.org | ext. 5623 Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs) Sundays | 10:45am | 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.

Art Class: Artistic skill development, in a socially friendly environment, are a regular part of Wednesday evening (uring the school year) for any Go-Getter student who would like to attend.

Choir: 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 their singing ability.

Sign Language: The sign language 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.

Explorers (Children with Special Needs) Sundays | 10:45am | Room 114 Explorer’s is the children’s segment of special needs ministry. This contained setting uses center based learning to teach God’s word. Music and sensory time are part of the learning process. Opportunities for inclusion are available for those who meet specific qualifications.

Seekers (Youth with Special Needs) Sundays | 10:45am | Room 112 The youth segment of this ministry is a contained classroom setting that addresses biblical teaching, music, sensory time and a share and prayer time. Opportunities for inclusion are available for those who meet specific qualifications.

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Women’s Summer Bible Study July 10 - August 14 | 9:30-11:30am | Cost: $10 “Joy – How To Rejoice in Any Situation” by Phyllis J. LePeau.

Facilitated by Ruthie Krause. This Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study helps you discover how to rejoice in any situation.

Come, be encouraged by God’s Word and learn to let your joy overflow into the lives of those around you. Registration forms are available at the Information Center and at the reception desk downstairs. Or you can register online at MyCalvaryGR.org.

WoRship Kristen | kwhite@calvarygr.org | ext. 5155 Choir and Orchestra Open Rehearsals The choir and orchestra will be holding open rehearsals for the month of September. We would love to have you there.

We meet on Wednesday evenings starting September 12 from 6:30-8:15pm. See you then.

Serving opportunities

Festival of Lights We need your help to make this year Festival of Lights work.

Now is the “prep work” time - 120,000 lights need to be tested and counted. No special skills are necessary just the ability to plug in a string of lights and see if it works. We will work on Wednesday evenings starting July 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, in the storage area above the gym. Contact Marlene Timmer (mtimmer@calvarygr.org).

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 Shut-In 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@comcast.net) .

Summer Serving Opportunities Summer is vacation time, and the Children’s Ministry has quite a number of caregivers and teachers who take time off – whether for a week, or a month. Substitutes are needed for every age group, birth through fourth grade.

Contact Heidi (hstorms@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5181 to serve in nursery or preschool, or Brian (bnix@calvarygr.org) at ext.

5053 for elementary.

Volunteer Opportunity at the Yellow House The Pastoral Care Ministry is looking for someone who would be interested in volunteering at the Yellow Houseone to three mornings a week, preferably Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Great interpersonal skills are essential and responsibilities include assisting walk-ins, taking phone calls and other administrative details.

Training will be provided. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Regina to set up an interview at ext. 3672.

Worship Services Needs We are looking for people who are interested in participating in the worship services. If you are interested in reading scripture, praying or sharing your testimony on a Sunday Morning or Sunday Evening, please contact Kristen (kwhite@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5155.

Worship Teams The worship team is looking for musicians. If you play the drums, bass, or guitar we would love to hear from you, contact Andy Crowder (acrowder@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5612.

Giving opportunities Lynnell | lbok@calvarygr.org | ext. 3510 Clothes Closet School will be starting in a few weeks and we would appreciate your help providing kids clothing for Calvary children in need. The following items are needed for all ages; shoes, pants, long-sleeve shirts and fall jackets.

Donations may be dropped off at the Yellow House (on Bradford Street). Please contact Lynnell for more information.

Food Pantry This month we need the following: • • • • • •

Peanut butter Jams and jellies Honey Butter Juice boxes Individual snack items

• • • •

•

Chips Pretzels Cookies Cheese and crackers Fresh and canned fruit

All items listed in the Giving Opportunities section above can be dropped off at the Yellow House, located behind Calvary on Bradford Street.

Share Your Abundance If your garden is flourishing and you have more fresh produce than you can use, please donate your extras to Calvary’s Food Pantry at the Yellow House. For the best time to drop off your perishables, please contact Lynnell.

Thank you for sharing the bounty of God’s blessing.

July/august 2012 sun Family Service

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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.

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thu

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Church Building Closed for Holiday

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Summer Service Times Begin (9:00 & 10:45)

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Honduras Team 1 Leaves 9:30am 10:30am Women’s Summer Bible 7th/8th Bible Studies Study Begins Begin

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6:30pm Military Appreciation Dinner

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9:00am Membership Class (Preregistration required)

5:30pm FOL Light Testing

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11:30am Third Monday Prayer

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8:00am Men’s Breakfast

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10:00am 7th-12th Beach Trip

6:00pm Special Needs Picnic

11:00am Merge: Tubing Trip

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6:30pm 5th/6th Cookout

7:00pm Merge: Verses and Volleyball

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5th/6th Grand Rapids Mission Trip Begins

Mozambique Team Leaves 10:00am 5th/6th Mission Trip: Car Wash

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5th/6th Whitecaps Game 6:00pm (Must Register by Aug 6) Merge: Blues on the River

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11:30am Third Monday Prayer

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9:30am High School Tubing Trip

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6:00pm 7th-12th 3 Mile Project

10:30am 7th/8th Michigan’s Adventure Trip

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6:00pm Special Needs Picnic

3:30pm Festival of Lights Auditions (Kids)

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5:30pm Men’s Fall Kick-off Pig Roast

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Honduras Team 2 Leaves

4:30pm 6:30pm Festival of Lights Festival of Lights Audtions (Teens/Adults) Audtions (Teens/Adults)

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1:00pm 6:30pm Merge: Lunch in the Park Festival of Lights Auditions (Kids) 6:00pm High School End of 7:30pm Summer Party Festival of Lights Audtions (Teens/Adults)

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6:30pm 8:00pm Festival of Lights 7th/8th Movie Night Audtions (Teens/Adults) 5th/6th Movie Night

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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

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.

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 215a.

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 brochure at the Information Center or at calvarygr.org.

Special Needs

Adult (Go-Getters): 10:45am *Youth (Seekers): 10:45am *Children (Explorers): 10:45am

Chapel Room 112 Room 114

*Pre-registration recommended

Children’s Ministries

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 Genesis)

7th & 8th Main Event (Studying Genesis) High School (United): 6:00pm (Studying Genesis)

Young Adults

Merge (Singles 22-34): 10:45am Foundations (Young Couples 22-32): 10:45am College Lunch (Young Adults 18-22): 12:00pm

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 Karen VanHolstyn (kvanholstyn@calvarygr.org).