Sunday & Monday | march 23 & 24, 2014
missions conference Schedule of events
Let’s break it down. First: What’s a Rescuer? Here at Calvary, we have learned – from the life and writings of Peter – that God has a plan for the world. Boiled down to the most simple steps, the plan is: • God chooses us • We obey • God uses our obedience to rescue others
sunday, March 23 8:10, 9:40 & 11:15am Sunday morning worship with guest speaker Len Bartlotti (see bio at right)
That makes each one of us a Rescuer! Are you praying this Lent for three people you know who need to meet Jesus? You’re a Rescuer. Have you been obedient to God’s call in a ministry here – helping children, students, women, men, Special Needs people, or others learn about Christ’s love and ultimate rescue of us through the cross? You’re a Rescuer. Do you volunteer in the Grand Rapids community with a ministry that clearly shares the Gospel? You’re a Rescuer. Are you living out the specific life God has designed for you – with its own submissions and sufferings – faithfully in front of a watching world? You’re a Rescuer, too! Now, where does the Radical part come in? The next step in obedience is to recognize that not everyone who needs Christ looks like us. God’s Word teaches that the Gospel is for people of every tribe, language, people and nation. Sometimes radical obedience to that mind-boggling truth means embracing His call to pray, love, send and go to the nations. For all of us, radical obedience means recognizing – and sharing Jesus’ love with – the nations right here on our doorstep. Join us March 23 and 24 for our 2014 Mission Conference: Radical Rescuers! Worship the King of Kings who chooses us for this role in his rescue mission. Be challenged by his Word and the depth of the privilege He has given us to work with him. Learn ways to respond to those around you – at work, school and in your neighborhood – who are from a different culture and religion. Find out how you can challenge your heart even more deeply. And see what others in your Calvary family are doing, and how you can join them. Then pray with us for the Holy Spirit to move us out as God’s Radical Rescuers.
sunday, March 23 6:00pm | Sanctuary Play the “Calvary Challenge” quiz! Learn the scope of “the nations” in West Michigan. Celebrate how God has used Calvary people to reach out. Fellowship around dessert and learn about next step opportunities.
Monday, March 24 Noon | Fellowship Hall As we close this year’s conference, we invite everyone to join us at an interactive prayer luncheon. Even if you work, join us for 30-50 minutes, enjoy a box lunch, and choose 3-5 interactive stations to learn and pray for missionaries, God’s work around the world, our community and your role. Sign up for lunch (FREE) at MyCalvaryGR.org.
Guest speaker: Len Bartlotti March 23, Morning Worship Services Rev. Leonard (Len) Bartlotti is a passionate speaker, teacher and mission strategist. He served 14 years in Central Asia among one of the world’s largest Muslim peoples. A specialist in the Anthropology of Islam, he taught Islamics and Intercultural Studies on the faculties of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, Biola University and at Columbia International University. He currently travels as a lecturer, mobilizer and consultant to humanitarian agencies and teams working in Islamic contexts. Len and his wife, Debi, live in southern California. They have three married children, five grandchildren and one bicultural (Cockapoo) dog.
Don’t miss the “Calvary challenge” March 23, 6:00PM Join us to test your knowledge (and learn!) about our very own Grand Rapids area. For example: 1) How many Muslims live in Kent and Ottawa counties?
a) 650 b) 3,500 c) 25,000 d) 47,000
2) What organization helps refugees settle in West Michigan?
a) Bethany Christian Services b) Neighbors International c) Mel Trotter Ministries d) All of the above