Calvary Church Middle School Ministry | 2013-2014 by Calvary Church

calvary church middle school ministry 2013-2014 | Calvarygr.org

eureka!

welcome Eureka! the sudden, unexpected realization of the solution to a problem When we find something that is of real value, something that is almost too good to be true, we treasure it, seek to discover more of it, and proclaim that we have found it. This year our theme for Middle School Ministry is “Eureka”! Eureka has its origin in Greek and is taken from the word heurēka. This expression is said to have been exclaimed by Archimedes when he discovered the way to measure the volume of an uneven solid. This method of Archimedes was then used to find out the purity of gold objects. Gold miners would shout Eureka! during the Gold Rush in California when they found gold. Today, this exclamation is used often in a humorous way. Eureka! is used to show how one has discovered the answer to a problem or has found something. This year we explore the wonder of discovering God and His plans for us. On Sunday morning we’ll dive in to the stories of people from the Bible each week and see how they uncovered truths about God. On Wednesday nights we will dig deep into issues we face every day as middle school students and remember the hope we find in God’s Word. Throughout the year, we’ll experience community, service, opportunities to share the gospel, and places to use our spiritual gifts through crazy, fun and thoughtful events. Take a moment to explore the awesome opportunities we have to discover something new this school year. You’ll discover ministry events for both 5th/6th and 7th/8th, so be sure to mark your calendar! If you’re new, check out the FAQ’s on the back to find out a bit more about Middle School here at Calvary. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Student Ministries Office (calvarystudents@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5181. I’m stoked to see how, through God’s grace, we will uncover together the Eureka! moment as we find out what life in Christ is all about.

Byron Dickey Pastor to Students

september SUN

MON 1

TUE 2

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Leader’s Training 6-9pm 8

refuge & oasis start 6:30-8pm

find it: Job 15

Parents’ Gathering 12:30-1pm

find it: Joseph

making God happy, happy, happy

find it: Abraham 29

eureka! our God is...

find it: Cain & Abel 22

All church serving project

Deep impact 6-8:30pm

october SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI 3

SAT 4

find it: Moses

what makes a person a Christian? 6 5th/6th Party after church 12:302:30pm 13

7th/8th fall Retreat sign-up deadline 14

7th/8th retreat Returns at 5:30pm

issues at school

find it: Joshua

Cereal sunday

7th/8th fall Retreat 5:30pm

friends and the Christian life

Caleb

misconceptions about God

Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gathering 12:30-1pm find it: 20

5th/6th fall Retreat sign-up deadline

7th/8th oasis out

november SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT 1

5th/6th fall Retreat 5:30pm 3

find it: Joshua

find it: Ruth

dealing with hidden sin 18

gossip, girls and guys

find it: Gideon 27

why we as Christians give our money away

find it: Rahab 7th/8th Guys’/ girls’ Night out 6-8pm

5th/6th retreat Returns at 5:30pm

no refuge or oasis due to thanksgiving

EVENTS // Sep-Nov 5th-8th Leader’s Training September 4 | 6-9pm Room 108/109 5th-8th Parents’ Gathering September 15 | 12:30-1pm Room 108 During this parent’s meeting we will discuss our events for the year, and go over our Sunday and Wednesday topics. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions about our ministry and meet other parents of middle school students. (Light snacks provided.) 5th/6th: Deep Impact* September 27 | 6-8:30pm Gym | Cost: $12 Deep Impact is a great time jumping around on inflatables in the gym but the purpose of the event is

to make a Deep Impact on the hearts of our unsaved friends. Students are encouraged to bring as many unchurched friends as possible and we urge parents to help their students invite, bring, and pray for their student and his/her friends. Pizza is provided. Extra volunteers are needed. Contact Lee if you’re able to help out. 5th/6th: Party after Church* October 6 12:30-2:30pm Gym | Cost: $3 Party After Church is your chance to play dodgeball, eat pizza, and play even more! This is a great way to make a new friend. If dodgeball isn’t your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie instead.

7th/8th: Fall Retreat* October 11, 5:30pm October 12, 5:30pm Meet at Entrance D Cost: $65 Register by October 7 We are planning an amazing 24 hours of fellowship, fun and time in God’s Word. You don’t want to miss this year’s Fall Retreat! 5th-8th: Cereal Sunday October 27 | 9:40am Today is a special Main Event- have your student bring their favorite cereal (we supply the rest) and we’ll watch a video featuring a Christian comedian. 7th-8th – Oasis Out! Wednesday, October 30

*Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.

5th-6th – Fall Retreat* November 1, 5:30pmNovember 2, 5:30pm Meet at Entrance D Cost: $65 Register by October 28 Our annual Fall Retreat is an amazing time to get away, to spend time with friends and make new ones. On our retreats we are able to squeeze great fun, solid worship, exciting games, challenging teaching, sling shots and real friendships into one exciting 24-hour period. This is one of the best ways to make friends.

7th-8th: GNO (Guys’/Girls’ Night Out)* November 10 | 6-8pm Meet at Entrance J Guys | Cost: $12 We will head to Craig’s Cruisers for a delicious pizza buffet and all the fun games! Girls | Cost: $5 Join the girls for a night of bowling! Be sure to bring socks and money if you plan on eating dinner there.

december SUN

MON 1

TUE 2

WED 3

due to family service

SAT 6

what makes Christianity unique? Christmas edition

find it: Samuel 15

FRI 5

drugs & alcohol: a biblical perspective

No main event

THU 4

project serve! 1:45-3:30pm 19

Christmas parties: beards on the bayou 6:30-8pm

cinema sunday

No refuge or Oasis

No main event

due to Christmas

due to family service

No main event

due to family service

january SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU 1

FRI

SAT

No refuge or Oasis due to new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

find it: Solomon

find it: David

find it: Saul 12

look at the lies we tell 13

domestic missions meeting 12:301:15pm 20

Elijah

greed: when we never have enough

5th/6th 19 Party after church 12:302:30pm Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gathering 12:30-1pm find it:

harnessing our humor 28

7th/8th oasis in 6:30-8pm

february SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT 1

find it: Hosea find it: Hezekiah

7th-8th winter retreat sign-up deadline

respect & obedience as a Christian 18

5th/6th silly olympics 6-8:30pm

how Christians control their anger

find it: Elisha

7th-8th winter retreat back at 3pm

7th-8th winter retreat leave at 5:30pm

7h-8th winter retreat

dealing with our families 23

find it: Jonah

7th/8th oasis out

EVENTS // Dec-feb 5th-8th: Cinema Sunday Christmas Edition December 15 at 9:40am As a special Main Event we will watch a Christmas Movie. 5th-8th – ProjectSERVE!* December 14 | 1:45-3:30pm Entrance J | Cost: Free Just show up! Christmas can be a lonely time of year for some. This is a time for us as a group to turn the focus away from us and our fun and focus on the needs of others. We will spend some time with senior citizens at Pilgrim Manor, singing carols and just offering friendship to some lonely people. You’ll be amazed at how fun and fulfilling this will be. Ultimately following Jesus isn’t about us; it’s about

serving God by serving others. This is a great opportunity to live that out. Wear festive Christmas colors and get ready to sing Christmas carols & play bingo! All MSM students’ grades 5 – 8 are welcome to join us as we serve the community during the holiday season. 5th-8th – Christmas Parties (Refuge & Oasis) December 18 | 6-8:30pm more details to follow 5th-8th – Domestic Missions Meeting January 12 | 12:30-1:15 Room 108 Parents and students, we invite you to join us as we discuss upcoming mission trips and answer any questions you might have (as

time permits). Light snacks will be provided. 5th-6th - Party after Church* January 19 | 12:30-2:30pm Gym | Cost: $3 Party After Church is your chance to play dodgeball, eat pizza, and play even more! This is a great way to make a new friend. If dodgeball isn’t your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie instead. 7th-8th -Oasis In January 29 | 6-8:30pm We will be meeting in our small group rooms for our first ever Oasis In! Stay tuned for more fun details.

*Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.

EVENTS // dec-feb 5th-6th – Silly Olympics* February 7 | 6:00-8:30pm Room 108 | Cost: $5 Do you love all those crazy youth group games we play on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights? Well, we thought we’d try playing games like that all night long. Here’s your opportunity to go for the gold in several high profile events like the potato roll and the washer stack. Make your country proud! Snacks provided. Extra volunteers needed. Contact Lee if you’re able to help out. 7th-8th Winter Retreat* SpringHill Winter Camp February 14 at 5:30pm – February 16 at 3:00pm Meet/Pick-up at Entrance D Cost: $145

In addition to the year-long Calvary Church release form, you’ll need a $25 non-refundable deposit (applied to the total due), and a Spring Hill medical release form completed. This year’s theme is, Redefined. Our winter retreat will show students what it means to be totally transformed by God’s grace with messages like: Ready, Revolution, Rescued and Refined, and a prayer labyrinth that will Release them to make a difference in their communities.

cont’d

SpringHill Activities: High-Speed tubing, broomball, batting cage, gym, indoor climbing wall, giants ladder, high ropes course, 6’ half pipe, crafts, game room, paintball, horses, indoor pool (some activities may cost extra). 7th-8th – Oasis Out! February 26

With speaker Mark Oestreicher and the band Sing Love Sing your students will thoroughly enjoy this Winter Retreat experience. Sign up early to assure your student’s spot. Registration will close at midnight, February 10.

*Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.

march

find it: Ezekiel

find it: Habakkuk

find it: Josiah

SUN

MON

TUE

2 5 /6 Party after church 12:302:30pm

7th/8th Guysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;/ girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night out 6-8pm

WED 4

find it: Woman at the Well

SAT

feeling like we are alone 17

prayer that pleases 24

7th/8th oasis out

find it: Nehemiah 30

FRI

the comparison game: why it never adds up

5th-8th Student led sunday 9:40am 23

THU

april SUN

MON

TUE

WED 1

THU 2

FRI

SAT

the big t: when temptation strikes 6

find it: Philemon 13

find it: Doubting Thomas 20

spring break

No refuge or Oasis

holy week 21

due to easter

Eunuch

7th/8th We serve wednesday 6:30-8pm 28

purity talk

7th/8th Dare to share returns 11:59pm

holy week

due to holy week

No main event

Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gathering find it: 12:30-1pm Ethiopian

7th/8th Dare to No refuge share or Oasis spring break leaves due to 3pm spring break

may SUN

MON

TUE

WED

FRI

SAT

when the storms of life strike

find it: Luke 11

due to family service

5th/6th the amazing race 6-9pm

8th grade celebration 6:30-8pm

cinema sunday 25

last refuge & Oasis 6:30-8pm

find it: The Leper

No main event

THU

EVENTS // mar-may 5th-6th: Party after Church* March 2 | 12:30-2:30pm Gym | Cost: $3 Party After Church is your chance to play dodgeball, eat pizza, and play more! This is also a great way to make a new friend. If dodgeball isn’t your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie instead.

7th-8th: GNO (Guys’/Girls’ Night Out)* March 9 | 6:00-8:00pm Meet at Entrance J Girls | Cost: $12 We will head to Craig’s Cruisers for a delicious pizza buffet and all the fun games! Guys | Cost: $5 Join the guys for a night of bowling! Be sure to bring socks and money if you plan on eating dinner there.

5th-8th: Student Led Sunday March 16 | 9:40am Join us as we have our own middle school students lead The Main Event in worship. 7th-8th: Oasis Out! March 26

they can find the ultimate adventure, fulfillment and purpose they are seeking. At Dare2Share this year the theme is “REVERSE” based on the life of Daniel, where students will be challenged to live in reverse. To STAND when others bow, SPEAK UP when others don’t, KNEEL when other run away… to change the world!

7th-8th: Dare2Share: REVERSE* April 11, 3:00pm – April 12, 11:59pm Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J Cost:$45 Contact Byron (bdickey@ calvarygr.org) to register.

7th-8th: We Serve Wednesday April 23 | 6:30-8pm Small groups will be serving. More details to follow.

Through Dare2Share teens are reconnected with the ultimate cause – Christ’s cause to make disciples. It’s a cause worthy of their very lives and one in which

*Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.

5th-6th: The Amazing Race* May 16, 6:00-9:00pm Meet/Pick Up: Entrance J Cost: $5 Do not miss this final event of the year! You will race all over the city, completing challenges and solving clues that will take you to landmarks throughout Grand Rapids. This is a high energy night that everyone loves. Snacks provided. We need your help to make this event the best ever- contact Lee Bergakker to help out! You can volunteer to be secreted away at a landmark handing out clues to the teams as they arrive, on the walkie talkies helping teams that are stumped with additional clues, driving a team around town as they solve the clues, and more!

8th Grade Celebration May 21 from 6:30-8:00pm Byronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House Cost: Free | Dinner Provided 8th Graders - join us as we celebrate you and have a great time closing out the year! Sign up at MyCalvaryGR.org in order to help us plan for food.

compassion kids Each Sunday we take an offering to support two children through Compassion International.

Selam

Gopika

Selam is a 17-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He lives in the community of Zeway 02 Zebale, home to about 70,000 residents. Through our support, Selam is able to attend a local Christian school where he receives Bible teaching, hygiene education, clothing, nutritious food, recreational activities, tutoring and school materials.

Gopika is a 6-year-old girl from Kurathikudi/ Thalumkandom, home to about 4,000 residents. Through our support, Gopika receives Bible teaching, health education, hygiene supplies, health screenings, nutritious foods, sports, cultural activities, career counseling tuition and vocational training courses.

Prayer Requests for Selam • Pray for Selam as he learns more about Jesus at church and school. • Pray for abundant harvests for families in Selam’s village who depend on agriculture to survive. • Pray for Selam’s family

Prayer Requests for Gopika • Pray for Gopika as she learns more about Jesus at church and school. • Pray for work for those in her community, and that they would gain vocational education. • Pray for Gopika’s family

Facts about Selam: Birthday: 8/29/1996 Hobbies: Soccer, Running Chores: Running Errands, Cleaning, Animal Care, Carries Water Common Health Issues in his Community: malaria, typhoid fever, pneumonia, asthma & tuberculosis

Facts about Gopika: Birthday: 10/13/2006 Hobbies: Play House, Walking, Reading Chores: Running Errands, Cleaning Common Health Issues in her Community: malnutrition, scabies, infections, malaria, typhoid, diptheria, gastrointestinal disorders and anemia

FAQs What are the benefits? In addition to students being involved with worship and starting to get involved in serving throughout the church we believe Middle School Ministry has huge benefits towards helping students become fully devoted followers of Christ. It connects students with loving, spiritually maturing adults who can live out what the Christian life is all about and love and train younger men and women. Our ministry also provides students with a place to belong and a sense of ownership of their faith. It tells students “God loves you right where you are at.” It’s a place where students can begin to use their spiritual gifts and reach out to their peers. I have heard testimonies from many students who were deeply impacted by a middle school ministry and are living examples of God’s grace, power, and love (myself included)! Help! My student isn’t connected! How do I get him/her involved? Great question! It’s difficult to get involved when you’re new. It can also be hard to reach out to new people when you have established relationships. It requires stretching on both parts. We encourage our students to look for ways to be outgoing, and we pray that when someone is new they would be willing to step out of their comfort zone and keep working at making friendships.

My simple answer is come to everything. You never know which event will cause friendships and spiritual growth to click. The retreats and guys/girls night outs are especially helpful initially, and Oasis is the perfect place to grow deeper with friendships. Are there ways I can help out? Make no mistake, we love having parents help out! We have parents serving as small group leaders, help with various events, and open their homes to different activities. We do our best to keep connected with parents about various needs and prayer requests through email and quarterly parent’s gatherings. By the way, our dedicated leaders have each been screened and interviewed. They know how to put the safety of your student first and they are completely dedicated to the Christian development of all the students in Middle School Ministry. If you’re interested in serving, contact our Student Ministries Office. I have questions you haven’t answered! I’d love to answer any questions you might have and provide you with the reason and purpose behind what we do! Feel free to stop by, phone, or email us.

We deeply care about your student and are happy to help in any way we can.

how to register Pre-registration is important for our events. It ensures that we are able to feed you, transport you, and provide enough leaders to keep you safe! Option 1: Have your student sign up on the sign-up sheet passed around on Sundays in the weeks before an event. Option 2: Register online at mycalvarygr.org. If you have questions or problems with the site, email mycalvary@calvarygr.org. Option 3: Call our office at 956-9377, ext. 5181. Option 4: Email calvarystudents@calvarygr.org. Make sure your student has a parent-signed 2013-2014 year-long medical release form on file (available at calvarystudents.com), turns in the required cost or deposit of an event, and completes any extra paperwork indicated.

Calvary church Middle School Ministry PO Box 1600 | Grand Rapids MI | 49501 (616) 956-9377 calvarygr.org