Calvary Middle School Ministry 2014-2015

• 5TH—8TH GRADE | FALL 2014—SPRING 2015 | CALVARY CHURCH •

# HASHTAG: Beginning the Conversation

#welcome

Have you ever had a can of something sitting in your cupboard and you weren’t sure what it was? We had this old dented can growing up that seemed like it was there forever. Could it have been chili? Was it a can of delicious sliced peaches? Maybe it was dog food? I shook that can, banged on the can, and even tried smelling it to discover what was inside. Labels are important. While labels can be dangerous and hurtful to give others, they can be helpful for identifying areas and beliefs in life and categorizing them properly. This school year through Hashtags: Beginning the Conversation, we will explore important doctrines of our faith and messages from 1 and 2 Kings. #lifechanging In this brochure you’ll find dates and details for various events, Bible memory verses for Wednesday nights and our Sunday morning study schedule through 1 and 2 Kings.

We are excited to be able to encourage each other to not only know God’s Word more, but to make it real by practicing it. Don’t miss the chance to be mentored by our leaders, to be challenged in fellowship with your peers and to experience Jesus in a greater way through our messages, worship, and creative events.

Take a moment and explore this brochure, pray through how God may be asking you to get involved and let God challenge you to become more like Him. We have an FAQs section in the back of the brochure to answer many questions you might have and welcome a phone call, email, or visit anytime! #neverstopgrowing

Byron Dickey Pastor to Students

#

september SUN

MON

TUE 1

WED

THU

2

3

FRI

SAT

4

5

Leader’s Training 6-9pm 7

8

9

15

16

Parents’ Gathering 12:30-1pm

#TrustandObey 1 Kings 2:1-46

22

23

5th/6th party after church 12:30-2:30pm 28

Guest Speaker: Marv Snedeker #Inclusion

11

12

17

18

19

13

24

#WhatGod islike Psalm 113:5 29

30

20 20

All church serving project

#Worldview Romans 12:2

#Passing theTorch

21

7

refuge & oasis start 6:30-8pm

#MyYearwith theKings 14

10

6

25

26

Deep impact 6-8:30pm

27

october SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU 1

FRI 2

#GodShows WhoHeisBy: Romans 1:20 5

6

7

13

14

Parents’ Gathering 12:30-1pm #Wisdom 1 Kings 4:1-5:18 19

Cinema sunday

3

4

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

8

9

10

11

15

16

17

18

#TheTrinity 2 Cor 13:14 20

21

#Temple Building 1 Kings 6:1-38 26

7th/8th fall Retreat 5:30pm

#AllAbout theBible 2 Tim 3:16

#God’sValues 1 Kings 3 12

SAT

22

23

#Jesus Isaiah 53:3 27

28

29

7th/8th GUYS’/ GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

30

24

5th/6th fall Retreat 5:30pm

31

25

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

#

november SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT 1

3

4

#TheArk 1 Kings 7:1-8:21 10

11

#Faithless 1 Kings 11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

20

21

22

27

28

#TheHolySpirit Matt 16:21 24

25

26

29

T

23

8

7TH/8TH Worship Night with Special Needs

#TheQueen Sheba 1 Kings 9:110:29

5TH-8TH kids food basket

7

#TheMessage John 14:6

#GodDwells withUs 1 Kings 8:22-66 16

6

no refuge or oasis due to thanksgiving

FAMIMAIN LY EVEN SERVICE

9

5

NO

2

30

EVENTS // Sep-NOV 5th-8th Parents’ Gathering September 14 | 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 26 | 6-8:30pm Gym | Cost: $10 Register at MyCalvaryGR.org Deep Impact is a great time of 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 un-churched friends as possible. Pizza is provided.

5th/6th: Party AFter Church*

5th/6th: Fall Retreat*

September 21 | 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 with us, too!

October 24, 5:30pm October 25, 5:30pm Meet at Entrance D Cost: $60 Register by October 20 at MyCalvaryGR.org

7th/8th: Fall Retreat* Oct 3, 5:30pm - Oct 4, 5:30pm Meet at Entrance D Cost: $65 Register by September 29 at MyCalvaryGR.org 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 Transformed –Who you are in Christ!

Our annual Fall Retreat is an amazing time to get away, to spend time with friends and make new ones. On our retreats we squeeze in great fun, worship, exciting games, challenging teaching, sling shots and real friendship into one 24hour period.

5th-8th: Cinema Sunday October 26 | 9:40am A special Main Event. We will watch a movie based on the Kings.

7th-8th: Guys’ and girls’ nights out*

October 29 | 6:30-8:00pm | Meeting Location To Be Announced Join us for a special night where during our usual Oasis meeting 7th-8th – Oasis time we will have a chance to go off-site and have someOut! fun. More details to follow. *Parent-signed year-long release form needed on file to participate.

Extra volunteers are needed.

Contact Lee if you’re able to help.

7th-8th worship night with special needs ministry November 12 | 6:30-8:00pm Meet in Room 108 We will gather in room 108 like usual and then walk together and join the Special Needs Ministry in the Chapel for a great night of combined worship! You won’t want to miss this rewarding night of making new friends and worshiping.

5th-8th combined Kid’s Food Basket Service Project November 23 Together we will invest our time and energy into serving a local Kid’s Food Basket. Save the date and be sure to keep on the lookout for details about the time and place.

IMPORTANT DATES Novermber 26 - No Oasis or Refuge due to Thanksgiving.

November 30 - No Main Event due to Family Service

•

Weekly Events for 2014-2015

•

#Wednesday Nights

This school year we’re using hashtags to help us gain insight into theological topics so that we can put them into practice.

Every week we’ll explore beliefs of the Christian faith and identify how they apply to our lives. Games, great conversations, new friendships and insight into God’s Word await you each week. Come ready to laugh, share, and grow!

Oasis: 7th-8th Grade | 6:30-8:00PM | Room 108 rEFUGE: 5TH-6TH GRADE | 6:30-8:00 | rOOM 109

#Sunday mornings | thE mAIN EVENT

Join us as we listen in on the amazing conversations and adventures that take place in 1 and 2 Kings. We’ll dive deep into the reign of Solomon, mighty and not so mighty Kings and Queens and the witness the faithfulness of our God, the true King. Each week we will explore a new story and identify how applies to our lives. Don’t miss a #SundayMorningwiththeKing.

7th-8th Grade | 9:40-10:50AM | Room 108 5TH-6TH GRADE | 9:40- 10:50AM | rOOM 109 7th-8th – Oasis Out!

december SUN

MON

TUE 1

WED

THU

2

3

FRI

SAT

4

5

6

11

12

13

18

19

20

25

26

27

#TheHolySpirit John 16:7 7

8

9

#Baptism&The Lord’sSupper 1 Cor 11:24

#Conflict 1 Kings 12 14

15

16

1950’s style 22

No refuge or Oasis

due to family service

No main event

due to family service

24

23

No main event

28

17

Christmas parties

#Christmas Movie JesusisBorn 21

10

due to Christmas 29

30

31

No refuge or Oasis due to New year

january SUN

MON

4

TUE

5

WED

6

12

13

18

#Bruce Huseby

5th-8th Combined

#God’sPower 1 Kings 18

7th-8th WINTER RETREAT

25

#Caring 1 Kings 19:1-18

SAT

1

2

3

8

9

10

14

15

#Sin Romans 3:23 19

20

21

16

7th-8th WINTER RETREAT

17

7th-8th WINTER RETREAT

lEAVE AT 6:OOpm 22

23

24

29

30

31

#SinChanged Everything Romans 6:23

RETURN AT 12:30pm

5th/6th party after church 12:30-2:30pm

7

FRI

#HumansAre Unique Genesis 1:27

#Serving 1 Kings 17 11

THU

26

27

28

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

february SUN

MON 1

TUE 2

WED 3

#Manipulation 1 Kings 21 8

9

15

16

10

SAT 6

7

11

12

13

14

20

21

27

28

#Salvation: Repent Acts 3:19 17

18

19

23

24

25

7th/8th oasis in 6:308:00pm

5TH-6TH SIlly Olympics 6:008:30pm

#Salvation: Commit Luke 9:23

#Transition 2 Kings 1

#Initiative 2 Kings 4:8-37

FRI 5

#Temptation 1 Cor 10:13

5TH-8TH domestic missions meeting 12:30-1:15pm

22

THU 4

26

EVENTS // dec-feb 5th-8th Christmas parties

5th/6th Party after church

December 17 | 6:30-8:00pm Room 108/109

January 25 | 12:30-2:30pm Gym | Cost: $3

You won’t want to miss this 1950’s inspired Christmas Party.

Complete with milkshakes, we will celebrate with our small groups! Feel free to dress up and don’t forget a snack to share!

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 with us, too!

Important dates December 21- No Main Event due to Family Service.

December 24 - No Oasis or Refuge due to Christmas Eve. December 28 - No Main Event due to Family Service.

December 31- No Oasis or Refuge due to New Years.

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

7 /8 : winter Retreat* th

know Christ (And if they come, you both go for half off!)

Activities include: Toboggoning Snow Tubing Ice Hockey and Broomball Cross Country Skiing Dodgeball, Basketball & Volleyball Craft Shack & Coffee House Small Group Games Register at MyCalvaryGR.org

th

January 16 | 6:00pm (pizza dinner included) – January 18 at 12:30pm (lunch included).

Meet at Entrance D | Cost: $100 Join the fun and get challenged to grow spiritually as we join several other churches at the Miracle Camp and Retreat Center in Lawton for ICE CAMP. You can find out more about our speaker, band, and accommodations by visiting miraclecamp.com/icecamp.This three-day event is an opportunity to bring your friends who don’t attend Calvary - so be sure to invite those you are praying will come to

7th/8th Oasis OUt* January 28 | 6:30-8:00pm Oasis Outs are an opportunity for small groups to get off campus and fellowship with one another.

More details to come!

#

7th-8th – Oasis Out!

5th-8th: domestic missions trip meeting February 8 | 12:30-1:15pm Room 108 Parents & students are invited to join us to hear about upcoming missions trip opportunities and to ask any questions you might have. Light snacks will be provided.

5 /6 Silly Olympics* th-

th

February 20 | 6:00-8:30pm Room 108 | Cost: $5 Register at MyCalvaryGR.org 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 will be provided.

Extra volunteers needed.

Contact Lee (lbergakker@calvarygr.org) if you’re able to help out.

#theword Theme Verse

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

#Hebrews 2:1 The Main Event Benediction

Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.

May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other.

And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.

#1 Kings 8:56-66

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

mARCH SUN

MON 1

TUE 2

WED 3

8

9

10

#Faith 2 Kings 6:247:20 15

#God’sAvenger 2 Kings9-20

5

11

16

17

18

SAT 6

7

7

12

#WhatChurchis AllAbout Acts 2:42

5TH/6TH pARTY AFTER CHURCH

7TH/8TH DARE 2 SHARE

13

7TH/8TH DARE 2 SHARE

14

Return at 11:50pm

Leave at 3:00pm 19

20

20 21

26

27

28

#TheReturn ofJesus Guest Speaker Pastor Jim Matt 25:13 22

23

24

5 -8 STUDENT LED SUNDAY TH

4

FRI

#Salvation: Believe John 3:16

#Healing 2 Kings 5

THU

TH

29

#Losses 2 Kings 13

30

31

7TH/8TH GUYS’ & GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

25

april SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU 1

FRI 2

No refuge or Oasis

holy week

SAT 3

4

holy week

due to Holy Week 5

No main event

6

7

No refuge or Oasis

spring break

due to family service

12

13

due to spring break 14

20

21

#Idolatry 2 Kings 17 26

Parents’ Gathering #Indentity 12:30-1pm 2 Kings 18:17-37

15

9

10 11

11

D

spring break 16

17

18

23

5th/6th 24 Amazing race 6:009:00pm

25

#Prayer 1 Thess 5:16-17

#Trouble 2 Kings 16 19

8

22

#PurityTalk 27

28

29

#ProjectServe

may SUN

MON

3

TUE

4

WED

5

#Help 2 Kings 19 10

11

12

24

due to family service

SAT

1

1

2

7

8

9

13

14

15

16

21

22

23

28

28 29

30

last night of oasis & refuge 18

19

20

8th grade celebration

#God’sLaw 2 Kings 22: 1-23,35

No main event

6

FRI

#Angels/Demons Jude 1:6

#OneGiantStep Backwards 2 Kings 20: 1-21 17

THU

25

26

27

EVENTS // MARCH-MAY 5TH/6TH pARTY AFTER CHURCH*

5th-8th student led sunday*

March 15 | 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 with us, too!

March 22 | 9:40am | Room 108

7th/8th Dare2share* Dare2Share is an evangelism training event for students who want to know more about their faith & how to share it with others. Visit dare2share.org for more details.

Contact Byron (bdickey@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 5377 to register for this event.

7th/8th GUYS & GIRLS NIGHt* Mar. 25 | 6:30-8:00pm Meeting Location TBA Join us for a special night where during our usual Oasis meeting time we will have a chance to go off-site and have some fun. More details to follow.

All students are invited to help lead The Main Event & worship.

More details will follow. Parents, you’re welcome to attend!

5TH/6TH AMazing race* April 24 | 6:00-9:00pm Meet at Entrance J | Cost: $5 Register at MyCalvaryGR,org 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 game that everyone loves.

Snacks provided.

Extra volunteers are needed: Parents, older siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents, we need your help to make this event the best ever. Contact Lee (lbergakker@calvarygr.org) to help out!

8th grade celebration* May 20 | 6:30-8:00pm Register at MyCalvaryGR.org 8th Graders – join us as we celebrate you and have a great time closing out the year! We will meet at Grand Rapids Township Park (1836 E. Beltline N.E., Grand Rapids, 49525).

IMPORTANT DATES April 1- No Refuge or Oasis due to Holy Week.

April 5- No Main Event due to Easter Family Service April 8- No Oasis or Refuge due to Spring Break May 24 - No Main Event due to Family Service

#

7th-8th – Oasis Out!

#REGISTRATION OASIS & REFUGE Registration Oasis: 7 8 Grade | 6:30-8:00PM | Room 108 rEFUGE: 5TH-6TH GRADE | 6:30-8:00 | rOOM 109 th- th

If your student plans to attend Oasis or Refuge you need to register them at MyCalvaryGR.org.

This will ensure that we have accurate contact information for each family and help us get medical release forms on file for every student.

Contact Natalie in the Student Ministries Office with any questions.

Medical Release Form A parent-signed medical release form is required for participating in events. It is available at calvarystudents.com. One form is effective all year (through October 2015).

Event Registration Option 1: Register online at MyCalvaryGR.org. If you have questions or problems with the site, email mycalvary@calvarygr.org.

Option 2: Call our office at 956-9377, ext. 5181.

Option 3: Email calvarystudents@ calvarygr.org.

Make sure your student has a parent-signed 2014-2015 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.

#

Remember pre-registration is essential. It ensures that we are able to feed you, transport you, and provide enough leaders to keep you safe!

#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

Prayer Requests for Gopika

• 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 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

• 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 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 Why should my student be involved in MSM? 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 & Refuge are 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, helping with various events, and opening their homes to different activities. We do our best to keep connected with parents about various needs and prayer requests through email and annual Parent’s Gathering. 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.

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