calvary life November 2012
UNTOUCHABLE- Discover our new Open Door Vision Project...8 Festival of Lights returns with “A Time for Christmas” ...13 Giving Thanks in the Midst of an Impossible Situation...11
contents
8 Open Door Vision 2012 touching lives in India | changing hearts at home and around the world
11 Discover the grace of giving giving thanks in the midst of an impossible situation
13 festival of lights
get your tickets for, “A Time for Christmas”
4 | 5 Questions with JP Gaylord
10 | One Heart
5 | On the Bookshelf
11 | Thanks Giving
Calvary Life sits down with our Missionary in Training. Reading recommendations for November from the Library and a few members of the Calvary staff.
6 | And Then I Got Sick...
Caring for one another in community.
7 |Positive Language
Using our words to empower and unite with those in our community who have special needs.
8 | Untouchable - Open Door Vision Touching our world, touching our city.
2 | October 2012 | calvarygr.org
Catching up with all the Missions and Outreach activity this November.
Giving thanks in the midst of the impossible.
12 | A Note from the Elders
An update from the Calvary leadership
13 | A Time for Christmas
Introduce your friends to the hope of Christ through this year’s Festival of Lights production.
14 | Program Guide
14 - Children, 5th-8th Grade 15 - High School, Young Adults (College, Merge, Foundations), Calvary Community 16 - Compassion Ministries, Men, Pastoral Care, Prayer Groups 17 - Senior Adults, Special Needs, Women 18- Worship, Serving Opportunities, Giving Opportunities
19 | November Calendar
Dates to know and hold onto for November.
As you plan your Wednesday evening here at Calvary don’t forget that we serve a hot, fresh, homemade meal made right here from our Calvary Kitchen.
November 7 Homemade “Carolina Rub” Pulled Pork Slow cooked pork with a slight sweet taste piled high on a 4” sweet roll Calvary’s original recipe potato salad Austin Texas style baked beans Cole slaw on the salad bar
A humble thank you to the many who have blessed me with your kind words. Many of you have asked, and for those who haven’t and are wondering… yes, as the second part of my title indicates…I will still be involved with helping plan and implement the many large events, productions and seasons we do here at Calvary Church.
Wednsheipsddinnaery Fellow
november 14 Gather Around the Thanksgiving Table
Note: The Family Plan pricing is suspended for this evening. Oven Roasted Turkey Savory Turkey gravy made from the turkey pan drippings Mashed potatoes Steamed green beans Traditional sage and onion bread stuffing Fresh cranberry and orange relish Chef Neal’s original recipe Pumpkin pie with whipped cream
Each Wednesday we serve a hot entrée paired with fresh sides, our own oven baked fresh rolls, a salad bar, soda, and ice cream cups. We have a kid sized meal, a Healthy Hero’s meal and a Super Hero’s Meal Prices: $5.00 for the featured meal, $3.00 for the Children’s (under 10 only) or Healthy Hero’s Meal. If your child would like a larger portion there is the Super Hero meal for $5.00. To keep the cost down for families, there is a family meal plan for $15.00 (two adults, and three Healthy Hero’s Meals.
November 28 Beef Tips and Noodles
Let us know ahead of time if you have any special dietary concerns that we could accommodate you.
Beef Stroganoff chunks of tender beef in a savory sour cream sauce Egg noodles Seasonal winter blend vegetable
Blessings, Kevin Troupe Director of Culinary Services & Special Events
good to know Experiencing a Crisis? If you are experiencing a crisis, or perhaps going through a difficult emotional, spiritual, or relationship situation, Stephen Ministry & Lay Counseling can help. Contact Phyllis Dykstra at 784-1858. 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. Family Service Sunday Please note that November 25 is a family service Sunday. Nursery is available; 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. No Wednesday Night Programming Please note that there is no Wednesday Night programming on November 21 due to the Thanksgiving Eve Service. For more information, see page 17.
October 2012 | calvarygr.org | 3
connections getting to know calvary 1
What is your role at Calvary Church?
5Questions with JP Gaylord Special Projects Coordinator, Missions and Outreach
While my wife and I continue the process of raising support to plant a church in France, I am involved in coordinating special projects at Calvary. One part of this position involves working alongside some of the local ministries we support as a church. This has been a great experience – to be able to get out into the community and minister to people who would normally not attend church. Another major aspect of this role is studying, researching, and making recommendations on things like how we as a church can better engage in spiritual warfare or how we can pursue diversity as a church body.
2
What encourages you most as you minister at Calvary?
I’ve got to say that the most encouraging part of ministry is to see lives transformed. God has allowed me to witness some pretty amazing transformations as people encounter Him and His healing presence. To watch God intervene in a life and meet people in their hurt and their struggle has been one of the most faith producing experiences for me.
3
How have you experienced life{together}?
As part of a smaller community, I have really grown spiritually. It’s helpful and humbling to hear different perspectives on issues I had taken for granted. When life has been difficult, it’s been through this community that I’ve found a great deal of prayer support and encouragement as well. Without going through life{together}, I think I’d be pretty isolated and lonely in my walk with God.
4 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
4
How has God recently revealed Himself in your life?
Over the past month or two, He’s pretty powerfully revealed Himself and His purpose through prayer. I had always seen prayer as presenting a list of requests to God, but that’s been changing. Now, I spend more time quietly waiting and listening. God has met me in that quietness. It’s really been changing the way I see myself and the way I see God. I’ve noticed that my contentment has grown and my experience of joy is becoming a more regular occurrence.
5
How can the Calvary family pray for you and your ministry this month?
I’m teaching a class on spiritual warfare, and I know things will get difficult as a result, so I’d appreciate prayer for myself, my family and the class as a whole. In addition, as my wife and I are sharing the vision and call God’s placed on our hearts for church planting in France, we’d appreciate prayers as we look for more people to meet with and ask to partner with us.
on the bookshelf
recommended reading for november found in the calvary library When journalist Liao Yiwu stumbled upon a vibrant Christian community in the officially secular China, he knew little about Christianity, in fact, he’d been taught that religion was evil. In God is Red the author sets out to document the untold stories of brave believers whose totalitarian government could not break their faith in God. This book is a moving tribute to China’s valiant shepherds of faith and sums up the glory of the Christian witness under persecution.
Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher of the Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars champion, and successful real-estate investor, outlines the principles that helped him become a winner on and off the football field. In his book, Game On, he encourages you to live your God-given dream, now. Emmitt reveals that it’s not only vision and talent that propel us toward our dreams, but also a combination of determination, persistence, humility, courage, and the all-important areas of faith and family
As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Gregory Boyle created an organization to provide jobs, job training and encouragement, so that young people could work together and learn the mutual respect that comes from collaboration. Boyle approaches each person as a child of God and fully deserving of love and compassion. Tattoos on the Heart is a series of parables distilled from his twenty years in the barrio and are moving examples of the power of unconditional love in difficult times.
Christy VanAndel, Administrative Assistant, Worship and First Impressions
Kevin Troupe, Director of Culinary Services & Special Events
I would highly recommend Crazy Love to anyone who is struggling to make priorities in life, looking to learn and understand more about God’s love, or deepen their relationship with God. Francis Chan does a great job of putting the reader’s life in perspective of the world at large. Through visual descriptions it allows the reader to understand and engage in the discussion of God’s unconditional love for the world and how we ought to be living in response.
My family has been Wrecked in a beautiful, remarkable way. Jeff Goins’ book is a journey of unbecoming, covering the stories of people whose lives have been turned upside-down in the best way possible—and what they decided to do afterwards. Wrecked for us means a life measured by each breath that is taken and each beat of the heart for each of our children, special needs or not. Wrecked means choosing to believe that God is in control and he has blessed us as a family with a way to be able to see him and his fingerprints in our lives with more clarity and frequency than most people. If you are in need of a fresh perspective on your own life, I recommend this book to you. As our God continues to wreck our family, I pray that you are wrecked in the process…in a beautiful and remarkable way. If you would like to learn more about our Wrecked journey, visit lessonsfrommatthew.com.
All the books mentioned are available in Calvary's Library. The Library is located across from Fellowship Hall on the lower level. Their fall hours are Sunday, 9:15 – 11:15am; Wednesday, 9:15 – 9:45 am and 6:00 – 7:30pm. November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 5
life{together} experiencing community at calvary
And then i got sick.. caring for one another in community
By Lee Content, Pastoral Staff, Calvary Community
a breakthrough, that allows them to be Sickness is one of those events in much more authentic with each other life that rarely leaves us unchanged. because of the privilege of entering into I’m not referring to the occasional one another’s struggles. cold or flu, though even those can suddenly make us look at life Our goal this year is to help people through a different lens, I’m talking at Calvary become aware that their about those illnesses that rock us community group is the first place at our core. I’m thinking about the to look for care when they are going pronouncement of a grim prognosis through difficult times. Whether it be an or of lasting ramifications that we actual physical sickness, or some type would rather not endure. I’m always of spiritual sickness, it is in community quite surprised at how differently people handle their illness. Some people that have serious health issues with other people who know you and love you, that care happens best. are so cavalier, while others with less serious issues seem to be paralyzed This year, we are also doing our best to equip each group with tools so that they can handle each care need with confidence and assurance. by fear. I also find it interesting the way each community reacts to illness. Some groups seem to have an inordinate amount of energy to lean into the situation and care for someone who is sick. Other groups seem lost from the beginning and fall apart completely due to the maladies that affect their group. One thing is true on both counts, people get sick and when they do, they really appreciate care.
Our hope is that everyone at Calvary has a group of friends who meet together, pray together and are forming caring relationships on the foundation of Christ. If you aren’t currently experiencing this type of community, please contact us at community@calvarygr.org or 956-9377, ext. 5650, and we will work with you to find a group.
We also realize that there are times when you need extra help: prayer, For communities that walk through an illness with one of their members, counseling, material support or sometimes just an extra friend to be there is often a redemptive quality to that season. Time after time, I hear there for you. The Yellow House at Calvary offers a range of Pastoral Care. stories of groups who are brought closer together and even experience Just call when you need us — 956-9377, ext. 3672.
Discovery
Discovery is a program designed to not only learn about the spiritual gifts; but to also help you figure out what your specific gifts are and how you could be using them. After signing up for Discovery you will meet with a trained staff member who will guide you through the course and review your results. 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. 6 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
Get Serving
Do you enjoy meeting new people? Enjoy setting up for large events? Working with youth? Helping in the kitchen? We have opportunities for you! If you are able to volunteer once a week or once a month we have positions available. Contact Judie Fielstra (jfielstra@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 5095 today to get serving.
positive language empowers and unites
“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13 & 14). Do you ever wonder what to say to someone with a disability and then decide… to say nothing at all?
Communicating with people and about people with disabilities can be uncomfortable for many, particularly if you do not know someone with a disability. However, it may not be as difficult as you think if you “see” the person before the disability. From there we move on to see wonderful people created in the image of God, needing God, desiring God and seeking to be part of community. As we continue living life together and now undivided, my prayer is that we can truly be obedient to that call. Perhaps the information below, taken from the Freedom of Information Act will be a good starting place, but please don’t stop there. You are invited to visit any of the Special Needs classes at Calvary Church and meet some of the most kind, loving and accepting people you will ever know. When referring to people with disabilities, it is important to put the person first. Group designations such as “the blind”, “the disabled” are inappropriate because they do not reflect the individuality, equality or dignity of that person. Let your words emphasize the person’s worth and abilities, not the person’s condition or diagnosis. Here are some examples of negative phrases turned positive. Instead Of: ∙ A disabled or handicapped child/ adult ∙ Mute or dumb ∙ CP Victim ∙ Wheelchair bound ∙ Epileptic ∙ Downs or Mongoloid ∙ Learning disabled or impaired ∙ The blind
*
Interested in learning more about the Special Needs Ministry at Calvary? Contact Judi.
Use: ∙ Child/Adult with a disability ∙ Without speech, nonverbal ∙ Person with Cerebral Palsy ∙ Person (name) uses a wheelchair ∙ Person with a seizure disorder ∙ Child/Adult with Down syndrome ∙ Has a learning disability or learning difference ∙ Person who is blind or visually impaired
Compassion and Justice Groups Update Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
At the small group launch in October, Calvary was thrilled to bring together enough interested persons to birth five compassion and justice groups. In addition to these newly formed groups, one of Calvary's already established small groups has determined to pursue a compassion and justice emphasis as part of their time together. Two of the new communities will focus on the issue of exploitation and trafficking. Another group will address orphan care and adoption in India, and two other groups are partnering with one of our supported ministry partners in Mozambique to address needs of education and orphan care. It is incredibly exciting to see God move forward with His work in these areas in and through Calvary as He draws people of like-minded passions together. The small group communities will seek justice for the poor and oppressed as they: • grow in their knowledge and understanding of local and global issues • gain a better grasp of God's heart for the least of these • pray fervently for those in need • undertake a project in conjunction with their target area If you are interested in learning more about these groups, please contact Barb VanderPloeg (barbvan21@aol.com) at 874-9446.
Judi Warner Director of Special Needs Ministry jwarner@calvarygr.org | ext. 5272
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 7
Touching lives in india | changing hearTs aT home & around The world
Our international focus for Open Door Vision (ODV) 2013 is on the nation of India, and the physical, spiritual, social and educational needs that exist there. The community component of ODV will offer young men right here in Grand Rapids a strong foundation through biblical discipleship lived out in community.
Calvary Church’s Open Door Vision Project for 2012-2013 8 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
Touching the world…
Touching our city…
Bible World: Rehoboth – Calvary-supported workers Jonathan and Hannah Victor have a vision to build a Bible school and center that will be a light in the darkness of the Hindu temples of Madurai.
Urban Transformation Ministry (UTM) - partnering with our friends at New City Church - has learned what keeps young urban men from living out their new faith; they lack a strong biblical foundation to go back into their neighborhoods to transform other lives there. UTM desires to provide housing so these men can live in community and challenge each other to grow as followers of Jesus, doers of the Word, and leaders of the church.
Kerala Bible Baptist College equips church leaders to meet the challenges – in spite of persecution – presented by the great response there has been to the Gospel. Scholarships will help Shibu Simon and his team train those who otherwise could not afford Bible college. Mission India: Literacy Training lifts people out of a cycle of poverty, oppression, and homelessness. Many of these “untouchables” meet Christ and join together in churches. Calvary Church has been privileged to partner with these organizations in the past. Through this year’s ODV project we are introducing a new ministry partner, Faith in Deeds Children’s Home. Read below for more details on this new partner in touching lives with God’s love.
What you can do ... Our target this year is to raise $225,000 to help these ministries fulfill the vision God has given them. Return your Open Door Vision (ODV) giving envelope by mail or in the offering plate. Donations to Calvary’s Open Door Vision project will be accepted throughout 2013; simply indicate ‘ODV’ on a regular giving envelope. You may also give to Open Door Vision using the Online Giving Tool at MyCalvaryGR.org. (You will need to log in or create a new account if you do not yet have one.)
A closeup look at our newest ministry partner, Faith In Deeds Children’s Home
Thomas Mollhagen began life as Manda Ravi Babu. He was born in 1981 into the untouchable caste in South India. Because they were unable to provide for him and his younger brother, his parents were forced to abandon them into the orphanage system. The couple hoped they would be adopted and be given a better life.
After five years and five moves within the system, the brothers were adopted by Betty Mollhagen of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thomas was 11 years old. During his formative years of growing up in a Christian home, Thomas eventually came to know Jesus as his own personal Savior. In December of 2005, God called Thomas back to India. He went on a three-month visa to meet with his birth family and to visit the orphanage that helped him get to the USA. The orphanage had been closed, but Thomas was delighted to discover that his family had come to know Jesus.
After God specifically spoke to Thomas through James 2:14, he busied himself doing whatever he could to feed hungry children and widows, and to help rescue at-risk youths. Then shortly before his visa expired, God spoke to Thomas with a clear focus of His calling for him; while he was feeding a crowd in the village, a young mother laid her two children at Thomas’ feet and said, “I have AIDS. Please take care of them. They are better off with you than with me.” She then disappeared into the crowd. Thomas took the children to his parents’ home and began to care for
them. Word got around. By the end of the following week, he had 21 children in his care. Thomas’ father mortgaged his home, Thomas maxed out his credit card, and together they funded a charitable trust that eventually grew to become the Faith in Deeds Children’s Home. In 2010 Thomas married Dana, a nurse whom God called to missions at the age of 11. Now she and Thomas manage Faith in Deeds together which is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, very near the village where Thomas was born. Thomas’ family still lives there, and continues to be very involved in the work.
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 9
one heart Calvary Missions & outreaCh
small group project Operation Christmas Child Calvary will not be collecting boxes for the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project this year; however, it would still be a great activity for small groups or families to do on their own. All the needed information is on the OCC website, samaritanspurse.org. There are numerous drop-off locations in the Grand Rapids area, which are listed on the website, along with hours that each location is open. Collection week is November 12-19.
thanksgiving offering King’s Table Ministries This year, the recipient of our Thanksgiving Eve service offering will be King’s Table Ministries (KTM), a multi-faceted ministry that works through the public school system to bring the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to the disabled population in our community. KTM has a significant impact on those with special needs, along with their families and teachers. These individuals and families are then connected with Calvary’s special needs program.
10 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
enlarge your heart Short-Term Missions 2013 Your heart can grow for the world. Join us November 11 at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary, and let God enlarge your heart as you hear about areas of the world that need His love. We will start in the sanctuary praising God for all the wonderful things He did in and through Calvary Church’s short-term missions last year. Then join us in the Fellowship Hall for dessert, and information on trips for the coming year.
Christmas project: One Heart for the City
one hea r the city rt fo
Because of your overwhelming giving last year, and because of the ongoing needs of the residents in the Heartside neighborhood, we felt led once again this year to designate Take Hold Church as our Christmas project. In this past year, God has used Take Hold to touch countless lives, and a second service has been added to accommodate their increased attendance. Shane & Heather Cox have prayed for change to come in this downtown area, and it seems God is answering their prayers with a resounding ‘yes’!
You can once again help share Christ’s love in a very tangible way this Christmas. Watch for trees around the church to “undecorate” later this month, as you take home gift requests. Collection dates will begin Sunday, November 25 and run through Sunday, December 16.
International Day of Prayer There are many countries in the world today where Christians are martyred for their faith. Believers in Afghanistan are facing death threats; Christians in Uzbekistan, Nigeria and many other countries all around the world face violence, imprisonment and even death. There are other places in the world such as North Korea where acts of persecution take place, but we don’t see or hear of it. The International Day of Prayer is a time set apart for Christians in the United States to pray for those who share our faith and suffer persecution because of it. Calvary Church will observe International Day of Prayer on Sunday, November 4.
Thanks Gi v i n g! 2 Chronicles 32 by Ron Haas, Elder Clerk “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”
Charles Swindoll
King Hezekiah faced an impossible situation. Sennacherib, King of Assyria had surrounded Jerusalem and demanded that Israel surrender. In response, Hezekiah removed the gold from the Temple to pay Sennacherib to go away, but that wasn’t enough. So he prepared for battle, but his army was weak and ill-equipped. Finally, when Hezekiah realized that his situation was hopeless, he turned to God. We tend to follow the same pattern. We try to fix our problems by ourselves, but when our efforts fail we finally ask God for help. Hezekiah’s experience shows us three reasons why we should embrace impossible situations. 1. Impossible Situations Refine our Faith God turned up the heat on Hezekiah to test his faith and the faith of everyone living in Jerusalem. Sennacherib taunted the Israelites by listing all of the countries, kings and gods he had conquered. From a human perspective the Assyrian army was undefeatable. No other nation could or would come to Israel’s rescue. Their situation was hopeless. Job also faced a series of impossible situations. He lost his children, his possessions, and his health. But Job came to realize that God had a greater purpose for his life. “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). How has God blessed you with an impossible situation? 2. Impossible Situations Reveal God’s Power Sennacherib sent an ultimatum to Hezekiah, “Give up or die.” Impossible situations have a way of driving us to our knees. Hezekiah went to the temple and spread out Sennacherib’s letter before the Lord, “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim… deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God” (2 Kings 19). The prophet Isaiah sent a message to Hezekiah proclaiming that God had heard Hezekiah’s cry and would answer his prayer. When the people woke up the next morning and looked over the wall, they
saw 185,000 dead Assyrian soldiers. God had sent an angel to completely annihilate Sennacherib’s army. It was an incredible military victory. 3. Impossible Situations Remind us to Give Thanks! Can you imagine the joy that swept through Jerusalem? At first, they were stunned, but then they realized that the mighty hand of God had rescued them. What was it like to go to bed fearing that all is lost and wake up the next morning with a brand new lease on life? God is a God of miracles! James Huey captured this kind of rejoicing with these lyrics: When I Think About the Lord, How He Saved Me, How He Raised Me, How He Filled Me, With the Holy Ghost. How He Healed Me, to the Uttermost. When I Think About the Lord, How He Picked Me Up and Turned Me Around, How He Placed My Feet On Solid Ground It Makes Me Wanna Shout, Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus, Lord, Your Worthy, of All the Glory, and All the Honor, And All the Praise, It Makes Me Wanna Shout! The people were so grateful that “many brought offerings to Jerusalem for the LORD” (2 Chronicles 32:23). It was a Thanks Giving celebration! How has God rescued you from an impossible situation? Why not give a special gift to the Lord just to say, Thank you Jesus! If you want to learn more about praising God through generous giving, visit generousyou.com.
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 11
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)
Lee Brenner
Eric Cerling
(lbrenner@calvarygr.org) (ecerling@calvarygr.org)
Ron Haas
Larry Hulst
(rhaas@calvarygr.org)
(lhulst@calvarygr.org)
Kent Snoeyink
Vernon Spears
Jim DeVries
(jdevries@calvarygr.org)
Noe Palacios
(npalacios@calvarygr.org)
Mike Still
(mstill@calvarygr.org)
(ksnoeyink@calvarygr.org) (vspears@calvarygr.org)
Allen VanHaitsma
Dan Visser
(avanhaitsma@calvarygr.org) (dvisser@calvarygr.org)
Jerry Ward
(jward@calvarygr.org)
a note from the elders Respectfully Submitted by Ron Haas, Elder Clerk Pastoral Care
Calvary Church is a caring church. Throughout the year our congregation donates clothes, school supplies, food, holiday baskets and money. At the close of each communion service, we also receive a special benevolence offering to help us respond to the needs of hurting families in our church and community. We praise God that last year our congregation generously gave more than $300,000 in benevolent fund offerings. The elders, deacons, and pastoral staff alone cannot care for the needs of our congregation; it takes each one in the body of Christ caring for one another. We are very grateful for everyone who is involved with caring for others: the pastoral staff, the deacons, the Yellow House team, Stephen Ministers, Budget Counselors, Divorce Care facilitators, Benevolent Coordinators, Food Pantry and Clothes Closet workers and many more. This fall we are launching a Care Network to equip our community groups to care for one another even more effectively. If you would like to get involved in serving others, please contact the Yellow House at ext. 3672.
Festival of Lights
Festival of Lights presents a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with our friends and neighbors. This is a major production that takes hundreds of volunteers and hours of time. Our worship department and everyone who serves deserve a big thank you! The elders have been discussing how we can make Festival of Lights an even more effective evangelistic tool. Elder Mike Still is leading a Festival of Lights Evaluation Team. They will be gathering feedback from the choir, orchestra, cast members, congregation and attendees to learn how Festival is making a difference and what changes we should consider to make a greater impact. Please pray that God would give wisdom to this committee.
Vision
Robert Bass
Jim Hoekwater
Robert Johnston
(rbass@calvarygr.org) (jhoekwater@calvarygr.org) (rjohnston@calvarygr.org)
Brian Klaver
Tom Miller
David Radde
(bklaver@calvarygr.org)
(tmiller@calvarygr.org)
(dradde@calvarygr.org)
Mike Reiffer
Jeff Rogers
Jim Stubblefield
(mreiffer@calvarygr.org) (jrogers@calvarygr.org) (jstubblefield@calvarygr.org)
Howard Timmer
(htimmer@calvarygr.org)
Todd Wilde
Dan Wynalda
(twilde@calvarygr.org) (dwynalda@calvarygr.org)
12 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
At the Annual Meeting, Elder Chair Jim DeVries gave an update about our facilities planning. Since 1998, the elders have been praying over and reviewing proposals from external and internal groups on how to best address the needs of our growing congregation. In 2009, the Board hired outside consultants to review our areas of ministry and facilities. They brought a variety of recommendations and provided the assessment that our facility was no longer a good fit for the ways in which our ministry has changed over the past 30 years. Our current design makes it difficult to encourage community. Through prayer over time, God has changed the focus of our conversations from solving our “Space Needs” to asking, “What is God’s purpose for Calvary Church?” God led us to Doug Pasma, a gifted architect who has generated a long range master plan proposal for the facility. This proposal repurposes our existing facility to overcome several shortcomings. Since January, more than 350 people have joined the Nehemiah Prayer Team to pray for God’s wisdom about the path we should take. We will continue praying for the next several months. When we have clear direction, the members will be asked to make the final decision on any major facility changes. If you would like to join us in prayer and receive weekly email updates on this project, please contact smerrill@calvarygr.org. If you have any questions or comments you would like to share with the elders regarding the facility or other topics, please email elders@calvarygr.org.
God Bless, The Calvary Church Elders
December 7-9, 14-16 | 3:00 & 7:00pm | Tickets: $7 | startickets.com
Time Calvary Church Festival of Lights 2012 Calvary’s 2012 Festival of Lights is going to be a great place to introduce your friends to the hope of Christ. Begin praying now about who you might bring. This year’s all new production, A Time for Christmas, tells the modern-day story of Bill and his encounter with a mysterious stranger. Together they take a musical journey to the shepherds, to a medieval castle, to a time when Christmas was out-
lawed and back to the present where Bill comes face-to-face with the issues of his own heart. With timeless music, a 100+ voice choir, an amazing dramatic cast and over 200,000 twinkling lights, A Time for Christmas will warm your heart. Performances will be December 7-9 and 14-16 at 3:00pm (Saturdays and Sundays only) and 7:00pm. Tickets ($6 and $7) are on sale at Meijer and online at startickets.com. Tickets will
also be on sale in the Calvary Café on Sunday, November 18. Gather your friends and family to celebrate A Time for Christmas with us this year. SPECIAL NEEDS NIGHT: We will once again welcome the special needs community to join us for a performance on Thursday, December 6. All individuals with special needs and their families or caretakers are welcome to join us!
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 13
CALVARY CHURCH
Program GUIDE Sunday Morning Worship Service
8:10, 9:40, and 11:15am | Sanctuary
Quick Connect administrative staff information in alpha order by ministry
Benevolence
Lynnell Bok lbok@calvarygr.org ext. 3510
Calvary Community Brenda Neher bneher@calvarygr.org ext. 5650
Missions
Chris DeHaan missions@calvarygr.org ext. 5022
Pastoral Care & Senior Adults
Regina Scovill rscovill@calvarygr.org ext. 3672
Children
Carla Boon-Julien cboonjulien@calvarygr.org ext. 5067
Serving
Judie Fielstra jfielstra@calvarygr.org ext. 5095
Community Outreach Sharon Kaiser skaiser@calvarygr.org ext. 5077
Special Needs
Judi Warner jwarner@calvarygr.org ext. 5272
Compassion Ministries Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618
Facilities
Students
Natalie Uecker calvarystudents @calvarygr.org ext. 5181
Melissa DeBoer mdeboer@calvarygr.org ext. 5097
Technical Services
Library
Women
library@calvarygr.org ext. 5290
media@calvarygr.org
Elaine Meredith emeredith@calvarygr.org ext. 5186
Marketing
Jackie Rice jrice@calvarygr.org ext. 5042
Worship
Kristen White kwhite@calvarygr.org ext. 5155
Men
Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org ext. 3618
Young Adults
Mason D. Sherrill msherrill@calvarygr.org ext. 5036
Church Phone Number: (616) 956-9377 Address: 707 E Beltline NE | Grand Rapids MI 49525
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November 2012
Sunday Evening Worship Service 6:00pm | Chapel
Church Office Hours Monday-Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm Sunday: 7:30am-12:30pm (Receptionist Only)
Children Carla | childrensministry@calvarygr.org | ext. 5067
gather for small groups, play games together, laugh and experience Christian community. To join, just show up.
KIDS N ACTION Wednesdays | 6:30-7:50pm Our desire in KIDS-N-ACTION is that children, fiveyears-old through fourth grade, understand what God says in the Bible, believe it, and obey it in their daily lives. KIDS-N-ACTION is designed to foster social interaction through chosen electives, while facilitating spiritual growth in learning from the book of James how to “put your faith into action.” Family Service Sunday Please note that November 25 is a family service Sunday. Nursery is available; 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.
5th-8th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 The Main Event Sunday Mornings | 9:40am 5th/6th: Room 109 | 7th/8th: Room 108 This school year we are going to dig deep on Sunday and discover how the words of Jesus fit in to our everyday lives. Starting with the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and continuing right until the end, you won’t want to miss a Sunday as we discover who Jesus is, the difference He can make in our lives, and why those little red letters should be a big part of our lives. No need to register, just show up! No Main Event on November 25 due to Family Service.
5th/6th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Refuge Wednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm | Room 109 Refuge is a great time of fun and encouragement for fifth and sixth grade students. We learn about God,
No Refuge on November 21 due to Thanksgiving. P.A.C. Attack November 18 | 12:30-2:30pm | Gym | $3 P.A.C. Attack is our party after church on Sunday afternoons. P.A.C. Attacks are very simple… we play dodgeball, we eat pizza and we play more dodgeball. P.A.C. Attacks are a great way for fifth and sixth grade students to make a new friend. If dodgeball’s not your thing, you can find some friends and watch a movie with us, too.
7th/8th Grade calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 Oasis Wednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm | Room 108 Oasis is our Wednesday night small group program! Want to go deeper, asking specific questions about topics that concern you? Want to make some close friends? Want to get to know some of our fun, caring, super skilled leaders on a more personal level? We’ll play games, worship, hear a brief talk, and break up into our groups. To join, just show up. No Oasis on November 21 due to Thanksgiving. 7th/8th Fall Retreat November 2 at 5:30pm - November 3 at 5:30pm Cost: $65 (A $15 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. This is applied toward the total cost.) We are planning an amazing 24 hours of fellowship, fun and time in God’s Word. You don’t want to miss this retreat at Camp Beechpoint! Register at MyCalvaryGR. org by October 31.
High school calvarystudents@calvarygr.org | ext. 5181 UNITED Sundays | 6:00-8:30pm | Room 108 Join a community of students seeking to know God and live for Him. This fall, we will study the 5 Solas. Together we will learn the five distinctive things that make us Christian. Come check out UNITED this month as we start our new series: ____ for the Glory of God. God has created much for our good, but due to the fall this good has been corrupted. What was intended to help us, often ends up harming us. Join us as we discuss how we can redeem school, work, sports, music , relationships and even sex for God’s glory. High School Fall Retreat: Love November 3, 10:00am - November 4, 7:00pm Cost: $90 (Early Bird: $80, must pay in full by Oct.15) A $25 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. This is applied toward the total cost. Join us for a weekend of fun as we delve into “Love.” Register at MyCalvaryGR.org by October 31. No UNITED on November 4 due to the Fall Retreat, or November 25 due to Thanksgiving Family Service. International Missions Night November 11 | 6:00pm | Sanctuary You don’t want to miss this UNITED (same time but extra fun)! UNITED, as a group, will leave room 108 to attend the Enlarge Your Heart night in the Fellowship Hall (delicious desert is free). After the meeting United will return to room 108 to continue their standard programming. HSM iServe Food Drive November 10 | 1:00-4:00pm | Entrance J Join us for our annual Food Drive to help stock the Calvary Church Food Pantry. Following this we will enjoy some fun activities at the church.
Young Adults a ministry for young adults 18-34 Mason | msherrill@calvarygr.org | ext. 5036
you should marry, or where you are supposed to live? Then join the Young Adult community in reading our book of the quarter, God Told Me by Jim Samra. All young adults are invited to join us this quarter’s book with Jim, Calvary’s senior pastor. Come learn from one another how we can grow in hearing the guiding voice of God. Space is limited, please contact Sue Schroeder (sschroeder@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5198 to reserve a seat by Oct. 31. Thanksgiving Love Feast Sunday, November 18 | 6:30pm | Fellowship Hall It’s that time of year where we reflect on God’s blessings and share His bounty of soul warming food and fellowship. Come be encouraged as you hear how God has been at work in the lives of other young adults. We’ll share a wonderful fall feast, dessert and entertainment; then we’ll pause to listen to one another share some of the blessings we have experienced from God over the last year. Sign up in College Ministry, Merge, or Foundations to bring your favorite side dish to pass.
College a community for young adults 18-22 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 Life Thursdays | 7:00pm | Room 108 Are you interested in joining a diverse community of fellow college-aged young adults? We meet together as a community for worship, small groups, and teaching each Thursday. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with other young adults from the Grand Rapids area and grow in our faith together. For more information contact Mason.
Book of the Quarter: God Told Me by Jim Samra November 4 | 7:30pm | Room 215 Ever wonder what job you should take, if and who
College Discipleship On-Campus Community Groups meet on-campus weekly for an informal time of sharing and catch-
ing-up about what is happening in our lives. Even if you aren’t taking classes, we still have a group for you! For more information, contact Carl Crispin (ccrispin@calvarygr.org). College Ministry Lunch Sundays | 12:30pm | Room 121 Are you looking for a way to connect with other college students that attend Calvary on Sundays? Come enjoy a free lunch every Sunday after the third service. This is a great way to fellowship with other students and to learn about additional ways to get involved at Calvary Church.
MErge a community for single young adults ages 22-34 Sue | sschroeder@calvarygr.org | ext. 5198 Merge Sundays | 11:15am | 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.
Foundations a community for young couples ages 22-32 Mason | msherrill@calvarygr.org | ext. 5036 Sundays | 11:15am | Room 130 Join this community of young marrieds and be challenged and encouraged as you work on building a strong and lasting foundation for your marriage. Through a combination of sermon discussion and teaching, friendly mentor couples will help guide us towards making godly decisions and form healthy life-long habits that will strengthen our relationships and help us grow in Christ.
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 15
contact Phyllis Tack (ptackrn@yahoo.com) at 2434603 after 10:00am.
It’s Time to
Fall Back!
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night November 3. Calvary community Brenda | community@calvarygr.org | ext. 5650 Membership Class February 2 | 9:00am-2:30pm | Room 108 Register at MyCalvaryGR.org 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 to join you. Register online or contact Brenda (membership@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5650 by January 28. Pre-registration is required. Lunch is provided. Sorry no childcare is available. Monday Night Bible Study Mondays | 7:00pm | Chapel Monday Night Bible Study is a place where men and women of all ages meet together to study God’s word, pray and fellowship. This fall, we will study the book of Jeremiah. Think this doesn’t sound applicable to life today? Think again. The days in which Jeremiah lived mirror our own, thus the title of the study is Jeremiah, Meet the 21st Century! The study is written by Nancy Samra and you will be amazed at how relevant the truths and warnings in this book are for us today. You are welcome to join us at any time of the year. If you have questions, men, contact Dave Thrasher at 2436603 and women, contact Carol Spencer at 942-4743.
Compassion ministries Lou | ldegraaf@calvarygr.org | ext. 3618 Surviving the Holidays November 3 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Room 140 | $10 If you are separated or divorced, the holidays can be a very stressful time. Featuring video instruction and group discussion, this encouraging seminar will help you deal with the intense pain of separation and divorce
16 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
and discover new ways to enjoy the holidays again. During a Surviving the Holidays event you will watch a 40-minute video filled with practical tips on how to survive the holidays; hear from others in your group who are dealing with a marital breakup this holiday season; have the opportunity to share how the separation or divorce is affecting you (if you’d like); and receive a personal Holiday Survival Guide. Contact Lou to register or receive more information.
men Lou | men@calvarygr.org | ext. 3618 Men’s Breakfast November 10 | 8:00am | Room 129 | $5 Daryl Britton, M.Div., and his wife Dorothy have been involved with Bethany Christian Services since 2008 as both foster and adoptive parents. Daryl has served in pastoral ministry and mission organizations for over 30 years. Daryl is involved in pastoral leadership at Flat River Ministries in Belding, and earlier this year Daryl joined the Bethany Christian Services staff, serving as Director of Christian Life and Chaplain. He is excited to share this ministry that he believes is close to the heart of God. Contact Lou by November 8 at noon to reserve a seat at this month’s breakfast.
Pastoral care Regina | rscovill@calvarygr.org | ext. 3672 Life Threatening Illness Support Group Are you or a loved one dealing with cancer or another life threatening or long term illness? Would you benefit from being part of a Christian support group? Consider attending a start-up meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 7-8:30pm at the Yellow House. The goal of this group is to provide a time of sharing and support as well as prayer and encouragement from the Bible. Occasionally we will invite a special speaker to share in an area of expertise. For more information
Mental Illness Family Support Group November 27 | 7:00pm | Room 114 If you or someone you care for is affected by mental illness, join us for support. Contact John or Betty Walker at 956-6141 with questions.
Prayer Groups Intercessors Prayer Group Wednesdays | 6:45pm | Room 212 Open to anyone who is interested in praying for Calvary Church, its pastors, staff, volunteers, congregation and programming. For details, or to submit prayer requests, contact prayer@calvarygr.org. Nehemiah Prayer Team When Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem needed repair, his first response was to fast and pray for four months. 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. Pray for Festival of Lights If you would like to pray for this year’s Festival of Lights production, a prayer calendar is available at the Information Center. 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 come pray specifically that God would bless our morning services. All are encouraged to join. Third Monday Missionary Prayer Bring your lunch and pray for our missionaries serving around the world on the third Monday of each month at 11:30am in room 207.
Senior Adults Regina | rscovill@calvarygr.org | ext. 3672 Chera Harvest Brunch November 17 | 9:00-11:30am | Room 129 A support group designed to reach out with the comfort found in Jesus Christ to those who have lost spouses. Chera has a monthly dinner with special guest speakers who address various topics relating to your journey. Also, you’ll have an opportunity to meet others who are walking down a similar path. Contact Regina to make reservations. Confident Caregivers November 19 | 11:30am | Room 123 As a caregiver, do you ever feel alone? Does it seem like no one really understands the burden you’re carrying? Confident Caregivers is a monthly support group for sharing needs, questions, answers and encouragement. Please join us this month for Constructive Interventions for Cancer and Your Loved Ones with Daniel O’Hara, LPN Director, Whispering Woods. Be sure to RSVP by November 15 to Regina. Hymn Sing November 18 | 7:30pm | Chapel Come lift your voices as we rejoice together with the timeless hymns you know and love. Maury Lehmann will lead us in singing with guest Craig Johnson. Monday Monthly Luncheon November 5 | 10:20am | Fellowship Hall | Cost: $7 Join us for fellowship and good food. Chef Chris Spear of Covenant Lakes Village will talk to us about “Cooking for 1 or 2.” Punchbowl begins at 10:00, the program starts at 10:20 and then we enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Calvary’s fine culinary team. Make reservations with Howard & Arlene Timmer at 3650728, Virginia Claybrook at 940-1807 or Terry & Linda Markham at 247-8619 by October 26. Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays | 9:30am | Chapel Join us as we study God’s word together. Pastor Jim
Samra and Steve Gibson are currently teaching a series on James. Refreshments are served from 9:309:50am, and the study begins promptly at 10:00am.
Special needs Adult/Individuals Elleen | efitzgerald@calvarygr.org | ext. 5623 SOS Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs) Sundays | 11:15am | Chapel WOW Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs) Wednesdays | 6:30pm | Chapel Go-Getters for Jesus are a large community of youth and adults with special needs who are eager to serve God and one another. Classes for Adults with Special Needs Wednesdays Art Class (Room 114): Artistic skill development, in a socially friendly environment, is a regular part of Wednesday evening (during the school year) for any Go-Getter student who would like to attend. Choir (215): Scripture set to music is the focus of this group of Go-Getters. It is a way for those who cannot read to hide the word of God in their hearts. The focus is not on singing ability. Sign Language (Room 211): The sign language class is open to the larger community of the church. There, students are taught basic communication and the use of signs to praise during worship.
Children and Youth Elizabeth | ethelen@calvarygr.org | ext. 5163 Explorers (Students with Special Needs) Sundays | 11:15am | Room 114 Explorers provides an active, less structured environ-
ment where learning takes place using interactive centers based on 52 Bible stories. Seekers (Students with Special Needs) Sundays | 11:15am | Room 112 A calm structured environment for those who learn best with less activity. Adapted curriculum will focus more on learning about God and His love.
Women Elaine | emeredith@calvarygr.org | ext. 5186 Calvary Home Educators (CHE) Friday, November 16 | 9:30-11:30am | Room 135 Calvary Home Educators exists to support and encourage moms on their home schooling journey. We support one another through prayer, encouragement, and monthly meetings. If you have been called to home schooling or are considering it, we hope that you will join us. For more information, contact Cindy Gronsman (gronsman@sbcglobal.net) at 682-4930. Prayer Shawl Ministry Second and Fourth Thursday | 10:00am | Room 215 If you enjoy knitting and crocheting we encourage you to join us. We create handmade items that serve as a wonderful comfort, and a reminder that many voices are lifting a hurting person up in prayer. If you prefer to work at home, we will supply you with patterns. We also accept yarn donations. Contact Mary Hulst (mim1949@juno.com) at 8872557for more information. Volleyball Mondays | 6:00-8:00pm | Gym Come and make a new friend while enjoying some volleyball. There is no fee. Contact Pat Engels (engelspa@aol.com) at 457-3813 with questions.
Thanksgiving Eve Service November 21 | 7:00pm | Sanctuary
Please join us as we share testimonies of the goodness of our God. Pumpkin pie and coffee will be served in the Gym following the service.
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 17
Women’s Exercise Mondays | 9:30-11:00am | Gym | No fee Enjoy a variety of aerobics including: Tae Bo®, Pilates, Zumba®, stretching, weight lifting and games. Contact: Angela Crompton, Certified Fitness Instructor at (616) 682-1524 or Barb Mirandette, P.T. at (616) 365-9967. Limited childcare is available, contact Elaine Meredith.
WoRship Kristen | kwhite@calvarygr.org | ext. 5155 Celebrating God’s Work - A Worship Service October 28 | 6:00pm | Sanctuary Join us for an evening of prayer, praise and worship as we celebrate all that God has done these past ten years through Mark Welling (Assistant Worship Director) and Mark Grevengoed’s (Orchestra Director) time here at Calvary.
Serving opportunities
Children’s Ministry Fall is here, but it’s not too late to join this exciting team in changing children’s lives for eternity! There are opportunities to serve Sunday mornings and Kids N Action on Wednesday evenings in every area of giftedness in the classroom or behind the scenes. Contact childrensministry@calvarygr.org at ext. 5053. Festival of Lights Serving Opportunities “Baby Jesus” Needed: If you have a baby (boy or girl) less than three months and are willing to commit to a few performance dates for Festival of Lights, please contact Christy VanAndel (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615. Behind the Scenes Help: If you are interested in helping with behind the scenes stage crew, make-up, hair, hall monitors or dressing rooms during Festival of Lights performances, contact Christy VanAndel (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615. Hair Dressers Needed: If you are interested in helping with doing the casts’ hair, contact Christy VanAndel (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615. Light Set Up Week - November 5: Monday and Tuesday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-4:00pm, 6:009:00pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-4:00pm. Contact Kevin Troupe (ktroupe@calvarygr.org) if you are able to help out or just meet us in the Sanctuary.
18 | November 2012 | calvarygr.org
Set Building Week - November 12: Monday and Tuesday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-4:00pm, 6:009:00pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-4:00pm. Contact Kevin Troupe (ktroupe@calvarygr.org) if you are able to help out or just meet us in the Sanctuary. Looking for Wedding Coordinators Would you like to facilitate making a Christian couple’s wedding day honoring to the Lord and memorable for the couple? Do you enjoy planning the events of a wedding and helping to coordinate the details? If so, we need your help. We need Wedding Coordinators to assist pastors and couples with the ceremony. The Wedding Coordinator helps the bride plan the order of worship, coordinates the rehearsal and assists prior to and during the wedding ceremony. There will be a stipend offered for your time and service. If you are interested in this ministry, please call Lynnell Bok (lbok@calvarygr.org) for more information and details at ext. 3510. MOPS Childcare Help Needed MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) has a need for child care providers, especially for three to five-year-olds. Providing free, loving childcare is an essential part to the ongoing success of MOPS. Would you consider volunteering occasionally or on a regular basis so moms and kids can hear about Jesus? MOPS meets the first, third and fifth Thursday at 9:00am. Contact Elaine (emeredith@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5186 for more information. 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@sbcglobal.net).
Giving opportunities Lynnell | lbok@calvarygr.org | ext. 3510 Clothes Closet The seasons are changing and so must the clothing in our clothes closet. We are currently accepting cooler weather items for the whole family: winter boots, snowsuits, snow pants, heavy coats, gloves, mittens, hats and scarves and warm clothing. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
Food Pantry This month we need the following: • Stuffing • Assorted baking • Gravy ingredients • Dinner rolls and • Potatoes -fresh, boxed or sweet biscuits • Canned or fresh • Canned pie filling • Canned pumpkin vegetables • Cranberries - fresh • Pie crust or canned • Whipped topping Holiday Food Baskets Be a Christmas blessing by providing a food basket for a Calvary family. Our goal is to provide 80 baskets with special holiday treats for families using the Calvary Food Pantry this year. Food Baskets can be dropped off at the Yellow House Monday, December 3 through Friday, December 14, 8:30am – 5:00pm. Baskets will be delivered on Wednesday December 19. Thank you for bringing Christmas cheer to those in our Calvary Community who need encouragement. Merry Christmas! All items listed in the Giving Opportunities section above can be dropped off at the Yellow House, located behind Calvary on Bradford Street.
November 2012 sun
mon
tue
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.
wed
thu
1
fri 5:30pm 7th/8th Fall Retreat
2
sat
3
10:00am High School Fall Retreat Surviving the Holidays 5:30pm 7th/8th Fall Retreat Returns
4
5
2:00am Daylight Savings 8:00am-12:00pm Time Ends - Fall Back! 1:00-5:00pm 6:00-9:00pm International Day of FOL Light Hanging Prayer 10:00am 6:00pm Senior Adults Monthly No UNITED due to Fall Luncheon Retreat
6
8:00am-12:00pm 1:00-5:00pm 6:00-9:00pm FOL Light Hanging
7
8:00am-12:00pm 1:00-5:00pm FOL Light Hanging
8
8:00am-12:00pm 1:00-5:00pm FOL Light Hanging
9
8:00am Men’s Breakfast
10
1:00pm High School: iServe Food Drive
WFD Menu: Pulled Pork
7:00pm UNITED returns from Fall Retreat 7:30pm Young Adult Book Club
11 6:00pm Enlarge Your Heart
18
12:30pm 5th/6th P.A.C. Attack
12
8:00am-12:00pm 1:00-5:00pm 6:00-9:00pm FOL Stage & Set Building
19
11:30am Third Monday Prayer
13
14
15
21
22
8:00am-12:00pm 8:00am-12:00pm 8:00am-12:00pm 1:00-5:00pm 1:00-5:00pm 1:00-5:00pm 6:00-9:00pm FOL Stage & Set Building FOL Stage & Set Building FOL Stage & Set Building WFD Menu: Turkey and 7:00pm all the fixin’s Life Threatening Illness Support Group
20
7:00pm Mental Illness Family Support Group
6:30pm Confident Caregivers Young Adult Thanksgiving Love Feast
7:00pm Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Eve Service Church Office Closed
16
23
Church Office Closed
17
9:00am Chera (Support for the Widowed) Harvest Brunch
24
No Wednesday Night Programming
7:30pm Hymn Sing
25
Family Service No Children’s or Student’s Programming
26
27
28
29
30
WFD Menu: Beef Stroganoff
One Heart for the City Collection Begins
November 2012 | calvarygr.org | 19
Welcome to calvary church We are so glad you have joined us today. We know there are many churches you could have chosen to attend and we are glad you chose to be here. We believe that you are not here by accident, that God has brought you to this place for a specific purpose. We look forward to connecting with you and caring for you in any way that we can. This is a big church, we know... but you’d be surprised at how quickly you can find your place. All over this page are ways to meet people and get involved at Calvary. You will find there really is something for everyone! Jim Samra Senior Pastor
Sundays at Calvary Connection Point
Our Connection Point is a place where you can receive a warm welcome, whether this is your first time at Calvary or your sixteenth, the Connection Point is your place for information on connecting at Calvary Church. It is located in the Chapel wing of the building, on your right as you exit the Sanctuary, in room 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): 11:15am Chapel *Students (Seekers and Explorers): 11:15am Rooms 112/114
*Pre-registration recommended
Children’s Ministries
Need More Info?
Go to the Connection Point located through the Sanctuary doors on the right as you exit (in the Chapel wing) or stop at the Information Center at the back of the Sanctuary. Media Center: For past sermons or a series on CD, the Media Center is located through the Sanctuary doors on the left as you exit (in the Chapel wing). Children’s Activity Boxes: Located inside the Sanctuary doors by the Children’s wing. Explore Calvary This staff-led, four-week class is for people to learn more about Calvary, take a tour of the building and find out what your next steps in connecting may look like. Contact Christy (cvanandel@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5615. Pastoral Need If you have a need and would like to speak to a pastor, please call the main church number, 956-9377 or email pastoralcare@calvarygr.org. A pastor is always available.
Young Fives - Fourth Grade: 9:40am and 11:15am Visit the check-in desk at Entrance K on the lower level to register. Nursery Care: 8:10am, 9:40am and 11:15am For infants birth through preschool. Visit the check-in desk at Entrance M on the upper level to register.
Student Ministries
Middle School (MSM): 9:40am 5th & 6th Main Event (Studying the Life of Jesus) 7th & 8th Main Event (Studying the Life of Jesus) High School (United): 6:00pm (Studying the 5 Solas)
Young Adults
Merge (Singles 22-34): 11:15am Foundations (Young Couples 22-32): 11:15am College Lunch (Young Adults 18-22): 12:30pm
Room 109 Room 108 Room 108 Room 137 Room 130 Room 121
Community is a place where you belong; a place where you develop relationships with other Christians and do life together. When you experience true community, you have close friends who meet together, pray together, grow together in God’s Word, and care for one another. In community you will be loved; you will be valued; you will be transformed more into Christ’s image. If you realize it is time to engage with people in a new way and want to be a part of a community group, visit the Connection Point on Sunday mornings or contact Brenda Neher (community@calvarygr.org).