Calvary Church Women's Ministry Catalog 2014-2015

2014-2015 CATALOG

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women’s ministry

Calvary Church 707 E Beltline NE | Grand Rapids 956-9377 | calvarygr.org

the GATHERING PLACE

Tuesday morning Women’s

B i b l e ∙ St u d y

Join us this year as we study Paul’s letters of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.

This year’s focus is Knowing Christ: Lessons from Paul’s Life and Ministry. We will accompany Paul, starting with his conversion encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road and retracing his steps to some of the early churches he helped establish. With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we will look closely at those early beginnings and come to understand the pattern of sound doctrine for Christians in Paul’s letters to those churches.

Beginning Tuesday, September 16, women will gather at 9:00am in the Fellowship Hall. Within the large group meeting we will have quality time to catch up with friends and make new ones, be inspired by thought-provoking speakers, drama, music and testimonies. We’ll then break into small groups where we will actively discuss and study God’s Word until 11:15am.

While every group will journey together in the same section of the Bible, each woman will be able to choose the type of small group study she would like to join: • Directed Approach (our traditional main study) – Questions will lead you through Paul’s letters • Discovery Approach – Inductive tools will help you unpack God’s truths in Paul’s letters Register for the Gathering Place Study by September 10 at MyCalvaryGR.org. You can also find registration forms at the Sanctuary Information Center and Women’s Bulletin Board (on the lower level).

Reflecting on the Blessing of GPS There's so much I want to say about the way I have been blessed by the Gathering Place Study this past year, but two things stand out the most: the mentoring and godly example of the older women in my small group and the way my children have grown in their faith through GPS Kids. As a mother of four, having a set time each week to be able to dive into the Bible (uninterrupted) with a community of women thirsty for God's Word has been irreplaceable.

As a homeschooling mom, I am so thankful that GPS Kids reinforces what I teach at home. I am eternally grateful for the GPS Kids teachers who are so passionate about sharing God’s love with my little ones through songs, games, crafts and skits. God has blessed our combined efforts and another precious soul was added to his kingdom this year when my son asked Christ to be his Savior! Praise the Lord!

- Kayla Hackelberg

GPS

kids

Something for the kids too!

While mom is in the Gathering Place Study, GPS Kids is a wonderful place for children birth to six years of age to learn God’s truth in a loving atmosphere. While the “big” GPS is studying Pauls’ Life and Lessons our little ones will learn about Paul too as they journey through the Gospels and the early church! Teachers and helpers use Bible stories, music and fun activities to reinforce the weekly lesson. For our older children, values, character building and the wordless book are also part of the morning.

Free for kids!

MOPS MEETS: Thursdays

(1st, 3rd and 5th of the month)

9:00-11:15am Begins: September 18 MOPS Registration & Yearly Fee: $90

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers and is an international organization that exists to encourage, equip, and help women become the best moms that they can be! Women who are pregnant or have young children (birth through kindergarten) are invited to join MOPS. Do you need...

• a place to come, just as you are, and unwind while your children are cared

for in the MOPPETS program?

• someone to talk to and confide in, who understands your daily struggles?

• encouragement, inspiration and guidance during this crazy, yet critical time

of motherhood?

• information that is practical and relevant to life as a mom?

Registration forms are available at calvarygr.org/mops, at the Sanctuary Information Center or at the Women’s Ministry board in the lower level office area.

MOPS has a need for childcare providers. By providing free childcare, MOPS is a wonderful outreach to mothers and children from our community who may not normally attend church. 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? Contact Women’s Ministry (women@calvarygr.org) at 956-9377, ext. 5186.

TEEN MOPS

MEETS: Wednesdays (1st and 3rd of the month)

6:40-7:50pm Begins: September 17 in Room 123 NO COST

Are you a teen mom? Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is here to come alongside you during this season of early mothering to give you the support and resources you need to be a great mom.

Is MOPS for you? Are you a teen mom (ages 13-21) who...

• • • •

is pregnant or has a child birth through kindergarten? wants to share the challenges and joys of motherhood? is interested in parenting tips or creative ideas? likes the opportunity to earn free stuff and shop in our MOPshop?

Then yes! Teen MOPS is for you!

Free childcare available, pre-registration required. Contact Marcy Sobczak (marcysobczak@hotmail.com).

Calvary Home Educators (CHE) 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. Contact Sarah Morley (tallmorleys@hotmail.com) at (616) 970-4207.

Interested? Join anytime.

September 26 – May 22 (4th Fridays) ♥ Childcare available Time: 9:30-11:30am | Location: Room 135

Calvary Home Educators

Prayer Shawl Ministry If you enjoy knitting and crocheting we encourage you to join us. If you prefer to work at home, we will supply you with patterns. We also accept yarn donations.

September 11 – May 28 (2nd and 4th Thursdays) 10:00am-12:00pm | Room 215 If you know someone who is struggling with chronic illness, is receiving medical treatment, has suffered a trauma or is grieving the loss of a loved one, please let us know. The Prayer Shawl Team would love to give them one of our handmade prayer shawls, a fleece blanket for children or a Prayer Bear!

These items are a wonderful comfort, and a reminder that many voices are lifting that person up in prayer.

Contact: Mary Hulst (616) 887-2557 mimijean1949@gmail.com

Apples of Gold The Apples of Gold ministry is now taking registrations for a morning and an evening class this fall. This is an opportunity for young women to connect with mature women from Calvary Church to learn more about God’s plan for our lives as women, wives and mothers. We spend the evening discussing our lesson from God’s Word and learning how to show love from our kitchens.

Wednesdays or Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm, or Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm beginning in mid-September Fee: $30 (includes recipe book and study guide) The sessions will last for seven weeks.

Contact: Pat Cebulski (616) 855-4008 aogatcalvary@gmail.com *Limited space. Register in advance.

Scholarships are available.

Surrendering Sports the Secret Did you know that one in four women in the church are affected either directly or indirectly by the decision of abortion? Many women hide the painful secret of abortion deep in their hearts, and carry a great burden of shame and failure. By doing so, they are forced to endure the long-lasting effects in isolation. Surrendering the Secret allows women to release this burden and find freedom through a redemptive community, while experiencing hope and joy as shame and failure are replaced with beauty. If you are struggling in silent pain, God loves you and desires to touch you with forgiveness.

Groups start throughout the year. Contact Karen Marsman (proclaimfreedom61@ gmail.com) at (616) 724-0649 for dates and times. No fee. All communication regarding this study is kept private and confidential. Advance registration required.

EXERCISE CLASS Mondays | Sept. 8 - May 9:30-11:00am | Calvary Gym Contact: Angela Crompton, Certified Fitness Instructor at (616) 406-8106 or Barb Mirandette, P.T. at (616) 365-9967 Enjoy a variety of aerobics including: Tae Bo®, Zumba®, Pilates, stretching, self defense and games. Injury waiver needed.* Limited childcare available - contact Women’s Ministry at 956-9377, ext. 5186.

VOLLEYBALL Mondays | Sept. 8 - June 6:00-8:00pm | Calvary Gym Contact: Pat Engels (engelspa@aol.com) at 457-3813 No fee. No childcare. Injury waiver needed.* INFORMAL GOLF LEAGUE Tuesdays | May - Sept. | Tee off: 9:00am Gracewil Country Club (Ph: 784-2455) Contact: Women’s Ministry at ext. 5186 Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead and join the group for lunch afterwards if you can. No substitutes or registration required. Great exercise and you decide when you can play. *Download at calvarygr.org/women.

Benevolence If you are struggling to meet an urgent financial need, benevolent resources are available for members and regular attendees. Designed to be short-term, this assistance provides help through a difficult situation. Contact Lynnell (lbok@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3510.

Cancer support Group Support, prayer and encouragement for those dealing with cancer. Contact Regina (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672.

Chera Chera (pronounced Ke’ra) offers perspective from speakers along with support for those who have lost spouses. Contact Regina (rscovill@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672.

Choosing Forgiveness A Nancy Leigh DeMoss study for a journey to freedom. Contact Lou (ldegraaf@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618.

DIVORCECARE Find practical insights and learn how to recover from the pain of divorce and move forward to rebuild your life.

People who have been there lead this impacting, 13-week support group and seminar. Contact Lou (ldegraaf@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618.

DIVORCECARE For Kids DC4K provides a safe, neutral place for kids impacted by the separation or divorce of their parents.

Topics correlate with the 13-week DivorceCare group, children learn to understand and express their emotions, develop coping skills and find comfort through biblical teachings. Contact Lou (ldegraaf@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618.

Eating and Body image support group Guided discussion group for women (age 18+), meeting on the second Monday of the month at 7:00pm at the Yellow House. Offers a spiritual perspective on eating and body image issues as well as prayer and support. Contact Jen Lane (mieatingdisordersalliance@gmail. com).

Financial ministries These proven programs assist individuals and families with the basics of personal money management through budget counseling and financial workshops. Contact Lou (ldegraaf@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618.

Hands of jesus ministry Need help with small projects around your home, such as painting, yard work, handyman repairs, cleaning, minor plumbing, electrical work?

Contact Regina (rscovill@calvarygr. org) at ext. 3672.

TLC for Women HEaling injured sisters Have you been hurt from past physical or emotional wounds? This eightweek study brings healing through an understanding of God’s mercy and grace. Contact Lou (ldegraaf@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618.

Marriage counseling Could your relationship use a tune up? Strengthen your marriage through targeted, biblical counseling. Contact Regina (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672. mental illness family support group If you or family members are struggling with a mental illness, please join us for a support group meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Contact Regina (rscovill@calvarygr. org) at ext. 3672.

Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministers assist you in navigating personal or relationship challenges. Specially trained, mature and gifted Christian men and women will stand alongside with support through your struggle. Contact Regina (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672.

The Pastoral Care Ministry at Calvary Church provides many TLC (Tender Loving Care) programs and services for Women.

Our Pastoral Care Ministry works from the Yellow House (north of the church on Bradford Street), where staff and volunteers nurture, care and express Christ’s love.

Tuesday Evening Bible Study

Three different 8-week studies will be offered from 6:30-8:00pm on Tuesdays.

Each study is $10. Register for one, two or all three at MyCalvaryGR.org.

As a working woman, I can hardly wait each week to get together with other ladies who are more hungry for the spiritual meal God provides through His awesome Word than for dinner. Although you are encouraged to come early and eat together for a time of fellowship and refreshment, the ultimate purpose of our gathering is to be fed on how to become more like Christ or to get equipped to go out and be the salt of the earth! Please consider one, two or all three of the studies that the Lord has laid out for Fall, Winter and Spring. It’s time to eat and and to eat often... to gain wisdom, knowledge, understanding and to be lavished by the love and truth of God’s grace, Jesus Christ. Zero calories, of course!

Sabrina Fairchild, Facilitator

Heroes of Faith October 7-November 25 Douglas Connelly’s study on the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 will deepen your trust in our great God, who still keeps all his promises, so that you might live out your faith in radical ways today.

On October 7, come ready to discuss the first lesson and stay later for coffee, dessert and fellowship.

Work As Worship January 6 - February 24 Right Now Media presents this study by J.D.Greear. Through powerful biblical teaching, real-life documentary stories and engaging video illustrations, this series presents the biblical mandate for work.

Discerning the Voice of God March 10 - May 12 Loving God and longing to hear His voice, Priscilla Shirer shares her insights based on practical experience and years of biblical study. God has invited you to know Him better but how do you discern His voice?

The Women’s Ministry staff and the Women’s Advisory Committee have been praying for you! Our prayer is that you find a welcoming place in the pages of this catalog – a place where you can join in, be known, and receive nourishment for your soul. As you can see, there are many wonderful opportunities.

The Gathering Place Study (GPS), our Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study, will explore Paul’s letters of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.

The study is titled “Knowing Christ: Lessons from Paul’s Life and Ministry.” Our goal is to connect women to Jesus and to one another by creating a warm, loving atmosphere for growth in God’s Word, prayer, worship and community. In addition to all that, we are thrilled to be able to provide a free GPS Kids Program were children will learn from the Bible right along with their moms.

Also on our hearts are the many women who are unavailable for daytime opportunities at Calvary. We have branched out to provide a variety of studies on Tuesday evenings throughout the year. And if you are a working mom with kids in the Kids-N-Action on Wednesday nights, we also have a group going through the GPS “Knowing Christ” study.

Maybe you have a heart to serve women or their children. We’d love your help as we have many opportunities to mentor women and care for children so that moms can participate. If you sense a call to serve, mentor, disciple or care for children we’d love to have you!

Whether you join us for GPS Bible Study, MOPS, Apples of Gold, our Prayer Shawl Ministry, Calvary Home Educators, Surrendering the Secret, or Women’s Sports….we pray you find a place here at Calvary. We look forward to a great year together!

Susan Sorensen Pastoral Staff, Women’s Ministry