something for every woman
s ’ n e om
W istry Min
2013-2014
calvary church
707 E Beltline NE | Grand rapids calvarygr.org | 956-9377
the
GATHERING PLACE Tuesday morning Women’s
B i b l e ∙ St u d y
The Gathering Place Study (GPS) connects women to Jesus and each other by creating a warm, loving atmosphere for growth in God’s Word, prayer, worship and community. We invite you to join us. This year’s focus is Peter and the Power of a Transformed Life. We’ll explore Acts 1-12, 1 Peter and 2 Peter to discover how to be steadfast and persevere in the true grace of God. The theme verse is from 1 Peter 5:12b, “This is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.” Beginning Tuesday, September 10, 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 study the same section of the Bible, each woman will be able to choose the type of study she would like to join. We will offer two different electives:
ŪŪ Main Study – smaller groups, more discussion and prayer time (will cover Acts 1-12, 1 Peter and 2 Peter)
ŪŪ Inductive Study – in-depth Precept Method with more teaching time (will cover 1 Peter)
Register for the Gathering Place Study online at MyCalvaryGR.org. You can also use the registration form located in the middle of this catalog (page 8). Register by September 2 to ensure a spot in the small group of your choice.
How the Gathering Place Study has impacted one women’s life this past year... As a new mom in a new town, I found myself searching for a place to connect with other women, grow in the Lord and simply belong. My husband and I were new to Calvary when I was first introduced to GPS, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! GPS has served as the single greatest source of spiritual growth, connection with other women, and encouragement for my life this past year. Week after week, I was excited to dig deeper in the Bible and to grow and learn alongside other women. Despite the many sleepless nights I had with a newborn, I knew that when I got to GPS, I could take a deep breath and relax as I soaked it all in. It was especial-
ly refreshing to know that I could enjoy Bible study while my son enjoyed the GPS Kids program during the morning….and it was free! He was in good, caring hands while I was blessed with a much needed break from the every day stresses of being a new mom. Through GPS I’ve gained many new friends, but an especially good one that I enjoy spending time with, even outside of Tuesday mornings! I’ve found community and a sense of belonging in a larger church setting and I’ve found a deeper love and passion for the Word of God. I could not be more grateful for how the Lord has used GPS in my life!
Paula Lapata
Something for the kids too!
e! I T ’s F r e
GPS
kids
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 “Peter and the Power of a Transformed Life” our little ones will learn about Peter 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.
MOPS Meets: Thursday Mornings (1st, 3rd and 5th of the month) 9:00-11:15am Begins: September 19 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 all 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?
MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) has a need for child care providers. By providing free childcare, MOPS is a wonderful outreach to mothers and children from our community who may not normally attend a 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 for more details.
• Information that is practical and relevant to the life of a mother? Registration forms are available at calvarygr.org/mops, at the Sanctuary Information Center or at the Women’s Ministry bulletin board in the lower level office area.
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Teen MOPS
Are you a Teen Mom?
Teens 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.
Calvary Church when: first and third wednesday of the month 6:40-7:50pm begins september 18 join anytime where: calvary church room 123 Free childcare available, pre-registration required. Contact Marcy Sobczak (marcysobczak@hotmail. com).
Is MOPS for you?
Are you a teen mom (ages 13-21) who... - is pregnant or has a child age newborn 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! 5
Calvary Home Educators We are blessed in Western Michigan to have many opportunities for home-schoolers. There are fun plays, classes, outdoor science programs and a myriad of other opportunities. Even with all of these extra helps in our life, sometimes we just need a place to talk, to rejoice, or seek advice. 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. For more information call or email Sarah Morley.
Contact: Sarah Morley (616) 970-4207 tallmorleys@hotmail.com
Interested? Join anytime. September 27 – May 23 (4th Fridays) ♥ Childcare available Time: 9:30-11:30am | Location: Room 135
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 12 – May 22 (2nd and 4th Thursdays) Time: 10:00-12:00pm | Location: Room 215
Contact: Mary Hulst (616) 887-2557 mimi1949@juno.com
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 Women’s Ministry 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.
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Surrendering 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.
Contact: Karen Marsman (616) 724-0649 proclaimfreedom61@gmail.com
Groups start throughout the year. Contact Karen for dates and times. No fee. All communication regarding this study is kept private and confidential. Advance registration required.
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.
Contact: Pat Cebulski (616) 855-4008 aogatcalvary@gmail.com
*Limited space. Register in advance. Scholarships are available.
Wednesdays, 9:30am-12:30pm, beginning September 25 or Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm, beginning September 26 Fee: $30 (includes recipe book and study guide) The sessions will last for seven weeks.
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60s 70+
Main Study ($10) - Smaller groups, more discussion and prayer time, will cover Acts 1-12, I Peter and II Peter Inductive Study ($30) - In-depth Precept Method with more teaching
Study meets Tuesdays from 9:00-11:15am, beginning September 10 – May 6. All women will study “Peter and the Power of a Transformed Life.” Please check the appropriate study option for you:
The Gathering Place Study 2013-2014
Y
Y
• Child’s Name (First & Last)
Allergies?
Walking?
Potty Trained?
Age
50s
DOB (mm/dd/yy)
• Child’s Name (First & Last)
N
N
Relationship to Child (If not parent or guardian):
**Photos may be taken of your child, please initial here to grant us permission to use your photo for church use:
Circle your age group: 20s
40s
Please list if you have a child in GPS Kids
Zip Code
N
Gender
30s
N
Cell Phone
Y
Y
GPS Kids Registration (FREE!)
Church You Attend
Home Phone
City
Address
Name
Are you new to studying the Bible?
Have you attended a Calvary Bible Study Before?
We encourage registration at MyCalvaryGR.org. You may submit this paper form via mail or the church office, if you prefer. Please print.
Calvary Church Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study
The Gathering Place Study Registration Form
Please limit to one participant (leaders not included).
$
$
PAID BY CASH
TOTAL ENCLOSED:
$
PAID BY CHeCK (CHeCK #
)
$
STUDY Fee eNCLOSeD
Mail your registration form to: Calvary Church - Women’s Ministry PO Box 1600 | Grand Rapids MI 49501-1600 Make checks payable to Calvary Church. No phone registrations.
GPS Kids I am willing to help once or twice a year in the GPS Kids program.
Do you need a scholarship to help with study costs? Full Partial Please include the amount you can afford.
Scholarships Contact Women’s Ministry (women@calvarygr.org) at 956-9377, ext. 5186 for additional information regarding scholarships.
I would like to be placed with:
time, will cover I Peter
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
Additional information regarding special needs and allergies may be collected the first week of the study.
Allergies?
Walking?
Potty Trained?
Age
Gender
DOB (mm/dd/yy)
• Child’s Name (First & Last)
Allergies?
Walking?
Potty Trained?
Age
Gender
DOB (mm/dd/yy)
Calvary Church Women’s Ministry 2013-2014
Injury Release Waiver Participant Information
Volleyball
Women’s Exercise
Name of Participant Name of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) (if under 18) Address Phone Emergency Contact Contact Phone (Day)
Phone (Evening)
Please list any allergies or medical conditions
Is sponsor authorized to approve medical treatment
Yes No
Is participant covered by personal/family medical insurance?
Yes No
If yes, name of insurer Policy or Group Number Participation Agreement I acknowledge that participation in the activity described above involves risk to the participant (and to Participant’s parents or guardians, if Participant is a minor), and may result in various types of injury including, but not limited to, the following: sickness, bodily injury, death, emotional injury, personal injury, property damage and financial damage. In consideration for the opportunity to participate in the activity described above (the “Activity”), the Participant (or parent/guardian if Participant is a minor) acknowledges and accepts the risk of injury associated with participation in and transportation to and from the Activity. The Participant (or parent/guardian) accepts personal financial responsibility for any injury or other loss sustained during the Activity or during transportation to and from the activity, as well as for any medical treatment rendered to the Participant that is authorized by the Sponsor or its agents, employees, volunteers, or any other representatives (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Activity Sponsor”). Further, the Participant (or parent/guardian) releases and promises to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Activity Sponsor (including Sponsor and its agents, employees, volunteers or any other representatives) for any injury arising directly or indirectly out of the described Activity or transportation to and from the Activity, whether such injury arises out of the negligence of the Activity Sponsor (including Sponsor and its agents, employees, volunteers or any other representatives), the Participant or otherwise. If a dispute over this agreement or any claim for damages arises, the Participant (or parent/guardian) agrees to resolve the matter through a mutually acceptable alternative dispute resolution process. If the Participant (or parent/guardian) and the Activity Sponsor cannot agree upon such a process, the dispute will be submitted to a three-member arbitration panel for resolution pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Signature Date
Sports Volleyball
Come and make a new friend! Monday evenings | Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm | September 9 – June 9 Location: Calvary Church Gym No fee. No childcare. ► Injury Waiver Needed Contact: Pat Engels (engelspa@aol.com) at 457-3813
Exercise Class
Monday mornings | Time: 9:30 – 11:00am | September 9 – May 12 Location: Calvary Church Gym | No fee. Limited childcare available - Contact: Women’s Ministry at 956-9377, ext. 5186 ► Injury Waiver Needed Enjoy a variety of aerobics including: Tae Bo®, Zumba®, Pilates, stretching, self defense and games. Devotional offered fourth Monday from 11:00–11:30am. Contact: Angela Crompton, Certified Fitness Instructor at (616) 682-1524 or Barb Mirandette, P.T. at (616) 365-9967
Informal Golf League
Tuesday mornings | May - September | Tee off: 9:00am Location: Gracewil Country Club (Ph: 784-2455) Fees: Contact the country club for greens fee. 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. Contact: Women’s Ministry (women@calvarygr.org) at 956-9377, ext. 5186
Softball
Mid-May - Late July Women of all skill levels are welcome to join our slow-pitch team. It’s fun to be outside, be a part of a team and enjoy fellowship with other women. Contact: Angel Tomac (aatwood18@yahoo.com) at (616) 821-9643
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TLC for Women
The Pastoral Care Ministry at Calvary Church provides many TLC (Tender Loving Care) programs and services for Women. At the Yellow House (north of the church on Bradford Street), staff and volunteers nurture, care and express Christ’s love.
Ministry
Description
Contact
Benevolence
If you are struggling to meet an urgent, financial need, benevolent resources are available for members or regular attendees to Calvary Church. Designed to be shortterm, this assistance provides help through a difficult situation.
Lynnell Bok (lbok@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3510.
Food Pantry /Clothes Closet
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, be sure to access the services of the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.
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, 13week support group and seminar.
Lou DeGraaf (ldegraaf@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3618.
DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K)
DC4K provides a safe, neutral place for kids impacted by the separation or divorce of their parents. Correlating topics with the 13-week DivorceCare group, the children learn to understand and express their emotions and feelings, develop coping skills and learn comfort through biblical teachings.
Financial Ministries
These proven programs assist individuals and families with the basics of personal money management through budget counseling and financial workshops.
Cancer support group
Are you or a loved one dealing with cancer? Regina Scovill The goal of this group is to provide a time of (rscovill@calvarygr.org) sharing and support as well as prayer and at ext. 3672. encouragement from the Bible.
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TLC for Women Ministry
Description
Contact
Chera
Chera (pronounced Ke’ra) reaches out with the comfort found in Jesus to those who Regina Scovill have lost spouses. Chera offers perspective (rscovill@calvarygr.org) at ext. 3672. from speakers along with support from others walking this same complex path.
Hands of Jesus
If you need help with small projects around your home, such as painting, yard work, handyman repairs, cleaning, minor plumbing, electrical work, consider contacting the Hands of Jesus ministry for assistance.
H.I.S (Healing Injured Sisters)
Have you been hurt from past physical or emotional wounds? Are you ready to begin the journey of healing? Join us in September for a six-week study learning what it means to move past your hurt by seeking to understand God’s mercy and grace.
Lies Women Believe
A Nancy Leigh DeMoss study that sheds light on how we can be set free to work in God’s grace, forgiveness and abundant life.
Marriage Counseling
Could your relationship use a tune up? Strengthen your marriage through targeted, biblical counseling.
Mental Illness 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.
Stephen’s Ministry
Stephen’s 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.
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TUESDAY Evening Three 8-week Studies: • October 8 – November 26 Breaking Free from Fear • January 14 – March 4 Living Like You Belong to God • March 18 – May 20 Discovering What the Future Holds *All studies are inductive, no homework, Bible studies by Precept Ministries
Register online at MyCalvaryGR.org I just want to let you know that Tuesday night Bible study was a powerful experience. We met at a local restaurant for our last lesson, and it was so good. Right after we finished the lesson, a lady came up to us. She was in tears. This lady said she overheard our lesson and asked if we could pray for a difficult situation in her life. We surrounded her and prayed for her and a family member she was very concerned about. The Lord works in mysterious ways!! One of the ladies in the group felt prompted to give her a copy of our study, titled “Living Victoriously.” The study may be over for us, but hopefully it will begin for someone else.
FILL MY
Devotional by Lisa Samra
Tuesday, October 1 7:00-8:30pm Fellowship Hall
If you are a working woman and …would like to connect with other working women at Calvary, …hear about opportunities for spiritual growth, …or simply desire an evening of refreshment for your soul,
RSVP online or by phone
MyCalvaryGR.org | 956-9377, ext. 5186
Welcome
The prayer of the Women’s Ministry staff and the Women’s Advisory Committee is that you find a welcoming place in the pages of this catalog – maybe a Bible study, a group, or activity – where you can join in, be known, and receive nourishment for your soul.
As you see, there are many wonderful opportunities to choose from. The Gathering Place, our Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study on “Peter and the Power of the Transformed Life,” will explore the riches of Acts 1-12, 1 Peter and 2 Peter. Our goal is to understand the true grace of God and to stand firm and persevere in it. We are thrilled to be able to provide a free GPS Kids Program where 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 hope and pray you will join us for another “Fill My Cup” evening this fall and for one of our evening Bible study opportunities. 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!
Women’s Ministry Pastoral Staff