Summer Calvary Life

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Summer

Summer Program Guide

Your guide to the activities at Calvary Church this upcoming season.

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· JULY · AUGUST

Cancer Care

As many residents wrap up their time at Calvary in the next few months, they’re taking a moment to reflect.

Engage with Calvary Kids Core Practices

Understand the deeper meaning behind the Calvary Kids event this summer.

Summer Reading

A suggested book from a member of our Library Committee.

Senior Pictures from High School Graduates

Celebrate our Calvary students who are graduating this spring.

Sending Josh Karhan

We joyfully send Josh Karhan to be the associate pastor at New Heart Church in East Grand Rapids.

Summer Serving

Encouragement to live out the plan God has called you to by serving at church.

Mercy & Missions Updates

Updates from the Mercy & Missions team.

calvary in your inbox

The eNews is our weekly digital bulletin that comes out each Friday morning, connecting you to the life and ministry of Calvary. Visit mycalvarygr.org and click on “Subscriptions” to add yourself to the email list.

Calvary Church

707 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids MI 49525

Mailing Address: PO Box 1600 Grand Rapids MI 49501

Ph (616) 956-9377

Fax (616) 956-9723 calvarygr.org

CalvaryChurchGR calvarygr

SUMMER 2024 PROGRAM GUIDE

SUNDAY

MORNINGS

Worship & Prayer

Sunday Morning Worship Service

Calvary Church Sanctuary

9:00 & 10:45am

Both services are identical. All services are streamed live at calvarygr.org. We are currently studying the Gospel of Matthew.

Calvary Church welcomes people of all abilities. Special accommodations including reserved seating and wheelchair assistance are available. Inclusive worship is encouraged for all - in the Sanctuary with additional spaces available for those with sensory sensitivities. Many hearing aids offer hearing assistance by selecting the t-coil setting on your device. You can take advantage of this feature on the main floor behind row 6 of the main seating area. Contact Zach Schmuck (zschmuck@calvarygr. org) for more information.

Pre-Service Prayer

8:30-8:50am | Room 211B

Come pray with the morning’s teaching pastor and other participants specifically that God would bless our worship services. All are encouraged to join.

Boiler Room Prayer

8:50-11:55am | Room 212

Pray over every aspect of the service as the Holy Spirit leads, assisted by a request sheet composed by staff. Open to all, come and go as able.

Adult Sunday Classes

Adult Sunday classes are committed to engaging more deeply with the Bible and authentic biblical community. The focus of each class is growing in God’s Word, care, prayer, and community. We encourage you to visit a few of the classes to see where God may be leading you. Questions? Contact Karen (kvanholstyn@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 5173.

9:00am Classes

Ambassadors | Chapel

A medium sized teaching-oriented class comprised of senior adults.

Faith Builders | Room 260

A medium sized teaching-oriented class of couples and singles 50+.

Family Tree | Room 251-253 | Does not meet on the 1st Sunday of the month

A medium sized multi-generational sermon discussion class focused on doing life together as we pray for one another and share what God is teaching us through the Sunday sermons. First Sunday is a potluck at someone’s home after second service.

Flock | Room 252 | A medium sized teaching-oriented class comprised of senior adults.

Growing in Relationships | Room 261 Meet 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays

A large teaching-oriented class of married, single, and remarried adults.

L.A.C.E. (Living After Christ’s Example) Room 255 | Does not meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month

A small teaching-oriented class for women of all ages and life stages.

10:45am Classes

Faith & Fellowship | Room 264

A medium sized sermon discussion class of all ages and life stages.

Heirs Together | Chapel

A large teaching-oriented class of single and married senior adults.

Journey | Room 265

A large, teaching-oriented class of all ages and life stages.

Koinonia | Room 260

A medium sized sermon discussion class of all ages and life stages who love Jesus.

Legacy Builders | Room 106A

A small discussion style class of all ages and life stages that studies the Bible inductively verse by verse.

Sojourners | Room 252

A medium sized teaching-oriented class comprised primarily of senior adults who are seeking to become more inter-generational.

Kids & Students

9:00 & 10:45am (Nursery - Fourth Grade)

Check-in: All children need to receive their nametags at the check-in area at the bottom of the stairs, then be escorted by a parent or guardian to the room number printed on their name tag.

Inclusion is encouraged for children of varied abilities, K – 4th grade. If extra support is needed, an individualized Care Plan can be developed alongside our facilitator, Pam Cook, (pcook@ calvarygr.org).

Holiday Sundays: May 26 & July 7 - On these Sundays, the only Calvary Kids Ministry available is nursery & preschool.

KIDS & STUDENTS

Calvary Kids

Birth-Fourth Grade

Contact: Brooke Hensler bhensler@calvarygr.org | ext. 5085

Popsicles at the Park

Wednesdays: June 12, July 10, August 7 10:00am -12:00pm | 1836 E Beltline NE

Enjoy a morning out with other Calvary Kids families at Grand Rapids Township Park. At 11:00am, we’ll gather together to learn about heroes of our faith and Christian Olympians who exhibit(ed) characteristics like self-control, perseverance, and courage! The short lesson will be followed up by a few Summer Olympic-style activities! Clique Coffee is provided for parents, grandparents, and caregivers and there’ll be plenty of popsicles and snacks for the kids. Neighbors and friends are always welcome. Kids are not to be dropped off or left unattended. Registration is not required, just show up!

Water Wednesday

June 26 | 10:00am -12:00pm Millennium Park and Splash Pad 1415 Maynard Ave SW

Enjoy the Michigan summer – bring your swimsuit or a change of clothes and get ready for some splish-splashy fun! Kids are not to be dropped off or left unattended. Snacks will be provided. Registration is not required, just show up!

Water Wednesday

July 24, 10am -12pm Forest Hills Park Association 847 Greenbrier Dr SE

Bring your swimsuit and get ready for some splish-splashy fun! Those who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper. Adults must stay for this event; kids are not to be dropped off and left unattended. Lifeguards will be present. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required at MyCalvaryGR.org

Fifth & Sixth

Fifth-Sixth Grade

Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org

Breakfest in the Bible

June 10,24, July 8,15,29, August 5,12,19 9:00am-12:00pm | Room 108 | FREE

Saddle up for our summer, youth group style programming called Breakfast in the Bible! All summer long, we’ll be diggin’ into the Book of 1 Peter over a plate of piping hot grub in our series called “Divine Inertia,” where we will look at being a person who lives a life in motion towards God. So, grab your sporks, put on your thinkin’ caps, and let’s explore some spiritual goodness together. Remember, darlin’, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this one’s gonna nourish your soul somethin’ fierce! Register at mycalvarygr.org.

Family Bonfire Nights

June 12, July 24 | 5:30-7:30pm | FREE Meet & Pick Up: Mr. David’s House Register at mycalvarygr.org

Time to ditch the screens and embrace the flames! Think crackling fire, starlit skies, and enough hot dogs and s’mores to satisfy even the hungriest teen (you know who you are, Michael). Dust off your yard game skills, bring your crew, and prepare for an epic night of laughs, stories, and maybe even some embarrassing dad jokes (sorry, gotta keep it real). Don’t be a square, RSVP and join the family fun! You won’t regret it (unless you forget the marshmallows, then I can’t guarantee anything).

Middle School Mayhem: Day Retreat! August 10 | 8:00am-6:30pm | $30 Meet & Pick Up: Room 108 Register at mycalvarygr.org by July 18

We will travel to the lakeside grounds of Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, and it’s gonna be an EPIC day of beach bonanzas, poolside pandemonium, and more awesome activities than you can shake a stick at! Think epic dodgeball throwdowns, mini golf mas-

tery, and laughter louder than a squirrel on helium! Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, change of clothes, and a BIG smile – we’re gonna make memories that’ll last a lifetime! Oh, and bring some cash for any poolside snacks – you don’t wanna miss out on those camp classics!

Fore the Fifth Graders

August 16 | 6:30-8:00pm | FREE Meet & Pick Up: Room 108 | Entrance F Register at mycalvarygr.org by August 16

Fore-get the ordinary, prepare for the extraordinary! Putt your way into fun at the “Fore the 5th Graders!” Mini Golf Extravaganza! We will transform our space into a 9-hole wonderland, perfect for families and future golf champions alike. Bring your own putter, hone your swing, navigate quirky challenges, and celebrate your fifth-grade milestone with laughter, putt-putt prowess, and delicious refreshments. Tee off on an unforgettable adventure and make memories that’ll last a lifetime! See you there for a hole-in-one good time!

Annual Kickoff Cookout

August 28 | 5:30-8:00 pm | FREE Student Patio (Entrance D) Register at mycalvarygr.org by August 28

Calling all 5th and 6th graders and their families to join us on the Student Patio to hear about all that 56 is serving up this school year! With that – we’re talking epic taco throwdown with a toppings bar that’ll blow your tastebuds to kingdom come. Think spicy salsa, mountains of cheese, and enough guac to make your dad jealous. And just when you think you can’t stuff another bite, BAM! Kona Ice, so cold it’ll send shivers down your spine – flavors galore, guaranteed to put a smile on even the pickiest eater’s face! (except maybe your sister, but hey, you can’t win ’em all) So grab your friends & family and get ready for a party that’ll have you saying “radical, dude!” See you there!

Seventh & Eighth

Seventh-Eighth Grade

Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org

Michigan’s Adventure

June 10 | 10am-8pm | $50

Meet & Pick Up: Entrance D Register at mycalvarygr.org by June 2

Join us as we kick off Summer with one of our most anticipated events: Michigan’s Adventure! Whether you are a roller coaster fan or the Lazy River is more your speed, you will not want to miss this funfilled day! Your registration cost will get you admission to the park (amusement park & water park) + one meal, so bring extra money ($20 should be more than enough) for dinner! This is always a hit and we hope you will join us!!

Breakfast and Bible Study

June 12, 19, July 10, 17, 31, August 14 10:00am-12:00pm | Room 208

Join us for Breakfast and Bible Study this summer where we’ll dive into Parables, discuss what Jesus wants us to know about who He is and who we are in Him, and enjoy delicious morning treats! Get ready for engaging conversations, tasty food, and making unforgettable memories with friends as we explore the wisdom of the Bible together! Register at mycalvarygr.org.

Bonfire & Swim at the Veltings

June 20 | 6:00pm-9:00pm | $5 6374 Buena Vista Ct, Rockford, MI 49341 Register at mycalvarygr.org by June 19

Hey 7th and 8th graders! One of my family’s favorite things is to hang out at the lake! We want to invite you to come join us for an evening of hot dogs and pop, bonfire with s’mores, swimming and yard games! Come soak up some sun and get as involved in activities as your heart desires or just chill by the fire. There truly is something for everyone. We hope to see you there!

Bike and Ice Cream

July 9 | 1:30pm-3:30pm | Free

Drop Off: Wendy’s Parking Lot (4694 West River Dr NE)

Pick Up: Rocky’s Dairy Depot (110 N Main St, Rockford)

Register at mycalvarygr.org by July 8

Bring your bike and join us for a 7-mile bike ride from Comstock Park to Rockford! We will hop on the White Pine Trail at Wendy’s and head north toward downtown Rockford. Once we arrive in Rockford we will grab ice cream at Rocky’s and walk around downtown Rockford. If you like riding bikes and eating ice cream, this event is for you!

Ark Encounter

July 23 at 10:00am – July 25 at 5:00pm

Cost: $125 | Register at mycalvarygr.org by July 15

Get ready for an adventure like no other as 7&8 make the trip to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky! Step back in time to experience the biblical story of Noah’s Ark firsthand, with life-sized exhibits and interactive displays. Imagine sharing stories with friends around a bonfire and cozying up in tents under the stars – it’s going to be an unforgettable journey!

Beach Day at Tunnel Park

August 15 | 4:00pm-10:00pm | Cost: $10

Meet & Pick Up: Calvary, Entrance D Register at mycalvarygr.org by August 12

Let’s end the Summer the right way by heading to Tunnel Park in Holland. We will enjoy beach games, swimming, dinner and worship! We want this event to be special for our outgoing 8th graders, so we will take some time to thank God for all He has done over the last two years and for all he will do in the future. All 7th and 8th graders welcome!! This was the highlight of so many of our students last year, you will not want to miss it!

High School

9th-12th Grade

Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org

Summers with HSM

Our high school ministry digs deep into community during summer break, spending most Sundays and every other Tuesday together. If you’re a high school student, (incoming freshmen, outgoing seniors, and everyone in between, we’re looking at you!) we’d love for you to be a part of our community as we enjoy incredible adventures, lots of laughs, and discover more about Jesus together.

Summer Sundays @ HSM

Dates Meeting: June 9, 23, 30; July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25

6:30-7:30pm | Room 208

Note: August 25 is an offsite bonfire to celebrate the end of the summer

This summer at HSM, we are going to look at what it actually means to practice the way of Jesus. Each week we will hangout, worship, and go through a series of practices that Jesus modeled in his life. Building community is one of our strongest values at HSM, and one of the ways you will see this play out during the summer is through practice groups. Each week, students will break into groups to discuss the night’s topic, engage in that evening’s practice together, and plan how to put it into practice throughout the week.

Our “official” HSM gathering is from 6:30-7:30pm in 208, but we’d also like to invite you to come early for a casual hangout time outside on the patio (6:006:30pm) and then join us after HSM for Overtime Hangout from 7:30-9:30pm. You can read more about Overtime below.

Overtime Hangouts

We hope you’ll join us for “Overtime” hangout each Sunday after HSM, where the goal is simply to have a blast building community through a variety of planned activities.

OT starts at 7:30pm and is most often off site, with transportation provided for those who need a ride TO (but not back from) the hangout location. Pickup is 9:30pm at the location specified each week, unless otherwise communicated. Addresses are provided in the weekly email and at the beginning of HSM each week.

Tuesday Hangs

In addition to HSM on Sunday evenings, we spend time together every other Tuesday! The heart behind our Tuesday Hangs is to soak up all the summer vibes while making memories and building relational community together.

Email Darcy (dwalukonis@ calvarygr.org) to join our weekly mailing list or scan the QR code to the left to stay in the loop concerning Sunday Overtimes and Tuesday adventures! All the details are at calvarygr.org/hsm.

Special Events

Camping with Tom July 31 – August 2 | $125

If you’re going to be a junior or senior during the 2024-2025 school year, this event is just for you! Join us (and Lead Pastor Tom Olsson!) for two nights of tent camping in the Glen Arbor/Traverse City area. Our time together is full of great outdoor adventures as well as some incredible fireside chats. You’ll conclude our time together feeling closer than ever to your friends from HSM and encouraged in your walk with the Lord. This is an HSM favorite, don’t miss out!

Scholarships are available. Registration, which includes a few application questions, is required and due by Monday, July 1. Register at mycalvarygr.org.

Welcome Freshmen Bonfire

August 7 | 7:00-8:30pm

The Woznick Home | 3554 Merlin Ct. NE

If you are entering high school this fall, this event is for you and your parents! Come experience the best of HSM with a delicious cookout around the fire and low-stakes games to get to know the staff.

Parents, when you drop off and pick up your student, we’d love for you to come say hi so that you too can get to know our team and hear our vision for High School Ministry. S’more supplies and drinks will be provided. Please bring one of your favorite snacks to pass! Register at mycalvarygr.org.

ADULTS

Young Adults

College & Career (Ages 18-30)

Contact: Dan Eytcheson deytcheson@calvarygr.org

Tuesday Nights

Tuesdays | 8:00pm (Doors open - 7:30pm) Room 208 (Entrances E)

No registration required

We exist to help Young Adults know God and actively live out their faith where they live, work, and play. So, come encounter Jesus in a community of young adults through worship of music, teaching, testimony, and friendship. Our summer series, “Walking in Wisdom,” will go through the wisdom literature and how young adults can live wise and godly lives in an unwise world.

Singles Connect

Contact: Lynnell Bok lbok@calvarygr.org

Singles Connect seeks to support and encourage single men and women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s in their life journeys and help them go deeper with God and with one another. Ultimately, our goal is for singles to make a lasting impact in God’s Kingdom and we believe that we can do that better together.

Monthly Lunches

Join us for lunch on the fourth Sunday of each month. We meet at 12:30pm at various local restaurants for friendship building and connecting.

• May 26 - Kitchen 67 1977 E Beltline Ave NE

• June 23- Sheshco 2121 Celebration Dr NE #700

• July 28 - Friesian Gastro Pub 720 Michigan St NE

• August 25 - Licari’s 2869 Knapp St NE

Men

Contact: Carla Julien cjulien@calvarygr.org

Basketball Mondays | 7:00-9:00pm | Gym

Men’s open gym pick-up basketball. This is a great opportunity for men to enjoy some fellowship over a good game of basketball. Contact: Mike (mensbball@ calvarygr.org)

Men at Noon Tuesdays | 12:00pm

This is a virtual inductive Bible study on Exodus. Contact Russ Clark (menatnoon@calvarygr.org) for a link to participate in this study.

Men’s 60+ Golf League Tuesdays | 8:45am - 12:00pm

This is a great chance to meet new people, enjoy good Christian fellowship, and also get some exercise. This isn’t a formal golf league so just show up when you can play, and it’s open to golfers of all skill levels. We draw for weekly player partners at 8:45am and the first tee time is at 9:06am. The cost is $37 for 18 holes of golf including a cart. For more information, contact Ken (708) 8606010 or at (kitskenneth@gmail.com).

Virtual Fishing Tournament

June 7-9

It’s time for our fifth annual Virtual Fishing Tournament! Take advantage of a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones on the water. This year we are mixing things up. We will have updated rules for the top fish caught. Sign up for the full details. There will also be other prizes for first fish caught, best picture, and other random prizes just for fun. Just snap a picture of you and your fish with a measuring tape or scale to enter. Submit photos via email to men@ calvarygr.org. You must be registered to win at my.calvarygr.org. Action starts at 12:00am on June 7 and ends at 11:59pm June 9. Fish must be caught during this timeframe.

Men’s Breakfast

July 13 | 8:00-9:30am | $5

Are you feeling a bit isolated or seeking some motivation? Come and spend some quality time with us at this gathering. Let’s unite as brothers while celebrating the wonderful things that God is doing amongst us. Bring along a friend or neighbor, and sign up now at mycalvaryg.org. Since this is our only breakfast event this summer, you want to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to bond over a hearty meal!

Fall Kickoff

August 21 | 6:30-8:30pm

It’s time to kick off another amazing year of Men’s Ministry here at Calvary Church! Mark your calendar, grab a buddy, and get ready. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” Our goal is to become a community of godly men transforming our world for Christ. We need you to be the man that God created you to be. Our journey starts with fellowship over some nice BBQ, worship, and a challenge from God’s Word. Sign up at mycalvarygr.org today!

OASIS (Senior Adults)

Contact: Carla Julien cjulien@calvarygr.org

OASIS Singles First Sunday Lunch

June 2 | 12:30 - 2:30pm | $20

Sheshco, 2121 Celebration Dr NE #700

Meet for a tasty lunch and good fellowship right after church. Cost of lunch will be on your own. Contact Phyl (oasissingles@calvarygr.org) if you plan to go.

Bike & Brunch

Thursdays (June 6-August 8)

9:00am-12:00pm

Get some great exercise and fellowship and on Thursdays throughout the summer. The round-trip bike rides will average between18-24 mile and will stop mid-way for brunch. Contact Carla for a list of the scheduled rides. It will be your personal choice to ride in unfavorable weather conditions.

Dinner & Concert

June 8 | 4:45-9:00pm | $15

12253 Lakeshore Dr

The Garms Family will not disappoint fans of southern gospel, inspirational and bluegrass acoustic music. An optional van ride from Calvary leaves at 4:45pm and dinner at 5:00pm in Standale, concert begins at 7:00pm. RSVP to Carla by June 5 if you plan to join us at any point in the evening.

Senior Serve

June 12 | 10:00am-12:00pm Grand Rapids Township Park

Serve at Calvary Kids event Popsicles in the Park by helping facilitate crafts, activities and games. If you are not already a certified volunteer please fill out a Volunteer Application and contact Carla by June 9 if you plan to join us.

Picnic Praise

June 26 | 6:00-8:00pm | West Lawn

This will be a wonderful evening of praising God and fellowship together. Hear

the hand clapping joy of gospel music with Skylight Quartet. Bring your own lawn chair and picnic. Pie and ice cream will be served mid-evening. A free will offering will be collected.

OASIS Singles: Dinner & Concert

June 29 | 4:30-9:00pm | $15

12253 Lakeshore Dr

The Martins’ songs share messages of God’s goodness and providential work in their lives. The carpool from Calvary leaves at 4:00pm. Purchase the optional chicken bbq dinner at CRC. The concert begins at 7:00pm. R.S.V.P. to Gladys (garamsey12@gmail.com) by June 26.

OASIS Singles: First Sunday Lunch

July 7 | 12:30-2:30pm | $20

El Burrito Loco, 1971 E Beltline Ave NE

Meet for a tasty lunch and good fellowship right after church. Cost of lunch will be on your own. Contact Phyl (oasissingles@calvarygr.org) if you plan to go.

Luncheon & Concert

July 8 | 10:00am-12:00pm | $8 Gathering Place

Final Harvest will share their love for God through music. Their wide range of music style includes southern gospel, contemporary and original classical inspirational. Join us for great fellowship and a delicious lunch. A free-will offering will be collected for Final Harvest. Purchase your tickets at mycalvarygr.org or by contacting Carla before June 30.

Summer in the Psalms

Wednesdays, July 10-July 31

9:45-11:00am | Gathering Place

We will delve into our relationship with God, while exploring His character in light of life’s complexities, challenges, tests and trials. So, come, be encouraged and challenged, but be ready to hear from the Lord, as we gather to study Psalm 1, 91, 121 & 139.

OASIS Singles: Food Truck Friday

July 12 | 4:30-7:30pm

Riverside Park

Try some new foods and make some new friends. Meet by the food trucks. Cost of dinner on your own. Contact Phyl (oasissingles@calvarygr.org) if you plan to go.

Dinner & Concert

July 20 | 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Sandy Pines Chapel

3 Heath Brothers have emerged on the gospel scene in the last four years and have become fast favorites. An optional van ride from Calvary leaves at 3:30pm and dinner at 4:00pm at Culver’s, 500 84th St, Byron Center, concert begins at 6:00pm. RSVP to Carla by July 17 if you plan to join us at any point in the evening. Bring your own lawn chair.

OASIS Singles: Dinner & Concert

July 27 | 4:00-9:00pm | $15

The carpool from Calvary leaves at 4:00pm, dinner at Grand Traverse Pie at 5:00pm. The concert begins at 7:00pm. R.S.V.P. to Phyl (oasissingles@calvarygr. org) by July 24.

Dinner & Concert

August 3 | 4:00-9:00pm | $15

Point of Grace’s soaring melodies and rich harmonies have helped define the sound of contemporary music. An optional van ride from Calvary leaves at 4:00pm, dinner at 5:00pm in Muskegon, concert begins at 7:00pm at Maranatha. RSVP to Carla by July 31 if you plan to join us at any point in the evening.

OASIS Singles: First Sunday Lunch

August 4 | 12:30-2:30pm | $20

Applebee’s, 3250 Grand Ridge Dr NE

Meet for a tasty lunch and good fellowship right after church. Cost of lunch will be on your own. Contact Phyl (oasissingles@calvarygr.org) if you plan to go.

OASIS Singles: Dinner & Grand Haven

August 17 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Grand Rapids Township Park, 1836 E Beltline Ave NE

Bring your own dinner to the park and then carpool to Grand Haven to spend the rest of the evening. Contact Phyl (oasissingles@calvarygr.org) if you plan to go.

Special Needs Ministry

Contact: Zach Schmuck zschmuck@calvarygr.org

Go-Getters Picnic

June 26 | 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

Go-Getters picnics offer a change of scenery and an opportunity to connect in Christ.

Women

Contact: women@calvarygr.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Second Thursday of the Month 10:00am-12:00pm | Room 215

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? We would love to have you to serve with us in Prayer Shawl Ministry. We meet monthly for a time of prayer, devotions and fellowship while creating prayer shawls. Join us in person or work from home and we supply yarn and patterns. If you know someone who is struggling with chronic illness, receiving medical treatment, or grieving; please let us know. The Prayer Shawl ministry would love to give them one of our handmade prayer shawls, or a prayer bear for children. These items are a wonderful comfort and a reminder that many are lifting that person up in prayer. Contact women@calvarygr.org with questions.

Generations June 13 | 7:00-9:00pm Gathering Place

Join Calvary women (ages 8 – 108) for an inspirational evening of dessert and face to face, heart to heart conversation! Our topic will be Hope-Filled Suffering: An Eternal Perspective

Come and be part of building a multi-generational community of women, one conversation at a time. Learn together how to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ authentically as God’s servants today. Hear Calvary women of different ages and stages share their stories of Christ’s power to shape them.

No cost for this event. Register at mycalvarygr.org. If you have questions or would like to serve, contact Heather Case (generations@calvarygr.org).

Embrace: Play Dates at the Park

June 19 | July 17 | August 14

9:30-11:30am | 430 Manhattan Rd SE

Meet other young moms from Calvary Church. Embrace is a group of moms with babies and young children. Join us for three play dates at Manhattan Park this summer and enjoy refreshments while our children play. Use the entrance on Manhattan Road, nearest the playground equipment. No registration needed. Email questions to embrace@ calvarygr.org.

Summer Bible Study

Unshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith by Lina AbuJamra Wednesdays, June 19-August 7 7:00-8:30pm | Gathering Place

God equips us to be women of unwavering hope, powerful perseverance, and dependent trust-women with resilient faith. Join Lina AbuJamra as she walks you through biblical lessons on trust, perseverance, and faith. Each chapter connects you with video interviews with Ruth Chou Simons, Joni Eareckson Tada, and more. You’ll experience God’s faithfulness through Scripture alongside inspiring stories that will transform you, too, into a woman of unshakable moxie.

Scholarships available. Register at mycalvarygr.org by June 16. If you wish to join after that date, you may arrive at 6:45pm and register then.

If you need a virtual option, please email Jessica for availability. Questions: Contact women@calvarygr.org or 616956-5186.

Women of Faith Book Club

June 24 | July 29 | August 26

7:00-8:30pm | Gathering Place

Read about courageous women who have impacted history and the faith of many! We’ll read one book each month and meet in the Gathering Place on the last Monday to discuss that month’s heroine. You may choose to read one, two, or all three books.

• June – Saving My Assassin, by Virginia Prodan (A Romanian inspired memoir)

• July – Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon (wife of Charles H. Spurgeon), by Ray Rhodes Jr.

• August – Shackled by Mariam Ibraheem with Eugene Bach (A Sudanese story of survival)

No cost; obtain your favorite version of the book on your own. Some copies may be available to check out in the Calvary Library. Register at mycalvarygr.org.

Blessed2Bless

August 26 | 11:30am-12:30pm Room 215

As we continue to step out in faith into our neighborhoods, workplaces and friend groups with simple Bible Studies, you may need encouragement to carry on or maybe God has been prompting you to take the first step. Blessed2Bless gatherings are for prayer and encouragement as we continue to reach out. Join us! No registration needed.

CARE & SUPPORT GROUPS

Contact: Erika Sparks esparks@calvarygr.org

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Sundays – Women’s Stag

5:00-6:00pm | Room 112 (Entrance G)

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays

7:30-8:30pm | Rm 112 (Entrance G)

Monday-Friday

12:00-1:00pm | Rm 112 (Entrance G)

Al-Anon

Thursdays | 7:30-8:30pm | Rm 110

Al-Anon is a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.

Avenue

Help for men who are struggling with pornography and/or sexual brokenness. Contact avenue@calvarygr.org.

Hannah’s Heart

Support for those grieving a miscarriage or the loss of an infant. Contact: Deb Donker at (616) 363-7818 or Judy Wetters at (616) 433-1533.

Mental Illness Support Group

Second Thursday | 6:30-8:00pm | Rm 255

If you are caring for a loved one with mental illness, this support group is designed to give you encouragement, training and fellowship with others walking a similar journey. Contact mentalhealth@ calvarygr.org with questions. Contact: Cindy Marrell

PRAYER

Elder Prayer

First Tuesday | 6:15-7:15pm

Contact: Cindy Marrell at ext. 5997

Are you seeking healing? Do you need others to come alongside you right now? Experience the encouraging power of prayer with the Elders. Schedule a time and let us come before the Lord with you in this season.

Prayer For the Persecuted Church

Fourth Sunday | 10:15-10:40am Room 110

Pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering for their faith. Register for our prayer list at mycalvarygr.org.

Pastors’ Prayer Partners

Sundays | One Service Monthly

Receive weekly updates from the Pastoral Staff via email or postal mail. Your role is to pray with a team of prayer warriors during one service a month and pray in your own home regularly.

Third Monday Missionary Prayer

Third Monday | 11:30am-12:30pm

Join us in room 255 to pray for our missionaries around the world.

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Contact: Christie Thompson cthompson@calvarygr.org

Baptism

Baptism will take place in the morning worship services on June 23. If you feel the Lord prompting you to be baptized, contact Christie.

Communion

We aim to observe the ordinance of communion once a month, typically on the first Sunday. At these times, we will also collect an offering for Calvary’s Benevolence Fund.

SERVE WITH US!

Join The Rooted Leadership Team! July 28 | 12:30-4:00pm

Are you passionate about serving God and His people? We invite you to be part of our Rooted leadership team. As a faithful follower of Jesus, your commitment to the church is what we need. Whether you’re an experienced leader or just starting, we invite you to walk in the good works that God has prepared for you.

What we pray for leaders to value:

• Faithfulness: A steadfast commitment to Christ.

• Teachability: A hunger for learning and spiritual growth.

• Availability: Willingness to invest time in ministry.

• Flexibility: Adaptability to changing needs.

• Willingness: Eagerness to make a difference.

What is Rooted: Rooted is, a small group of 10-15 people, designed to better connect you with God, the church, and your God given purpose. Together you will explore

Scripture, pray, serve, share stories, and grow in healthy spiritual rhythms.

Next Steps: Join us for our Rooted Leader Equipping Session, July 28 from 12:304:00pm, and discover how you can impact lives within our church. Register at mycalvarygr.org.

Outdoor Care Team

Do you have a green thumb or enjoy working outdoors? We are looking for energetic & self-driven volunteers to join the Calvary Church Facilities Outdoor Care Team. Duties may include cutting grass on our zero-turn mowers, edge or bush trimming, gardening & irrigation system maintenance. Qualified volunteers or those willing to learn through provided training are welcome to apply. Schedules are flexible Monday through Saturday, from May - September.

Contact Ken Meines, Director of Facility Services, at 616-956-5125 for more info or apply online at calvarygr.org/serving.

Calvary Kids

We are currently recruiting volunteers to join us to love and care for our little ones over the summer months. Our volunteers who regularly serve with us need subs to cover for them while they are on vacation or take the summer months off. Contact Michelle Smith (msmith@calvarygr.org) if you can help one time per month over the summer months of June, July and August.

We are also growing in our 9:00am service and we would also like to open up another classroom at 9:00am and need at least six volunteers for our 2.5-3-5 years old group. Reach out today to begin serving this summer!

Join our Sunday Van Crew and Spread Welcome!

Hey there, road warriors! Looking to add some purpose to your Sunday drive? We’ve got just the gig for you!

We’re on the hunt for friendly drivers to help us pick up international students from Calvin University to join worship on Sunday morning. If you like to drive and have a heart for making newcomers feel welcome, we want YOU!

What you need:

• Ability to drive at least one Sunday per month

• 21+ or older

• Desire to be a part of a warm, welcoming team

• Complete the online volunteer form and driver’s certification application Join our squad and let’s make Sundays brighter together! To hop on board, scan the QR Code to start the application process. Let’s roll out the welcome mat and spread some joy on the road!

Have questions? Email Vida Wilson (vwilson@calvarygr.org).

CancerCare

Living in close community with others means that it is highly likely that you might know someone or be someone who has experienced a cancer journey. Maybe you have a neighbor, friend, or loved one currently walking this road, or perhaps cancer has been the diagnosis given to you recently. It can be challenging to know what to do when someone we love receives a cancer diagnosis, but the Apostle Paul calls us to action in Acts 20:35 when he said, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” No matter who it is that is facing cancer, God has called us all to the ministry of caring for others during seasons of illness.

In April, Calvary Care launched a new ministry called Our Journey of Hope Cancer Care Founded by the City of Hope Cancer Treatment Centers (formerly Cancer Treatment Centers of America), this one-on-one support ministry partners cancer patients with ministry volunteers who have a heart to minister to those who need a little extra help on their cancer journey. In preparation for the launch of Our Journey of Hope, 4 individuals within leadership of Calvary Care completed the biblically based cancer care ministry training program, which is offered to church leaders across the country. Josh Warren, Erika Sparks, Rod Jones and Kristy Sytsma (representing New Heart Church) were able to take an in-depth look at the cancer experience through this training, which also offered a small group curriculum to build a cancer care ministry within our own congregation.

Once the main leaders were trained, they prayed and asked God to provide a network of volunteers within Calvary’s church congregation who would want to take part in this ministry, attend 4 training sessions, and then be commissioned to go out and minister to cancer patients in our community. 70 people answered the call, and 30 completed training. God’s provision and presence has been abundant during our training season!

However, now that training has been compxleted, our leaders have turned their attention to praying for those in our congregation and community who are suffering through their cancer journeys. The heart of this ministry is to be a comfort, support, and source of hope during the journey of a cancer diagnosis. If you or a loved one is facing treatment for cancer of any kind, we invite you to pray about letting us know you would be interested in care.

Care within the Our Journey of Hope ministry could be carried out in a number of ways, and your experience receiving cancer care is completely tailored to your needs. Perhaps you would like help traveling to the grocery store because it takes too much energy to do it alone. Maybe you are feeling down knowing that at the end of the week, you will be receiving a scan result that feels frightening. These are areas our leaders have been trained to provide care in, and times that a cancer care volunteer might really be able to come alongside you to help you in your time weakness, fear, and uncertainty.

Ultimately, Our Journey of Hope is just that: a time when we can minister hope to your weary soul. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” If these things are hard to do on your own, you are not alone. Our team is ready to come alongside you to encourage you, support you in your faith walk, and pray for you on your cancer journey.

For more information, or to learn how to have a cancer care volunteer assist you in your journey, please reach out to Erika Sparks (esparks@calvarygr.org) at 616-956-5628.

Erika Sparks Executive Assistant

We

We partner with families to raise kids who will for the rest of their lives. trust, love, follow Jesus and

do this by Knowing, Growing, Serving, Loving and Going. Summer is a great time for families to engage with these core practices!

knowing growing serving

Our summer events are open to all Calvary Kids families and are a great way for kids to experience relationships that exhibit the love of Jesus – so that kids feel known, cared for, and loved.

Calvary Kids will host two Water Wednesday Events, one at Millennium Park Splash Pad (June 26) and one at Forest Hills Park Association Pool (July 24). Bring your swimsuit and get ready for some splish-splashy fun! Snacks will be provided.

Your kids get to grow in their knowledge of biblical truth and will get to learn about Jesus through hands-on, real-life, engaging discovery!

Calvary Kids will host monthly Popsicles in the Park Events. This year’s Olympic theme will guide our 11 am kid’s lesson time, where we will focus on heroes of our faith - Christian Olympians who exhibit(ed) characteristics like self-control, perseverance, and courage. The short lesson will be followed up by a few Summer Olympic style activities! Meet us at Grand Rapids Township Park on June 12, July 18 and August 7 from 10 am – 12pm for popsicles and coffee! Neighbors and friends are always welcome.

In response to the life-changing love of Jesus, we are guided to participate in God’s mission in our church and in our community.

We have volunteers who regularly serve with us who take time away to enjoy the summertime together as a family. This means we need extra volunteers to love and care for our children on Sundays over the summer months.

loving

What a great opportunity for families to choose a Sunday in June, July and/or August to serve together in one of our classrooms. If this is something that you would like to consider please reach out to Michelle Smith at msmith@calvarygr.org

As a family of believers, we engage with, encourage and equip those around us with tools necessary for spiritual growth.

If you ramp up your reading in the summer and are looking for a resource, please reach out to us, we may have just what you are looking for! Contact Ann (abagley@calvarygr.org).

going

We believe that God’s Spirit will empower and move kids and families beyond the church and home to be ambassadors for Christ and take the good news of the gospel to their neighbors and to the world.

Calvary Kids is excited to announce two Pop-Up VBS nights that will be held at local school playgrounds. These outreach events are designed for multigenerational involvement and will be held at Orchard View Elementary on June 20 from 6-8pm and at Collins Elementary on July 18, 6-8pm.

We are looking for high school and adult participation to run these local neighborhood events! Help us canvas neighborhoods to advertise the week of, wear a smile at our check-in table, be a host of a game station or even lead a small group of kids around this Butterfly Wings and Godly Things field day VBS experience. If you are a Calvary Kids parent volunteer at this event, we welcome your students to join us! Please register your volunteer participation at mycalvarygr.org.

Edward T. Welch, author of When People are Big and God is Small, gives readers an in depth look into overcoming peer pressure, codependency, and the fear of man. I was first introduced to Ed Welch when I heard him speak at a conference about trauma in 2023, put on by the Christian Counseling Education Foundation, of which he is a faculty member and counselor. I was expecting his sessions to be rather technical and clinical. I was surprised, however, by how relational and biblical his talk was. This book follows suit. You will be hard pressed to find a page not rooted in scripture, personal anecdote or real-world example.

summer reading

they need. It is true: what or who you need will control you. Scripture identifies this epidemic of the soul as the fear of man... Of course, the fear of man goes by other names. When we are in our teens, it is called peer pressure. When we are older it is called people pleasing. Men identify it as a need for respect. It was popularly called codependency. We see it everywhere.”

This book does not offer self-help, skin deep solutions to the fear of man. Welch says, still in the intro, “The most radical treatment for the fear of man is the fear of the Lord. God must be bigger to you than people are. This antidote takes time to grasp; in fact, it will take all our lives.”

Hearing him speak on trauma and his biblical approach made me want to find this book. I was in a season where the Lord was starting a work on my heart in the dangers of people pleasing. When I saw this book on the shelf at the mobile book store at the conference, I had to get it.

In the introduction, Ed gives us his account of awakening to the issue of needing others to fill him with love, not God. He calls this being a “love tank with a leak.” He writes, “Since those days, I have spoken with hundreds of people who have ended up in this same place: they are fairly sure that God loves them, but they also want or need love from other people- or at least they need something from other people. As a result, they feel empty. They are nothing, and they are controlled by whomever or whatever they believe can give them what they think

Ed breaks up this work into two large parts: how and why we fear others and overcoming fear of others. The chapter in the first section that had the biggest impact on me was the chapter titled, “The world wants me to fear people.” In it he talks about how our modern culture focuses on reason, feelings, and having spiritual language without content. As the first part is about recognizing and diagnosing the problem, the second half is about the path to recovery. In the chapter titled, “Biblically examine our felt needs,” Ed distinguishes between needs vs. desires. My favorite (and most convicting) quote comes from this chapter, “To look to Christ to meet our perceived psychological needs (unbounded desires) is to Christianize our lusts. We are asking God to give us what we want so we can feel better about ourselves or so we can have more happiness in our lives.”

This book is biblical, informative, and inspirational for a problem all of us face on a daily basis. It was a blessing to my relationship with God to be reminded when I focus on Him more, my needs are met and the opinions of others stops weighing so much. I will be keeping this book on my shelf and will be one I revisit in the years to come.

When People Are Big and God is Small, is available in the Calvary Library. The library is located downstairs to the west of Entrance G, near the center of the building.

GRADUATES Congrats

Pray for our high school graduates as they close out this chapter and prepare for their next adventure!

Gage Bergman Jenison

Aubri Bills Kenowa Hills

Hayden Bolter Forest Hills Central

Ainsley Bowman NorthPointe Christian

Amelia Bowman NorthPointe Christian

Trevor Buskard Northview

Troy Buskard Northview

Sophia Ruth Clark West Michigan Aviation

Ethan Covey Grandville

William DeLano NorthPointe Christian

Mary Kate Dean Forest Hills Central

Jacobus Leonard Engels Jenison

Luke Fermin Forest Hills Eastern

Ellie Fles South Christian

Olivia Glisson Grand Rapids Christian

Nic Gunnink Hudsonville

Drew Hensler Homeschool

Cody Hodgson Homeschool

Payton Holtz Grand Rapids Christian

Lexi Hurst East Kentwood

Lucas Johnson Northview

Audrey Jourdan Calvin Christian

Hudson Kemperman Forest Hills Northern

Ellie Koster Forest Hills Eastern

Rachel Kromke Rockford

Rachel Lane NorthPointe Christian

Natalie Lantinga Potter’s House

Nathan Lee Lummen South Christian

Travis Madonna Northview

Anyieth Nhial Potter’s House

Chase Piccard Kenowa Hills

Tessa Radde Forest Hills Northern

Rowan Todish Northview

Margaret Rudolph NorthPointe Christian

Kayla Elizabeth Shook Wayland Union

Jaelyn Stokes Forest Hills Northern

Molly Struyk Homeschool

Ethan Thompson Forest Hills Northern

Skyler Tierney Forest Hills Central

Dakota Tomac Caledonia

Joseph Tuuri Lowell

Eli VanSweden West Michigan Aviation

Zach Vander Horn Grand Rapids Christian

Skye Velting Forest Hills Northern

Anthony Vinecki Golden Star Academy

Simeon Reiffer Homeschool

A StorySending

It is with joy that we send Josh Karhan to be the assistant pastor at New Heart Church in East Grand Rapids.

Josh joined Calvary’s staff in 2014 after graduating from Cedarville University. After starting in children’s ministry, for the past eight years, Josh has served as the minister for high school. Josh has cherished getting to see high school students make their faith their own. His favorite memories are the moments and conversations with students who were willing to be vulnerable and share what Jesus was doing in their lives.

The Jerusalem Project is committed to developing healthy leaders equipped to serve in local churches around the world. We also desire to see men and women trained here at Calvary that will serve in our congregation, and in churches around West Michigan.

The Jerusalem Project has helped train and encourage Josh and Alyssa on their journeys of spiritual leadership. Josh and Alyssa were active members of Leadership Development Forum cohorts. Alyssa has been part of a prayer group for minister’s wives. Josh also participated in a “Preaching Camp” sponsored by the Jerusalem Project, as well as received one-on-one preaching mentoring. Through the Ordination and Commissioning initiative coordinated by the Jerusalem Project, Josh was ordained at Calvary Church in July 2022.

As God stirred in Josh’s life that there was a larger role for Josh to play in shepherding a congregation, New Heart was also looking for an assistant pastor. New Heart, a 2018 Calvary Church plant, continues to see God expand its ministry. New Heart pastor Adam Anderson and the church leadership had prayed that God would provide another teaching pastor to help share the burden of ministry. God worked to weave these two stories together.

Through your generosity, the Jerusalem Project has been able to provide a small grant to help ensure a smooth transition and provide for the Karhan family in this new role.

The Jerusalem Project celebrates being part of God’s work through local churches in West Michigan.

Alyssa & Josh Karhan and Family

Neil Kassuba Facilitator, Serving Ministry

servingSummer

As children of God we are filled with His Holy Spirit, and blessed with spiritual gifts to utilize in advancing His Kingdom. God calls us to be His very hands and feet, co-laborers in Christ to live out His plan of redemption. You have the very fingerprint of God on your life, how amazing! And He fills you with His supernatural power to carry out His plan for all of creation. He is calling each one of us into service through His Church, in His perfect timing.

Where is God calling you to live out His plan in this season? As our ministry year transitions to warmer days, we still engage in a variety of ministry work around the church. If you have been feeling convicted to explore where the Lord is calling you, we welcome you to join our team, serving God all for His glory. I would be happy to discuss the amazing opportunities we have at Calvary Church. It would be an honor for me to walk alongside you and I pray that you will be encouraged and blessed through that process. Feel free to contact me, Neil Kassuba – Serving Ministry Facilitator (nkassuba@calvarygr.org) at 616-956-5277.

Current Opportunities

FACILITIES, GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE: It takes a large team to maintain our building and grounds. If you are handy, have a green thumb, or just like being outside, we have roles in general maintenance, gardening and landscape. Training is provided, hours vary and are flexible based on availability.

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE: Calvary is blessed to have so many individuals assist with the function of our Sunday morning services. We have many opportunities in Worship and Production through choir, orchestra, and praise band as well as in First Impressions for greeters, ushers and the parking lot team. Our Culinary ministry has roles assisting with setting up and take down of the coffee & donuts in the Gathering Place. Finally, we utilize Library volunteers and our Security Team is accepting individuals for monitors or medical care.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Calvary Kids partners with families of children, birth through fourth grade. Their mission is to raise kids who will trust, love and follow Jesus for the rest of their lives. We are looking for kind, energetic, and loving individuals who want to bless and encourage the next generation of followers of Christ.

Missionaries Celebrate MERCY AND MISSIONS

Celeste McDonough Minister & Team Leader, Mercy & Missions

Think for a moment about some of the big expenses in life: vehicles, home repairs, vacations. For many of us, these don’t always fit into our budgets. We just have to respond to the immediate needs – “My tires are getting really bad,” or “Aargh, why is the roof leaking?” When vacation time comes around, we consider what it will look like this year – maybe a staycation or maybe a bigger adventure.

Now imagine having the same needs in the context of serving the Lord in missions. You are trusting the giving of others for your income. You’re living and working in a cross-cultural situation. Our supported missionaries face many of the same challenges we all face, and sometimes the added stress of their situations makes these challenges even more daunting – and faith-building.

Calvary has a long, rich history of caring well for our global and local workers. One way we do this it through your gifts to the Celebrate Missionaries fund. Although the fund is available for giving all year, we highlight it during the season of Pentecost, when the first disciples caught a glimpse of what God was intending for his global church. God is still working his purpose to reach every ethic group around the world with the Gospel, and he’s still using messengers – just as he used Peter and the early disciples on the day of Pentecost.

All of your gifts to Celebrate Missionaries go directly for caring for specific needs of global and local workers for things that are above and beyond their regular support. Here are some examples of gifts we have been able to provide this past year:

• New laptops for better ministry effectiveness

• Unexpected medical and dental bills

• Professional debriefing and care during seasons of transition

• Air travel to be with family in times of joy (high school graduation) and grief (the loss of a grandchild)

• Celebrating other times of joy – a wedding and a new baby

• Solar panels to compensate for unreliable electrical service

• Needed renovations for older homes

• A keyboard for a child with blossoming musical ability

• Car repairs and purchase of new tires

• Much needed breaks – from a couple’s weekend away to family vacations

In addition, each of our global and local workers receives a substantial gift at Christmas to be used in any way they want.

Thank you for your contributions to the Celebrate Missionaries fund! In this season of Pentecost, let’s celebrate together both the way God is opening doors to make disciples of all nations and the way he allows us to show our love to those who are called to go.

Just some of the missionaries who we were able to bless this year

Fuss Family: Peter & Raquel with Christiano

Poggemiller Family: Dwight & Melissa (Luke, David, Lydia Joy, Annalis)

Ceton Family: Dave & Laura (Andrea, Joel, Renee)

Clore Family: Jaime & Annika (Baby on the way this summer!)

Jonathan and Hannah Victor

Outreachat Calvary Local

1

What is the mission of local outreach at Calvary Church?

At Calvary, we aim to collaborate with local ministries to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of vulnerable individuals in our community. We are driven by our mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Check out these two scriptures that guide our desires to partner well:

Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came and visited me.

We want to be people who connect with and serve Jesus Christ and our fellow sisters and brothers. What an incredible promise to encounter Christ through meeting the needs of those who are vulnerable.

James 2:14-16 “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

We want to be people who put our faith into action. While we are not saved by our works, God invites us to participate in the work He is doing as a way of demonstrating our faith. This, in turn becomes a blessing to us and a proclamation to those who might not know Him

2

What organizations have we partnered with, and how?

We have worked with many different ministries over the years, including:

• Alpha Grand Rapids

• Child Evangelism Fellowship

• David’s House Ministries

• Garden of Hope

• King’s Table Ministries

• Mel Trotter Ministries

• New City Kids

• Oasis of Hope

• Roosevelt Park Ministries

• Safe Haven Ministries

• Servants Center

• Truckers Friends Network

• Urban Family Ministries

• Urban Transformation Ministries

• West Michigan Youth for Christ

New City Kids + Men’s Ministry Serving

New City Kids + Men’s Ministry Serving Kings’ Table + HSM Winter Carnival

Roosevelt Park Ministries Coat Drive

Involvement typically looks like:

• Serving Projects: Recently Calvary’s Men’s Ministry took a serving day to help renovate classrooms at New City Kids

• Small grants: Financial gifts to partners like Roosevelt Park Ministries in support of their winter coat drive

• Events: The Winter Festival hosted by King’s Table + and Calvary’s Student Ministry is a great example

How do we decide who and how to partner?

3

By prayer and committee! Each local partnership has had its unique origin story of building a relationship with Calvary to serve kingdom purposes. We have an Organizational Partnerships Team led by Larry Milks and Vida Wilson, who, along with the support of Jennifer Engels and five Calvary members, pray and discern how best to engage with our local and global partners.

Vida Wilson Associate Director, Mercy & Outreach

Wow, so how do I get engaged?

4

a. To learn more about our local partners, scan the QR code

b. Are you curious about where to serve? Do you have an idea or question? Contact Vida Wilson

c. Tithe, a portion of the general fund goes to support these local outreach opportunities

Volunteer Testimony Refugee Ministry

“Life is a journey!” We say that with whimsy and lightheartedness and yet we all know that the truth is that life is hard and presents many challenges along the way. There are many things so hard that we don’t like to talk about them.

I have been walking alongside a Congolese family who have been in the United States for a little over one year. Their challenges are immense and overwhelming to me. Yet they meet each situation, big situations and challenges, with a smile and a peacefulness that always impresses me. These are such grateful and gracious people who definitely love Jesus.

I took the Congolese mother, Hasira, to her first prenatal exam and ultrasound for baby number 8. Her baby had no heartbeat. When the interpreter told her, she looked like it pierced her heart with sadness and then she laid her head back on the pillow, closed her eyes, lifted her hands and prayed out loud a prayer of surrender to God. No tears, just surrender. I'm blown away by the immediate surrender. God has taught me so much through this family's testimony. I'm the one in tears telling of her incredible courage. Please keep Hasira in your prayers through this painful journey.

Lana Duoibes Associate Director, Refugee & ShortTerm Ministries

For more information about how you can take part in Calvary’s ministry of care to refugees, contact Lana (lduoibes@ calvarygr.org).

Intern ati nal NeighborsIntern nal

Calvary Church’s International College Student Ministry

SIGN UP TODAY TO BE A FRIENDSHIP FAMILY TO AN INCOMING INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE STUDENT ARRIVING THIS FALL!

Neighbors International is Calvary Church’s International College Student Ministry that matches up local international college students with Friendship Families and Partners for friendship, care, and fun. The international students do not live with their family, but they will meet with them at least once monthly and talk to them regularly. Keep reading to hear about one student and their Friendship Family’s experience.

This is a picture of Saron from Ethiopia with Jim and Ellen Bruinsma, her Friendship Family that she was matched up with through Neighbors International. Saron arrived last year to study at one of our local universities. Moving to Grand Rapids was a total shock. Saron had never experienced freezing weather. She had never felt so rushed and busy. She had never had dining hall food instead of her beloved Ethiopian injera. Above all, she had never experienced homesickness like this.

“I missed my family,” Saron said. “And I wished I could’ve had them with me.”

She heard about Neighbors International and requested a Friendship Family. She was amazed at the hospitality and friendliness she received from her adopted family, the Bruinsmas. They were kind and considerate. They had her over for the weekends and took her to church. They fed her and gave her space to study off campus. They embodied God’s love for her.

“They’ve been through everything with me”, Saron stated. “Even though I’m not their child, they treat me as though I was theirs. They’ve been a good family to me and I’ve seen God in that.”

Jim and Ellen Bruinsma, in addition to Saron, are also a Friendship Family to several other international college students all from Ethiopia as well. “We have learned much about Ethiopian culture and the many challenges of being an international college student. Also, it has been fun taking them places to experience life in West Michigan. Our lives are richer and more fulfilled because of these relationships.”

If you are interested in becoming a Friendship Family or partner to an international college student, you must be 30 or older. There is training and tons of support. If you have the gift of hospitality and truly wish to make a difference in a young person’s life, please consider becoming a Friendship Family or Partner. MANY new families are needed for the incoming fall students.

TO APPLY OR ASK QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT SONJA (NEIGHBORS_INTERNATIONAL@CALVARYGR.ORG).

from CyprusReporting

CALVARY CHURCH

SHORT-TERM missions

Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection made God’s Kingdom accessible to all of us. And Jesus gave us the Great Commission, so we could issue an invitation to the whole world and others could discover the life-giving message of Jesus.

In April, a team of five adults traveled to Larnaca, Cyprus to share the love of Jesus with families and individuals impacted by the worldwide refugee crisis in our world. The team partnered with the Oasis/All4Aid Refugee Center through their outreach programming to care for those who have been displaced from nations like Ukraine, Syria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Palestine, Afghanistan and Central/Northern Africa, among others.

The team participated in existing programming with Food & Clothing distribution, young mother & baby care connections as well as individual refugee contact in prayer and encouragement. Additionally, the team helped provide some needed property maintenance through projects at the Center. The aim of this short-term mission trip was:

1. To obey the Great Commission (found in Matthew 28:16-20) by sharing the Good News with those whom God wants to invite into his family: Everyone!

2. To encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ who are already serving the people of Cyprus so well.

The island of Cyprus was a major focus of Paul & Barnabus’ first missionary journey in the book of Acts, and we were excited to take part in the work God continues to do in this place.

Thank you for your support, in faithful prayers and giving financially.

Do you feel called to serve Jesus on a short term mission trip? You can pray, give or go… contact Lana for details!

Lana Duoibes Associate Director, Refugee & ShortTerm Ministries

If You Give a Mouse aCookie A COMMUNION PARTY AT REST HAVEN

“If you give a mouse a cookie,” begins the popular children’s book by the same name, he is going to want other stuff. Like milk. Like a straw. A napkin. A mirror to look at his milk mustache. The message is simple. Sometimes things start out small and grow.

Recently a Calvary couple, Rose Ellyn and Emo Van Buren, at Rest Haven Retirement Home, got lonesome for Calvary communion.They have communion at Rest Haven on Sunday nights but it isn’t Calvary Church communion and they miss it because they are no longer able to physically share the bread and the cup with us. Rose Ellyn asked special friends Nonee and Jim Kuipers if a Calvary elder would serve them communion. The Kuipers agreed and a date was set.

But like the mouse in the story, Rose Ellyn wanted more. “There are other Calvary neighbors who want to come,” she thought, so she invited them. And Nonee decided to invite members of the Oasis@Home ministry who also visit at Rest Haven. Elder Kurt Mirandette was asked to serve communion and he invited his wife Barb.

“Hmmm,” Rose Ellyn continued, looking at the growing guest list. “Maybe other Rest Haven folks might want to join us. They wouldn’t have to be from Calvary.” Other friends at Rest Haven were included. Then Rose Ellyn and Nonee thought maybe there should be snacks after communion. Shouldn’t there be homemade goodies and coffee afterwards? This might encourage lingering for fellowship. Nonee and Rose Ellyn set to work.

On Sunday afternoon,

March 10, Elder Kurt led us in a moving time of communion, the crackers and juice poignant reminders of our Savior who gave His life for all of us. Those of us who live at Rest Haven and those of us who visit, united by the sacrifice of Christ. Later Nonee Kuipers reflected on the celebration, “To see a group of aging saints gather to participate in a communion service was indescribably moving. How perfect that we ended with the Doxology, ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Then such sweet fellowship. Some long ago stories of Calvary Church mixed with some new ones.’”

We have plenty more oyster crackers and juice and Oasis Pastor Don Hancock promises to bring his guitar next time so we can do more singing. The children’s book ends like this,” If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk…and that’s only the beginning.” Oasis@Home looks forward to communion at Rest Haven and other places where Calvary saints are homebound but not forgotten.

If you know of someone who was a part of Calvary Church but is not now physically unable to attend, please contact Carla (cjulien@calvarygr.org) and Oasis@Home will arrange to have a regular visitor to keep them connected.

Leslie Iverson Deacon, OASIS@Home