Spring 2025 LIFE
Calvary
Spring 2025
Spring Program Guide
Your guide to the activities at Calvary Church this upcoming season.
Global Outreach Weekend
Enjoy a dynamic weekend full of events designed to help us each find our role in bringing the gospel to every nation, tribe and people.
Lent, Holy Week & Easter 2025
Lent begins March 5, learn more about how you can prepare for Easter during this season.
Holy Week Reflection
Calvary’s Prayer Ministry Director shares more about the prayer and reflection experience our staff is creating for Holy Week.
Why Plant Churches
Do you ever hear about a new church plant and wonder why another church is needed? Calvary's Jerusalem Project Team Leader has just the answers you're seeking.
Child Dedication Pictures
Celebrate the families who have dedicated children in the past year.
Deacon Update
Learn more about how God is working through the deacons at Calvary.
Serve God and Others
Serving at Calvary is a great way to live out the purpose God has for your life. Find out how serving fits into that purpose in this piece.
A Simple Act of Hospitality
Have you ever considered what it's like to sit alone in church on Sunday? Calvary's Director of Hospitality thinks maybe we all should.
Book Review
Calvary member Dorothy Johnson reviews a thought-provoking book on spiritual warfare, available in Calvary's library.
Mercy & Missions Updates
Updates from the Mercy & Missions team.
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
SPRING 2025 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 book of Ecclesiastes. This series in Ecclesiastes allows us the opportunity to have God deconstruct lies we are prone to believe, while also making space for God to reconstruct His worldview from other passages of Scripture. Join us!
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. For more information, contact Zach Schmuck (zschmuck@ calvarygr.org) .
Pre-Service Prayer
8:30-8:50am | Room 211B
Come pray with the morning’s teaching pastor and other participants 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 deeply with the Bible and authentic biblical community. The focus of each class is growing in God’s Word, care, prayer, and community. Visit a few of the classes to see where God may lead 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 40s-60s.
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.
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.
Young Marrieds | Room 264 | Designed to create community among newly married and engaged couples learning to keep Christ at the center of their relationship.
10:45am Classes
Faith & Fellowship | Room 264
A medium sized sermon discussion class of all ages and life stages.
Heirs Together | Chapel
A welcoming community of adults who love biblical principles, prayer, missions, revival, member care, and ministry to others.
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: April 6, April 20, May 25. Additionally, March 30 is a fifth Sunday, when Calvary Kids does volunteer training. On these Sundays, only nursery & preschool are available in Calvary Kids. We encourage families to worship together on these days.
Students
56: Sunday Class Unit 6 Proximity | March 9, 23, 30 Unit 7 Shalom | April 13, April 27, May 4 10:30am | Room 108 | $5 Registration Required
Join us for our parent and student Sunday class! This year we will be walking through the Old Testament and seeing how it all points to Jesus! We will have art projects, interactive lessons, and in-depth conversations about this deep and fascinating topic! This class is meant to be a supplement to your time worshiping with your fifth and sixth grader in the main service. Register at calvarygr.org/ events.
7&8: Sunday Morning Class Sundays | 10:45am-12:00pm | Room 109
Calvary Church believes that each student (above 4th grade) should be attending Calvary’s Sunday Morning Worship Service. Therefore, this class is not a replacement for, but in addition to, that service. Students must attend the 9:00am service in order to be a part of this class. This class is for students only. The point of this class is to discuss the Sunday morning sermon, offer space for students to ask tough questions, and attempt to draw practical applications for our lives as 7th & 8th grade students.
SUNDAY NIGHTS
Serving specialty coffee and tea crafted by our excellent barista team!
SUNDAYS
*We will observe Spring Break on April 6. There will also be no programming on April 20 & May 25, as those are Holiday Sundays.
Students
High School Ministry | Sunday Evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm | Room 208
Registration required at calvarygr.org/hsm
High School Ministry – HSM for short – is Calvary’s youth group for those in 9th-12th grade. We exist to connect students to meaningful community with their peers (& awesome adult leaders), and to encourage them to know and follow Jesus for themselves. We also believe in having as much FUN as possible while pursuing those two goals. We strive to be a community that is unified, prayerful, and seeking to serve and we hope you will join us!
During your time at HSM, you will be led in worship through song by an incredible, student-led worship band, enjoy a fun game or activity, hear a relevant message from God’s Word, and conclude our time together in small group discussions.*
*Small groups meet during HSM from 7:45-8:30pm in breakout rooms in or near our student space.
Overtime Hangout | Sunday Evenings After HSM (8:30pm-9:00pm) | Room 208
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.
3:30-6:30PM
WEDNESDAY
NIGHTS
The foundation of the Wednesday Night experience at Calvary is the Wednesday Fellowship Dinner. A hearty, healthy meal featuring a rotating entree, pizza or chicken nuggets, and a salad bar. More than just solving the equation of what you’ll have for dinner on a busy weeknight, WFD is a lowstakes opportunity to gather around the table with your church friends. It’s a casual time for community that you don’t have to organize or plan - just show up! Every week is a chance to meet someone new or deepen an exisiting relationship. The menu is available online at calvarygr.org/events.
4:30-6:30pm
Gathering Place
Cost: $7
$28 max per immediate family
Wednesday Night programming will observe Spring Break on April 9 and break for Holy Week on April 16. The Spring Semester will end on May 14.
Kids & Students
Kids-N-Action
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm | Cost: $5 Register at calvarygr.org/kna
Children from birth through 4th grade are invited to join us for our Kids-NAction programming! It is our desire that children understand what God says in the Bible, believe it, and put it into action in their daily lives. KNA is designed to foster social interaction through Bible stories, electives, and small groups while facilitating spiritual growth in learning how to put your faith into action!
If your child is in Pre-K, this program is only available to kids whose parents are in a class/study or volunteering at Calvary on Wednesday nights.
Fifth & Sixth Grade
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm
Meet & Pick Up: Room 108 Registration required at calvarygr.org/56
Join us for our Wednesday night programming in 56! We have large group worship, small group discussions, free time activities, and are studying the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in our series, Dispatched Each week, we look into how God is dispatching us to help build up His kingdom in the places He has us.
Seventh & Eighth Grade
Wednesdays | 6:30pm-7:45pm | Room 208 Registration required at calvarygr.org/78
Join us each Wednesday Night where students will get an opportunity to connect with friends, spend time worshipping God through song and by diving into His Word, play a fun game, and get a chance to dig even deeper with their peers in adult-led small groups (broken up by grade and gender).
Adults
The Conversation
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm | Room 215
This is an ongoing group that you can “jump into” at any time. In The Conversation, our goal is to create a spontaneous community comprised of anyone who might walk into Calvary. Together we will seek out scriptural truth, transparency in our lives, truth in repentance, and take time to just fully love on one another by the power of Jesus Christ our Lord! There is no script or study we follow, we let the Holy Spirit take control and follow His prompting.
Embrace Life
Wednesdays | 6:20-7:45pm
Embrace Life at Calvary Church is a group for single moms who have children or are pregnant. Childcare + Dinner are included; dinner starts at 5:30pm and class starts at 6:20pm. If you are ready to thrive in motherhood, and learn more about God’s love and plans for you and your little ones, register at calvarygr.org/embracelife.
Intercessors / Prayer Chain
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm | Room 212
Open to anyone interested in praying for Calvary Church, its congregation, pastors, staff, volunteers and programming. Meet in person to pray over requests emailed weekly. Submit prayer requests to Cindy (cmarrell@ calvarygr.org).
A Man & His Traps
Wednesdays, March 12 – April 30 6:30-7:45pm | Room 265 | $10
Register at calvarygr.org/classes
Identify the deep idols of your heart and develop a “Battleplan” built on God’s grace. A Man and His Traps is part of the Authentic Manhood 33 series of six-week sessions that gives
men a vision for manhood as modeled by Jesus in His 33 years on earth.
Unshackled
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm | Room 256
Unshackled is a weekly Bible study designed for men who are transitioning out of the jail/prison system and looking to build a firm, biblical foundation to help them grow and maintain their walk with Christ. Questions? Contact Lou DeGraaf (ldegraaf@calvarygr.org).
Wednesday Women’s Bible StudyWednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm Limited Space.
While the children are in Kids-N-Action, moms and working women come together for growth in God’s Word, prayer, and community. We invite you to join us on Wednesday evenings as we study the book of 1 & 2 Samuel, a heart-transforming journey to know better God’s heart, encouraging our hearts to become more like His.
What We Believe
Wednesdays, March 5 – April 2 6:30-7:45pm | Room 251-253 Register at calvarygr.org/classes
This five-session class is open to anyone wanting to explore what Calvary Church believes and teaches. It is a pre-requisite for membership, but we encourage anyone who wants to become more familiar with what we believe to take the class. The class is open to anyone 12 years of age or older.
Worship on Wednesdays
6:00-7:35pm | Chapel
Come join us for Christ-centered worship, fellowship, and learning from God’s word. All are welcome!
KIDS & STUDENTS
Calvary Kids
Birth-Fourth Grade
Contact: Brooke DeWitt
bhensler@calvarygr.org | ext. 5085
Kids-N-Action
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm
See page 5 for details.
Parenting Workshop: Protect Young Eyes
Thursday, March 13 | 7:00pm-8:30pm | $5 Gathering Place
Navigating the digital world can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible to create a home that’s safer and better equipped for the challenges of today’s online landscape. If you are a parent or grandparent, you’ll want to join us for an empowering session that introduces the Tech-Ready Home Framework—five essential habits that make a big difference in raising tech-savvy, well-balanced kids.
This presentation, given by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes, is packed with practical insights to help you:
• Understand why multiple layers of digital protection are crucial—and how to make them work for your family.
• Discover how tools like parental controls, routers, and software can support your goals.
• Prepare your family to thrive online with realistic strategies you can start using right away.
• Leave this session with actionable steps to make your home internet safer, balanced, and prepared.
Register at calvarygr.org/protect. If you have any questions, contact Ann Bagley (abagley@calvarygr.org).
(Junior High/High Schoolers are welcome to attend this event with their parents. Childcare is not provided for elementary and younger.)
Calvary Kids | Roller Skating
Saturday, April 26 | 11:00am-1:00pm
GR Skate and Event Center
3651 84th St. SW
$20 Per Family
Lace up your skates and roll into an afternoon of fun, excitement, snacks, and family bonding at the GR Skate and Event Center! Whether you’re gliding like a pro or learning the ropes, this event is perfect for kids and adults of all ages to come together and enjoy a memorable afternoon on wheels. Register at calvarygr.org/skate.
Child Dedication
May 18 | 4:00-5:30pm
On May 18, parents have the opportunity to commit their children to the Lord at our Child Dedication services. Family members and friends are welcome to join in the celebration and show their support. If you would like to dedicate your child(ren), registration is required.
Parents will also attend a breakfast meeting the day prior, to discuss the significance and importance of child dedication. Register at calvarygr.org/ dedication by May 2.
5th-12th Grades
A Reasonable Defense for Christianity Special Night for Students in 5th-12th Grade
March 16 | 6:30-8:00pm | Room 208
Students are invited to hear special guest Jay Seegert provide an extremely rational approach to examining the Christian faith. Addressing two fundamental tenets of the Christian worldview, students will see that far from being a blind faith, Christianity is a very-reasonable, well-supported belief system. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and share with those who struggle to believe. The night will include a time of worship, a game and snacks. No registration needed, just show up!
Fifth & Sixth
Fifth-Sixth Grade
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
56: Wednesday Nights Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm
See page 5 for details.
Dads of 56 Bible Study
Mondays | 6:30-8:00am | Gathering Place
If you are the father of a current 5th or 6th grader, join us for a weekly Bible Study held on Monday mornings. We will start off each week spending time in fellowship and in Scripture-saturated conversations. All are welcome!
Rubber Band Wars
March 14 | 6:30-8:30pm | Free Room 108 (Entrance F) Register at calvarygr.org/rubberband
Hear ye, hear ye, brave knights and noble knaves! Prepare yourselves for a test of cunning and courage in the grand Rubber Band Wars tournament, commencing on 3/14/25 in room 108! Build mighty fortresses and defend your liege lord, the Rubber Band King, from a barrage of elastic projectiles. Sharpen your wits, arm yourselves with bountiful bands, and unleash a volley of rubbery fury. Remember, victory favors the valiant, the strategic, and the master of the mighty band! Do you possess the valor to claim the crown and etch your name in the scrolls of Rubber Band War history? Let the games begin!
Dodgeball Night
April 4 | 6:30-8:30pm | Free Room 208 (Entrance D)
Register at calvarygr.org/56dodgeball
Listen up, maggots, I mean, amazing athletes! Dodgeball Night is PREPPING FOR LAUNCH on 4/4/25! We’re talking heart-pounding action, tactical dodges that’d make Neo jealous, and throws so fierce they’ll rewrite the laws of physics. Remember, teamwork ain’t just a suggestion, it’s MANDATORY! Support your squad, strategize like a
boss, and dodge like your life depends on it (because let’s be honest, it kinda does in dodgeball). Are you ready to sweat, strategize, and dominate the court? Sign up, fuel up, and get ready! Now move it, recruits! Let’s make this dodgeball night LEGENDARY!\
Dude Perfect DIY
May 2 | 6:30-8:30pm | $5 Room 208 (Entrance D) Register at calvarygr.org/56dude
Attention all middle school champions! Time to channel your inner Dude Perfect crew! Gear up for a day of mind-bending challenges straight outta the DP playbook. Think you can replicate Tyler’s trampoline flips? Nail Cody’s trick shot mastery? It’s time to prove your skills, unleash your creativity, and maybe even discover your hidden talent… all fueled by epic beats and laughter. Are you legends ready to step into the arena and become the next Dude Perfect phenomenon? Sign up, unleash your inner beast, and let’s witness some legendary moments!
Seventh & Eighth
Seventh-Eighth Grade
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
78: Wednesday Nights Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45pm
See page 5 for details.
7&8: Goes to the Movies
March 14 | 6:00-9:00pm | $10 Celebration Cinema North Register at calvarygr.org/78movies
Get ready for an epic cinematic experience at 7&8: Goes to the Movies where we’ll screen an awesome film, complete with mountains of popcorn and ice-cold soda! Join us for a night filled with laughter, thrills, and unforgettable moments with your friends. Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories that’ll last long after the credits roll!
7&8: Zoo Scavenger Hunt, Zip Line & High Ropes Course
May 17 | 1:30-4:30pm | $25
(includes entry fee + zip line and high ropes course)
Meet & Pick Up: John Ball Zoo Entrance
Embark on an exhilarating adventure at the annual 7&8: Zoo Scavenger Hunt event, where thrills await around every corner! However, this year zip through the treetops on an exhilarating zip line ride and conquer new heights on the high ropes course, all while unlocking clues and discovering the wonders of the zoo! Register at calvarygr.org/78zoo.
7&8: Escape Room
April 26 | 12:30-2:00pm | $15
Meet & Pick Up: The Ruse Escape Room 25 Division Ave S STE 125
Gather your team, challenge your wits, and see if you can solve the mind-bending puzzles before time runs out. With immersive themes and high-stakes excitement, it’s an adventure you won’t forget. Register at calvarygr.org/78escape.
High School
9th-12th Grade
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
HSM Sunday Nights
Sundays | 6:30-8:30pm
See page 4 for details.
HSM: Craig’s Cruisers
Friday, March 21 | 6:00-9:00 pm | $25
Meet & Pick Up: 5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Registration Required by March 17th
We will share an evening with food, friends, and a whole lot of games. You will have three hour access to stuff your face with as much pizza as you can stomach, ride go-carts, play laser tag, minigolf, bumper cars, and bounce on the trampolines until you regret all the pizza. This will also be a good opportunity to bring friends! Register at calvarygr.org/hsmcruisers.
HSM: Friendship Center Spring Serving April 19 | 12:00-5:00pm or April 25 | 5:00-9:30pm
Drop Off: Room 208 (Entrance D)
Pick Up: West Michigan Friendship Center (3665 29th St SE)
Register at calvarygr.org/hsmserve
We want to take a pause from the fun and excitement to focus on service, sacrifice and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Partnering with our friends at the West Michigan Friendship Center, we will have the opportunity to serve a meal and love on our Muslim neighbors here in West Michigan. There are two dates to sign-up to serve. There is a mandatory training with Joe Aboosh, the program director at the center, on March 30 at 12:30pm after church. This is a chance to cross-culturally serve as Christ served in love.
HSM: Senior Celebration
May 4 | 12:30- 5:00pm | Room 208 Register at calvarygr.org/celebration
Graduation is coming… so take an afternoon with friends and leaders you have progressed through this journey with to reflect, have fun, and enjoy some good eats. We want to celebrate graduating seniors by taking you on a “progressive dinner” style adventure. We will make multiple stops at different restaurants and activities throughout our city before we send them off into the great wide world. It has been a joy to walk with you seniors! This is a small way to express our love for you and encourage you in your next steps.
HSM: Tulip Time!
May 10 | 11:00am-5:00pm | $15
Room 208 (Entrance D)
Register at calvarygr.org/hsmtulip
Come join us for a vibrant celebration at Tulip Time! Experience the beauty of blooming tulips, indulge in delicious local food, and enjoy the excitement of a carnival filled with rides, games, and live entertainment with your friends.
Whether you’re strolling through the colorful gardens, savoring tasty treats, or simply making memories with friends at the carnival, it’s a day full of fun, flavor, and flowers you won’t want to miss!
Young Adults
College & Career (Ages 18-30)
Contact: Abby Nuenke anuenke@calvarygr.org
Tuesday Nights
Tuesdays | 8:00-9:30pm | Room 208 (Entrances D & E)
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 music, teaching, testimony, and friendship. Doors open at 7:30. For updated information on events and other happenings at YA, head to our linktree: https://linktr.ee/ya.calvarygr.
YA: March Madness Mania Event
March 21 | 6:00-10:00pm | FREE Room 208 (Entrance D) Sign-up at linktr.ee/ya.calvarygr
Get ready for the ultimate March Madness experience! Join us for an evening full of basketball, tasty food, basketball challenges and epic board game battles. Whether you’re here for the buzzer-beaters, the snacks, the competitions, or the playing board games with friends, we’ve got you covered. Bring a snack to pass and a favorite board game.
YA: Griffin’s Hockey Game Night
April 11 | 7:00-10:00pm | $24 Meet: Van Andel Arena Register at calvarygr.org/yagriffins
Get ready for an action-packed night as the Griffins hit the ice. Join us in cheering on the Griffins with us on their last regular seasons home game. It will be unforgettable event filled with hockey excitement, $2 hot dogs, and
hanging with friends. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just here for the food and friends there’s something for everyone!
YA: Tulip Time Festival Fun
May 3 | Various Events | Cost: FREE Meet: Downtown Holland, Michigan
Join us for a day of fun, Dutch festivities and spring activities as we dive into everything the Tulip Time Festival has to offer! We’ll be there all day, so don’t miss out on all the exciting events, beautiful blooms, and delicious treats! Highlights include: 5K Tulip Time Run, pickleball tournament, Dutch dancing, Artisan Market, food trucks and of course all the tulips.
ADULTS
All Adults
Contact: Karen VanHolstyn kvanholstyn@calvarygr.org
Monday Night Bible StudyWinter/Spring Semester Mondays | 7:00-8:30pm | Gathering Place
Men and women come together for large group teaching and gender specific small group discussion of the lessons.
Our study this year, King of our Hearts – A Study of 1 & 2 Samuel, will lead us on a heart-transforming journey to know better God’s heart, encouraging our hearts to become more like His. Questions? Contact Karen (kvanholstyn@calvarygr.org).
What We Believe
(pre-requisite for membership) Saturday, April 26 | 9:00-2:30pm Register at calvarygr.org/classes
This class is open to anyone wanting to explore what Calvary Church believes and teaches. It is a prerequisite for membership, but we encourage anyone who wants to
become more familiar with what we believe to take the class. The class is open to anyone 12 years of age or older. Lunch is provided. Sorry, no childcare.
Forever Hope
Adoptive & Foster Care
Contact: Lou DeGraaf ldegraaf@calvarygr.org
Adoptive & Foster Moms Book Discussion March 18 | April 23 | 6:15-7:45pm Calvary Kids Family Room
Join other adoptive/foster moms for inspiring discussions. We are reading Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent’s Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith by Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum. Questions? Contact Sheri Schmidt (sschmidt@calvarygr.org) ext. 5524
Men
Contact: Carla Julien cjulien@calvarygr.org
Basketball
Mondays | 6:30-9:00pm | Gym
Men’s open gym pick-up basketball. This is a great opportunity for men (age 19+) to enjoy some fellowship over a good game of basketball. For more information contact Mike (mensbball@calvarygr.org).
Men at Noon
Tuesdays | 12:00pm | Zoom
This group of men meet weekly throughout the whole year to do an inductive Bible study. Contact Russ (menatnoon@calvarygr.org) for details.
Men of 7:24
Saturdays | 8:00-9:00am | Room 265
Journey through Philippians with two purposes; to enable each man to discover what God is saying to him, and to grow and mature as an active disciple of Christ Jesus. Contact Denny (menof724@calvarygr.org) for more information on this group.
Men of 6:10
Wednesdays | 6:00-7:30am | Room 265
Inductive study of the book of Job meets on Wednesdays. Contact Earl (menof610@calvarygr.org) for more information.
Men of Prayer
Third Tuesday | 6:30-7:30am | Room 253
We need prayer warriors now more than ever! Join the praying men of Calvary church for a one-hour prayer meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. There will be a brief devotional, worship, and a time of inviting the Lord’s presence in united prayer. Coffee will be available and you will be out by 7:30am.
Men’s Breakfast
March 8 | 8:00-9:30am | Room 208 | $5
Joe will challenge you on what it means to have godly friendship among men. Register at calvarygr.org/men.
Tournament Kickoff Party
March 20 | 6:00-11:55pm | Room 208
Calling all men! It’s that time of year again! Time to kick off the NCAA Men’s Division 1 basketball tournament with some food, friends, and fellowship. We will set up in room 208 with some extra TVs to catch all the action. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor for fun evening at Calvary. Bring your favorite treat or snack, and we will grab some pizzas. Sign up at calvarygr.org/men so we make sure to get enough for everyone. We will also open the gym to shoot hoops or play some cornhole between games. This event is open to men and boys ages 8+ See you there!
Men’s Breakfast
April 12 | 8:00-9:30am | Room 208 | $5
Mark will be teaching on the topic of fear. We want to challenge you to live boldly for Christ as we link arms for His glory. Register at calvarygr.org/ men.
Men’s Breakfast
May 10 | 8:000-9:30am | Room 208 | $5
Mark will speak about our God designed and given purpose in this world. It’s only by His grace that we can fully see and understand what it means to embrace and fully live into our purpose as men, husbands and fathers. Register at calvarygr.org/men.
OASIS (Senior Adults)
Contact: Carla Julien cjulien@calvarygr.org
Oasis Bible Study
Wednesdays | 9:45-11:00am Gathering Place
This study offers guidance, as we learn to fear the Lord, trust in Him, and to live wisely and well, in God’s care, and in our relationships with others and the world.
Oasis Hymn Sing & Luncheon
April 7 | 10:00am-12:30pm
Gathering Place | $13
Join us as we gather to enjoy the hymns of our faith, and worship God with word and song, followed by a by a time of good fellowship and food. Contact Carla (cjulien@calvarygr.org) to purchase your ticket by March 30
Oasis Picnic & Social
May 14 | 10:00am-12:30pm Gathering Place | Free
This indoor picnic will be complete with games and grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and summer sides. Make new friends, connect with current friends and learn about the Oasis events planned for the summer. Contact Carla (cjulien@calvarygr.org) to R.S.V.P. by May 7.
OASIS Singles
Oasis Singles First Sunday Lunch
March 2 | 12:30-2:30pm
Rose’s | 550 Lakeside Dr SE
April 6 | 12:30-2:30pm
Texas Roadhouse | 3776 28th St SE
May 4 | 12:30-2:30pm
Morning Belle, 1600 E Beltline Ave
Meet for a tasty lunch and good fellowship right after the second church service. The cost of lunch will be your own. R.S.V.P. to Gladys (oasissingles@calvarygr.org).
OASIS Singles (60+) Game Night
May 17 | 6:00-8:30pm | Rm 251 | $10
Bring your favorite game and enjoy a Jimmy John’s Bundle for dinner. R.S.V.P. to Gladys (oasissingles@ calvarygr.org) by May 14.
Widows Ministry
Contact: lbok@calvarygr.org
Widows Coffee
March 27 | 9:30 – 11:30am | Room 208
Guest Speaker: Grant Austin: Owner & Operator of RGA Tech Support
We'll discuss digital security including Passwords, Emails and the Web.Learn how to protect yourself, recognize the signs and not become a victim. RSVP to Lynnell (lbok@calvarygr.org) ext. 5520. Pay $5.00 at the door.
Widows Coffee
May 22 | 9:30–11:30am | Room 208
Guest Speaker: Miriam Neff
Speaker, Author, Founder & President of Widow Connection. Miriam is best known for her books: Not Alone- where do I Go from here? , Wise Women Managing Money ; Bold Living After Change and From One Widow to Another: Conversations on the New You . Just to name a few.
“Tragedy doesn’t define you, it equips you” ~Miriam Neff
RSVP to Lynnell (lbok@calvarygr.org) ext. 5520. Pay $5 at the door.
Women
Contact: women@calvarygr.org
Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study
King of our Hearts–A Study of 1 & 2 Samuel Tuesdays | 9:15-11:15am
Join other women for Calvary’s Adult Bible Study, “King of our Hearts – A Study of 1 & 2 Samuel,” a heart-transforming journey to know better God’s heart, encouraging our hearts to become more like His. May we be like David whom God called “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).
You will be placed in a small group where you will discuss the lessons and then come together as a large group in the Gathering Place for teaching. Throughout the year we will have optional small group socials and opportunities for “Table Talks” as well. Register at calvarygr.org/events.
Tuesday Kids is a wonderful place for children ages birth to six years old. Moms must be in attendance at Bible Study while children are in class.
Wednesday Women’s Bible Study
6:30-7:45pm See page 6.
Embrace: Women Embracing Motherhood Together
First, Third & Fifth Thursdays 9:00-11:15am | Gathering Place
Embrace is a warm community where faith is strengthened through friendships, mentoring and sound teaching for Moms with babies and young children. We would love to have you join us for fellowship, mentoring, devotions, breakfast and insightful speakers. While you are enjoying a time with other Moms, your children will be lovingly cared for in our Embrace Kids nursery. Children must be registered in order to take advantage of this opportunity. For questions or to register, email embrace@calvarygr.org.
Blessed2Bless
March 3 & May 5 | 11:30am-12:30pm Room 215 (Entrance C)
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.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Second & Fourth Thursdays
10:00am-12:00pm | Room 215 (Ent. C)
Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? We would love to have you serve with us in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. We meet the second and fourth Thursday each month for a time of prayer, devotions and fellowship while creating prayer shawls. You can join us in person or work from home and we supply yarn and patterns.
Homeschool Moms
First Fridays | 9:30-11:30 | Room 139
Calvary’s Homeschool Moms meet once a month for a time of prayer and building community. We invite you to join us on the first Friday of the month, October through May. Children are welcome and we provide care, activities and a place for studying. For additional questions, contact Andrea Reiffer (areiffer@calvarygr.org) or women@calvarygr.org.
CARE & SUPPORT GROUPS
Contact: care@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 | Room 110 (Entrance G)
Tuesday Women’s Meeting 7:00-8:00pm | Room 114 (Entrance G)
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.
Our Journey of Hope Cancer Care
One-on-one support ministry partnering cancer patients with trained Cancer Care Volunteers who will walk alongside them to provide hope and encouragement on their cancer journey.
PRAYER
Contact: Cindy Marrell (cmarrell@calvarygr.org)
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.
Jerusalem Project Monthly Prayer
Second Sunday | 10:15-10:40am Room 110
Pray for the Jerusalem Project. Sign up for our monthly prayer email, contact: jp.prayer@calvarygr.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.
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 by emailing a request to prayerforpersecuted@calvarygr.org
Third Monday Missionary Prayer
Third Monday | 11:30am-12:30pm Room 255 (Entrance K)
Join us in person, with virtual option, to hear updates and pray for our missionaries around the world. Prayer points and Zoom link can be emailed. Contact: Susan Mangione (thirdmondayprayer@calvarygr.org)
WORSHIP MINISTRY
Contact: Christie Thompson cthompson@calvarygr.org
Baptism
Baptism is a great way for us to celebrate with you the change that God has brought in your life. Baptisms take place during our morning worship services. We have several dates coming up in the winter and spring. If you feel the Lord prompting you to be baptized, contact Christie Thompson (cthompson@calvarygr.org).
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. If you would like to join the team of communion servers email Christie Thompson (cthompson@calvarygr.org).
Tornado Safety
High Winds and Tornado Safety: As we approach the spring season it is important to stay informed about high wind / tornado situations.
Building Closures: If the weather conditions pose a safety concern Calvary may decide to close the building. Any closures will be posted on Calvary’s website and Facebook page. If you have signed up for emails or text alerts you may receive them directly on your mobile device.
Safety First: If you are at church during a High Wind / Tornado Weather WARNING you will be instructed by a verbal public address to take shelter in the designated lower level rooms.
Note for the safety of children, only checked-in children and the care volunteers will be allowed in some of the rooms. The other rooms will be considered for public use. If you check your child out of the designated room you will be asked to move to one of the public shelter areas.
“…and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…” Revelations 7:9
At the end of the age, millions of the redeemed will fall down and worship our God and savior Jesus Christ. And yet there are millions who have not yet heard of the saving power of Jesus. Romans 10:14-15 says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ ”
There is a role for each of us to play in taking the gospel to every nation, tribe, and people. During our Global Outreach Weekend, March 1 and 2, we will have the opportunity to view the world through God's eyes, to experience the beauty of His diverse creation, and most importantly, to learn how we can participate in taking the gospel to all people. There are a variety of opportunities available to you this weekend. We encourage you to pray and ask God to use these opportunities to show you what role He has for you in making Christ known to all people.
MARCH 1 · 10:30AM-2:30PM GATHERING PLACE
Come see the world as God sees it! Get a taste of other cultures through interactive experiences and cultural performances, including a Congolese choir and Bengali dancing. There will be rickshaw rides, sari wrapping, and a variety of foods from around the globe. Hear stories of what God is doing around the world and discover how you can participate in His charge to make disciples of all nations.
Come and go at your leisure. We ask that you register for this free event at calvarygr.org/fair. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!
WORKSHOP: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE GLOBAL ADVENTURES FAIR 10:30AM · CLASSROOM 252
Kick start your fair experience with this not-to-be-missed talk by special guest speaker, Todd Ahrend, founder and international Director of The Traveling Team, a national missions mobilization movement. Todd will provide context for understanding our role in missions, and help us better engage with all the fair has to offer.
Sunday MORNING
Sunday Worship Services
9:00am and 10:45am
Christ for all Nations, Revelations 7:9-10
Pastor Artie Lindsay will teach on how to live in hopeful expectation of a Kingdom where diverse nations, tribes, people, and languages are united in a common purpose under the reign of Jesus.
Journey Adult Sunday Class
10:45am, Rm. 261-265
Living the Global Christian Life
What does it mean to be a Global Christian? All are welcome to come hear Todd Ahrend talk about the five habits of a Global Christian and how you can cultivate them in your life.
SENDING Gen Z
MARCH 2 · 6:30-8:00PM
CALVARY CHURCH ROOM 208
Not sure what missions has to do with you? Think missions is only for those “called”? Todd will help us understand that all are called to be engaged with what God is doing in the world to bring the nations to Himself. Come hear how young people are engaging with God’s mission to reach the unreached with creative access strategies. Whatever your career trajectory, God can use you!
This event is for high school students and young adults up to 30 years old! No need to register.
TODD AHREND
THE TRAVELING TEAM
Throughout this weekend you will have several opportunities to hear from Dr. Todd Ahrend. He is the founder and international Director of The Traveling Team, a national missions mobilization movement. He and his wife, Jessica, have spent almost two decades traveling both nation-wide and abroad, speaking to thousands of people about involvement in world evangelization. Todd has exposure in over sixty countries and has lived in the Middle East.
He is the author of The Abrahamic Revolution and In This Generation . Todd and Jessica have six children.
ARTIE LINDSAY
TABERNACLE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Artie M. Lindsay Sr., speaking at both Sunday morning services, is pastor of spiritual formation at Tabernacle Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan as well as serving as Flourishing Faith Communities director with the Urban Church Leadership Center.
Pastor Artie is married to Raquel, and they have three children. He has a passion for supporting pastors and church leaders, investing in current and future leaders, and a commitment to seeing all people in our city flourish.
Lent
March 5-April 20
Lent is a season in the Church Calendar, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding with the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, that offers opportunity for us to reorder our spiritual lives. Too easily we forget God as our Maker and Redeemer, replacing Him with things and ambition (Robert E. Webber). Lent is a time to return to the basics, to orient ourselves around the spiritual realities of life. Lent is a spiritual pilgrimage, a journey wherein we choose to die with Christ and be buried with Him, so we can be raised in the resurrection of new life.
In order to help our congregation eliminate distractions and draw close to Christ, we will provide Lent Guides to follow in this season. The aim of this Lent Guide is to help you develop or return to intentional spiritual rhythms as you prepare to celebrate Easter. Each week you’ll focus on developing in the disciplines of prayer, meditation, fasting and giving.
The guide offers you a choice of tracks to follow. Track A is brief and direct. It’s a great entry point into spiritual disciplines and includes Scripture readings tailored to families with young children. Track B includes longer Scripture readings and deeper questions around fasting and meditation. Both can be tailored to be a weekly or daily rhythm throughout the season of Lent.
Lent guides will be available at the back of the Sanctuary at the end of February. For more information on how Calvary observes Lent, visit calvarygr.org/lent.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
HolyWeek
PALM SUNDAY | APRIL 13
SERVICES: 9:00 & 10:45AM
WORSHIP NIGHT: 6:00PM
Join us for a fresh and powerful evening of worship designed to set our hearts and minds on things above, as we enter into Holy Week.
PRAYER & REFLECTION GUIDED EXPERIENCE
MONDAY- THURSDAY: 7:00AM9:00PM, FRIDAY: 7:00AM-7:00PM CHAPEL
Read more about this special space created by the Calvary staff for Holy Week on page 15.
MAUNDY THURSDAY | APRIL 17
SEDER MEAL: 6:00PM
Experience the last supper as Jesus did with His disciples in the Upper Room.
Attendance is limited, register at calvarygr.org/seder.
GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 18
SERVICE: 7:00PM
An evening of reflection that commemorates the night when Christ bore the ultimate burden for us and was crucified in order to give us peace with God.
Holy Week
Reflection
Ministries across Calvary are working together to create a special space during Holy Week for you to come and reflect on Jesus as the meaning for life. The entire area around Entrance C, from the Prayer Garden to the Chapel, will be transformed. There will be seven diverse areas where you will be prompted to reflect on what Jesus said about Himself in the Gospel of John. Each station is centered around one his seven "I am" statements. “I am: the Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, the Gate, the Way, Truth and Life, the Vine, the Resurrection and Life, the Light of the World." It’s our desire you will spend time reflecting on how these truths provide meaning for us; that you’ll be open to the Spirit to show if there’s an area where you need to trust Him more.
All regular programming is suspended during Holy Week so as a church we can focus on what Jesus accomplished on the cross. From Calvary Kids to Oasis, ministry volunteers will provide areas with aids to help you spend time with Jesus.
I encourage you to set aside time that week to visit one or two or all stations. Then sit at the cross in the Prayer Garden and worship our Redeemer.
Cindy Marrell Director, Prayer Ministry
Mark out some time on your calendar between April 14-18. Entrance C will be open Monday through Thursday 7am-9pm and Friday 7am-7pm. Look for signage starting from Room 216 and ending in the Prayer Garden. I am confident the Lord will meet you in a special way!
Celebrate Easter
April 20 | 7:15, 9:00 & 10:45am
Easter is the biggest Sunday of the year as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection victory over sin, fear and death and the peace and new life we can find in Him today. In this special worship service we'll witness God's transformation power in baptism, sing anthems of praise and proclaim the mighty Word of God.
This is a great opportunity to invite people to experience the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit alongside you. Our staff will be keyed up throughout the church (indoors and out!) ready to welcome you in and celebrate. This year, invite your friends, extended family, neighbors and co-workers to Easter at Calvary Church!
BREAKFAST: 8:00-10:00AM
Enjoy a delicious, light breakfast in the Gathering Place.
CALVARY KIDS
Children's programming will be available for birth through preschool at the 9:00 & 10:45am service.
Plant Churches Why
How the entire church thrives when fresh expressions of church are established
In the past decade, Calvary has planted several churches around Grand Rapids, including in East Grand Rapids, downtown GR, the Alpine neighborhood and Hastings. This fall, we are asking God to guide us as we look to plant another church, this time in Ada. These ongoing church planting activities in our area often raise the question, “Why plant another church in Grand Rapids?”
I’m glad you asked! It’s a great question especially in areas that appear to have a significant number of churches. But the entire church thrives when fresh expressions of church are established throughout a city. Here are some reasons why church planting in West Michigan continues to be a priority of the Jerusalem Project.
IT’S JESUS’ PLAN
When Jesus declared to Peter in Matthew 16 that he would build his church and the gates of hell would not
advance against it, Jesus was setting in place the primary means through which he would be present in the world. Today, wherever a church is meeting around the world, it is the place where Jesus is uniquely present and powerfully dwells among his people.
IT’S THE BIBLICAL MODEL
Planting churches was the apostle Paul’s key strategy for sharing the gospel. As he and other early church leaders traveled throughout the ancient Roman world they established churches as the primary way for people to hear and respond to the good news about Jesus, as well as grow and mature in their faith. We follow in their footsteps when we plant churches.
NEW CHURCHES REPLACE CLOSED OR DECLINING CONGREGATIONS
In the United States, approximately 4,500 churches close each year, and only 3,000 new churches are planted. In West Michigan, we continue to see
churches decline or close, with a need for new congregations to be planted. Even with all the churches in Grand Rapids, tens of thousands of men and women in our community have not heard or responded to the gospel.
NEW CHURCHES DEVELOP LEADERS
Church plants give people, especially younger people, significant opportunities to develop as leaders and utilize their spiritual gifts. At long-established churches there are limited openings for people to serve as a deacon, elder, bible study teacher, worship leader or other ministry role. In a church plant, there are lots of chances for people to be used in a variety of ministries.
NEW CHURCHES ARE ADAPTABLE
Congregations quickly develop traditions and models of ministry that are beautiful and reflect God’s heart for a community. However, these traditions can become entrenched and not easily
changed. Church plants can be more adaptable and develop new ministry ideas that are effective at reaching the unchurched. These ideas can also be helpful and encouraging to established congregations.
TOOL FOR EVANGELISM
Church plants are a highly effective way to reach a community. New churches often focus more of their attention on evangelism as they reach out in a neighborhood. Non-Christians may feel less intimidated when visiting a smaller, newer church than a large established church.
JOIN US!
It’s an exciting time to be involved in church planting in West Michigan and beyond. As we continue to work with national leaders to plant healthy, selfsustaining churches, please continue to pray for us. We also deeply appreciate your generosity that allows us to see God’s kingdom continue to expand through the planting of new churches.
The Jerusalem Project is a ministry of Calvary Church working to advance Christ’s church. Centered on Jesus’ promise that the Gospel would be carried from Jerusalem to the four corners of the earth through the work of local churches (Matthew 28:16-20), the Jerusalem Project partners with established churches, trains church leaders and plants new churches.
Visit calvarygr.org/ jerusalemproject to learn more about this ministry and how you can support their efforts to partner, train and plant.
Lisa Samra Minister & Team Leader, Jerusalem Project
Scan this QR code to learn more about one of our newest church plants, Unity Church in Detroit.
Union Sanctuary
New Heart
Child Dedication
The Eapen Family
The Haney Family
The Hinojosa Family
The Hovey Family
The Klomp Family
The Leskovar Family
The Marcus Family
The Martin Family
The Peuler Family
Child Dedication is a time for parents to make a commitment, to God and in front of friends and family, to raise their children to trust and follow God. Please join us in praying for these families who have dedicated their children this past year. Let us pray for God to bless these children, so that they would trust and follow Christ, for the rest of their lives.
Our next child dedication is May 18, see page 6 for more information.
The Rausch Family
The Repke Family
The Rogers Family
The Scholten Family
The Sun Family
The Teigen Family
The Tran Family
The Tubergen Family
The VanTuinen Family
() Deacon Update
Jonathan Fund
Calvary’s Deacons are congregants who are commissioned to serve for a designated period of time in a specific serving role based on the needs of the church and the individual’s skills, spiritual gifts, and the calling of God. Deacons are partners with the church staff in helping the Elders.
The Jonathan Fund is designed to bless and encourage the Calvary family, especially those enduring suffering, letting them know they are seen and loved by providing a financial gift from the Lord.
The Jonathan Fund is all about obedience, just as we remember Jesus obeying His Father's during the Lenten season. It takes obedience to receive a gift from the Jonathan Fund, which is sometimes very unexpected and overwhelming for people to accept, especially when they think they are alone in their struggle. It takes obedience from the Jonathan Fund committee to pray and earnestly seek the Lord’s will if He wants to bless someone in this way. It takes obedience from those who notice a need or get a prompt from the Holy Spirit to bring it forward. It also takes obedience from those in our congregation who give to the Jonathan Fund in faith.
God has a role for all these groups of people in the Jonathan Fund. Through their obedience, for example, He has used this money to buy new shoes, build porch decks, cover airline tickets and weekend vacations, replace furnaces, and give checks of love to bless Calvary families.
Stories like this are only possible through God’s people obeying in whatever role He calls them to. I pray this will encourage us to participate in the Jonathan Fund as the Lord leads, especially during the season of Lent when we as a church highlight this important ministry at Calvary.
Paula Kerr
Leadership Development Forum
Leadership Development Forum (LDF) is a ministry of the Jerusalem Project’s Train branch. It is a two-year program aimed at developing spiritual leadership skills in dedicated individuals within our church community. Inspired by Jesus’ call in John 1:43, where he says, “Follow me”, participants are prayerfully selected and invited following nominations by pastoral staff, an elder, a deacon or an LDF facilitator. They are active members engaged in various ministry areas who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to service and have a teachable spirit.
A spiritual leader is responsible for guiding individuals to the place where God intends them to be by the power of the Spirit. To support this process, participants are paired with a spiritual mentor who acts as a facilitator, walking alongside them and providing guidance in their unique spiritual journeys. Participants and facilitators attend an annual retreat and meet twice monthly during the year to hear from church leaders and staff, read books, engage in group discussions, prepare presentation assignments and pray for one another.
As part of LDF, participants also learn to plan and assist with events at the church. First-year participants will help plan and serve at a worship service on March 30, while second-year participants will assist with facilitating and serving at Calvary's Seder dinner during Holy Week. You’ll find past LDF participants planting churches, serving as elders or deacons, serving on staff at churches throughout Grand Rapids, leading ministries and serving in every ministry area each week here at Calvary.
Holly Jones
Deacon of Leadership Development Forum
Jonathan Fund Deacon
Serve God Serve Others and
What is the meaning of life? What is the purpose of our being? These are common questions of contemplation, but oftentimes people try find their purpose in social status, financial security or career. There is nothing wrong with having meaningful friendships or a career that we enjoy, but as we grow in faith, God shows us that our true identity lies in Christ and that He gives us our eternal purpose.
Joshua 22:5 encourages us “…to hold fast to him (the LORD your God) and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Our prayer at Calvary is that in your faith walk, this church becomes your home not only for worship, but also to share in fellowship and to unify the Body of Christ. As we do this, God shows us that our identity lies in Him alone and calls us to boldly step forward as co-laborers in Christ. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” What an amazing truth to know that each of us is intricately designed and woven by God in the very image of His son Jesus, and that we are made for good works which He has ordained since the beginning of time.
The Bible exhorts us to let the light of Christ shine before everyone, so that when they see our love in action, God is glorified (Matthew 5). When we say, ‘Here I am Lord, use me’, while serving at Calvary Church we receive a depth of purpose that draws us near to God and in that, we receive an abundance of blessings. We long for you to have this profound experience in faith and celebrate each new volunteer that walks in that call. I am excited for each person that I can help through the process of exploring their spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, and I praise God as He brings us all together for one purpose; to know, love and serve God. For those of you who have generously served over the years, God is honored through your good works and laying the foundation for others to join in His plan. Those of you who are looking for more in life and are searching to live out God’s purpose, I invite you to come join us in the greatest adventure ever; engaging in the Lord’s kingdom work, ALL for His glory!
Neil Kassuba Facilitator, Serving Ministry
If you want to explore opportunities available at Calvary Church, it would be a tremendous blessing for me to get to know you better, hear your story and see where God may be leading you in the call to serve. Please contact me, Neil Kassuba – Serving Ministry Facilitator at 616-956-9377 or nkassuba@ calvarygr.org and I would be glad to assist. I look forward to seeing you in the role that God has ordained as we co-labor in Christ, experiencing true meaning and purpose for our lives.
Volunteer Opportunities
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
– Our hospitality ministry is looking for friendly, energetic and engaging volunteers to serve as greeters, ushers, connection table hosts and parking lot team attendants. Serve Sundays once a month or more with training provided.
CALVARY KIDS & KNA
– Our birth through 4th grade children’s ministry has a call for people who love our little ones and would like to assist raising up the next generation of faithful believers. Roles include teachers, room helpers, tech support, check-in, sensory room and Bible craft prep for our Sunday services or Kids in Action (KNA) on Wednesday evenings. Training is provided with available flexible schedules.
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY
– Would you like to be an encouragement to local international college students? Our international ministry would like to add drivers to the work they are doing. With the use of a church van, volunteers pick-up international students from Calvin University on Sunday mornings which allows the students to worship with us. Training, a tutorial and use of Calvary’s vans are provided.
LIBRARY MONITORS
– Calvary Church has a wonderful library on the lower level that is available for all guests to utilize. We are seeking library monitors to help stock shelves with books, video and audio materials, locating resources for our guests, and checkin/check-out. Training is provided with short shifts available to serve on Sunday mornings, Monday evenings, Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
Ready to apply? Scan this QR code with your phone which links you to the mycalvarygr. org login page for the volunteer application. It takes just a few minutes to complete.
A Simple Act of Hospitality
Imagine this: You're boarding a packed airplane. The airline has just announced it’s going to be a full flight, so you make your way to your seat. Luckily, you've got the window spot. You stow your carry-on, settle in, and brace yourself for the usual wait on the runway. Some time passes, and suddenly, you realize the doors are closing, but the seat next to you is still empty. No one’s walking down the aisle. If you've ever been in this situation, like I have, you can't help but thank the Lord and consider yourself extra blessed. A whole flight with extra space!
There are plenty of moments when this kind of thing is a win, whether it's at the movies, a concert, or a sporting event. But I can’t help but wonder if, sometimes, we let that same mindset sneak into our Sunday morning services.
Consider this from James chapter 2:1-15,
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
In these verses, James is teaching us about the sin of favoritism and how it has no place in the Christian community. I sincerely hope this kind of situation doesn’t happen at Calvary Church, but I believe there's still something else in this passage for us to consider.
Let me ask you this: Should anyone ever have to sit alone on a Sunday morning? The obvious answer is no. And yet, week after week, many people find themselves sitting by themselves. What might our James passage be showing us in this scenario? Maybe our favoritism doesn’t look like the rich man in his example, but could our favoritism perhaps be our family or friend group? Are we failing to make space for others?
Joshua VanderLeest Director of Hospitality
Inviting someone to sit with you is one of the simplest ways to practice hospitality on a Sunday morning. It takes hardly any effort and in the worst-case scenario, they discover you might not have the best singing voice. But in that small act, you could have a big impact. You never know what someone might be going through. Life can feel pretty lonely at times. Imagine if Sunday mornings never felt that way.
Book Review
Written by Dorothy Johnson as it
was
recently read by the Leadership Development Forum
I’ve had the opportunity to read “Throw the First Punch” by Beth Guckenberger twice recently: first with the adoptive moms book club and second as part of the required reading for Year 2 LDF (leadership development forum).
When I think of spiritual warfare, I typically think of people in other countries that experience demon possession and other extremely dark circumstances tied with idol worship. Most of my learning on this topic has not seemed very relevant to my daily life here in the U.S.
Beth Guckenberger was a missionary in Mexico and had first-hand encounters with demons, but she also understands Satan and his schemes and how everyone is impacted by them. In her book, she helps the reader understand how Satan operates and how we can launch an offensive against him.
The first part of the book focuses on Satan’s tactics and how God has the ultimate power over him. Even though he is the prince of darkness, God is not afraid of entering dark places because He has the ultimate victory. He equips us and goes with us into the dark places.
The second section of the book lists many of Satan’s schemes and how God enables us to combat them.
Throw the First Punch is a thought provoking, and encouraging book making us aware of Satan’s schemes and God’s enabling presence, power, and love. These gifts from God equip us to launch an offensive against the darkness and having done so, to stand firm.
Emergency Awareness
Know what to do if you experience an emergency while at church!
Medical: Report all injuries or medical emergencies to the Emergency Response Team by using the Help Phones.
Missing Person: Report all missing persons by contacting the Emergency Response Team by using the Help Phones.
• Give detailed description and last location.
• Locate guardians and verify that the missing person has not left with another family member.
Fire: In the event the fire warning system is activated all programing shall stop and everyone must evacuate the building. Any children in the care of the church will go to their outside reunification area where families will be reunited using the standard checkout process. All events will be concluded until further notice.
Interruption of Utility Services: In the event of a whole building loss of electrical power the emergency lighting will come on for people to find their way through the building. If the power loss does not restore in a couple minutes all church activities shall be canceled, parents need to pick up their children as normal and the building will be secured until the power is restored and further programing able to resume.
• If the whole building loses water pressure the building shall be closed until the water is restored. Once restored a plan of action to safely reopen will be made and communicated.
Throw the First Punch is available in the Calvary Library, located downstairs to the west of Entrance G, near the center of the building.
• If there is a loss of natural gas pressure depending on the season and impacts on the building will decide what ministry can continue. If there is a gas leak near or in the building the building shall be closed until it is safe to return.
updates
Prison Ministry Prayer Team
What helps you most when you pray for your loved ones, for missionaries, or for your brothers and sisters here at Calvary? I have found that having up-to-date requests and knowing details of their specific situations often keeps me faithful and focused in my prayers. That’s why missionary prayer letters, websites like Caring Bridge, and other ways of sharing prayer needs are so helpful.
For a long time, when I thought of our Christian brothers in the West Michigan prisons, I could only pray in generalities – “God bless them,” “Keep them faithful to your word,” “Protect them.” But now, in this new day when God is doing a miraculous work, bringing many men to salvation and planting his church inside the walls of the prisons, we have a resource available for you to pray faithfully for specific requests.
For each of the five West Michigan prisons where Calvary serves, we have developed a sheet which lists the names of the warden and the chaplain at the facility, the frequency that Ardo Draper – Minister and Director of Prison Ministry – and our volunteer team visit, specific ways that the facility is unique, and updated prayer requests for the believers and the leaders of the church movement.
Please join us in the exciting new prayer effort! You can reach out to Jen Engels (jengels@calvarygr.org). She will send you a brief survey so we can send you the prayer sheet that best fits you.
RENEW CREW
Joe Symonds Renew Crew
Our Renew Crew Short Term Missions Team had a great trip last fall. I'm still amazed at the team that God put together, and how they were able to use their skills to bless others down in Floyd County, Kentucky. The team helped out on two different projects and developed relationships with the homeowners as they faithfully worked. They also developed camaraderie and cohesion as a team. By the end of the week, one of the homeowners commented on how he had given up on taking care of himself and the home, but the team had breathed new life into him, prayed over him and his home, and now he felt revived and encouraged. Praise God!
It was a positive experience for everyone involved and we are so thankful the team had the opportunity to serve in Kentucky, and draw closer to the heart of Christ. This has opened up the door for future one-week short-term mission opportunities for Renew Crew! Stay tuned as we pray through where God will have us serving next, hopefully in late May or early June.
Do you have the desire to help those in our church and community with tangible needs (children's car seats, beds, diapers, etc.) but don't know how to find out about those needs? CarePortal is a tool that connects those who are vulnerable with people who want to serve. As we uncover the needs within our church and our community CarePortal brings awareness and real-time opportunities to respond. Together we can impact the lives of those with critical needs within our church and community.
If you would like more information about CarePortal, adoption or foster care, please contact Sheri Schmidt (sschmidt@ calvarygr.org)
Sheri Schmidt Director, Adoption & Foster Care Ministry
Thank You
Reflections from a Short-Term Mission Trip to Lesvos in Fall 2024
by Shayla Madonna
My time in Lesvos was a humbling experience. I was challenged daily to depend on the Lord’s strength rather than my own knowledge, willpower, or skills.
I want to thank you for all your prayers and the financial contribution you made towards my trip to Lesvos, Greece, this past September/October. This letter has been long in coming but, thankfully, my semester has wrapped up and I finally have the time to share about this impactful trip serving the beautiful women and children of the Mavrovouni refugee camp.
To start off, I need to testify that God’s timing is perfect. His goodness was so evident to me on this trip. He placed me on this team, with these ladies, at this time in my life and, as my team and I were told while preparing for this trip, the people that go to serve come back feeling like the ones that were blessed. I have found this to be very true.
On Lesvos, our days started bright and early! Each morning, we headed down to the waterfront at 7:00 am to sing praises as we watched the sunrise over Türkiye’s mountains. After we all made our lunches and ate a quick breakfast, we would drive to the All 4 Aid center, arriving around 8:15 am. After our daily devotions with the center’s workers, our team of eight ladies were assigned to our serving sections for the day. These sections included hospitality, children, clothes closet/food bank, showers, relaxation room, laundry, spa, and snacks & crafts! The center opened at 9:00 am, with the foodbank & clothes closet appointments starting around 8:30 am. When the center closed at 2:00 pm, we would prepare for the next day by cleaning the hospitality and kid’s space, spraying down the showers, and hanging the washed clothing donations and shower towels outside to dry in the sun. After we finished at the center, we would head back to the hotel and prepare the craft we had brought for the next day (the beaded bracelets and necklaces were a big favorite).
Of all the sections, serving in the spa and the hospitality space were my favorite. The spa is a private, quiet space for the women that come to the center. Only two ladies are
No short-term mission team can “fix” the global refugee crisis, but I do believe that our team was able to be Jesus to them in every towel, hug, foot massage, and beaded bracelet we gave.
her. She was a Christian Afghan refugee who fled family persecution with her young daughter. She shared that she had to leave her two boys with their father when she escaped Afghanistan. Lana and Trish shared this encounter in our end-of-day meet-up session, and it remains one of the most impactful moments of the trip to me. In all this woman’s journeying, God guided her to All 4 Aid’s center, and God sent us to Lesvos right when our sister needed prayer and encouragement. His timing is perfect.
In the hospitality space, there are two large tables, for the women to sit and talk with fellow moms and friends, a salon-type wall with mirrors, for getting ready after their shower time, and a corner for the kids to play in, so the moms can keep an eye on their children without worrying. It was a very special section to work in. We could sit with the ladies, bring them coffee, do their nails, and brush & style their hair (my favorite part). The hospitality space was meant to give them back a sense of dignity and humanity. Every day, no matter how hectic the space got, those serving in hospitality had the great privilege of making these women feel as “at home” as possible.
My time in Lesvos was a humbling experience. I was chal lenged daily to depend on the Lord’s strength rather than my own knowledge, willpower, or skills. My time at the center placed me in situations that I was not “prepared” to deal with, really no one is. The knowledge of what these women and their families journeyed and suffered through to get to the All 4 Aid center is difficult to think through. No shortterm mission team can “fix” the global refugee crisis, but I do believe that our team was able to be Jesus to them in every towel, hug, foot massage, and beaded bracelet we gave.
Thank you again for taking part in this ministry to the beautiful refugee women and children on Lesvos, Greece. May our work impact these women for eternity!
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Romans 10:13-15
If you feel lead to serve God in future trips to Lesvos, Greece and want to get connected, please email Lana Duoibes (lduoibes@calvarygr.org).
Reporting Back
An
Update from the Short-Term Mission Trip to Tanzania in Late January
by Cindy Marrell
History Corner
In 2013, Joseph Marwa came to Grand Rapids for a two-week course. God’s plan instead was to put him through Puritan Seminary and entrust to him a vision of equipping pastors in northern Tanzania with sound doctrine. Mwanza Bible Institute (MBI) was started in 2015 and Calvary has partnered with them in several ways since the beginning. Thirty-two people have been part of 13 teams serving at the MBI and subsequently at the Hope Royal School for K-7th graders during these ten years.
From January 30-February 11, our six person team traveled to and served in Mwanza, Tanzania. Imagine two full work days spent sitting on a plane! Then add another 1.5-hour flight on the third day. It’s a lot of work to get there, but it’s worth it! What a joy it was for our short-term mission team of six to see God at work in the Mwanza region of Tanzania, to see the spiritual growth and to be overwhelmed by His heart for the people.
Tanzania is a developing country and over the last ten years of serving there, we’ve seen infrastructure improvements with paved roads now filled with dolla-dollas (mini buses) and motorcycle taxis. The drivers amazed us at how closely they share lanes with oncoming traffic. Most roads are not yet paved and provided additional excitement. Once on the way home, we could not pass through because the dirt road almost swallowed up a small school bus! We all enjoyed hopping out of our vehicle to help push the bus onto better ground (and then – we made it through without issue, God is good!)
We met and were encouraged by board members on Saturday, presented the message at three different churches on Sunday and spent Monday through Saturday at the sixacre site of Mwanza Bible Institute (MBI) and Hope Royal School (for K-7th graders).
Ezekiel and Kezia then arrived from Kenya to bless us as our interpreters for the week. Dan Crawford led the MBI men in manual #5 of their curriculum, starting off with the theology of God and discussed the truth of the Trinity. Don Marrell joined, but he also taught chapel each day, sharing encouragement from God’s words.
Nancy Roelfsema opened the women’s session with a “What is Inductive Bible Study” lesson – to give the women some tools before Cindy Marrell spent the week on manual #1, Bible study methods and interpretation. Nancy taught
them to quilt, crochet a scarf, embroider a bag and make bracelets.
We experienced a record number of women with 52 attending the week-long conference! We are overjoyed that these women are not only coming for community and crafts but they are being taught how to study the word of God for a good portion of each day! With many women come many young children that kept Ann and Eva extra busy when they were done at Hope Royal.
The school kids were taught by Ann Bagley who introduced John 10:14-15 to them, explaining that we are sheep and Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Each day she, Eva Bagley and Nancy helped them with crafts that reinforced lessons about Jesus’ love for them.
Much preparation was put into the stations for VBS on our final Saturday. There was a craft, many games, and fruit loop necklaces. Our theme was the fruit of the Spirit. Ann had a lesson at the end about joy and how we bubble over with joy because we have the hope of heaven. We did an experiment to show the kids what it’s like. We took a little container, filled it half full with water, then added an Alka-Seltzer and put on the cap, then flipped it upside down on our hands and waited… for it to explode!
We distributed 48 Bibles (left 10 for fall semester) to MBI students, women at the conference, Hope Royal teachers and 50 New Testaments to older children. Their gratitude was overwhelming to witness. Please pray with us that God would continue to water the seeds He planted, that students young and old would continue to seek our amazing God and study His word!
