Calvary Life, October 2011

calvary lifeOctober 2011

Meet Me at the Marketplace...Pg. 13

Be a HERO...Pg. 16

Don’t miss the Community Launch - October 2To participate, you must register by September 26

contents// Community Launch9

// Meet me at the marketplace

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step by step guide on how to sign up for this fall’s community launch

women- don’t miss this chance to shop and fellowship with your girlfriends

// Grace Discovered12a true story of how one calvary family

discovered the grace of giving

4 | 5 Questions with Lee ContentThe Calvary Life sits down with the Pastoral Staff for Calvary Community.

4 | Tech TipsDo you hear what I hear? The answer is a resounding NO.

5 | On the BookshelfReading recommendations from the Calvary family for October.

6 | The Blessing of Community GroupsHow Don & Cindy Marrell have experienced community throughout their years at Calvary.

7 | Behind the ScenesServing at Calvary connects you to the life of the body; hear how as we sit down with Chris Lohroff.

8 | Special Needs MinistryUnderstanding Faith in Jesus - a mentor program for individuals with special needs.

9 | How Things WorkSigning up for the Community Launch - explained!

10 | One HeartNotes from the Calvary Missions & Outreach Team

12 | A Note From the EldersElder Ron Haas shares how one calvary family discovered the grace of giving.

14-18 | Program Guide14 - Children, 5th-8th Grade15 - 5th-8th Grade Cont’d, High School, College, Merge16 - Merge cont’d, Foundations, Calvary Community Compassion Ministiries, Family Life, Men, Pastoral Care, Special Needs17 - Pastoral Care cont’d , Special Needs18 - Senior Adults, Women, Serving Opportunities, Giving Opportunities

19 | October CalendarDates to know and hold onto for October.

20 | Welcome to CalvaryNew to Calvary? This is a great place to start.

good to knowExperiencing a Crisis?For those of you who are experiencing a crisis, or perhaps are going through a difficult emotional, spiritual, or relationship situation, Stephen Ministry & Lay Counseling can help. Contact Phyllis Dykstra at 784-1858.

Membership ClassSaturday, November 12 from 9:00am-2:30pmWe believe membership in the local church is important. Membership means commitment to learn, to be in commu-

nity and to contribute – giving back to God what He so richly gives to us. Register online or contact Brenda ([email protected]) at ext. 5650 by November 7. Pre-registration is required. Lunch is provided. Sorry, no childcare.

Young Adults Scholarship FundEvery year the young adult ministry provides opportunities including retreats, conferences, book clubs, and times of service to cultivate and encourage spiritual growth. Sadly, financial hardships can make it difficult for some of our young adults to take full advantage of these

opportunities. Would you consider donating to the college and young adult scholarship fund and invest in the next generation of leaders at Calvary Church? To donate, designate Young Adults Scholarship Fund on your check or giving envelope and place it in the offering plate on Sundays.

If you plan on attending one of the many events that occur at Calvary on Wednesday night, or would enjoy a good home cooked meal that you did not have to prepare, or would

just like to dine with family and friends, come to the Wednesday Fellowship Dinner. Our goal is to present to you weekly, excellent “Center of the Plate” entrees featuring original recipes from Chef Rod, Chef Neal, and Chef PJ that include complimentary sides, crisp green tossed salad, dessert, and assorted beverages. The cost is low, $5 for the featured meal, or $15.00 for Family Meal which would be two adult and three Hero Meals. If children included in the Family Meal are served the featured meal or the Super Hero Meal the cost is an additional $2 each.

We serve from 5:00-6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Dinner on WednesdayGrilled Hand Cut Cure 81 Ham Steaks with Traverse Bay Cherry SauceFour Pastas Casserole with Sweet Peppers and Sauce MornaySuper Sweet White Corn NibbletsHealthy Hero Meal: Whole Grain Pasta with Meatballs

Chef’s Best from the SouthwestWhite Chicken ChiliWith sautéed tenderloin of chicken and great northern beansCoyote StewMade with shredded tri-tip beef, beef veloute, tomatoes, mild chili sauce and green chiliesNew Mexico Blend VegetablesBroad green beans, corn, cauliflower, broccoli, and carrotsHealthy Hero Meal: Grilled Chicken with BBQ Sauce and Steamed Rice

WednesdayFellowship dinner

Chef Rod, Chef Neal & Chef PJ Tag TeamLasagna T’NightCalvary’s Chefs team up to layer delicious pasta, four types of Italian cheeses, Salsa Putinesca, and herbs, and bake this wonderful casserole to bubbly perfection. Steamed Italian VegetablesItalian Anti-pasta SaladHomemade Garlic BreadHealthy Hero Meal: Ground Beef Steaks and Mashed Potatoes

October 5

October 12

October 19

For the KidsNew this year is the Healthy Hero Meal. This meal is designed to be healthy, nutritious, and tasty. The Healthy Hero will be offered to children under ten only. All Healthy Hero options will include salad bar, roll, low-fat milk, vegetable of the day, or carrot sticks and apple sauce. Bareman ice cream cups will be available for dessert. Parents, if you’re looking for a balanced dinner for your children, this will be the option to choose.

For the children we will offer the Healthy Hero Meal for $3 or the traditional Hero Meal which is a hot slice of Chef PJ’s homemade pizza squares, or a hot dog and mac-n-cheese for $3. For the “Super Hero” in all of us you can have two squares or two dogs for $5.

Down Home ComfortFresh, Thick-sliced, Oven Roast Pork Loin with Fresh RosemaryHomemade Pan SauceHericot VertsGreen beans with smoked baconMashed PotatoesCreamy and hot with smokey gouda cheeseHealthy Hero Meal: Grilled Ham Steak and Sweet Potatoes

October 26

connectionsgetting to know calvary

Tech Tipsdo you hear what i hear?

Questions5with Lee ContentPastoral Staff, Calvary Community

4 | October 2011 | calvarygr.org

1. What is your role at Calvary Church?Essentially, my job is to get people into smaller communities in which they can experience life{together} in Christ by meeting together; growing in Christ to-gether, praying together and caring for one another. It also involves partner-ing with all other areas of ministry to make sure that building community is a priority.

2. What encourages you most as you minister in Calvary Community?The thing that encourages me the most as I minister are the relationships that I have been able to build with so many different people. This allows me to see God working in people’s lives and to experience the true meaning of being brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. How have you experienced life{together}?Most recently I have experienced life{together} by being in a community group this summer with eight other staff members here at Calvary. Throughout the summer we met for lunch, going through the book, Radical Together, and tak-ing turns sharing our life stories. It was fabulous getting to know people that I work with on a deeper level.

4. How has God used your community to showcase His love recently?One of the ways God used community to showcase His love was through an-swered prayer in our group. Over the course of time, many prayer requests were shared, and it was amazing to see God’s faithfulness. It reminded me once again, how kind and loving God is!

5. How can the Calvary family pray for you and your ministry this month?This month is a big month for getting people into smaller communities. Please pray that many people would be prompted to get into a group; pray for the Community Launch that we are having on October 2; pray for the established ministries of Adult Sunday Classes and Monday Night Bible Study, specifically pray for the many leaders that lead these groups! Pray that God will bless them and encourage them in their leadership roles this year.

When it is important to hear clearly, how do we communicate the spoken word to those with hearing impairments? We want everyone to have the opportunity to hear the spoken word at Calvary Church and would be happy to assist you in using either of the following.

THE HEARING LOOP – We have two ways to access hearing help for those having hearing aids with the T-Coil feature. Through the Sanctuary Information Center you can receive a portable FM transmitter that will automatically connect with your hearing aid T-Coil and allow you to sit anywhere in the Sanctuary. Also, there is an installed loop system that is always on in a section of our Sanctuary located to the right of center aisle when facing the platform. In both applications, T-Coil equipped hearing aids can be switched on to greatly enhance the users hearing ability.

LIVE CAPTIONING – For those that do not have T-Coil technology and need hearing assistance, we offer live captioning through portable notebook computers during our second hour (9:40am) service. These are obtained in the back of the Sanctuary and are pre-programmed to display the spoken words of the service through wireless technology. This allows the worshipper to follow along by reading the spoken words from the platform on the portable screen. The notebooks are ready to go and begin displaying the words as soon as the service begins. If you have your own tablet or handheld device, we can also provide you with the internet access to use live captioning during the service.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan is life chang-ing. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of dos and don’ts – it’s falling in love with God. The DVD contains ten teach-ing segments which correspond to each chapter of the book and are designed to initiate discussion, interaction and prac-

tical application of the Crazy Love message with small groups.

Join Beth Moore on a journey into the life and heart of Paul the apostle. This 10 session DVD study, To Live is Christ also includes a Leader’s Guide and Study Guide. More than any other person,

Paul provides for us an example of sold-out servanthood. (Other Beth Moore studies are also available)

Indescribable takes us on an image-rich journey through the cosmos, allowing us to peer into God’s universe to discover the amazing magnitude of his great-ness and grace and is one of the DVDs in the Passion Talk Series by Louie Giglio. It touches your heart to realize that the God who knows every star by name also

knows yours and mine. A discussion guide is included in each of the four DVDs in this series.

Blue Like Jazz has a remark-able way of catching you off guard and making you feel several different emotions in a span of ten pages. Donald Miller is engaging, humorous and brutally honest. If you’ve ever had doubts or questions, Donald Miller will make you feel like you’re not alone. The book is both comforting and challeng-ing. Whether you like the book or not, you will find Blue Like Jazz unique and thought provoking.

I really enjoy listening to books, whether in the car or relaxing at home. This is the best devotional by far that I have ever owned. Each day of Jesus Calling is written as if Jesus Himself were speak-ing to you. It is amazing how every time I read it, it is exactly what I needed for that day.

The Goodness of God is a great book on understand-ing suffering. Alcorn shows how the way of suffering can ultimately become a journey into wholeness and even logic-defying joy. It is an easy ready with profound insights.

on the bookshelfrecommended reading for september

All the books mentioned above are available in Calvary's Library. The Library is located across from Fellowship Hall on the lower level. The hours are Sunday, 9:15 - 11:15am; 5:15 - 5:45pm; Wednesday, 9:15 - 9:45am; 6:00 - 7:30pm. Our library collection is searchable online! This helpful search tool will enable you to view all of the library’s resources from the convenience of your home. You can find us at: calvarygr.org/ministries/library.

October 2011 | calvarygr.org | 5

Have you been thinking about starting a com-munity group or Bible Study in your home? The library has great resources available for you!

Carol Spencer, Monday Night Bible Study Coordinator

Karen VanHolstyn,Assistant Director,Calvary Community

Lee Bergakker,Fifth/Sixth Facilitator

life{together}experiencing community at calvary


the blessing of Community groupsby cindy marrell

Don and I have been blessed by participating in Greenhouse, an adult Sun-day class for several years. One strong component is the ability to examine God’s word through lively discussions. We “leave the walls down” so we can pray for each other.

In September 2008, the Holy Spirit introduced us to a couple in the parking lot that we would later meet at a mutual friend’s for New Year’s Eve. God clearly used that social gathering to build a small group. We met regularly and God used Jim Cymbala’s DVD study on prayer to enrich our relationships with each other.

That study prompted us to join the Wednesday night Intercessor’s prayer group last fall. What a treat it is to go together into God’s throne room to pray for people throughout the congregation, Calvary’s elders, deacons, staff and mis-sionaries, and each other. Come and be blessed while you’re praying for others. There is always room for more!

Last spring Don and I signed up to be part of a small group for eight meetings. That first launch meeting was a little awkward. I told myself that it was only for eight meetings. Our group started out with seven members, and God started knitting us together as family. He orchestrated connections with group members and other Calvary congregants. Linda was helping Don and Terry; they brought her along. Kris was walking her dog and

met Ally out in their neighborhood. They discovered they both attended Calvary, so Kris brought her along. Linda invited Lasanna while they were working together in the Calvary Café. Marlo met Robin downtown and in-vited her to church. Robin’s first Sunday, both Linda and Lasasna walked up and invited her to our group. Now there are eleven of us, and we plan to continue {together}.

Of course we eat {together}. We also review the sermon questions provided by Calvary staff for the previous Sundays. And we spend time {together} praying for each other. It is so sweet. God has been glorified by answering those prayers with jobs, supplying the right medication, solving problems at work, caring for our grown children. Our group is continually thankful for the various spiritual gifts God has given to our group members.

Looking back at all these groups, the theme is prayer. There is a fellowship, an intimacy that develops as in no other way when you intercede for broth-ers and sisters in the Lord.

Are you looking for community?To help make this kind of community accessible to everyone, we are launching lots of new Community Groups at Calvary. There is a group for everyone! Neighborhood groups meet in homes throughout the area. Family groups are intended to help entire families experience community together. Global groups are new and will have a focus on living a missional life. Monday Night Bible Study groups meet here at the church. We also continue to have a myriad of groups for Women, Men, Young Adults and Seniors, along with a number of Support Groups.

Community Group LaunchWe’ll be launching new neighborhood, family and global groups on Sunday afternoon, October 2, 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Each new group will be unique, reflecting the personality of its members. • Allwillcommittomeetatleasteighttimes. Most groups meet every other week.• Manywillusesermon-baseddiscussions.• Allwillinvolveregulargatheringsthatinclude food, conversation, prayer and Bible study.

Launch Date!When: Sunday, October 2Time: 4:00-6:00pmWhere: Fellowship HallRSVP: Register by Sept. 26• Onlineatcalvarygr.org• OR,pickuparegistra-

tion form at the tents on Sunday.

• OR,contactBrendaNeher([email protected]) at 956-9377, ext. 5650.

Behind the ScenesServing at Calvary with Chris Lohroff


Where do you currently serve at Calvary?I currently serve on the Men’s Ministry advisory team, as a leader for a couple of Men’s Bible studies, and on the leadership team for the Legacy Builders adult congrega-tion. I am also currently on the planning committee for the Men’s Conference.

How did you begin serving at Calvary? When I first started attending Calvary, I was involved in several areas but then took some time off when we start-ed our family. When I decided it was time to get back in

the game, I waited a bit to see if I would be asked to do anything. Nothing was presented to me so I started with dropping off the mail at the post office once a week. After doing that for just a short time several other opportunities began to come my way.

What challenges have you encountered in your ministry?I’ve found it difficult to say “NO” when asked to participate to the point where I tend to overload my schedule. When counseling other men, I also find it difficult to disengage and move on from a particularly difficult situation.

How has God blessed you through serving?It has been amazing to watch men grow in their faith. I’m often overwhelmed that God would choose to use me to do His work, but I am so thankful that He allows me to participate.

How do you experience community at Calvary?I’m currently involved in the Legacy Builders adult Sunday class and several men’s Bible Studies. I have found it to be incredibly important to spend time with others believers that are going through or have already gone through some of the challenges I face as a husband, father, employee, and follower of Jesus.

Explore Calvary Are you new to Calvary Church? Are you finding it hard to navigate or get plugged in? Journey together with us for four weeks beginning Wednesday, October19 in room 130 from 5:15-6:30pm in an informal setting to tour the building, meet others new to Calvary, share a meal together, meet staff, and learn more about Calvary. Reservations are needed by Wednesday, October 12 to Sharon Kaiser ([email protected]) at ext. 5077.

Chris & His wife Elaine

DiscoveryA New Crash CourseDiscovery can help you learn more about your spiritual walk, your spiritual gifts and connecting with others at Calvary as you meet with trained staff members. A recent participant said, “The meet-ing [with the staff member] helped me so much. I not only learned about my spiritual gifts and how to use them, but also to understand so much about what God wants from me. I had a wonderful experience.”

Pick up a Discovery card at the Informa-tion Center, go online to our Serving Ministry page, or contact Sharon Kaiser ([email protected]) at ext 5077.

Something new in Discovery is com-ing in October. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 5:15-8:00pm, you can do a “crash course” in Discovery. As our guest, you will pick up your supper and a hostess will take you to a quiet spot where you can take your inventories as you eat. Af-terwards, you will meet one-on-one with a staff facilitator to review the results and find out what your gifts are. Sign up now. We can only take three people per Wednesday evening Discovery event. Contact Sharon Kaiser ([email protected]) at ext 5077.Serving Opportunities Abound

Find out how you can get connected to use your abilities and passions, by contacting Judie Fielstra ([email protected]) at ext. 5095.


Special Needs MinistryUnderstanding Faith in Jesus Mentor ProgramBy Judi WarnerAbout six months ago, the staff of the Special Needs Ministry began thinking about how we could help individuals with special needs understand more clearly and on a personal level what it means to be a Christian, and how to become a member of Calvary Church. Lessons pertaining to these topics had been taught in the large group setting. From this, many students, 26 of them, who had attended the Go Getters Community group for several years, expressed great interest in being baptized and joining this community which they love. When the staff recognized their strong desire to learn more, it was decided that we should write a booklet which would guide them through this process. It is called “Understanding Faith in Jesus.” Following the same three pillars on which our Christian Faith stands (taken from Calvary’s Membership workbook), we began writing this adapted book in such a way that through scripture, students would understand more about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The workbook also includes lessons on what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, and how we celebrate that relationship through the Lord’s Supper and baptism. The last section of the book teaches the importance of church membership and how we can all use the gifts God has given us to serve Him and one another. Visual cards were added along with communication cards for the non-verbal student, or those with speech difficulties, and those who are primarily visual learners.

Upon completion of the workbook, the staff prayed that God would be honored through this mentor-ship program. We are grateful that five students have completed the workbook and are now excited about being baptized and joining Calvary Church.

Over the summer, I had the privilege of mentoring two young women from the Go Getters class, Kara and Shonda Jones. What a wonderful experience it was to get to know them and study God’s Word together! I have come to love and appreciate who God made them to be, the gifts that are displayed in their lives, the challenges they live with each day and how much they sincerely love their Heavenly Father. Shonda and Kara are both very thankful for Calvary Church where they can be with friends, pray and worship God and look forward to being welcomed as members of the Body of Christ.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

If after reading this article, you feel God tugging at your heart strings to mentor one of these special students, please give us a call.

Contact: Elleen [email protected] // ext. 5623

*

Kara and shonda

Understanding Faith in Jesus Calvary Church 707 East Beltline NE Grand Rapids, MI 616-956-9377

how things workSigning up for the Community launch


Are you looking for community? Join us on Sunday, October 2, when we will launch several new community groups at Calvary. Register by September 26, in one of four ways.

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Prayer Room

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Calvary Café

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Visit a Community Tent1 - Look at the map below and find the

tent closest to your current location. Tents are located at the Main Sanctuary Entrance, the Nursery Entrance and the Chapel Entrance.

2 - Once you’ve arrived at the tent, ask for a blue launch sign-up form.

3- Fill it out at the table and turn it in to the friendly volunteer.

2Sign up at the Connection Point1 - Head toward the back of the Sanctuary and

make a right. The Connection Point is through the double doors, and the second door on your right.

2 - Once you’ve arrived, find a ConnectionPoint volunteer who will assist you in filling out a blue launch sign-up form. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have.

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3Open your BulletinLocate the blue Community Launch registration form in your bulletin. Fill it out and turn it in to a volunteer on your way out of the service.

4Sign up at calvarygr.orgCommunity Launch registration is located on the bottom left on the home page.

Have questions? Start here!

Just want to sign up? Start here!

or

or

Footprint of Coverage by Middle East Media & SAT-7

Middle East Media HQ

SAT-7 HQ

Bethlehem Bible College

one heartCAlvArY MiSSiONS & OutreACh 2011-2012

Open Door Vision 2011-2012 Is Coming!God is moving in the Arab world, and we are excited to be a part of it.

This year, ODV will focus on God’s miraculous work from Spain to Palestine, and the entire Arab world. Ministries like the Evangelical Training Center in Europe, and Middle East Media (which produces Christian pre-evangelistic programming and media), SAT-7 (a Christian satellite station), and Bethlehem Bible College in the Middle East, are in a unique position in this moment in time, with the window of opportunity open to make a real impact in that region of the world. Keep watching for ways you can help make a difference through our Open Door Vision project.

Project report Lincoln School Supplies Project was a great blessing!

Praise God for the response we had from all of you who contributed school supplies and other needed items for the three schools on the

Lincoln campus. Many, many students will benefit from your overwhelming generosity. The teachers and staff were amazed at the outpouring of support for them, and on behalf of those children and young adults that will benefit from your kindness, thank you.

Sunday, October 30 6:00pm | Sanctuary

Join us on October 30 to “hear our heart” for the world. Jim Samra will share our vision for missions, plus there will be time to focus on our short-term missions and missionaries.

With our last 2011 short-term team in Mozambique this month, it is time to thank those of you who were part of one or more of this year’s trips – either through prayer support, financial giving, or by going. Close to 150 middle school and high school students and adults of all ages impacted Grand Rapids, the United States, and the world. As we look forward to 2012, we are already praying for those who will be involved in praying, supporting, or going.

Following the October 30 service, come to a reception in Fellowship Hall to share about the trips planned for 2012. Please plan to join us!

UFM EventCelebrating God’s Work through Urban Family Ministries: An event to benefit UFM

Join us for an evening of celebrating what God is doing in the neighborhoods of Grand Rapids. Your ticket includes dessert, a ministry update, and the hilarious, interactive

comedy of the 32 One Improv Group. Come and fellow-ship with the staff, volunteers and supporters of Urban Family Ministries on Friday, November 4 at 7:00pm at Eastern Avenue CRC, 514 Eastern Ave. Tickets are $10 each, or 2 for $15. Call 616-365-9009 to reserve your tickets.

Missionary ChristmasMake a Calvary missionary’s Christmas a bit brighter.

We have the joy of helping to make Christmas a bit brighter for our faithful workers whose overall support levels are

sometimes well below what is needed. Throughout October, we will collect gifts to bless our missionaries. This will help provide the needed funds for that special vacation, enjoy a visit from a child who may be far away, purchase that special gift, or just use it for something ordinary that you and I take for granted. Would you give generously of your resources to brighten their Christmas? Simply indicate “Missionary Christmas” on the church envelope or on the memo line of your check. Donations will be accepted through October 30.

Thank you for sharing in the joy as we approach the Christmas season.

Operation Christmas ChildBox collection begins November 6

Join us again this year as we seek to bring joy and hope to children in des-

perate situations around the world. Make a difference in their lives through the gift

of a simple shoebox filled with small toys, and items the rest of us take for granted. Use a standard size shoe box, or a small plastic container (boxes will not be supplied) and as you are filling your box, pray for the child who will be receiving it. A limited supply of donation envelopes with labels is available at the children’s check-in desks at Entrances K and M, and at the Information Desk. Online giving is also available, as well as labels to print; go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. Bring your filled boxes on November 6, 13, or 20 to one of the drop-off locations in Entrance C, J, or N.

One Heart for the City: Take Hold Church Christmas

This year, in addition to Missionary Christmas Giving and Operation Christmas Child, we will focus on our urban church plant, Take Hold Church on Division Avenue. Shane & Heather Cox have been serving the Heartside District here in Grand Rapids for two years, and have reached and loved a group of people who normally would not go to “church.” God has blessed them in many ways, and this young church is thriving. Shane and Heather are not seeking to bring people out of their subcul-ture, but to “see the subculture and scene redeemed” through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

One of the ways that Take Hold has been a light in the community is through meeting the needs of those in the neighborhood. To show our love and support for Shane and his ministry, we would like to help supply their benevolent ministry. Beginning on Novem-ber 20, you will find Christmas trees in the entrances at Calvary, with specific items writ-ten on the ornaments. Please take as many as you would like, and bring your gifts to the Calvary Café on December 4 and11.

Neighbors International Touch the world at our doorstep

Do you have a passion for people from different cultures? Are you available during the day? Perhaps you are newly retired and have more time on your hands? Are you looking for a way to involve your children in ministry? Neighbors International is looking for you!

There are many ways to be involved with the international students who come to our area each year to study at local universities and colleges; below highlights one of those ways.

Each week our lunch conversation team goes to the English Language School at the GVSU campus in Allendale. We spend an hour with international students during their lunch break. This allows the students an opportunity to practice their English and for us to get to know each other better. 120 students are currently enrolled in the language school: 80 students from Saudi Arabia and the remaining students from Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil and Libya.

Meeting our volunteers at ELS is often the highlight of an international student’s week. Beth Nesseth, a volunteer from Calvary, remembers the first time she met Fatimah and Sukinh, “They didn’t even want to take time to eat their lunches, because they were so overjoyed to speak with us.” Abdul, one of the students at ELS, was surprised and delighted to see the four-year-old son of Heather Harrison. After picking him up, Abdul commented, “Oh, he reminds me of my nephew back at home.” This ministry is not only a blessing to the students, but to us as well.

We need men and women of all ages to be involved in the lives of international students. Please pray about being a part of Neighbors International. For more information contact, Cynthia Sommerfeld at [email protected] or 616-676-7292.


grace discovered: a true storyby Ron Haas, Elder

2010-2011Board

Members

EldersLee Brenner

([email protected])

Eric Cerling([email protected])

Jim DeVries([email protected])

Ron Haas([email protected])

Larry Hulst([email protected])

Les Lamborn([email protected])

Noe Palacios([email protected])

Mike Still([email protected])

Tom Thurston ([email protected])

Dan Visser ([email protected])

Jerry Ward ([email protected])

John Zimmerman([email protected])

DeaconsEd Avink

Robert BassGerrit Bos

Steve DorenRobert Johnston

Chad KerrTom Miller

David RaddeJeff Rogers

Howard TimmerDan Wiersma

Todd Wilde

If you have any questions or comments about this month’s note or other topics, please email one of the elders listed above.

In our study of the grace of giving from 2 Corinthians 8 & 9, you might be asking

yourself, “I know that God promises to bless generous givers, but could that really apply to me?” One Calvary couple has experienced the grace of giving in their lives and wanted to anonymously share their journey to generosity.

I have always been intrigued by Malachi 3:10 where God promises the Israelites that if they would “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing.” Could that marvelous promise possibly also apply to us today in the 21st century? My wife and I have lived the experience, so here is our answer to that question.

We were married in June the day after I graduated from college in the early 1950s. Our church taught the impor-tance of tithing, so we made a commitment as husband and wife to tithe off the top of our gross income (read first fruits). At the time, we owned a two-door Chevy coupe, our personal belongings, and a few hundred dollars we had saved in anticipation of marriage. We were not rich in material things, but we had a growing faith in God.

I accepted a teaching/coaching position in a Christian high school, and we began to build our life together. At the end of our first year of marriage, we were blessed with the first of our four children. We rented a furnished house the first year I taught, the second year we rented an unfurnished house and bought furniture, the third year we were able to buy a small home, and we were off to the races being richly blessed along the way.

This past June, it will be 59 years since we were married and made our commitment to give God a tithe from our first fruits and test God’s promise in Malachi 3:10. The ver-dict is in and the answer to the question whether God still blesses cheerful givers (See also 2 Corinthians 9:7-8) is a resounding - Yes.

During our 59 years, we can testify that we have never lacked for anything we needed. God has blessed and met our needs sometimes in miraculous ways. For example, one day I took our beat up Chevy coupe in for some much needed maintenance. When I picked it up after school, I found it had 4 new tires on it. When I said I couldn’t pay for them, the owner said they were all paid for. One of the booster club members from the school came by, saw my car on the rack, saw the worn tires, and had them re-placed at his expense - a miracle? It was to us! I could go on with similar examples.

My wife was a “stay at home mom” from the beginning and we’ve raised four children, all with college educations and hap-pily married. Our income has been more than adequate to provide for all that, including allowing me to do advanced graduate work. My wife resumed a career as an executive secretary after our youngest was in junior high. We were so blessed, and we began to accumulate discretionary in-come. It was natural for us then to increase our giving and begin proportionate giving. We went from 10% to 15% and then to 20%. We now give over 50% and are hop-ing to do more. Our net worth is in seven figures, and we have been blessed to give two buildings in recent years to Christian organizations. We have discovered some fabu-lous truths along the way namely that “God does love (and bless) cheerful givers,” and “You can’t out give God, but it sure is fun trying.”

In the parable of the ten talents (Luke 19:11-27), Jesus taught that if you are faithful with a little, God will give you more responsibility. Are you a faithful steward of the resources God has entrusted to you? If you would like to dis-cover more about how the grace of giving can change your life, go to generousgiving.org.

meet me at the

marketplace

calvary church fellowship hall

Bring your girlfriends and join us for hors d’oeuvres and a one-stop marketplace—with everything from baskets to carved ornaments, from jewelry to soaps, from artwork to bags. . .

But the best part of the evening might just be the moment when we all slow down for a reflection from Jill Herweyer about how she uncovered what

she really needed in order to feel God’s amazing blessings in the midst of life’s chaos.

NovemBer 106:00 – 9:00pmTickeTs: $8*

* TickeTs are required iN advaNce aNd will Be availaBle BeGiNNiNG mid-ocToBer.

WWwomen’s ministry


ChildrenCarla | [email protected] | ext. 5067

WOWWednesdays | 6:30-7:50pm | Entrance K

WOW is a time for kids, five-years-old to fourth grade, to interact as they exercise their minds, bodies and souls in chosen electives and discuss faith concepts in small groups. Pick up a WOW brochure at the Information Center at the back of the Sanctuary, or at the Children’s check-in desks.

Li’l WOW: Three and four-year-olds can join us for Li’l WOW where we will learn Bible stories, make crafts and memorize scripture. Li’l WOW meets in room 250.

LUMIN8 Children’s ChoirWednesdays | 6:00-6:40pm | Room 251

LUMIN8 will proclaim God’s glory in a variety of performances throughout the year: Sunday morning services, Child Dedication song, a Christmas program, and a spring concert. At the end of the year, the choir will record and produce a CD of original music written by the Children’s Ministry. Children also participating in the WOW Wednesday programming, will be taken to their elective at 6:40pm.

Elementary Kids Bowling BashOctober 9 | 12:55-2:30pmKingdom Kids (five-years to fourth grade), come enjoy bowling and pizza with your teachers at Eastbrook Lanes (by Centerpointe Mall), 3500 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. Tickets are $6 per child along with one canned food item for Calvary’s Food Pantry. This cost will include bowling, two slices of pizza, one drink and shoe rental. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available

at calvarygr.org until October 5 or at the Children’s Ministry Office, Monday-Friday.

Creating a Family Road MapOctober 9- 30 | 11:15am | Room 131Family Therapist Michael Reiffer and Children’s Pastor Joel Shank will share how you can create spiritual goals for your family, and decide core values and milestones of responsibility. Includes lecture and discussion based on the Family Road Map guidebook (provided free), as well as opportunity to interact with other parents in the same “boat” as you! Ongoing parent-community groups will be explained at the conclusion of the class. Space is limited, R.S.V.P. to [email protected] at ext. 5067 to reserve a guidebook.

Child Dedication ServiceOctober 16 | 4:30pm | ChapelAt our Child Dedication services, extended fam-ily members and friends have the opportunity to show support as parents commit their children to the Lord. If you would like to dedicate the new-est addition to your family, please contact Carla ([email protected]) at ext. 5067 by October 10 to submit your information.

5th-8th [email protected] | ext. 5181The Main EventSunday Mornings | 9:40am5th/6th: Room 109 | 7th/8th: Room 108On Sunday morning, we spend time hanging out, worshiping, and finding creative ways to learn more about God’s Word as a community of middle school students. Our theme this year is Cafeteria: never dine alone. It’s our desire to emphasize

QuiCk ConneCtadministrative staff information

in alpha order by ministry

BenevolenceLynnell [email protected]. 3510

Calvary CommunityBrenda [email protected]. 5650

ChildrenCarla [email protected]. 5067

Community OutreachSharon [email protected]. 5077

FacilitiesMelissa [email protected]. 5097

[email protected]. 5290

MarketingJackie [email protected]. 5042

MenLou [email protected]. 3618

MissionsChris [email protected]. 5022

Pastoral CareRegina [email protected]. 3672

Senior AdultsRegina [email protected]. 3672

ServingJudie [email protected]. 5095

Special NeedsElleen [email protected]. 5623

StudentsNatalie Ueckercalvarystudents @calvarygr.orgext. 5181

Technical [email protected]

WomenElaine [email protected]. 5186

WorshipKristen [email protected]. 5155

Young AdultsMason D. [email protected]. 5036

PROGRAM GUIDECalVarY ChurCh

Sunday Morning Worship Service 8:10am, 9:40am, 11:15am | Sanctuary

October 2011

Sunday Evening Worship Service 6:00pm | Chapel

Church Office HoursMonday-Friday: 8:30am-5:00pmSunday: 7:30am-12:30pm

Church Phone Number: (616) 956-9377

to students why it’s important to be with other Christians as we grow closer to God.

5th/6th [email protected] | ext. 5181

RefugeWednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm | Room 109

The school week can be tough. Homework, ac-tivities and the pressures of school make your life busy. That’s why we offer refuge every Wednes-day night. It’s a great time of fun and encourage-ment where we play games and learn about God with a small group of Christian friends.

You can join Refuge any time in the school year, just show up!

Fall RetreatOctober 28, 5:30pm - October 29, 5:30pm | Loca-tion: Grace Adventures | Meet at Entrance D | Cost: $55 ($50 if you register by Oct. 16)Our annual Fall Retreat is an amazing time to get away to spend time with friends and make new ones. On our retreats we are able to squeeze great fun, exciting worship, exciting games, challeng-ing teaching, sling shots and real friendships into one exciting 24-hour period. We can’t stress enough what a great weekend this is going to be.

7th/8th [email protected] | ext. 5181

OasisRoom 108 | 6:30-8:00pm

Oasis is our Wednesday night small group pro-gram. Want to go deeper asking specific ques-tions about topics that concern you? Want to make some close friends? Want to get to know some of our fun, caring leaders on a more personal level? Whatever your reason in coming, Oasis is an awe-some place for 7th and 8th grade students! We’ll play games, worship, hear a brief talk, and break up into our groups. You can join Oasis any time in the school year, just show up!

hiGh [email protected] | ext. 5181

UNITED6:00-8:30pm | Room 108If you are in high school, you belong with us at UNITED. Come out for a night of worship through singing, learn from God’s word, interact

with friends and leaders in small groups, play fun games and watch crazy videos…anything could happen. This fall we’re in our series called “The Vandalized Masterpiece,” which will take us through the very beginning of it all... We will find out how our world got to be the way it is today, and how God’s once perfect masterpiece became ruined.

Spaces Fall RetreatOctober 15-16 | Grace AdventuresEarly Bird Registration (by Sept. 26): $80Regular Registration: $90There is no better way to meet people at United than by coming to the fall retreat. We are head-ing to Grace Adventures Camp to experience a retreat that will help you think about your rela-tionship with God and with others. This year we will discuss “Spaces” together, looking at the rela-tionships in our lives, how we handle them (and how we should…), and why community is so necessary. How do you live out healthy commu-nity as a high school student? Come and find out on the fall retreat. For more information about the retreat, pick up a registration form at United on Sunday nights, at the Student Ministries office during the week, or online at calvarystudents.com anytime!

YounG adultSa ministry for young adults 18-34Mason | [email protected] | ext. 5036

Young Adult Ministry Fall RetreatOctober 21 at 5:00pm - October 22 at 5:00pmCost: $30 | Sign up in your respective communityTake an opportunity to be recharged and re-freshed by the relaxing and restful setting of

Camp Beechpoint. Join the College, Merge, and Foundations communities for a weekend re-treat filled with fellowship, encouraging teach-ing, fun games and rest.

ColleGe a community for young adults 18-22Natalie | [email protected] | ext. 5165

College Ministry LunchSundays | 12:30pm | Room 121Are you looking for a way to connect with other college students who attend Calvary on Sun-days? You are invited to join the College Minis-try for a free lunch every Sunday after the third service. This is a great way to fellowship with other students and to learn about additional ways to get involved at Calvary Church. For more information, contact Natalie Kompik.

College LifeThursdays | 7:00pm | Room 108Are you interested in joining a diverse commu-nity of fellow college-aged young adults? Join us as we meet together as a community for worship, small groups, and teaching on Thurs-days. This is a great opportunity to build rela-tionships with college students from the Grand Rapids area and to grow in our faith together. For more information contact Natalie Kompik.

College Discipleship: On Campus GroupsThese community groups meet on-campus once a week during lunch at various college campuses. Gather with fellow believers for an informal time of sharing and catching-up about what is happening in our lives. Contact Carl Crispin ([email protected]).


We want to make sure your marriage starts with a solid foundation, one based on Biblical principles that will stand the test of time. If you are in your first year of marriage join us for this 12-week class starting in October. Contact Lou DeGraaf ([email protected]) at ext. 3618 for details.

Marriage Prep WorkshopSundays, October 9-23 | 1:00-5:00pm | Yellow House | Cost: $75 per coupleWe believe it is necessary to know as much as possible about each other going into marriage. It is important to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, as well as faith and fears, in order to build your relationship into all that it can be – into all that God intended it to be. Contact Regina to register.

menLou | [email protected] | ext. 3618

UM/MSU Football Game - Family EventOctober 15 | Room 108 | Kick-off Time TBASport your favorite team colors, shirts and flags as we watch the Wolverines play the Spartans. Guys and gals are invited. Bring your family, friends and favorite finger food; watch the big game via satellite reception on large screens.

PaStoral Care Regina | [email protected] | ext. 3672

Confident CaregiversOctober 17 | 11:30am -1:00pm | Room 123Confident Caregivers of West Michigan is a monthly support group for sharing needs, ques-tions, answers and encouragement. Please join us this month as Holland Home presents on the topic of “Better Bones and Joint Protection.” R.S.V.P. by October 13 to Regina.

CheraOctober 25 | 6:15pm | Room 129Chera is a support group designed to reach out with the comfort found in Jesus Christ to those who have lost spouses. Chera has a monthly dinner with special guest speakers who address various topics relating to your journey. R.S.V.P. to Marian Mason at 554-9262 if you plan to attend.

by Nancy Samra. Nehemiah’s life is rich in lessons for us today. Contact Dave Thrasher at 243-6603 (men) or Carol Spencer at 942-4743 (women) if you have any questions. Join anytime.

Growing Strong Families Adult Sunday ClassSundays l 9:40am l Room 130-132This class is designed for parents who desire to know more about what God has to say about implementing intentional parenting and build-ing strong marriages. Come experience the joy of sharing and learning with other parents who are in the same walk of life. Some of our topics include: practical parenting techniques, shar-ing your faith with your children, teaching your children to pray and a study called Be Prepared – Equipping Kids to Face Today’s World. This class is taught by Jerry and Shirley Southland. Contact Scott & Diana Haid ([email protected]).

Adult Sunday ClassesAdult Sunday Classes are made up of various size groups of people that meet for fellowship, edu-cation and outreach. Find a class that’s perfect for you. There are classes for adults of all ages, stages and interests from singles to parenting teens to senior adults. For exact location and class descriptions, pick up a copy of the Adult Sunday Classes brochure at the Connection Point or online at calvarygr.org.

FamilY liFeRegina | [email protected] | ext. 3672

Honeymooner’s ClassDid you know that your first year of marriage is one of the most important years of your relation-ship? It sets the course for your future together.

merGe (Ages 22-34)a community for single young adultsMason | [email protected] | ext. 5036

Merge Fall Color TourOctober 8 | 9:00am | Meet at Entrance JReady for a fall adventure with Merge? Join us for a fall color tour. After an early morning stop for coffee, we’ll meander north to enjoy the beauty of fall. Bring some money for meals and any fall décor you might want to purchase from roadside stands.

Merge Community LunchOctober 30 | 12:30pm | Room 137The Merge community will be joining together for fellowship and lunch immediately after Merge. Sign up on Sundays to bring a salad or dessert to share. We hope to see you there! FoundationS (Ages 22-32)a community for young couplesJP | [email protected] | ext. 5541

Sundays | 11:15am | Room 125Join us this fall for our series Life 101 – why doc-trine actually matters and how it influences our lives. Contact JP Gaylord for more information.

CalVarY CommunitYBrenda | [email protected] | ext. 5650

Monday Night Bible StudyMonday | 7:00-8:35pm | Chapel | Teachers: Helen Stewart and Ed KaleefeyMonday Night Bible Study is a place where men and women come together for fellowship, prayer and studying God’s Word. The study for the fall semester is Nehemiah: A Man with Heart, written


HEROESa ren ’ t spec t a to r s

Wednesday, October 125:15pm – 6:30pm

RSVP online at calvarygr.orgor pick up a brochure at the

Connection Point

Mental Illness Support GroupOctober 25 | 7:00pm | Room 114On a national scale, an estimated 4.5 million Americans have a severe mental illness. Get-ting these individuals into a continuous mode of treatment is a challenge facing many families. This group is designed to offer families the help, encouragement and support they need. Contact John or Betty Walker at 956-6141.

GriefShare WorkshopTuesdays | 6:30-8:30pm | Room 207 | $20This support group, led by facilitators who un-derstand what you are experiencing, is for people grieving the loss of someone close. It will offer you comfort and encouragement during this dif-ficult time as well as give you the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a re-cent loss. For more information, contact Regina.

Lies Women BelieveOctober 12 | 6:30-8:00pm | Yellow HouseThis ten-week Nancy Leigh DeMoss study sheds light on how we can be set free to walk in God’s grace, forgiveness and abundant life. Claim the truth and find freedom. If you’re interested in joining this support group, contact Regina.

PraYer GrouPSIntercessors Prayer GroupWednesdays | 6:45pm | Room 212Open to anyone who is interested in praying for Calvary Church, its pastors, its staff, its volun-teers, its congregation and its programming. For details, or to submit prayer requests, contact [email protected].

Pastor Jim Samra’s Prayer TeamPeople on this team agree to pray daily for the Samras and for the church. Jim sends out weekly prayer requests to the team as well as requests throughout the week when he needs immediate help. Contact Ruth Gudbrandson ([email protected]) at ext. 5013.

Pastors’ Prayer PartnersYou will receive weekly updates from the Pastoral Staff via email or postal mail. Your obligation is to pray with a team of prayer warriors during one service a month, and pray in your own home

regularly for their requests. Contact Arlene Timmer ([email protected]) at 365-0728.

Prayer & Fasting for the UnemployedThursdays | 12:00-1:00pm | ChapelPlease join us every third Thursday for a time of prayer and fasting for the unemployed.

Prayer for ProdigalsFirst Sunday of the Month | 8:10am | Room 207Almost all of us know someone who accepted the Lord somewhere in the past and now that person has slipped away from God and is living for self. This prayer group unites our hearts as one to pray our loved ones back to the Savior.

Prayer for Worship ServicesSundays | 7:45-8:05am (in Jim Samra’s office), 9:15-9:35am, 10:50-11:10am (in Room 215b, behind the Connection Point)You are invited to join others meeting on Sundays before each service to pray specifically that God would bless our morning services. All are encouraged to pick a time and come.

Pray for Festival of Lights If you would like to pray for this year’s Festival of Lights production, a prayer calendar is available at the Sanctuary Information Center.

Third Monday Missionary PrayerPray for our missionaries serving around the world on the third Monday of each month at 12:00pm in room 207.

SPeCial needSElleen | [email protected] | ext. 5623

Go-Getters (Adults with Special Needs)Sundays | 11:15am | Chapel The Go-Getter class is growing in size as well as knowledge of God’s Word. Their studies this fall will include the book of John, and additional biblical characters. The students continue to care for and pray for others with such sincerity and love. Mentors are needed to bring them through our booklet “Understanding Faith in Jesus” and the process that follows.

Explorers (Children with Special Needs)Sundays | 11:15am | Room 114Explorers Sunday morning class is an interac-tive, sensory-based learning excursion through God’s Word! We are exploring God’s Word to learn and grow in Him through our own abili-ties. As we continue on in our adventure, we are equipping our students to learn in an environ-ment that best suits their needs as followers of Christ. Some of our students start their journeys with Explorers with the ultimate goal of inclu-sion within Calvary’s community.

Seekers (Youth with Special Needs)Sundays | 11:15am | Room 112In Seekers, we are equipping ourselves with the armor of God! We are discovering how to “wear” God’s armor every day by actively studying His Word. Through the use of different fine motor skills and stimulating activities, Seekers are equipping themselves with important values, engaging in them, and demonstrating them to others.


Sunday, October 306:00pm | Sanctuary

Hear Our Heart A service to hear and celebrate

what God is doing around the world and the ways he is using Calvary Church.

A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow, with details on 2012 short-term mission opportunities.

Senior adultSRegina | [email protected] | ext. 3672

Monday Monthly LuncheonOctober 3 | 10:20am | Fellowship HallCost: $7Join us this month for a presentation by Bibles International with Glenn & Becky Kerr. Please make reservations with Howard & Arlene Timmer at 365-0728, Virginia Claybrook at 940-1807, or Terry & Linda Markham at 247-8619 by Septem-ber 27.

Wednesday Morning Bible StudyWednesday | 9:30am | ChapelJoin us this fall as Tom Couch continues his series from the book of Genesis 11 ”Learning to Live by Faith” - studies in the life of Abraham. Refresh-ments are served from 9:30-9:50am, and the study begins promptly at 10:00am.

WomenElaine | [email protected] | ext. 5186

MOPSThursdays (1st/3rd/5th) | 9:00-11:15am Fellowship Hall (Room 129)MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) exists to encourage, equip and help women become the best moms that they can be! Women who are pregnant or have young children (birth through kindergarten) are all invited to join MOPS. Childcare is provided. Registration forms are available at calvarychurchmops.blogspot.com and at the Sanctuary Information Center.

Women’s Exercise ClassMondays | 9:30-11:00am | GymPlease join us any time! The class is led by a certified instructor. No fee registration! Injury waiver required. Contact Angela Crompton at 682-1524 or Barb Mirandette at 365-9967. Limited childcare available. Contact Elaine Meredith at 956-9377 to secure a spot for your child.

WorShiPKristen | [email protected] | ext. 5155

Moral Objections to the Old TestamentOctober 2 | 6:00pm | SanctuaryJoin us as Peter J. Williams (PhD University of Cambridge) speaks in our Sunday evening ser-vice. Dr. Williams is the Warden (CEO) of Tyndale

House, Cambridge, UK, a world-leading evangeli-cal center for biblical research. In addition he is a member of the English Standard Version com-mittee, chairman of the International Greek New Testament Project, honorary Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at the University of Aberdeen, and Affiliated Lecturer in the University of Cambridge.

SerVinG oPPortunitieS

Children’s MinistryFall is here and it’s not too late to join this excit-ing team in changing children’s lives for eternity! There are opportunities to serve Sunday morn-ings, WOW, LUMIN8 on Wednesday evenings in every area of giftedness - in the classroom, or behind the scenes. Contact [email protected] at ext. 5053.

Festival of Lights - Behind the ScenesIf you are interested in helping with behind the scenes stage crew, make-up, hair, hall monitors or dressing rooms during Festival of Lights per-formances. Please contact Christy VanAndel ([email protected]) at ext. 5161.

First Impressions Team Members NeededWe have six teams (Welcome, Greeting, Parking Lot, Connection Point, Information Center and Café Greeting) that you can choose to be part of this vital fun ministry. Contact Sharon Kaiser ([email protected]) at ext. 5077 or Judie Fiels-tra ([email protected]) at ext. 5095 to sign up or to learn more.

HEROESOctober 12 | 5:15-6:30pm | Fellowship HallHave you ever felt like you were meant for some-thing more? You’re invited to supper with minis-try staff to learn more about their various areas of ministry and needs at Calvary Church. It’s easy to sign up, just pick-up a HEROES handout on Sun-day, October 2 (includes room information). Then choose your area of interest, fill out the registra-tion card and leave it at one of the Information Centers, Connection Point or in a HEROES bucket located throughout the building or register on-line at calvarygr.org. The deadline for registration is Friday, October 7. If you have any questions, contact Sharon Kaiser ([email protected]) at ext. 5077. We look forward to meeting you on October 12!

Hungry College Students Need YouWe are looking for individuals, families, or Adult lasses who would be willing to join us in ministry by cooking a meal one Sunday a month for about 40 college-aged students. (Students would enjoy this meal after the third service.) Interested? Con-tact Natalie ([email protected]).

MOPS Needs Childcare ProvidersMOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) has a need for child care providers. By providing free childcare, MOPS is a wonderful outreach to mothers and children from our community who may not nor-mally attend a church. Would you consider volun-teering occasionally or on a regular basis? Contact Elaine Meredith ([email protected]) at ext. 5186 for more details.

Shut-In MinistryIf you have a heart of mercy for those who are lonely and compassion for those who are suf-fering, please prayerfully consider joining the Shut-In Ministry Team. Contact Rich Dyer ([email protected]).

Worship Teams The worship team is looking for musicians. If you play the drums, bass, guitar or sing, we would love to hear from you, please contact Andy Crowder ([email protected]) at ext. 5612.

GiVinG oPPortunitieSLynnell | [email protected] | ext. 3510Food PantryThis month we’re looking for the following items:

Clothes ClosetKid’s school clothes and cool weather items for the whole family are needed: winter boots, snow suits, leggings, heavy coats, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. Your donations are greatly appreci-ated, please bring them to the Yellow House.

• Freshfruits and vegetables • Soups• Stews• Canned vegetables• Juiceboxes• Varioussnacks• GranolaBars

• Popcorn• Shampoo• Conditioners• Band-Aids• Handandbody lotions• Shavingcream• Razors• Mouthwash


october calendarSunday Monday tuesday Wednesday thursday friday saturday

1

28:10amProdigal Prayer Group

6:00pmMoral Objections to the Old Testament

310:30amSeniors Luncheon

4 5WFD Menu:Grilled Ham

6 7 89:00amMerge: Fall Color Tour

911:15amCreating a Family Road Map Begins

12:55pmElementary Kids Bowling Bash

10 11 12WFD Menu:Chili

5:15pmHEROES

6:30pmLies Women Believe Begins

13 14 15High School: Spaces Fall Retreat

UM/MSU Football Game - Family Event

16

4:30pmChild Dedication Service

1711:30amConfident Caregivers

Third Monday Missionary Prayer

18 19WFD Menu:Lasagna

5:15pmExplore Calvary

2012:00pmPrayer and Fasting for the Unemployed

21 22

23 24 256:15pmChera

7:00pmMental Illness Family Support Group

26WFD Menu:Pork Loin

5:15pmExplore Calvary

27 28

5:30pmFifth/Sixth Fall Retreat

29

3012:30pmMerge Community Lunch

6:00pmHear Our Heart

31

For all recurring weekly events, please refer to the web calendarat calvarygr.org or the back of the Sunday bulletin.


Welcome to Calvary Church! We know there are many churches you could have chosen to at-tend and we are glad you chose to be here. We believe that you are not here by ac-cident, that God has brought you to this place for a specific purpose and we look forward to assisting you in any way that we can. We also believe that everyone who attends Calvary needs to be in community. It is in community that people experience the true blessings of life in Christ and life with one another. Please take time to find the community that is right for you, or plan on attending the all church Community Launch on Sunday, October 2 (register by September 26) to get connected with a group.

Lee ContentPastoral Staff, Calvary Community

Sundays at CalvaryConnection Point

Our Connection Point is a place where you can receive a warm welcome, whether this is your first time at Calvary or your sixteenth. The Connection Point is your place for information on connecting at Calvary Church. It is located in the Chapel wing of the building, on your right as you exit the Sanctuary, in room 215a.

Calvary Café 9:00am-11:15am in the GymThe Calvary Café is designed to give you the opportunity to mingle with other attendees between services. Stop in for a cup of coffee and a donut. From discussing the morning’s sermon to catching up on your community group leader’s recent vacation, the Calvary Café is a great place to gather for conversation.

Adult Sunday ClassesFind a class that’s perfect for you. There are classes for adults of all ages, stages and interests, from singles to parenting teens to senior adults. For exact location and class descriptions, pick up a copy of the Adult Sunday Classes brochure at the Information Center or at calvarygr.org.

Special NeedsAdult (Go-Getters): 11:15am Chapel*Youth (Seekers): 11:15am Room 112*Children (Explorers): 11:15am Room 114 *Pre-registration recommended

Children’s MinistriesYoung Fives - Fourth Grade: 9:40am and 11:15amVisit the check-in desk at Entrance K on the lower level to register.

Nursery Care: 8:10am, 9:40am and 11:15amFor infants birth through preschool. Visit the check-in desk at Entrance M on the upper level to register.

Student MinistriesMiddle School (MSM): 9:40am 5th & 6th Main Event (Studying Genesis) Room 109 7th & 8th Main Event (Studying Genesis) Room 108High School (United): 6:00pm (Studying Genesis) Room 108

Young AdultsMerge (Singles 22-34): 11:15am Room 137Foundations (Young Couples 22-32): 11:15am Room 125College Lunch (Young Adults 18-22): 12:45pm Room 121

Welcometo calvary church

Go to the Connection Point located through the Sanctuary doors on the right as you exit (in the Chapel wing) or stop at the Information Center at the back of the Sanctuary.

Media Center: For past sermons or a series on CD, the Media Center is located through the Sanctuary doors on the right as you exit (in the Chapel wing).

Children’s Activity Boxes: Located inside the Sanctuary doors by the Children’s wing.

Explore CalvaryThis staff-led, four-week class is for people to learn more about Calvary, take a tour of the building and find out what your next steps in connecting may look like. Contact Sharon Kaiser ([email protected]) at ext. 5173.

Pastoral NeedIf you have a need and would like to speak to a pastor, please call the main church number, 956-9377 or email [email protected]. A pastor is always available.

Need More Info?

Community is a place where you belong; a place where you develop relationships with other believers and do life together.

When you experience true community, you have close friends who meet together, pray together, grow together in God’s Word, and care for one another. In community you will be loved; you will be valued; you will be transformed more into Christ’s image. If you realize it is time to engage with people in a new way and want to be a part of a community group, visit the Connection Point on Sunday mornings or sign up at calvarygr.org.

Documents

Calvary Life, October 2011