This last week I heard about a high school athlete who was touched by the video testimony on Easter Sunday featuring NCAA basketball player Bobby Capobianco. The student-athelete decided it was time to give his life to Christ right then. I heard about a lady who hadn't walked inside the doors of a church for over twenty years who came to Calvary and was totally blown away by the love of our staff and volunteers. Today an elder showed me an e-mail from an unchurched friend who brought his family. They couldn't believe their eyes or ears. They loved it!
I'm not sure how long it will take for us to have 2,000 worshippers in our services every single week--but I was reminded on Easter weekend just how much potential we have. (We might need a bigger building first!) But I do know this: if we are faithful to share our stories--God will do amazing things through us. AND, we will hear more stories of changed lives!!! Let's keep spreading the Word!
This Sunday is week two in our series Made to Work. I'm going to talk about how to connect our work, with God's work--and show how this has the potential to transform your life. I look forward to eating and drinking with you--and enjoying God together around the Word this weekend at 8:15, 9:45 and 11:15a.
What's new at Calvary...
Coffee with the Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to Coffee with the Pastors this Sunday, 5.4 from 6:30-8p at Uptown Cafe. Learn about Calvary’s values and vision, and take the opportunity to ask questions of the pastoral staff in a casual environment. We would love to meet you! RSVP here.
Catalyst Membership Class
Is the Lord leading you to make Calvary your church home? Then, we would encourage you to consider church membership. Our Catalyst Membership Class is designed to help you learn our history, values, and ways to get "plugged in". It's also a great chance to make new friends! The next class will be held on Wednesdays, 5.14-28 from 6:30-8p.
Children's Ministries
When your family grows, our church family grows! To celebrate the recent additions to Calvary families, we hold a Child Dedication Ceremony on Mother's Day, 5.11. Parents will need to attend a Child Dedication Class offered on Sunday 5.4 at 9:45a to participate in the Child Dedication Ceremony. Click here to register.
(The Child Dedication Class is open to all parents and grandparents who would like to learn what it means to influence faith on our children, even if you are not participating in the Child Dedication Ceremony. To RSVP just for the class, contact jen@calvaryweb.net.)
The Catalyst for Kids course (for kids 8-12) focuses on God’s character, salvation, baptism, and following God’s plan. This is a terrific course for those children interested in being baptized, as well as for those desiring a solid foundation on each week’s topics. This 4-week course meets at 11:15a on Sundays 5.4 - 6.1. Please click here to register your child.
Women's Ministries
Girlfriends of Grace is excited to present the second annual Mother/ Daughter Lunch, "Shine like the Stars in the Sky" on Saturday, 5.10 from 11a-1p. Join us for lunch, a message on beauty in Christ, and a fashion show. Recommended for mothers and their daughters ages 6-13. If you don't have a daughter, you are welcome to bring your niece, granddaughter, or the special 'daughter' in your life! Click here to register online or visit our table in the foyer between services this Sunday!
Ladies of all ages and stages are welcome to join us for a Girlfriends Night Out. Our 50s and Beyond ladies meet the first Monday each month, 20 thru 30 Somethings meet the 2nd Tuesday each month, and 30 thru 50 Somethings meet the 2nd Thursday each month. Click on each group for dates and locations!
Men's Ministries
All Calvary men and their friends are invited for a social gathering at 7p on Thursday, 5.8 at Dan Steiner's home. This will be a great evening to connect with friends and get to know some new ones!
Student Ministries
Connect and Reliant Students are both meeting this Sunday, 5.4. As we look ahead to Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekends, we will not be meeting on either Sunday, 5.11 or 5.25. We encourage students to honor the moms in their lives and to enjoy these Sunday evenings with their families. Connect and Reliant will both be meeting as scheduled on 5.18. The Grand Finale Nights for both Reliant and Connect will be Sunday, 6.1.
Connect middle school students are heading to Zao Island on Friday, 5.30! We will meet at Zao Island and play between 6-9p.
Seniors & Retirees
If you are a senior, you are invited to join us for the Seniors’ and Retirees’ potluck on Wednesday, 5.14. We will meet at Calvary from 11:30a-2p! RSVP at Guest Services in the church foyer.
TableTalk
"Untangling Prayer". We know that prayer is important but why does it feel like I don't pray enough? In fact, how do I pray? Join us for the final TableTalk series of the spring as we begin to untangle what prayer is and how practical it is in your growth as a Christian. Meet Pastor Jon Nitta at 9:45a in the gym on Sundays, 5.18 and 5.25.
More Connection
Did you know that you can follow Calvary Church on social media for more news throughout the week? Check us out at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Calvary Church has its very own app! Have you downloaded it to your smart phone or tablet yet? Over 800 people use it to watch Sunday sermons, read daily devotions and Pastor Lionel's blog, grab details for church events, and even use it for giving! Search 'Calvary Church Valparaiso' in your app store and download for FREE.
Miss a Sunday Sermon? Watch it for free on our website!