Let the Little Children Come

calvary-monk-imageI often say that children are not just the future of the church--they are part of our church community right now. Every year on Mother's Day we celebrate all the new children God has brought into our community. In all three services on Sunday (8:15a, 9:45a, and 11:15a) our church leaders will lay hands on these precious gifts of God to us, and pray for them. And as a community we will dedicate ourselves to helping them know and follow Christ.

This Sunday I will also be continuing our series "Made to Work"--and this week we are going to recover the doctrine of "vocation." Yes, pastors are called by God, but so are plumbers and poets and painters and professors and pilots. It's a perfect sermon for Mother's Day and there is going to be something for everyone this weekend.

I mentioned on my Facebook page this morning that one of our members, Derek Gora is currently in the middle of a seven-hour open heart surgery at Northwestern in Chicago. Derek and his wife Dannette were just blessed with a new baby boy a few weeks ago. Please join our staff in praying that God will bring Derek home to be with us--and his family.

For Your Joy,

PS. If you have not signed up for Child Dedication please call the office ASAP at 219.462.4026--we want to pray for all our new children on Mother's Day.

What's new at Calvary...

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.

Covenant Group
Are you interested in getting plugged in at Calvary by joining a Covenant Small Group? There will be a Covenant Group Placement Meeting on Sunday, 5.18 at 11:15a in the gym. Lunch will be provided. CLICK HERE to sign-up.

Children's Ministries
Attention Children's Ministries Volunteers! If you have recently joined our volunteer team, or have not attended an Orientation, please attend our New Volunteer Orientation on Sunday, 5.18 during the 11:15a service in Room 300. Contact victoria@calvaryweb.net to RSVP.

Women's Ministries
Ladies of all ages and stages are welcome to join us for a Girlfriends Night Out. Our 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
Thursday, 5.15 is the Band of Brothers Movie Night at Calvary Church. The men of Calvary Church and their friends are invited to an invigorating evening in The Well to watch an epic classic - Gladiator. Our evening will take place from 6:30-10p. Following the movie, we will have a light discussion on "Our role in The Larger Story."

All Calvary men and their friends are invited for the Band of Brothers 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 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.

Reliant Game Night is this Thursday! Come for dinner, music, and games from 6:30-9p in the Well.

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.