Advent (Latin, "coming") is a time when we celebrate the coming of Christ 2,000 years ago while looking forward to his coming again just as a child looks forward to Christmas day. And if we really knew how amazing the world (and our lives) will be upon the return of the King, we would be filled with joy looking forward to our true home.
I think there is something else we can say about Advent. For me it is a time to pray that Christ will "come" and satisfy my every longing in fresh ways. And that is what I am praying for you, for all of us. "Come, Lord Jesus" and renew us now for our good and your glory. Be gracious to us. Make your face shine upon us.
I can't wait to open the Word this Sunday to preach for your joy and welcome new members into our community through baptism. I'm glad to be back from Scotland with my doctoral work finally completed! Thank you for all the kind words of congratulations and for putting up with a bookish pastor who loves the life of the mind. Someone in the congregation asked me what I wanted to do now and I said, "Continue to be your pastor if that's okay." We both laughed. I took that as a yes.
Don't forget that there are only four more Sundays in 2017, and we are counting on your generosity to change lives forever. Helps us reach our budget goal for this year so we can keep all our commitments to our local and global partners. Or you can help us get from $4.8M to $5M in our Even More project. My wife and I are giving. We hope you will join us, and as you give, pray for God's richest blessing on our church family’s generosity.
Christmas Giving
Our local outreach partners are experts in their fields. They work with vulnerable kids and struggling families, immigrants seeking a better life, people overcoming addiction, and those facing homelessness, and they know their stuff. More importantly, they know their people and how to help them. We think one way our church can affect the community and shine the light of the gospel is to support great organizations doing essential, compassionate work in Valparaiso and the region.
Partners tell us they’re thankful for your generosity and your time. Whether you served with a local partner this year; gave a regular tithe, which goes to support local and global partners; offered an extra gift; or are about to during the holiday season, thank you.
See some of the ways your giving changes lives on the Christmas Giving page or visit the Give page to make a gift.
Christmas Eve
We love tradition, and our longstanding tradition of worshipping on Christmas Eve continues. Spend Christmas Eve with friends and family celebrating the bright hope that Jesus brought to the world and the every one of us. Worship with us at 8:15a, 9:45a, 11:15a, and 12:45p.
A Bible Journey
Spend 2018 in God’s Word with Pastor Lionel as your guide! Lectio Divina is a yearlong Bible reading plan with daily commentary from Pastor Lionel Young. Read the daily devotions on the Calvary app or visit the Lectio Divina site to have them delivered to your email inbox.
Family Worship Night
WEDNESDAY 12.20
Family Worship Night kicks off at 5:45p with kid-friendly worship! Then enjoy fun activities throughout the church building like bounce houses, holiday photo booth, and airbrush tattoos. Hot chocolate and cookies for all!
Family Christmas Series
SUNDAY 12.10
Calvary Students are talking about belonging in the December series Family Christmas. Don’t miss the Awkward Family Christmas Party on 12.17! Middle school students meet at 4p; high schoolers at 6:30p.
Christmas Dinner
THURSDAY 12.7 at 7p
Reserve your seat for the annual Calvary Men’s Christmas dinner at Kelsey’s Steakhouse in Valpo. On this night, we enjoy each other’s company as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
December IF:Tables
If you're looking for a way to connect with other women, we schedule IF:Tables, small conversation-oriented gatherings, throughout each month. Find a Table near you.
Mission Trips
Serve alongside one of the Calvary’s international partners and see the beauty of the global church at work. Apply now for 2018 mission trips for women, medical professionals, and adults. Get an application on our Mission Trips page.
Family Sundays
On Family Sundays everyone worships together! This year, Christmas Eve on Sunday 12.24 and New Year's Eve on Sunday 12.31 are Family Sundays. Childcare is still available for our youngest worshippers, infants through preschool.