I took a bike ride along the shores of Lake Michigan on a very hot day last week. The water looked so inviting after several miles that I went ahead and plunged in-shorts, shirt and all! It was so refreshing, and immediately brought to mind something the old theologians used to say about God's grace: It's there, but you have to jump in! His grace is like a river flowing strong and steady, cool and inviting, but we won't experience it unless we put ourselves into the flow.
The church is one means of grace. It's one way we immerse ourselves in the constantly flowing river of God's grace to us. But standing on the bank isn't going to be enough; you've got to jump off the pier if you want to experience what God has for you. And we have so much for you to dive into at Calvary. Life Groups are back on a regular schedule, and if you aren't already part of a small group, GroupLink is later this month. Plus there are a full slate of men's and women's Bible studies getting underway. And as the school year kicks off, we have launch events for middle and high school students and college students.
And don't forget Sunday morning worship. That's the one time of the week when the whole church goes down to the river together. We're finishing the Real Christianity series this week with an exposition of John's third letter. There are all kinds of ways to get refreshed, but you've got to get in the water!
What's New at Calvary...
Coffee with the Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to Coffee with the Pastors THIS SUNDAY, 9.13, from 6:30 - 8p at The South Bend Chocolate 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.
Rooted: How to Grow and Change
Rooted is an intentional approach to making disciples. Pastor Jon Nitta hosts these biblically grounded Sunday morning discussions that incorporate teaching, small group interaction, and short weekly projects. Rooted begins this Sunday, 9.13, in room 403 from 9:30 - 11a with a discussion on How to Grow and Change.
GroupLink Life Group Sign-up
New Life Groups (small groups) are starting this month through GroupLink, where at a table over lunch you will meet your new Life Group leader and the other people in your group. Once you decide as a group about where and when you will meet, you are off and running! GroupLink is on Sunday, 9.20. Sign-up at the Guest Services desk or online here.
SERVE OPPORTUNITIES
Serve Valparaiso University International Students
We are looking for 18 families to partner with Friendship Families by befriending incoming Valparaiso University international students. This is a great opportunity to have a Christian impact by simply sharing your life with a student as he or she adjusts to American life and culture. Students and families are paired throughout the school year. Both families and students fill out a questionnaire, which will facilitate the matching process. Click here to fill out the application online today!
Drivers Needed
Would you be willing to pick up college students from Valparaiso University to join us for Sunday morning worship? Contact julie@calvaryweb.net or jerry@calvaryweb.net for details!
Welcome Back, College Students!
College students: THIS SUNDAY, 9.13, from 12:30 - 2p, we are hosting a lunch for you to kick off the school year and tell you more about Calvary and the College Ministry. Whether you're a Calvary regular or brand new, come grab a bite in room 403 and hear how the College Ministry will look this year.
Student Ministries Launch Night
All 6-12th grade students & parents: Please join us in the Well THIS SUNDAY, 9.13 from 4:30 - 6p as we kickoff the 2015-2016 school year for Student Ministries. We can't wait to see you! We've got a "Parents Only" time set aside to catch you up on calendars, communication, and partnering together. Don't miss out!
Kids Alive Golf Outing
Calvary's Global Ministry partners, Kids Alive International, will be holding a benefit golf outing on October 2. For details on how to register or for sponsorship information for this event, click here.
Financial Peace University
Calvary Church will be offering Financial Peace University Workshop starting this fall on 9.23. Financial Peace University will teach you and your family how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build wealth.
Calvary Kids Casting Calls
K-5th graders & parents: You're invited to a Casting Call and Parent Night to learn more about this year's Christmas musical and to get signed up to participate! Join Calvary Kids Director, Sharalee Falls, in room 300 this Sunday, 9.13, from 3 - 4:30p. Click here for further details.
Men's Bible Studies
Men's Ministry will host a 9-week book study based on Steve McVey's bestseller, Grace Walk. This study will encourage the man who constantly feels that he doesn't measure up or will never measure up. Meet Sunday evenings at 8p, beginning this week, 9.13. Click here for details.
Women's Bible Studies
Women's Ministry will offer new study opportunities starting on September 14 & 15! Join us on Monday nights at 6:30p or Tuesday mornings at 9:30a for an 8-week book study, Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman. Also available on Tuesday mornings is an 11-week Precepts Bible study on Philippians. Click here for more information and to register online.
