Calvary Link: Looking Back, Looking Forward

Calvary-Link-Old-and-NewLooking back, we have had an amazing 2015, Calvary! We had two of our biggest weekends this year. More than 2000 worshippers gathered in our three services on Easter, and we packed out Central Park in Valpo on Father's Day. And this Christmas Eve...wow! It was standing room only at all the services. These numbers represent real lives. Changed lives.

Looking forward, I'm exciting to see what God has in store for us as we make our final expansion plans for our campus. We believe that God can change even more lives through Calvary Church as we work to be a blessing to the community (and the world) and to bring glory to Him.

We are all going to look forward to 2016 together this Sunday. I'm preparing a message about planning for an uncertain future because the Bible has a lot to say about establishing goals, making plans, and dreaming big even when the future isn't as clear and trouble free as we would like. Plus the band will lead us in worship as we celebrate our God and this new year together.

What's New at Calvary...

CalvaryLIVE Recording Event
There are still FREE tickets available for the CalvaryLive Recording Event! Sing for the glory of God and the enjoyment of the Calvary family when the Calvary worship team records their second live album on Friday, 1.22.

Year End Giving
You can still give towards Calvary's 2015 Year End Giving Campaign! Just give online by Thursday, December 31. Remember, every dollar that comes in over our annual budget goes back out the door to help people in our community and around the world.

Lectio Divina: The Bible One Day at a Time
Pastor Lionel has written a year-long devotional series for the Calvary family and friends. Choose from three reading plans to take you through the Bible in 2016: 1) read every verse of Scripture in a year, 2) read select passages from Genesis through Revelation, or 3) read just a single verse a day. Plus, get Pastor Lionel's commentary on the day's reading. Visit Lectio Divina to read the daily devotions online, or sign up to receive them in your email inbox beginning January 1.

Calvary Missions Trips 2016
A missions trip is a life-changing experience. The trip plans for 2016 are in place, and there are some exciting options! Travel to Kenya with Calvary men or to Guatemala with Calvary women or students. If you're interested in serving alongside one of Calvary's global ministries partners in 2016, check out the mission trip opportunities available for the year.

Coffee With the Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to Coffee with the Pastors on Sunday, 1.10, from 6:30 - 8p at The South Bend Chocolate Café. 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 online or at Guest Services on Sunday.

GroupLink
One of the best ways to get connected at Calvary Church is through Life Groups, our small group ministry. And we make it as easy as possible to link in. GroupLink is an informal lunch gathering where you can meet other people who want to be part of a smaller community within the church learning and growing together. The winter GroupLink is 1.17 from 12:30-2:30p in the gym. Get more information and sign-up online at the GroupLink event page or at Guest Services on Sundays.

Calvary Women Winter Bible Studies
Get into God's Word with Calvary Women beginning January 11. Join a morning or evening Bible study and dig into Scripture and great devotional content. We're offering options to suit every schedule and situation, including once-a-month studies for working moms and young marrieds.

Monday at 6:30p Passion Pursuit
Monday at 6:30p She Reads Truth: Open Your Bible
Tuesday at 9:30a She Reads Truth: Open Your Bible
1st Thursdays at 7p The Five Love Languages of Children (working moms)
1st Thursdays at 7p Now You're Speaking My Language (young marrieds)

Childcare is available on Tuesday morning by reservation only. Get more information and register online or in the foyer between services on Sunday, 1.3 or 1.10.

Young Adult Gathering
This relaxed evening full of food and discussion is hosted by Pastor Jon Nitta for young adults between 21 and 35. It's a great opportunity to grow spiritually and to meet new people. Please join us in the Well on Friday, 1.8, from 7-9p.

Calvary Students Winter Kickoff
Calvary Students kick off a new semester on 1.10! Large Group for middle schoolers begins at 4p and for high schoolers at 6:30p. See you then!