Calvary Link: So Glad to Be Home

calvary-link-headerI know I've said it already--but it is so great to be back from Cambridge! I loved my time there--but I love Calvary Church MORE. I am so happy to be your pastor, and I'm all in for your joy. I'm right in the middle of preparing Sunday's sermon on worship. This week we are talking about "Making Time for Worship"--and while the primary purpose of worship is to glorify God--there are some real benefits for YOU. And Kurt and the team are getting ready for another vertical worship experience. Be here, bring a friend, and let's enjoy God together.

One of my daily prayers for Calvary is that we will WITNESS (one of our 5 Core Values) because lives depend on it. I just want to praise you for the way you are reaching out to people who are unchurched or dechurched. We are going to get even better at it. Bring your friends on in--so that they can enjoy God together with us. And if you have a friend that wants to meet our pastors, some of us will be hanging out at Cornucopia Coffee on Sunday night.

Just a shout out to our teens and leaders who went to Mitaboni. It has been so great to hear the God-stories from your time in Africa--and to know that our entire church is working together to save as many as possible here in Valparaiso and around the world. Your pastor loves you--and I'm proud of you.

All in For Your Joy,

Lionel

What's new at Calvary...

Coffee With The Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to join us this Sunday, 9.23 from 6:30-8p at Cornucopia Coffee Company. Come learn about the vision of Calvary and have the opportunity to ask the staff questions in a casual environment. We would love to meet you! CLICK HERE to RSVP or visit the Info Desk in the church foyer on Sunday.

Reliant & Connect Student Ministries
Reliant Night (Grades 9-12) meets at Zao Island tomorrow, 9.20 (7-9p) for laser tag, mini golf, and carnival-style games. Plan to pay for your snacks, and the Youth Leader will pay for your fun! Bring a friend. There will be prizes.

Agility. Speed. Strength. None of these qualities will be of any use in the highly-competitive world of WhirlyBall. Although it combines lacrosse, hockey and basketball with bumper cars, WhirlyBall has caused great athletes of every stripe to laugh and holler their way to a crushing defeat. Reliant Students won't want to miss the WhirlyBall event on Saturday, 9.29! CLICK HERE to sign-up and get more details.

Go deeper with God by joining a Covenant Teen Group that meets 2-3 times a month for Bible study, prayer, discipleship and other spiritual growth initiatives. Covenant Teen Groups are for grades 7-12. Parents, please have your teens sign-up now through Sunday, 9.23. The next time to sign up will not be until January 2013.

Parenting Conference
If you’re the parent of a teen, or a child who will soon be a teen, you know that turbulent times lie ahead. Or perhaps you’re already experiencing some of those challenges. Be sure to get your tickets online for Friday, 10.5 from 6:30-9p & Saturday, 10.6 from 9a-noon for the Turbulence Ahead Parenting Conference at Calvary Church. Mark Gregston, founder of Heartlight Ministries will provide biblical wisdom and practical insights to help you be ready when your child needs you most.

New Blog Posted
Explore with Pastor Lionel the ways in which Jesus transformed ancient worship practices for His followers--the times have changed but the message hasn't. Find out why Calvary Church is committed to Retro Worship!

AWANA
Attention parents of all AWANA clubbers: next Wednesday, 9.26, is Parent’s Night and you are invited to join your kids for worship, counsel, handbook, and game time! For more information please contact AWANA co-directors Tom & Jen Ilic (jilic5@yahoo.com).

Facetime Prayer Gathering
We hope you will help us kick off the Fall here at Calvary by joining us for the Facetime Prayer Gathering! Friday morning, 9.28 at 6:30a our elders will be gathering to pray for our church and they would love to have you join them!

Catalyst Membership Class
Is the Lord leading you to make Calvary your church home? Then, we would encourage you to consider church membership. You are invited to learn more about our history, values, and ways to get “plugged in” on Wednesdays, 10.10-10.24 from 6-7:45p. To register, CLICK HERE or visit the Info Desk on Sunday.

Catalyst for Kids
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 9a or 10:45a in the banquet room (403) each Sunday starting 10.7 thru 10.28. Register your child at the Info Desk or by email (please include name, grade, and age of child).

Men's Ministries
The Men’s Bible Study, Lord Teach Me to Study the Bible (in 28 Days) begins on Tuesday, 9.25 at 7p. Visit the Info Desk or CLICK HERE to sign up and find out more about this 5 week study.

Girlfriends of Grace
Save The Date! Saturday, 12.1, will be our annual Women's Christmas Luncheon from 11a-1p at V.U. We will need volunteers to decorate a table. We are also putting together a choir to perform at the luncheon. For more info about these volunteer opportunities, CLICK HERE. Tickets will go on sale in November.

The Oasis event, designed to offer the women of Calvary refreshment in mind, body, and spirit, will be held on Friday, 10.12 at 7p. You’re invited to bring a craft/hobby project to keep your hands busy while you catch up with old friends and make new ones. CLICK HERE for more info.