Calvary Link: The End of The World

calvary-link-headerIs the world coming to an end? If so, when will it happen? Don't miss part 2 of our four week mini-series this Sunday. One of our teaching pastors, Dr. Knute Larson will be helping us ask the "So what?" question this week. You won’t want to miss it.

As I gathered Sunday night with a group of about 25 people who are new to our community, one lady broke down in tears as she told her story of finally finding a church where the Word of God is proclaimed faithfully--and the God of the Word is worshipped passionately. I love hearing stories of God changing lives through us working together. Keep witnessing!

As I begin year number 17 this week at Calvary, I can't say thank you enough for being willing to change as a congregation with me! We must never change the Gospel, but we must be willing to change the non-essentials for the sake of the Gospel. We have done that together and God has blessed us.

Thank you for most recently re-arranging your Sunday worship routine so that we can make room for more people. This last Sunday nearly 1300 worshippers made their way into one of our 3 morning services. Your willingness to change is resulting in more people hearing the Good News. It's so worth it!

I love being your pastor--

Lionel

PS. Check out all the awesome stuff happening below--and connect with me everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and our new Calvary Church app.

What's new at Calvary...

Outreach
Its that time of year again, to collect shoeboxes of goodies to be delivered with the Gospel to children around the world. Calvary has set a goal of filling 400 boxes this year! Visit the Operation Christmas Child table near the Children’s Welcome Center for more information and return your boxes by Sunday, 11.17!

Holiday Assistance
We are providing assistance again this year to those in need during the holiday season. If you or someone you know has a special need, please contact lori@calvaryweb.net. If you would like to support our efforts, you may make a tax-deductible contribution to the Calvary Church Compassion Fund.

Women's Ministries
Save the Date! This year's Girlfriends of Grace Christmas Lunch will be held on Saturday, 12.7 at 11a at Valparaiso University, featuring special guest speaker, Robyn Dykstra and musical guest, Jenifer Crane! Tickets will be available starting 11.10, and must be purchased in advance. If you would like to decorate a table or volunteer in other capacities, contact Event Director, Lynette Green. CLICK HERE for more information!

"What does it take to have a great marriage?” Many women have wondered if they are experiencing the best union possible. Our mentoring group for young married women will meet again on, 11.7 from 6:45p-8:45p led by Cindy Hamilton and Linda Bradley. Contact Cindy Hamilton for more information.

Children's Ministries
Attention Parents of Preschoolers-5th graders! Please join your kids THIS SUNDAY, 11.10, for ‘Parent Sunday’ in Rock Solid Kids during the 9:45a service! You will worship, play games and learn the Bible lesson with your kids. You will also have an opportunity to fellowship with other parents and hear from Pastor Josh the vision of our Children's Ministry and Faith at Home!

Our Calvary Church Family is invited to enjoy Family Fun Night on Friday, 11.22 at 6p! Invite your neighbors, family and friends to join you! We will have gym games and board games, movies, popcorn, music, and tons of fun!

Children's Ministry Volunteers: Fall training is coming up on Saturday, 11.16 at 8:30a. This training is a priority for all volunteers (all ages, departments and areas of ministry for our children). We will be covering health, safety and security topics, vision and values, testimonies, goals and new curriculum for 2014. Click Here for more information and to RSVP.

We need you! If you have a passion for kids and connecting them to Jesus Christ, we'd love to have you join the Rock Solid Children's Ministries team here at Calvary! To learn about the many opportunities, including Wednesday night’s AWANA program, and to get involved please stop by the table in the Children's Ministries foyer after each of the services on Sunday. Contact our Director of Children's Ministries, Victoria Evans-Peasley (victoria@calvaryweb.net) for more information.

Student Ministries
Sunday mornings Reliant High School students (and recent graduates!) are invited to a study of the book of Luke during the second service. Meet in the gym at 9:45a.

Connect Middle School Ministry is spending the evening at Jak's Warehouse on Friday, 11.15. Jak's has lazer tag, bumper cars, go-karts, and a high ropes course. You won't want to miss this fun night! Click here for more information on Jak's. We will leave from Calvary at 6p and be back at 9:30p. Details on pricing will be coming soon. Contact noel@calvaryweb.net for more details.

Reliant High School Ministry is heading to Chicago for the day! Join us on Saturday, 11.16 for a day of sight-seeing in Chicago. We will leave from Calvary at 9:30a and return at 10p. Details on pricing will be coming soon. Contact noel@calvaryweb.net for more details.

Interested in checking out great Christian colleges in the area? Reliant upperclassmen are taking a trip to visit a few colleges on Friday, 11.22. Contact peter@calvaryweb.net for more details.

Seniors & Retirees
If you are a senior, you are invited to join us for the Seniors’ and Retirees’ breakfast at the Viking Chili Bowl on Wednesday, 11.13 at 8a! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship and a warm meal with our seniors’ community. RSVP at the Info Desk in the church foyer.

Men's Ministries
Tomorrow night, 11.7 we continue with our Band of Brother's Monthly Social, and that will take place at Buffalo Wild Wing's in Downtown Valparaiso. The evening gathering will start at 7p and no RSVP is necessary - just show up for some good food, drink, and conversation. For more information on the evening gathering, you can contact John Bryant at jbflys737@yahoo.com.

Calvary App
Do you have a smartphone or tablet? Go to your app store today to download the brand new Calvary Church app! Search ‘Calvary Church Valparaiso’ and download the app to listen to sermons and read Pastor Lionel’s blog and daily devotions. Even more app features will be coming soon!

Follow Us
Did you know that you can follow us on virtually any social media outlet? You can even follow Pastor Lionel on Twitter at twitter.com/LionelatCalvary! Like the Calvary Church Facebook page to stay connected with us every day and find a Facebook link to every staff member by clicking here.