Calvary Link: Wow!

calvary-link-headerWow!

That's what I've been saying a lot lately. Wow! Last Sunday a couple came up to me after the service and said, "We are moving into our new house your church built for us--Thank You!" Through your volunteer efforts, and our new relationship with Habitat for Humanity, our church is making a huge difference right here in our own community. Wow! Last Sunday we placed our hands on 23 new-born infants, beautiful gifts from God to our church--and we vowed to partner with these parents to bring up their children to follow Christ. Wow! Also this last weekend our own Kelly Lackey, wife of Pastor Mark Lackey, spoke to more than 100 girls and their moms at our first ever "Mother--Daughter Lunch" for elementary & middle-school girls. I love the fact that kids are not just the future of our church--they are part of our church community RIGHT NOW. Wow!

I have one more WOW to share. Pastor Knute Larson is (finally) joining our team to help wherever we need help. (We wanted Knute to join us sooner--but he has been serving another large church as the interim pastor.) Knute is the former senior pastor of The Chapel in Akron, Ohio. Under his leadership the church grew to 9,000 worshippers each weekend. He now teaches doctoral studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Grace Theological Seminary--and works with growing churches in the midwest. Don't let his age fool you--he's in his early 70s with the passion and energy of a 30 year old! He even plays basketball with our staff. Knute will preach on occasion, and help our staff provide better leadership for our our growing congregation. You will get to meet him this Sunday. Wow! If you want to learn more about Knute, check out our staff page and watch the video.

As the weather gets warmer--may your passion for God NOT cool! Make worship a high priority all summer long. Enjoy all that God has given you--but worship God, and God alone.

For Your Joy,

Lionel

What's new at Calvary...

Sevenglory Goes to Africa
Please join us in partnering with Sevenglory with prayer and financial support as they prepare to travel to Kenya in October! Sevenglory is excited for this opportunity to spread the Word through worship across the globe. CLICK HERE for more information or to donate.

Local Outreach
Adults and teens 16 years old or older are invited to come roll up your sleeves and help build a house for a local family on Saturday, 5.18 at 8:30a! Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for an outdoor project. Lunch will be provided. We'll meet at the build site (753 Cyrus St. Valparaiso, IN. 46385). Contact Noel Perry (noel@calvaryweb.net) to sign up or CLICK HERE for more info.

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” this Saturday, 5.18 from 8a-12p. CLICK HERE to register.

Student Ministries
Reliant High School Students, don't miss out on a chance to hear Reliant K at the House of Blues in Chicago this Sunday, 5.19! Those attending will leave from Calvary at 4p and return around 11p. Email Bre Pynakker ASAP to sign up (breanne@calvaryweb.net).

Current 6th-8th grade students, its not too late to register to attend Crossings Camp, 6.10-14! Worship and teaching will be interspersed with water sports, ziplining, and tons of other fun activities. The $350 registration fee is due by May 20th, but if you sign up by 5.19 the fee is $300! Sign up at Youth Group or email Noel Perry (noel@calvaryweb.net).

Seniors and Retirees Brunch
Seniors and Retirees are invited to join us for a potluck next Wednesday, May 22 from 11a-2p. Sign up this Sunday at the Info Desk! For more information contact Vada Beans at 219.707.0140.

Children's Ministries
Vacation Bible School Save the Date! ‘Turn It Up! VBS 2013’ will be 7.15-17 from 5:45-8:15p with a Family Fun Night on 7.18! Volunteer Sign-ups will be on 6.2 and a Volunteer Meeting will be held after services on 6.9. Registration for children k-5th grade will open on 6.30. Stay tuned for more details!

Father's Day
We are excited to announce that our Father's Day service on 6.16 will be held outdoors at 10:45a at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. More information to come!