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Actually Love
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Someone once asked Jesus which commandment he thought was the most important. His reply is one of the most famous and oft-quoted passages in the Bible. Quoting from Deuteronomy and Leviticus, he replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Love, Jesus said, is the answer. Love God wholly (mind, body and soul) and love others as God's own creatures. Once you understand and grasp love and truly love, everything else will flow from there. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. A person that actually loves will not want to steal (commandment 8) or deceive (commandment 9). He will not want to take a life wantonly (commandment 6). She will want to remain faithful (commandment 7) and honor her parents (commandment 5). Being joyful and glad for what others have (commandment 10) and keeping the Lord in mind (commandments 1-3) will also come easily if love is truly a part of a person's psychological makeup. Love makes us naturally obey God's commandments. Love is also what kept Jesus on the cross. To this day, at age 32, it still humbles and amazes me that the first words out of Jesus' mouth was a plea of forgiveness for those who nailed him to the cross. "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." Even as he hung on the cross, he loved so much that he asked for forgiveness for those who were responsible for killing him! When we look at the cross, why do we find it so hard to love, actually love? The Bible makes it so clear, so black-and-white: we're to love EVERYONE for they are God's very own creations. Instead of listening to the Greatest Two Commandments and look at people through God's eyes, we constantly try to invent reasons and ways not to love, many of them petty, selfish, and legalistic. Jesus couldn't have made it clearer: Love God and love others. That's it. There are absolutely no exclusions, no prejudices, no racial, sexual, behavioral, regional exception to that rule. This is what everything else stands on. So on this Valentine's Day, let's get rid of the "ands, ifs, buts" and just love; actually, truly, really love our Father and all the other beautiful humans He made. - Matt
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We Need Your Help for Il Wavino's!
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We need all the youth that we can get to help out!
Il Wavino's, our popular youth ministry spaghetti dinner fundraiser (see above for more information) will be setting up operations TONIGHT Thursday, February 14 at 6 p.m. until we are finished. We realize this is also Valentine's Day, so drop your kids off at church to set up and have date night on us! We will also be asking for youth to show up the day of the event at 4:30 p.m. to begin setting up for the meal.
- Youth Involvement - All youth associated with the Calvary Youth Ministry are invited and expected to try and help out with this event. The biggest help will come the day of the event, but we are also asking for youth to help with the collection of items needed for the meal. So each youth is being asked to bring in one pound of spaghetti noodles and one pound of spaghetti sauce. Youth can bring these items to church on Sundays at either the morning services or at Sun. Night XP. Everybody else can help, too! If you feel led, please drop off noodles and sauce at the Dare2Share table in the lobby.
- Parent Involvement - We have had parents involved in the past, so there is an open invitation to parents to come help with this event! So if you'd like to help us with Il Wavino's, come on by! Pastor Dave Grigoletti hasn't met all of the parents yet and he would like to get to know more of you! It will also be a great way to serve the youth ministry. The biggest need for parents would be to help out in the kitchen the day of the event. If you would be able to help out, please contact Dave and let him know at daveg@calvaryop.org.
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Family Night at PUMP IT UP
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Get your family together for an awesome night!
Sign-up at the tables near Tiny Town or outside The Loft to reserve your family's spot for a night of fun and fellowship at "Pump it Up" at 11411 W. 183rd. St. in Orland Park on Friday, February 22 from 6:00-8:15 p.m. With 6 giant inflatables and lots more, the kids are sure to have a blast with friends from church! And adults get the chance to mingle! The cost per child is $5, adults are free and need to stay on site. We will have pizza, drinks, and desserts. We will bounce first and then go into the party room at 7:45 to eat. Sign-up or email children@calvaryop.org by February 18th. Please pay at the door that night, cash or check to Calvary Children's Ministries.
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Girlfriends Flicker Chicks
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Want to share in your love of movies?
Come enjoy a fun girls night in right here at Calvary Church! In January we will be screening Love, Come Softly on Saturday, February 23 at 5 p.m. in room 212. Bring a friend and your favorite snack. Questions? Contact Luz at 773-299-5623 or luzl@calvaryop.org. |
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Marriage Intimacy Study
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Tired of the cold?
Calvary's One Marriage Ministry has an exciting new study that should warm things up a bit! One is offering an independent 8-week study of the book Red Hot Monogamy by Bill & Pam Farrell (authors of Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti). This will be a private study for you and your spouse. No meetings, no public discussion. If you are interested please register online or at the table in the lobby. And yes...there is homework!
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Want to Join Calvary?!
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Our new members classes are starting soon!
Are you interested in becoming a member at Calvary? Or maybe you just would like to know more about Calvary? Join us at our new members classes! Classes will be held on the following Sundays: February 24, March 3 and 10 in Room 241 (the big conference room upstairs) at 9:30 a.m. For questions and more information, please contact Earl Vander Wall at earl@calvaryop.org or (708) 429-2200 x14.
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Girlfriends Getting Started Bible Study
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Are you new to the Bible? Would you like to start?
If you have never been involved in a Bible Study before, this group is for you! This particular Bible study is geared toward beginners and is appropriate for any age/stage of life. We will begin by studying the book of James together. This study will "get started" on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in room #104. If you have any further questions, please contact Mary Seehafer at rukiddingme1957@yahoo.com.
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Attention Race Fans!
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The popular Cadet Pinewood Derby is back this spring!
 The Cadet Pinewood Derby is Saturday, March 2. We will again have an open class race where anyone can enter a car to race. Last year this race was reserved for adults only, but this year anyone is welcome! A trophy and ribbons will be awarded! We are running this race as a fundraiser, and suggest a minimum $25 donation to participate. Donated funds will be used to offset the cost of materials to build a work bench, purchase tools and additional shelving for the Cadet/GEMS room. If interested in participating, contact Derrick at dsbrmars@sbcglobal.net.
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Simply Soup for the Soul
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Soup and fellowship, does it get any better?
The Girlfriends Ministry will be hosting a simple soup supper for all women on Tuesday, March 12 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. In addition to supper and fellowship, a few women will share how God has been working in their life. Please sign up at the Welcome Center if you would like to attend and/or bring your favorite soup to share. Admission is free. Questions? Contact girlfriends@calvaryop.org!
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KidsLife Easter Celebration is Back!
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Mark your calendars and also can you give us a hand?
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 30 at 10:00-11:30 a.m. for an Easter Celebration at Calvary. Families, join us for an Easter craft, an egg hunt inside the church, and refreshments afterwards! This is open to the community!
DONATIONS NEEDED: Last year we stuffed over 800 eggs! We are in need of LOTS of small wrapped candy and small trinkets that will fit inside a plastic egg. Be on the lookout for those Easter sales and drop your donations off near the Welcome Center. Questions? Call Tiffany at the church office or email her at children@calvaryop.org.
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Summer Church Camp for 2nd-12th Grade
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It's time to start thinking summer and how your child's life could be impacted!
Camp Manitoqua, a local Christian camp we work with, has just begun summer registration. They have many wonderful camp opportunities for your child, whether it's just a one or two overnighter for the young ones, or a full week for 3rd grade and up. We are very excited to have designated "church weeks" this year where hopefully many of our children can attend camp together. To support the high value we place on church camp in a child's life, Calvary offers financial assistance.
Stop by the Camp Table upstairs near The LOFT and Youth area to pick up a Manitoqua packet and a detailed registration letter from the KidsLife and Youth Directors. Early bird pricing deadline is March 31st.
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4th Sunday Family Worship Revised for 2013!
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We're tweaking our 4th Family Sunday schedule...
The Worship Team, Youth Pastor, and KidsLife Ministries is praying over our families and seeking more relevant ways to worship as a church family and teach our youth the meaning of "big church" and how they can begin to serve their church family. For 2013, 4th Sunday Family Worship will be quarterly, NOT monthly. Both the children and youth will be very involved in the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services. Please mark your calendars for the following "Family Worship" Sundays: March 24, Palm Sunday; June 30, VBS Sunday; September 29; and December 29. Questions? Contact Tiffany at children@calvaryop.org.
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Local Community News
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Chicago Christian Counseling Offers a Pre-Marital Program
Getting married? Want to start out equipped for a strong marriage? CHICAGO CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER is offering a Pre-Marital Program entitled Building a Strong Marriage at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Program includes an one-day group program on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., online relationship assessments, and a separately scheduled one-hour couple session with facilitator. Program facilitated by Joy Bocanegra, MA, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. The cost is $335/per couple. For more information or to register call (708) 845-5500 x104 or visit their website here. Also, please see our brochure here. Please NOTE that registration deadline is February 25!
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools News
The Sound of Music Production
The hills are alive with music in anticipation of Chicago Christian High School Theater Department's presentation of The Sound of Music, March 8 & 9. Tickets will be on sale February 1st in the main office. Reserved seats are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Saturday, March 9th there is a 2:00 pm performance where tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. A dinner-theater combination is available for the Saturday, March 9, 7:00 pm performance. Enjoy a Bavarian dinner at 5:30pm catered by Chef Klaus Bier Stube along with a prime reserved theater seat for $25 per person. Dinner/prime seat reservations are limited so reserve soon by calling 708/388-7656 and asking for Sandy. Proceeds benefit the Fine Arts program.
Fun Fair
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 15, for Southwest Chicago Christian's Fun Fair! It will be held at Chicago Christian High School from 6-9 p.m. Don't miss this fun family event that only comes around every other year. All of the proceeds go directly to the teachers' classrooms so come out and support these hardworking, dedicated teachers. There will be classic carnival games, a bounce house, cake walk, food and prizes! Pre-order forms for tickets are available at all 3 campus offices. Avoid the ticket line; buy your tickets ahead of time!
Trinity Christian College Women's Day of Joy
Trinity Christian College's Women's Guild invites you to Women's Day of Joy with Jane Rubietta. Her riveting teaching and storytelling will leave you refreshed, renewed and recharged. Bring your girlfriends and laugh, learn and feel God's love. Please join us on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Ozinga Chapel of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. Doors open and registration begins at 8:15 a.m. The cost is $32 per person and a delicious lunch is provided. To register visit trinitywomensorganization.eventbrite.com. For more information, email womens.guild@trnty.edu or call 708-293-4990.
Joni & Friends and Elim Workshop!
Joni and Friends Chicago and Elim Christian Services are partnering together to host a Church Disability Ministry Training Day called The Father's House for church staff, disability ministry leaders and volunteers. Come be equipped and encouraged on Saturday, February 16 at 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (149 W. Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst, IL). Come and learn how your church can support people and families affected by disability. Registration is $25 and covers breakfast, lunch and resource materials. Sign up here. For more information contact: Dr. Karen Roberts at kroberts@joniandfriends.org (630) 573-2900 or Dan Quist at dquist@elimcs.org (708) 293-6510.
Village of Orland Park News
Chefs' Auction The Village of Orland Park will hold its 13th annual Chefs' Auction to benefit the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Research Program on Thursday, February 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Orland Chateau. Some of the best restaurants from throughout the region bring in their chefs to serve their signature dishes. The evening also includes fine coffees, wines and ales, a silent auction and a live auction of dinner packages donated by the restaurants. Tickets are $55 per person or $90 per couple. Corporate tables of ten are available for $600 and include a reserved table, half page ad in the program and the table centerpiece. Ads are available for the event program with a full page costing $200, half page at $150, quarter page at $100 or business card size at $50. Tickets may be purchased at Orland Park's Recreation Administration Building, 14600 South Ravinia Avenue or at the village's Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. Only 350 tickets will be sold. For more information, call the Orland Park Recreation Department at 708/403-7275. Duathon Athletes of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Village of Orland Park Recreation Department's Annual Indoor Duathlon on Saturday, March 9. The competition will begin at 7:15 a.m. at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street, in Orland Park. The 13-mile duathlon includes a 1.5-mile run, a 10-mile stationary bike ride, and ends with a second 1.5-mile run. Medals will be awarded to the first and second place finishers, both men and women in each age category. Each participant will receive a long sleeve t-shirt. Pre-registration is required with a cost of $20 for Sportsplex members, $25 for Village of Orland Park residents and $31 for non-residents. Registration is available at the Recreation Administration Center, 14600 South Ravinia or at the village's Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 708/645-PLAY.
Hope Covenant Church Worship
We'd like to invite you to visit with us for a night of worship and fellowship. On Saturday, February 16, our worship leaders, Hannah & Austin, and their friends will lead a concert of worship music beginning at 5PM. (Hannah & Austin were recently part of a band that opened for recording artist Big Daddy Weave at a concert in Michigan.) Following the concert, we will be hosting a chili cook-off! After dinner, we will have a variety of games and activities for families and friends to participate. If you're interested, come on to Hope Covenant Church at 14401 W. Avenue in Orland Park, IL.
Iron Sharpens Iron - 2013 National Men's Conference
Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are equipping conferences with sixteen different equipping seminars designed specifically for men. The focus is on equipping and resourcing men to live for Christ in all areas of life. The seminar topics are specific to men of all ages 13 and up! Orland Park CRC will be hosting this conference on Saturday, February 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. More information can be found here.
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What's the What
This Week @ Calvary! |
THURSDAY (2/14):
- 7:00 a.m. Men's Barnabas Bible Study
- 1:00 p.m. Men's Bible Study
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 6:00 p.m. IL WAVINO'S SET UP
FRIDAY (2/15):
- 2-9 p.m. Girlfriends Stitch 'n Time & Sassy Scrapbookers
- 5:30 p.m. IL WAVINO'S SPAGHETTI DINNER
SATURDAY (2/16):
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service
SUNDAY (2/17):
- 8:00 a.m. Worship Service
- 8:00 a.m. Genesis Bible Study
- 9:30 a.m. Worship Service
- 9:30 & 11 a.m. The Loft Sunday School
- 9:30 a.m. CrossTraining
- 11:00 a.m. Worship Service
- 6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. High Youth Group
MONDAY (2/18):
- 7:00 p.m. Girlfriends Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. New Hope
TUESDAY (2/19):
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. People God Chose Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. Girlfriends Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. Grief Share
- 7:00 p.m. Youth Advisory Meeting
WEDNESDAY (2/20):
- 9:30 a.m. Coffee Break Bible Study
- 6:30 p.m. Cadets
- 6:30 p.m. The Hangout
- 6:30 p.m. Girlfriends Getting Started Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY (2/21):
- 7:00 a.m. Men's Barnabas Bible Study
- 1:00 p.m. Men's Bible Study
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 6:00 p.m. Girls' Biddy Basketball
- 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry
- 7:00 p.m. Job Networking Group
- 7:00 p.m. NOAH (offsite)
- 7:15 p.m. Girls' Junior Basketball
FRIDAY (2/22):
- 9 a.m. MOPS & MOre
- 6 p.m. Family Night at Pump It Up
SATURDAY (2/23):
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service
- 5:00 p.m. Girlfriends Flicker Chicks
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A Stitch 'n Time & Sassy Scrapbookers
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A Stitch 'n Time and Sassy Scrapbookers meets on the third Friday of every month from 2-9pm, and we share a meal for dinner. All ladies welcome. For more information, please contact Linda Nichols at lnich11@
hotmail.com or Sara Fiedler at csfiedler@
yahoo.com.
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Looking For a Job?
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For over 28 years, the Self-Help Jobs Program has been helping people achieve employment by teaching them the skill of job searching. In 2012, the director heard from 54 people that God blessed them with jobs. We want to help with your search. Office hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Call Laura Vande Werken at (708) 633-6580 or email her at selfhelpjobs @sbcglobal.net.
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VBS Save the Date!
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The 2013 VBS Team would like to announce the date for this year's VBS! Kids and volunteers, mark your calendars for the 4th week in June! VBS will be held on June 24-28 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. June 30th will be VBS Sunday. Spread the word! Questions? Contact Tiffany at children@ calvaryop.org.
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Prayer Opportunities
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INTERNET INTERCESSORS:
Would you like a group of faithful people to pray for your concerns and joys? You can send an email directly to our email address at prayer@calvaryop.org and we will pray for you!
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Help Us Stock Our Food Pantry!
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We ALWAYS have a need to keep our Food Pantry well-stocked. There is a bin in the foyer by the north doors where we accept donations. People are welcome to drop off donated food and items at any time.
You can download a full list of what we need to keep the Food Pantry well-stocked here!
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