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The Issue of the Poor
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It is fascinating to read the Old Testament, especially the book of Deuteronomy, through the lens of what God wanted the Israelites to be like as a country. Through of the many rules and provisions and laws God handed down to the Israelites, one can't help but notice that God wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of by each other, especially the poor and those who found themselves in a tough hole. Everybody was to be afforded a certain type of dignity and respect as a created human being, regardless of the situation they found themselves to be in. Deuteronomy 15:11 says matter-of-factly, "There will always be poor people in the land." My study Bible annotates this verse with this: "Even in the best of societies under the most enlightened laws, the uncertainties of life and the variations among citizens result in some people becoming poor." When I read that, I thought about how true it is. There are many stories of people who have become poor through events out of their control, and not just because of poor planning, poor spending or poor self-control. If God is helping the Israelites prepare and plan for a nation that is under His rule and He is making a provision for this, then, indeed, even in the best of societies, there will be poor people. The more I dwelt on this passage and God's command that follows it, "Therefore I command you to be openhanded towards your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land," the more I paid attention to the current debate about welfare, health care, the role of government and taxes among the various strata of American citizenry. No matter where the debate lands, the ultimate responsibility for our reaction to the poor lie within ourselves. No one should ever be made beneath anybody else because the truth is that no one is. Sometimes we forget that all it takes is one catastrophic event and we, too, could end up poor. Are we hardhearted or tightfisted towards our brothers and sisters in need, or are we openhanded and freely lending what they need? Do we shun or do we welcome? Do we give dignity or do we withdraw it? "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put
your hand to." -Deuteronomy 15:10.
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Annual GEMS Pancake Breakfast
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Hungry for pancakes - or breakfast in general? Come on by!
 Join us THIS Saturday, April 13 from 7-11 a.m. in Calvary's gym for a delicious breakfast prepared by our GEMS girls and counselors! A freewill offering to the GEMS program will be appreciated. All donations will help support their upcoming spring campout. For more information on the GEMS program, visit our website here.
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Calvary's Stephen Ministry Presents: Alzheimer's Awareness
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We have a presentation coming to Calvary to help spread the awareness of this crippling disease
THURSDAY, APRIL 18 AT 6:30 P.M.
Learning to Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer's
As Alzheimer's disease and other, related dementias progress, friends and family members may find it difficult to spend time visiting with the person with dementia. This program will provide insight into dementia and its effect on communication and behavior, and will introduce participants to techniques that can be used to make visits more comfortable and meaningful for all concerned. You can download a flyer here. There is no charge for this program, however, registration is required. Call 815.744.0804 or visit www.alz.org/illinois to register.
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Southwest Job Networking Group
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Looking for employment or unemployed?
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in room #252. Learn how to use Linkedin to find a job and join us for a Job Networking Group that will meet once each month. This is open to the community, so invite your friends and neighbors to this wonderful opportunity for finding employment. Learn how to look for a job in this economy, find out tips on formatting a résumé, and spend quality time networking with others. Be sure to bring your résumé with you to the meeting if you have one. There will be prayer warriors available for those who have needs as well. Any questions, please contact Earl Vander Wall at earl@calvaryop.org.
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Calvary Mission Work Day at Camp Manitoqua
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Want a serving / blessing opportunity? This is it!
Want a serving/blessing opportunity, but can't join the summer mission trips? We have a local mission project for Calvary to take part in! Sign up at the Welcome Center to help beautify Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort so it can offer wonderful Christian programs all throughout the year!
Spring Clean-Up Work Day is set for Saturday, April 20 from 9am-2:30pm. Come when you can! Lunch will be served and childcare provided for ages 4-9.
There are a variety of projects that need to be done that day: painting, weeding/raking, cleaning windows, creating/designing decorations for the summer programs, building and repairing projects and more! Calvary families are highly encouraged to make this a "Family Mission Project." Support Camp Manitoqua as well as instill the importance of serving others into your child's heart!
Direct any questions to Tiffany Johnston at children@calvaryop.org and sign up at the Welcome Center by Sunday, April 14th.
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Girlfriends' Flicker Chicks
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Enjoy movies? Join us!
Come enjoy a fun girls night right here at Calvary Church! Next month we will be viewing A Walk to Remember on Saturday, April 27 at 5 p.m. in room 212.
Bring a friend and your favorite snack! Questions, contact Luz at luzl@calvaryop.org.
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Zacapa in January, 2014
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Join us in a mission trip next year!
What has the Spirit been laying on your heart over these last few weeks? Have you been considering joining the team heading to Zacapa, Guatemala next January? Is it exciting? Scary? Challenging? Daunting? Still concerned about financing such a trip? We have some answers for you if you are willing to investigate and step out in faith for God's provision. John and Lori Voss are in the process of recruiting members of Calvary to join us in this awesome opportunity to partner with Hearts in Motion to minister to one of the poorest communities in Guatemala. We have a table set up in the foyer after each service so you can gather some information about this trip. Also, please plan to join us for a no-obligation informational meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Church. You may call us in the evening at 708.422.4633 if you have any questions!
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Girlfriends Ministry Opportunity
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Come and join us!
If you are interested in serving in the women's ministry at Calvary, please join us for a meeting at Calvary on Wednesday, May 1 from 7-8 pm or on Thursday, May 2 from 10-11 am. For more information, please email girlfriends@calvaryop.org.
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SEND ME - ISAIAH 6:8
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Join us for a terrific concert for a great cause!
Join us for an Extravagant Worship Experience Benefitting International Gospel Mission on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. here at Calvary Church. Save the date for a two hour worship concert experience with a mix of original music composed and arranged by Matt Kooi and familiar favorites. This will be an interactive time of praise and worship with quality instrumentals, vocal support and live dance. The program will also highlight the Jesus Painter (www.jesuspainter.com) who will create original works of art to musical orchestration. A donation of $10.00 is suggested for an entry ticket. Please stop by the table in the lobby on Sunday to pick up your ticket!
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O.K. Club News
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For everyone age 60 or better!
We are in the process of determining interest for an upcoming event at White Fence Farm to be held on Wednesday, May 8. The event would include: White Fence Farm's famous chicken dinner with all the extras; an uplifting show called, "Make Your Life Count" presented by Lori Mestas; and all taxes and gratuities for a cost of $37 per person, $34 if we get a group of 15 or more. The meal will be served at noon followed by the show at 1:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending this event, we ask that you sign up at the Welcome Center this morning or call the church office this week.
A reminder to those who signed up for the Senior Concert at Lincoln-Way North on Wednesday, May 1 entitled "Close To You", music of the Carpenters. Cost is $10.00 per person. Please confirm with Carol Hart that you are still planning to attend as we have a waiting list. Her number is in the directory.
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Girlfriends Service Project
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Come and join us!
The ladies of Calvary are invited to pack food at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, IL on Friday, May 10 from 8-9:30 p.m. Please bring along your husband, kids (age 5+), or a friend! Let us know who will be joining us by signing up in the lobby or sending an email to girlfriends@calvaryop.org. For more information go to www.fmsc.org.
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NEW Girlfriends Morning Bible Study!
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Join us for a new Bible study!
 Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David features Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer , and Kay Arthur . These three women explore their lives and the life of David in this six-session Bible study. The messages presented by these beloved authors are divided into three segments, two lessons from each author. Each segment focuses on the life of David at a different stage of his life: as a young man (sessions one and two by Priscilla Shirer), as a middle-aged man (sessions three and four by Beth Moore), and as a man facing the final third of his life (sessions five and six by Kay Arthur). You'll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love God with them.Grab a girlfriend and join us on Monday mornings at 9 a.m. Questions? Contact Jeanne Hagenberg at rdoggydad@sbcglobal.net.
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KidsLife News
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Check out the latest from KidsLife!
Ministry Serving Opportunities
Is God laying on your heart to get plugged in at Calvary and serve in a ministry? Why not check out the variety of opportunities in our KidsLife programs? Most of the programs are wrapping up the school year, but Fall is already in our sights with preparation! The Cadet program, for 2nd-8th grade boys, is a great ministry for men of all ages to get involved. Or the GEMS ministry is a great place for women to serve. They both only meet two Wednesday evenings a month during the school year! Come and see the heart of these ministries before the end of this ministry season (May) and see how God can work in your life through these programs! Our infants through 5-year-olds are also looking for playmates in the Fall to snuggle and read Bible stories to them on Wednesday mornings during Coffee Break or 2 Fridays a month during MOPS. You will be blessed!
Our Mothers of Preschoolers and More group, are looking for moms of all ages to plan and implement activities for our moms twice a month. It is a great place to bond and share child rearing concerns!
If these ministries are in your field of gifts God has given you, please contact Tiffany Johnston at children@calvaryop.org or give her a call at the church office.
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Vacation Bible School Volunteers
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Would you like to help out with VBS?
Yes, the date is set for June 24-28 for morning VBS from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for ages 4 thru 6th grade! The VBS Directors Team has approached many individuals to seek their interest in serving as a station leader or head coordinator. If you have interest in serving prior to the VBS week we have several options such as: prep work, decorating team, or even being on the Orland Day Parade Planning Team! The volunteer form for the week of VBS will be coming out in mid-April.
Please call Tiffany at the church office or email her at children@calvaryop.org with your interest preference.
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Local Community News
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New Leaf Resources' Annual Banquet
You are invited, so save the date! New Leaf Resources hopes you will join us Thursday, April 18 for our Annual Celebration Banquet at The Center for Visual & Performing Arts, in Munster, Indiana. You will be treated to a delicious dinner and the improvisational comedy of "Playfully Simple" led by Doug Pruim. For reservations, please call (708) 895-7310 or visit www.newleafresources.org. Plan a night out with your friends - it's sure to be a memorable evening! With locations in Lansing, Crown Point, and Wheatfield, New Leaf Resources offers professional counseling from a Christian perspective.
Care and Kindness Conference
College students and adults are invited to the Care and Kindness Conference April 26-27 at Trinity Christian College hosted by Christian Service Ministries and Trinity. Excellent workshop speakers on the topic of family...blood family or family of God! See www.careandkindness.org for info on registration, schedule, and fees. Special rates available for students & groups of 3 or more. Call Jane: 708-293-4907 for questions.
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools News
Bowling for Bucks & Silent Auction
The 5th Annual "Bowling for Bucks & Silent Auction" will take place on Saturday, May 11 at the Orland Bowl (8601 West 159th Street, Orland Park). Doors will open at 6:15 p.m., with bowling to begin promptly at 7pm. Cost will be $40 per person, $75 per couple or $225 if you would like to fill the whole lane. Cost includes 3 games of bowling and shoes, pizza, salad and pop. This event is sponsored by the CCHS Athletic Boosters. Proceeds benefit the athletic programs at all 3 of our SCCS campuses! If you have any questions, would like to sign up, or would like to make a donation, please contact Joann Pittman at 708-361-3941, email: pitter032@yahoo.com or Carol Venhuizen 708-516-9627 email: carolvancb@aol.com.
Daytime Open House
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools will host a Daytime Open House at the Oak Lawn campus on Friday, April 19 from 9am to noon. Prospective parents and students are invited to visit classrooms and meet teachers & administrators to learn more about our elementary programs. Please call 708/388-7656 for more information.
Free Day of Preschool
Southwest Chicago Christian School's Oak Lawn campus invites you to experience a "Free Day of Preschool" on Friday, April 19 from 9 to 11 am. Meet our faculty, learn about our program and experience our well-equipped facilities. To register call Carol at 708-636-8550 or email cdenbesten@swchristian.org.
Kindergarten Open House
The Oak Lawn Campus of Southwest Chicago Christian Schools will host a Kindergarten Open House on Monday, April 22 at 7pm for interested families and their students. If you know of someone who may be interested in Christian education, please encourage them to attend. For further information, call 708/388-7656.
Grandparents Day
Chicago Christian High School's annual GRANDPARENTS DAY is Friday, April 26. Grandparents, older relatives, and friends are invited to view student Art Exhibits beginning at 9:30 am. Chapel begins at 10am followed by an opportunity to visit classes with grandchildren. A complimentary lunch will be provided at 11:30am.
Men of A-Chord
They are also pleased to announce their annual "Night of Song" concert on Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Lansing located at 3500 Glenwood-Lansing Road, Lanisng, IL. The concert again this year will include the Heritage Singing Men of Jenison, MI and the Singing Hims from Wyoming, MI. Each choir will sing numbers separately and a number of songs together as a mass chorus. There will be brass instrumental and plenty of audience participation in singing many old favorites you love to sing! Make your plans now for a great evening of song and praise to our great God. A free-will offering will be taken. For information please see our website at www.menofachord.org or contact any member of the Men of A-Chord.
Orland Park Prom Dress Drive
Prom can be an expensive rite of passage for high school students. With generous donations from members of the Orland Township Community, dreams can come true. Orland Township will host a Prom Dress Drive on Thursday, April 11th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Based on financial criteria, students can select a dress for their big day. A seamstress will be on hand to assist with fittings and alterations. Dresses are offered on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, please visit Orland's website here.
Steve Green in Concert at Trinity Christian College
Popular Christian artist Steve Green is coming to Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL on Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m.! Tickets are $15 if purchased early, otherwise it is $20 at the door. VIP tickets are $30. Groups of 10 or more can get a ticket discount of $12 a person. You may purchase tickets through www.itickets.com. This event will benefit the Trinity students through the Trinity fund.
Elim News
Eat Out for Elim
Eat a delicious dinner while supporting the children and adults of Elim! Come to Firehouse Subs in Orland Park, IL on Thursday, April 25 from 4-8 for delicious food, fellowship,and fun! 15% of proceeds will be returned to support programming at Elim Christian Services.
3rd Annual Elim Eagles 5K Run/Walk/Roll
Are you ready for a challenge? Run/Walk/Roll the gorgeous grounds of Elim Christian Services - and bless children and adults with disabilities - at the Elim Eagles 5K on May 11, 2013. Learn more and register today at www.elimcs.org. Church and Autism Workshop
Elim's partner, Joni & Friends, is sponsoring a Church and Autism Workshop on April 27, 2013 from 8:30 to 3:30 pm at Good Shepherd Church located at 1310 Shepherd Dr. Naperville, IL 60565. This great event will focus on how to better serve individuals who have Autism in your congregation. A $25 registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, and resource materials. To register online, go to www.joniandfriends.org/church-relations/through-roof-workshop, or contact Dr. Karen Roberts at kroberts@joniandfriends.org or by phone at (630)573-2900. Women's Service League ~ Spring Luncheon
Celebrate spring with a great meal and great friends! Mark your calendars for Elim's Women's Service League Spring Luncheon, held at the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip on
Wednesday, May 8. To learn more or to make a reservation, contact your church's Key Lady, or call Laura Schnyders at 708-293-6509. Please request reservations by Wednesday, May 1.
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What's the What
This Week @ Calvary! |
THURSDAY (4/11):
- 7:00 a.m. Men's Barnabas Bible Study
- 1:00 p.m. Men's Bible Study
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
FRIDAY (4/12)
- 9:30 a.m. MOPS & More
SATURDAY (4/13):
- 7-11 a.m. GEMS Pancake Breakfast
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service
SUNDAY (4/14):
- 8:00 a.m. Worship Service
- 9:30 a.m. Worship Service
- 9:30 a.m. The Loft Sunday School
- 9:30 a.m. Jr. High CrossTraining
- 11:00 a.m. Worship Service
- 11:00 a.m. The Loft Sunday School
- 1:00 p.m. DivorceCare
- 6:30 p.m. Sunday Night XP
MONDAY (4/15):
- 9:30 a.m. Girlfriends Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. Girlfriends Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. New Hope
TUESDAY (4/16):
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. People God Chose Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. Youth Advisory Team Meeting
WEDNESDAY (4/17):
- 9:30 a.m. Coffee Break
- 6:30 p.m. Cadets
- 6:30 p.m. The Hangout
- 6:30 p.m. Girlfriends Getting Started Study
- 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY (4/18):
- 7:00 a.m. Men's Barnabas Bible Study
- 1:00 p.m. Men's Bible Study
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry's Alzheimer's Awareness Seminar
- 7:00 p.m. Southwest Job Networking Group
- 7:00 p.m. Consistory Meeting
- 7:00 p.m. NOAH (offsite)
FRIDAY (4/19)
- 2-9 p.m. Girlfriends Stitch 'n Time & Sassy Scrapbookers
- 6:30 p.m. Girlfriends Lit 'n Latte (offsite)
- 7:00 p.m. Jr. High Youth Fun Night
SATURDAY (4/20):
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Camp Manitoqua Work Day
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service with Brian Head Welch
- 7:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service with Brian Head Welch
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There's a lot of ways to share your blessing story! You can...
and fill out a form.
Wall.
- Tweet your blessing by using the hashtag
#TenThousand
Blessings. Be sure to tag us as well by using
- Fill out the connection card on Sunday.
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Last Chance for Discounted Pricing!
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Tired of the cold? 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. The last day to purchase this book through ONE at the discounted price of $10 each will be THIS Sunday, April 14. For more information, go here. Don't wait any longer; you'll miss a great price!
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4th Sunday
Family Worship!
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Please mark your calendars for the following "Family Worship" Sundays:
- June 30th, VBS Sunday at the 9:30 and 11:00 services
- September 29th at the 9:30 and 11:00 services
- December 29th at the 9:30 and 11:00 services
Looking for more information as to why we value 4th Sunday Family Worship at Calvary? Check out our article here.
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DivorceCare is Back
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DivorceCare helps you recover from the pain of separation and divorce. It might seem like there are not many people around you who understand the pain your separation or divorce has caused. To you. Your family. Your friends. But that's why we're here, the reason for DivorceCare. This group meets weekly on Sundays from 1-3 p.m. For more information, please contact Nancy at amera6@att.net.
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Child Care Needed
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A Calvary family is looking for a Calvary member to watch their kids at their house from 12:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. This position needs to be filled by the end of July 2013. This job may also include being a possible back-up sitter for extra days. This would be for four boys: age 6, 4, 2 and an infant. The oldest boy is in school for part of the time. If you are interested in this position or know that the hours will line up well with your schedule please don't hesitate to email to set up a time to interview. It would give you a chance to see if this job is something that you are interested in. Pay is negotiable. If you are interested or able, please contact Ken at kjagerjr
@wwts.info.
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Revelations Bookstore Spring Sale!
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Spring is coming and REVELATIONS is celebrating! Come on in and enjoy our "Welcome Spring" sale - all books and music CDs are now 30% off! We also offer a lovely assortment of greeting cards and gifts. Browsing is encouraged! We are always changing and updating our inventory. Looking for a special title or CD? Let us know and we'll be happy to order it for you! Our hours are Sundays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See you there! If you have any questions about the bookstore, including helping out with it, please contact Sandy Aggen at
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Need Help With Your Resume?
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If you're in the hunt for a job and need help polishing your resume, we have a contact person for you! Amanda Noel is a professional in helping shape career documentations. You can contact her by emailing her at info@amandanoel.
org or visit her website at amandanoel.org.
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Like to Knit? Like to Scrapbook?
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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 potluck meal for dinner. All ladies welcome. For more information, please contact Linda Nichols lnich11@
hotmail.com or Sara Fiedler 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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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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