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Ascension Day
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Today is Ascension Day. I came across this thoughtful entry on the BibleGateway website and I thought I would share it with you as it provides some thought in what we as Christians ought to be doing - following Jesus' final charge as He left this world: to be His witness and share the gospel with everyone in the world. -Matt
Today is Ascension Day! Today, Christians around the world remember the final scene of Jesus' ministry on earth: his ascension to heaven.
Ascension Day is the 40th day following Jesus' resurrection. On this day, Jesus completed his God-given mission, charging his disciples with a task that Christians today continue to work towards: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature."
Jesus' ascension-his physical return to heaven-is mentioned briefly in Luke 24 and Mark 16. The most complete account of Jesus' final days on earth is found in Acts 1:
Before he was taken up, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed them that he was alive with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, speaking to them about God's kingdom. While they were eating together, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised. He said, "This is what you heard from me: John baptized with water, but in only a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." As a result, those who had gathered together asked Jesus, "Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?" Jesus replied, "It isn't for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." After Jesus said these things, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going away and as they were staring toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood next to them. They said, "Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven." - Acts 1:1-11 (CEB)
Matthew's account doesn't describe Jesus' ascension, but does contain this memorable final charge to his followers:
Jesus came near and spoke to them, "I've received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I've commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age." -Matthew 28:16-20 (CEB)
Some churches commemorate Ascension Day with special services or prayer vigils; others don't. But either way, you can celebrate Christ's ascension to heaven by dedicating yourself to obeying his final command. What are we waiting for? Go and make disciples!
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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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Jr. High Friday Night Fun - NERF NIGHT!
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Come and join us!
 What: An evening spent at Calvary Church playing games with Nerf Blasters
Who: Jr. Hi Youth, 6th through 8th grade
When: Friday, May 10th, 7pm to 9pm
Where: Calvary Church Youth Lounge
Cost: FREE - youth are allowed to bring their own Nerf Blasters and we will have a supply on hand for anyone who doesn't own a Nerf Blaster.
How to Attend:
· Make sure you have an Activity Participation Agreement Form on file with the Calvary Youth Ministry.
· Show up on Friday at 7pm, it's that easy! No additional permission slips are needed for activities held at Calvary Church.
Questions? Contact Pastor Dave at daveg@calvaryop.org.
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Senior Bible Study Hymn Sing
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Come and join us!
The Monday afternoon Senior Bible study group is having a special meeting on Monday, May 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Bob and Betty Jean Aardema in Palos Heights (the address is in the directory). We will be having a good old-fashioned hymn sing! Please plan to join us as we raise our hearts and voices in praise!
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Special Speaker: Julie Woodley
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Come and listen to a powerful speaker at New Hope Mondays!
 We have a wonderful opportunity on Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. to hear an international speaker, author and film director, Julie Woodley. Woodley is the founder and director of Restoring the Heart Ministries (RTHM) as well as the ministry outreach representative for Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Lemont, Ill.
Julie understands trauma. From physical and sexual abuse as a child, to abortion, the murder of a dear friend, brain injury and cancer, she has experienced more than a lifetime's worth of pain and loss. But by the grace of God, Woodley is now thriving.
In her new book, A Wildflower Grows in Brooklyn: From Striving to Thriving After Sexual Abuse and Other Trauma, Julie shares her story of anguish, loss, hope, recovery and how she helps others overcome their trauma.
For those who are doubtful about their hope of restoration, she emphatically states, "God can restore anyone and everyone. My recovery is a miracle and God has given me this remarkable gift of letting me speak to many individuals about the wholeness and tenderness given through Jesus."
Come Monday, May 13 at 7:00 in room 204 and hear Julie Woodley's inspiring message! Read more here.
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January 2014 Guatemala Mission Trip
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Interested in learning about how YOU can be on a mission trip?
There is another informational meeting about the January 2014 mission trip to Guatemala scheduled for this Thursday, May 16 from 7PM till 8:30PM. We will meet at Calvary Church in room #129. This meeting is identical to the previous meeting and designed to give you information about this trip and give you an opportunity to get to answers your questions. We'll see you there! See John or Lori Voss if you have any questions. We can be reached at 708.422.4633.
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Help Support the Journey Hub!
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Come and join other Calvary members in this event!
A fundraiser will be held for the newly established Journey Hub organization, which assists women in crisis situations. It will be held on Sunday, May 19 at 6:00 PM at the St. John's United Church of Christ (SJUCC), 11100 w. Second Street, Mokena, IL. It will feature a community choir made up of member from SJUCC, Calvary Church, and others. The Calvary quartet, the Frankfort Brass Band, Wally and Sue Ankewietz, and Claudia Clark from the Outcast Jazz Band will also perform with, and in addition to, the community choir. A freewill offering will be collected, with all the proceeds going to the organization.
Persons interested in signing with the community choir are invited to attend the pre-concert rehearsal on Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 PM at SJUCC. Information and music can be obtained by contacting Kim Siegers at 708-975-1212.
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Summer Girlfriends Bible Study
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Come and join other Calvary girlfriends in this event!
 A five-week study is coming this summer to the Girlfriends Ministry! It is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
Just like you, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. "How," Ann wondered, "do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long--and sometimes even dark? How is God even here?" In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted...a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved--by God.
Ann Voskamp invites us to slow down, to learn how to live the full life of eucharisteo (with grace, thanksgiving, joy) regardless of circumstances. With lovely word pictures inspired by everyday life in her family and on her farm, she writes about her struggle to live joyfully amid sin and sorrow and suffering.
THE DETAILS...
- Beginning this June: We'll be setting up various times, dates, and places to meet.
- Depending on your schedule we'll form a group that is just right for you.
- Want to find out more? Email us at girlfriends@calvaryop.org.
- Watch the trailer here.
- Online and church registration will begin soon!
Hope to see you ladies this summer!
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PASS Network Needs You!
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Help volunteer for this popular event!
PASS Network for Life is in desperate need of volunteers to assist with their popular annual HIKE FOR LIFE on June 1. They will be setting up at 6 a.m. with the actual event running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hike will be on the Old Plank Trail in Frankfort and the day's activities will be held on the ground of Peace Community Church (21300 S. La Grange Rd., Frankfort, IL) right next to the Old Plank Trail. If you're interested in volunteering for set up, take down or to work the event itself, please contact Mary Seehafer at rukiddingme1957@yahoo.com. |
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S.O.S.! (Save Our Staff)
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Check out the latest news from KidsLife!
We have many volunteers that dedicate their time and energy throughout the school year in many of our children's programs. Become a life saver by serving in our Sunday School programs or Tiny Town this summer and letting our usual "volunteer staff" refresh themselves!
Tiny Town Nursery Care (Infants-4) - Our classrooms are filling up with kiddos and we are in need of more volunteers, especially in the Infants room during the 9:30 service! Lots of new babies to welcome in our church family! Contact Luz Lopez at luzl@calvaryop.org.
The LOFT (Teachers or Assistant teachers) - Please consider signing up for a Sunday or two this summer, at either the 9:30 or 11:00 service. All teaching material is planned and prepped for you! Contact Yvonne Van Beveren at yvonnevb@calvaryop.org.
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In Touch Devotionals NO LONGER at Calvary
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Do you use this popular devotional? Read on...
Calvary is no longer able to offer the IN TOUCH magazine at the Welcome Center. In Touch Ministries now has a new policy that requires individuals to order their own monthly issue. By going online here and clicking on "Subscribe Now," you will be able to subscribe and receive monthly issues sent to your home. This is a very worthwhile daily devotional and it is a great tool for personal Bible study. You can also contact In Touch and request your copy by phone at 1-800-789-1473.
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Local Community News
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Mokena Fire Family Fun day
The MOKENA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT will be hosting their annual FAMILY FUN DAY on SATURDAY, JUNE 8 from 12-2 PM at Station #1 - 19853 S. Wolf Rd. Bring the family for a day of fun and a free lunch at the Mokena Fire Protection District! There will be lots of fun and educational activities for all ages, including:
- Dress the Firefighter
- Play Water Ball
- Stop Drop & Roll
- Touch a Truck
- Put Out the House Fire
- Hazard House
- Residential Sprinkler Demonstration
- and Lots More!!!
It's FREE. There is no need to register. See you there!
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.
Bethany Bottles Fundraiser News
This past January and February your church congregation took part in a CCHS chapter of the National Honor Society's fundraiser for Bethany Christian Services. Volunteers from the Chicago Christian National Honor Society passed out empty baby bottles and a few weeks later, members of your church generously brought them back filled with change, cash, or checks. Your church, along with six other churches, raised a total of $7,800.92!
We are very excited about what these donations will be able to do for mothers and children through Bethany Christian Services. We really appreciate your willingness to participate in this unique fundraiser and we hope to be able to work with your church again next year! Thank you very much!
Elim News
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.
Children & the Lord's Supper: A Seminar
During the last few decades, many Reformed denominations have decided to invite all those who are baptized to the Lord's Supper. This may seem surprising to some of us who have grown up assuming that a person must make Profession of Faith before participating in the Lord's Supper. We can't imagine it any other way.
But keeping children from the Lord's Supper raises some troubling questions. If the Lord's Supper is a means of grace, why would we make our kids earn the privilege of participating? If both baptism and the Lord's Supper proclaim the same Gospel promises, why would we allow our children to receive baptism but not the Lord's Supper? Since the Bible says that all baptized are part of the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28) and that we who are one body partake of one bread (I Cor. 10: 16-17) why would we exclude part of the body from partaking?
Biblical, historical, theological, and practical issues will be studied and discussed in this seminar held at Trinity Christian College's Van Namen Recital Hall in the Ozinga Chapel on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration and coffee begin at 8:30 a.m. and there will be snacks mid-morning. The cost is $10 per person (free to full-time college students) and this seminar is for all pastors, elders, deacons, church leaders, parents, grandparents! Register via email by emailing jane.voss@trnty.edu or call 708.293.4907.
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What's the What
This Week @ Calvary! |
THURSDAY (5/9):
- 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 (5/10)
- 9:00 a.m. MOPS & More
- 8:00 p.m. Girlfriends Service Project (offsite)
SATURDAY (5/11):
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service
SUNDAY (5/12):
- 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
- 6:30 p.m. Sunday Night XP
MONDAY (5/13):
- 9:30 a.m. Girlfriends Bible Study
- 1:30 p.m. Senior Bible Study Hymn Sing at the Aardema's
- 7:00 p.m. Girlfriends Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m. New Hope
TUESDAY (5/14):
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. People God Chose Bible Study
WEDNESDAY (5/15):
- 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. Overcomers
THURSDAY (5/16):
- 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 Ministries
- 7:00 p.m. Southwest Job Networking Group
- 7:00 p.m. NOAH
- 7:00 p.m. Consistory Meeting
FRIDAY (5/17)
- 2-9:00 p.m. Girlfriends Stitch 'n Time & Sassy Scrapbookers
SATURDAY (5/18):
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service
- 5:00 p.m. Flicker Chicks
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There's a lot of ways to share your blessing story! You can...
and fill out a form.
- 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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Employment Opportunity
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Barnabas Foundation is looking for a full-time Finance Assistant to perform charitable gift processing and customer support at their Tinley Park, IL location. They help Christians with their charitable giving needs. You can find out more about the position here.
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Employment Opportunity II
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Barnabas Foundation also seeking a full-time Receptionist / Marketing Assistant to perform Marketing and office support functions at their Tinley Park, IL, location. Primary responsibilities of this position are to manage incoming phone calls, assemble marketing materials, update social media, assist with mailings and marketing projects. Qualified candidates must have office experience with excellent computer and database skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook software. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential. This full-time position offers insurance and retirement benefits. If qualified, please email your resume to jobs@
barnabasfoundation
.com.
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Employment Opportunity III
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Smitty's Tree Service, Inc. (at 11941 S. Cicero Ave. Alsip, Illinois) is looking to hire a class B driver with air brakes, ability to work on a tree crew and do physical labor. Hours are M-F 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. (never sure what time we will end at the end of the day). Pay is based on experience.
Contact us at Phone: 708-385-2814 or
Fax: 708-385-2833 or emailing us at
Please tell them you heard about the job from Self-Help Jobs Program.
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Childcare Needed
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A Calvary mom who lives in Tinley Park is looking for a college student or mother to care for her two elementary kids from Mon-Fri at 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. all summer. Contact lindajoy7
@gmail.com.
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Child Care Needed 2
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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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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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