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A Labor Day Meditation Reprinted
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Today, with Labor Day weekend approaching, I thought it would be fun to turn on the WayBack Machine and re-publish something I wrote four years ago in this area. Some of you may remember it; to others this will be brand-new. I have not changed a single word, which I suppose is a commentary in itself of how little things have changed in four years. I will leave that for people to muse on their own. Enjoy the holiday weekend! (And yes, the church office will be closed on Monday.) -Matt
Labor Day
I've always been struck by the amusing irony of having a holiday called Labor Day where one was not supposed to be working. Curious on what the origins of the holiday were, I quickly browsed the Internet and learned that the holiday originated in Canada where parades held in support of Canadian labor movements led to an annual celebration. Inspired Americans began organizing "labor days." This idea slowly filtered out to other states throughout the years until 1894 when President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority after a major strike that resulted in the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.
On their website, the U.S. Department of Labor describes the rationale of Labor Day as such: "The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership - the American worker."
Lately, with the ongoing recession and high unemployment, people of this generation are starting to understand much more deeply--if they didn't before--the value of work and of workers in this country that we live in. The Department of Labor has it right. It's not just about working for wages; it's about working for the betterment of oneself and the world through work because work for work's sake is worthless. Solomon writes this poetically in the book of Ecclesiastes: "What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:9-10, 12-13).
With the variety upon variety of all sorts of jobs, the best labor we can do is that of proclaiming loudly the Good News. Paul writes in Colossians 1:28-29, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."
So this weekend, don't let Labor Day be just a special day to denote the end of the summer and a good weekend for sales. Think and meditate on the blessings, both financially and professionally, that God has given us through our skills and jobs; how we can, in turn, bless the world through working on spreading the Gospel; remembering those who are struggling without jobs; and finally thanking God that we are able to enjoy our work.
"A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" --Eccelesiastes 2:24-25
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FYI: A Note About Agape Cafe
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It's taking a holiday this weekend!
This weekend is Labor Day weekend, so the Agape Cafe will be closing its doors this Sunday. Adjust your plans accordingly!
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Guatemala 2014 News
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Updated news...
1. This is your final opportunity to consider joining us on our mission to Zacapa, Guatemala in January 2014. We are excited to plan this trip and would love to take you along. The trip will be closed to new members on August 31. If this is something the Lord has laid on your heart, but you are not sure if this is something you can commit to, please get your questions answered and your concerns addressed by contacting John or Lori Voss @ 708.422.4633 in the evening.
2. Our Culver's benefit night is coming up quickly on Thursday, September 12 at the Culver's located at 9130 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. You do not need a special coupon - just show up and mention Calvary Church. 10% of your purchase will benefit our team. It's that easy!
3. Our final fundraiser is a golf outing planned for Saturday, September 28, 2013. Time: 10:00 AM with a shot-gun start. Location: Deercreek Golf Course, University Park. Cost: $60.00 per person that includes: 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and a hot dog lunch. Benefits of enjoying a beautiful day on the links with your buddies: priceless. We are also accepting sponsors @ $100.00 per individual and $200.00 for businesses. All proceeds will benefit the team traveling to Guatemala in January, but if all our needs are met, proceeds will directly benefit Hearts in Motion and/or other short-term missionaries. Sign up will begin in September. In the meantime - put a team together or sign up individually. Can't wait to see you there! |
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Ever Thought About Becoming a Stephen Minister?
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Now is the time!
 A new Stephen Ministry Training Class will be offered on Thursday nights beginning in September of 2013. Stephen Ministers are trained to work alongside our pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness. If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, please begin to prayerfully consider whether you might want to be part of this exciting ministry. If you are interested, talk to one of our Stephen Leaders: Pastor Dave, Pat Vallejo or Al Vallejo. You can find their contact information and a downloadable application form at www.calvaryop.org/stephen.
Applications have to be turned in by September 1.
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Tryouts For Fall Play!
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Love to act? Want to try something new? Join us!
 Well, Fall is coming and you know what that means. It's time for our annual Fall Play! We will be performing a very funny play that will be guaranteed to get you into the holiday mood: The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge. We will be holding our SECOND tryout for this play on Tuesday, September 3 at 7 p.m. Come out and get a part! Fun IS guaranteed! Questions? Contact Donna Montgomery at 708-429-2592. |
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Momtourage
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 Get your calendars out!
Momtourage is the new name of Calvary's ministry to moms! We meet two Friday mornings a month for discussion, speakers, crafts, and activities as we explore some of the most important issues affecting our lives and our kids. While the group is geared towards moms of young children, all moms are welcome! New this year is Momtourage "After Hours" - evening and weekend activities designed with the working mom in mind. Our official kick-off date is Friday, September 6 from 9-11:30 a.m. You can also download the Momtourage flyer right here! |
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Girlfriends Bible Studies
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We're starting some serious studies this fall! Join us!
 Monday Nights: Nehemiah - A Heart That Can Break, by Kelly Minter. This 14-week study is open to ANY WOMAN and will begin on Monday, September 9 at 7 p.m. in rooms 210-211. A reviewer of this book wrote: "This book is more than just a fascinating story of the Jews returning to Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity. This is a life transforming journey into our own hearts; of rebuilding our own lives as well as the lives of others while removing the rubble that clutters our hearts and keeps us in a state of disgrace. I discovered a renewed sense of clarity and courage to do the things God has purposed for my life. In my heart, I found greater compassion and empathy for others. Intimacy with God is not an unattainable fantasy, but the lessons learned in this book create a wonderful mode of transportation toward that end." Interested? Questions? Contact Bonnie Gier at bgier@swchristian.org. 
Monday Mornings: Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer. This 7-week study is open to ANY WOMAN and will begin on Monday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m. in room 252. Join Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer in a women's Bible study recorded live at the Orlando Deeper Still conference. - Kay Arthur teaches from basically, the entire book of Hebrews! Hebrews is both an example of God's faithfulness and a challenge to believers to be faithful in difficult times.
- Priscilla Shirer teaches from Ephesians 3:20-21 on God's abundance. A fundamental basis for every believer is the absolute reality that God can do whatever He chooses to do. God's ability empowers our faithfulness.
- Beth Moore teaches on the topic of discernment. In these difficult days it is absolutely essential that we learn to trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to determine what is true and what is false.
While these three women each speak on the distinctive topic the Holy Spirit had lead them to teach, the messages result in a marvelous blend. Kay challenges us to faithfulness in difficult days. Priscilla points to the essential of trust in God's ability, and Beth teaches on how to discern truth from error in these difficult days. Interested? Questions? Contact Jeanne Hagenberg at jeannehagenberg@gmail.com. |
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KidsLife Ministry News
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We're kicking off our season! Come and join us!
Sunday School Fall Kick-Off: (pre-school - 5th grade) will be held on Sunday, September 8 at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Join us in Tiny Town or the LOFT for worship, live Bible story telling and age divided small groups.
Cadets*: is for all boys 2nd through 8th grade. The meetings are every first and third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Cadets is about boys, campouts, pinewood derbies, wood work, games and above all, FUN! The goal is to help boys grow spiritually in all areas of life. The kickoff meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 4. For information contact Mark Sullivan at drpaulmarksullivan@gmail.com.
GEMS*: is for all girls 2nd through 8th grade. The meetings are every second and fourth Wednesday from September through May at 6:30 p.m. Girls get the chance to participate in fun small groups, exciting campouts, be active in various service projects, learn crafts, earn badges and make friends with other girls their age. The kickoff meeting is Wednesday, September 11. For more information contact Chris Stuursma at chrisms59@aol.com.
The Hangout: Don't forget that on Wednesday nights we offer The Hangout from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This group works with the rotating schedule of GEMS and Cadets. When Cadets meet, bring the girls to The Hangout! When GEMS meet, bring the boys to The Hangout! This is a safe place for 2nd through 8th graders to come together to "hang out" as well as grow together as Christians. Questions? Contact children@calvaryop.org.
*You may pre-register online at www.calvaryop.org/gems or www.calvaryop.org/cadets.
Parents Night Out: PNO will return again on Friday, September 20 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Yes, parents, you get a night out without children! Why scramble for a sitter and pay a costly amount, when you can bring your children to P.N.O. at Calvary? Cost is $5 per child (ages infants - 5th graders) for the night. Their dinner and snack are included. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and snacks will be served at 8:30 p.m. Registration begins today.
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Attention All Singers
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Calvary's choir season is quickly approaching!
Calvary's choir season is quickly approaching. Choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. We are looking forward to a very exciting new season, in which we will begin working on our Christmas production soon. Choir is open to singers high school age and older. We are especially in need of tenors this season, so if you are a tenor, will you prayerfully consider becoming part of this vital ministry at Calvary Church? Contact Jody Van Kley at jodyvk@calvaryop.org or 708-429-2200 ext. 16.
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Faith Foundations Bible Study
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Join us for some serious growth!
A new Bible study will begin Sunday, September 22 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. in room #104 here at Calvary Church. This Bible study will definitely help you grow in your knowledge of God's Word. Learn how He wants us to be able to apply it to our everyday lives and create within us all a deeper and richer walk with Him. Please contact Joe Dampf at jdampf22@gmail.com for further information.
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Local Community News
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Laugh For Life: A Southwest Pregnancy Center Event
Join SPC as we "Laugh for LIFE" and help young parents have their babies! Enjoy WHOLESOME entertainment with friends, family and everyone who likes to laugh by listening to Christian comedian Michael Jr. perform on Friday, September 13 at 7-9 p.m. at Moraine Valley Church (6300 W. 127th St., Palos Hts., IL).
Influenced by the comedy of Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Jr. has appeared on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, The Late, Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and others. Get your $25 tickets today by clicking here.
Southside Pregnancy Center offers help and hope to those affected by unplanned pregnancy and promotes sexual purity in an effort to preserve life. All proceeds from "Laugh for Life" will support the life-saving ministry of SPC.
Hope & Healing Meetings With PASS
It is with humility and blessing to offer our "Hope & Healing" Program to men and women who are hurting from past experiences. Originally offered to post-abortive women, "Hope & Healing" offers restoration and freedom from ALL past hurts to both men and women. It is with much prayer and seeking the LORD to find freedom from the past through this extensive program.
Sessions are open to men and women identifying with the hurt of depression, regret, abortion, divorce, loneliness, low self-worth, loss, crisis, pain and/or shame, or desire to experience new or renewed growth, restoration and freedom in the upcoming year. The road to freedom from your past hurts and present pain can begin for YOU!
To R.S.V.P. for our upcoming 12-week program, please call
708-614-9777 x17. This program is for men and women, ages 18 years and older. A suggested cost for Hope & Healing materials is $24.00. Programs start on Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10 in various locations such as Tinley Park, South Holland, Steger and Matteson.
Orland Park's Illumin8K Run/Walk
Our upcoming Illumin8k Run/Walk on Saturday, September 14 at 7 p.m. will benefit three great causes: Catholic Charities' LOSS Program, The Jason Foundation and the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation. There will be door prizes and goody bags. Get more information and register online at www.illumin8k.com or call 708-403-4222.
Summer's End at Orland Grassland
Our Saturday, September 7 event is not a work day and should be a nice day to take a tour and see the early fall blooms of the prairie and to see birds and the wood savannah's right here in our backyard.
Orland Grasslands has worked hard this past 10 years to help restore the old farmland back to its natural beauty and we wish to share it and educate our neighbors as to its existence and to introduce the community to it. Eventually, there will be a four-mile bike path and the south portion which is currently a farm, will also be restored.
We'll have guided hikes on this special day! See www.orlandgrassland.org for more information and how else you can enjoy this special area in Orland Park.
The Booth Brothers at First Reformed Church of Lansing
First Reformed Church of Lansing, IL will host in concert THE BOOTH BROTHERS on Saturday, September 7. For tickets and information please call the church office at (708) 474-9610. Tickets are $15 (general admission). Doors open at 6:00p, the concert begins at 7:00p. Our website is: www.firstreformedchurch.org.
Open Lands of Orland Park To Host Golf Outing
The Village of Orland Park will hold its annual golf outing on Tuesday, September 17 at Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 South 82nd Avenue in Orland Park. The outing benefits Open Lands of Orland Park and is open to the public.
Check-in and continental breakfast begin at 8:30 am with a shot-gun start at 9:30 am. The outing is limited to 144 golfers, so golfers are encouraged to send in their reservations as soon as possible.
Three ticket options are available. $130.00 per person includes eighteen holes of golf, cart, continental breakfast, lunch on the course, cocktails, dinner, and door prizes. $100 per person includes eighteen holes of golf, cart, continental breakfast, and lunch on the course. $50 includes cocktails, dinner, and door prizes.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and include hole sponsorships for $200, continental breakfast at $300, cocktail hour at $500, and lunch on the course at $1,000. The committee is also seeking door and raffle prizes for the event. All sponsors and prize donors will be listed in the event program that is given to all attendees.
Ticket and sponsorship information is available by calling Patty Vlazny at 708/403-6145.
Chicago Christian Counseling Center is Turning 40!
You're invited to help us celebrate our 40th anniversary! Join us for a laughter-filled night with Jeff Allen, while supporting the work of Chicago Christian Counseling Center, on Saturday, October 12 from 7-9 p.m. at Trinity Christian College's Ozinga Chapel. Invite your friends, family and coworkers...they won't be disappointed! Order your $20 tickets TODAY by clicking here.
PASS Diaper Drive
PASS needs diapers to help all the parents that come through our doors! Did you know that we commit to our clients until the child is 2 years old? We're always in need of diapers, so won't you consider donating diapers to our locations in Lansing, South Holland or Tinley Park? You can get more about PASS here.
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What's the What
This Week @ Calvary! |
THURSDAY (8/29):
- 7:00 a.m. Men's Barnabas Bible Study
- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Food Pantry
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
SATURDAY (8/31):
NO New Hope Fellowship Service
SUNDAY (9/1):
- 8:00 a.m. Worship Service
- 9:30 a.m. Worship Service
- 11:00 a.m. Worship Service
MONDAY (9/2):
Happy Labor Day!
TUESDAY (9/3):
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. Drama Tryouts
- 7:00 p.m. Deacons' Meeting
WEDNESDAY (9/4):
- 6:30 p.m. Cadet Kickoff
- 6:30 p.m. The Hangout Kickoff
- 7:00 p.m. Girlfriends Meeting
THURSDAY (9/5):
- 7:00 a.m. Men's Barnabas Bible Study
- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Food Pantry
- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry
FRIDAY (9/6):
- 9:00 a.m. Momtourage Kickoff
SATURDAY (9/7):
- 8:00 a.m. Girlfriends Breakfast with Pam Gillaspie
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service
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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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NO LOFT / CrossTraining This Month!
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The Sunday school program in The Loft (5 years to 5th grade) and Jr. High CrossTraining (6th to 8th grade) are taking August off, resuming on Sunday, September 8 when we will have our annual Fall Kick-Off!
Our nursery program in Tiny Town (for infants through 4 years old) will continue as normal, being offered at all three morning services.
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Looking For a Job?
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How do you conduct a career switch? The Self-Help Jobs Program office has abundant resources to help you determine your skills, conduct informational interviews, get training, and much more. The director looks forward to helping you - call 708-633-6580. Office hours are on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Call Laura Vande Werken at (708) 633-6580 or email her at selfhelpjobs @sbcglobal.net.
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Since 1996, the Community Career Center has provided job seekers with guidance on subjects ranging from goal-setting and resume writing to networking and interview skills. These consultations are available thanks to the dedicated support of approximately 50 volunteers who are career counselors, recruiters, human resource professionals, and other job search experts.
If you are looking for a job, this place in Naperville is a great resource to start. Learn more here.
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Housing Needed
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Do you have room?
A Synod of Mid-America church planting consultant, who resides in Michigan, is looking for a one night per week housing stay while he is working in the Chicagoland area. If you feel led to minister in this way, please contact Ben Ingebretson at 616-481-7566.
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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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Calvary Cares
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Calvary Cares' ministry goal is to assist people in various needs. Often these people include the elderly, widow, single mothers, people recovering from illness and families that are financially on hard times. While the elders and deacons try to address these needs, they often need assistance, both professionally and physically. We also know that many people of Calvary would love to assist, but are not aware of the needs.
If you would like to become involved with the Calvary Cares ministry, please contact either Keith Baar or Randy Kosar.
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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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