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For the Week of October 31-November 7            
Vol. 9, Issue 39
Happy Halloween!
I've always loved this holiday. What's not to love about free candy and having fun dressing up in costumes? I recently came across this blog posting written by Zach Lee asking if Christians should celebrate Halloween, a holiday that arose out of pagan origins. I've pasted it for you to read here since I thought it was well-put. You can find his original blog right here.

Have a great Halloween and we'll see you here next week!

- Matt

A History of the Holiday

The Celts started the holiday 2,000 years ago, calling it Samhain (pronounced: "Sow-in"). The Celts celebrated the New Year on November 1 and believed that the night before was a transitional period from a time of harvest, light and warmth (summer/fall) into a period of death, darkness and cold (winter). They believed that the spiritual and physical realms overlapped during that night and that spirits could then walk the earth. They put on scary masks and lit bonfires to scare away evil spirits. To guide the spirits of their dead relatives home, they put candles in their windows.

 

In 43 A.D. the Romans conquered the Celts, and Samhain became combined with two Roman holidays. The first holiday, Feralia, was a day to honor the dead, and the other was to celebrate Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees (some think this is where "bobbing for apples" comes from).

 

By the seventh century, Pope Boniface the IV declared November 1 as "All Saints Day" or "All Hallows." This is why October 31 is called "All Hallows Eve" or "Halloween." By the year 1000 they had big parades for "All Hallows" where they would dress up as saints, angels and devils.

 

In England, poor people would go door to door around this time to ask for food. They were given what were called "soul cakes." Over time that evolved to kids dressed as Batman coming to your door and saying, "Trick or Treat," which originally meant "Give me a treat or I'll play a trick on you."

 

So, since there are both pagan and Christian elements in Halloween, should we celebrate it?

 

A Biblical Example to Consider

Paul gives us an answer in 1 Corinthians 8:4-13. In Paul's day, people would offer sacrifices to idols and then sell the meat in the marketplace or eat it in the temple. Some Christians opposed this practice under the following line of reasoning:

  • There is no God but Yahweh.
  • Since there can be no other gods, sacrifices made to any "god" other than Yahweh must be made to demons.
  • We should not have anything to do with demons.

Paul agrees with this logic and does not want Christians eating idol meat in the pagan temples because he doesn't want them associating themselves with demons. However, he does allow meat sold in the marketplace to be eaten, even though it was offered to demons. How can that be? Shouldn't we stay away from this meat since it started out as pagan sacrifice? How can Paul allow Christians to eat meat sacrificed to demons?

 

Paul's answer: Because good things belong to God and can be redeemed for His glory.

 

There is no demon meat - just meat that can be eaten in celebration of Jesus. Jesus made meat, and it is a good gift. Don't get rid of the meat. Rather, get rid of its demonic association and redeem the meat for Jesus.

 

Application

The same principle applies to Halloween. Jesus created joy. Jesus created celebratory events. Jesus created laughter. Those things should be redeemed and used for Jesus. Now, there are obvious things you don't want to take part in or that are sinfully beyond redemption. Dressing up inappropriately, taking part in anything demonic (Ouija boards, séances, etc.) and sexual, drunken debauchery would all be wrong.

 

But to simply laugh with friends, dress up and eat candy is not wrong. However, don't violate your conscience. If you are uncomfortable with taking part in Halloween, then feel free to abstain. God doesn't want you to do something you cannot do in faith (Rom. 14:23), but don't judge those who do participate out of a good conscience. Although you "can" celebrate Halloween, it doesn't mean that you necessarily "should" or "have to." Allow the Lord to lead Christians in their own consciences regarding this holiday.

Hopkins Park Annual Log Splitting Day
Help us split some logs for Hopkins Park

Mark your calendar for THIS Saturday, November 2! This is our annual log splitting day to help provide the citizens of Hopkins Park with plenty of wood to keep their homes warm throughout the winter. We'll be meeting at Hopkins Park around 8 a.m. If you'd like to help or get more information, please contact Keith Baar at krbaar@yahoo.com. 

NEW Small Group Bible Study Starting
Are you looking for a group to go deeper in the Bible with?

You are invited to join us THIS Saturday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Earl and Diane Vander Wall (in Orland Park). This study is for men and women who are interested in deepening your walk with Christ. Join us for coffee, dessert and a time of discussion. Please RSVP to Earl at earl@calvaryop.org or call 708-429-2200 ext. 14 and let us know if you are coming, or if you would like further information.
ONE Ministry Bonfire
Here's the date for our bonfire!

Join us for a bonfire NEXT Friday, November 8 from 7-10 p.m. Kirk and Jean Cavanaugh have graciously offered to host the event at their home in Homer Glen. 

This fall ministry kick-off event is open to any seriously dating, engaged or married couples, regardless of how many years you've been together!

We are asking couples to sign up in advance so we have an accurate count. You can sign up online on our website right here!

Any questions? Email one@calvaryop.org or contact Jean Murray. 
Girlfriends' Pinterest Party
You're invited!

The Girlfriends are inviting you to a Pinterest party coordinated by Jackie Dorcic and Laura Winthrop on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in Rooms 210-212!
 
We will be doing a Christmas craft to get in the mood for the holidays! We ask that all who come to bring a Christmas recipe / appetizer to share and $5 to help pay for the craft supplies.

We will be hooking up a computer to a TV to show those who are not familiar with Pinterest how it works. Come and join us! To find out more information, please contact us at girlfriends@calvaryop.org. 
Operation Christmas Child
Calvary's annual Christmas project is back!
  
Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God's love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan's Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.

You can pick up a shoebox (or provide your own) at church, decide on a girl or boy and their age range (great to match with the age range of your child) and pack it with goodies such as small toys, school items, hygiene items, socks, hair accessories and candy.

 

All boxes need to be brought back to church no later than Sunday, November 17.

 

We will then ship them off around the world! Questions? Call the church office or email Tiffany at children@calvaryop.org.
GEMS Mexican Fiesta
Come and help support our GEMS ministry!

Our popular GEMS Mexican Fiesta fundraiser is back! Get ready for some tacos, nachos, salsa and mucho mas at the GEMS Mexican Fiesta fundraiser that will be held on Monday, November 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. right here at Calvary. On top of the delicious food and Christian fellowship, you'll also be supporting a great ministry for all girls 2nd through 8th grade. Hope to see you all there!
Pray Big For Your Child: A KidsLife Challenge!
Will you join us in this challenge?

The KidsLife Ministry has a challenge for all parents in November: Pray Big for Your Child! As part of this challenge, all parents will have a chance to do an individual book study that includes a powerful thirty-one-day prayer guide and twelve around-the-clock reminders to help parents to

"Pray Big for Your Child." This challenge is based on the book Pray Big for Your Child by Will Davis, Jr. 

  

There will be no meetings since this is for individual families to take the challenge themselves. However, Tiffany Johnston, our KidsLife Director, will be starting a blog in where she will discuss the book and you'll be able to join in the conversation with all the parents who are doing the challenge there. We will release the website link next month. 

 

The books are available in our Revelations Bookstore for $10. (Or you can download it on your Kindle for $8!) Pick up your copy during the month of October and we will begin to dig in and challenge each other in this mission during the winter months! Questions? Email Tiffany at children@calvaryop.org.  

Thanksgiving
November's right around the corner, and so is Thanksgiving!

OUR THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICES will be held on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m. We will fill the Worship Center with songs of praise, thanksgiving and words of joy to our great and glorious God. Invite someone to join you and share God's indescribable gifts. We will receive a special offering of thanksgiving, the "Joash Chest" (see 2 Kings 12) for the building needs of Calvary Church. Prayerfully consider your thanksgiving gifts and how you can be a blessing to the ongoing work of Calvary again this Thanksgiving.
Agape Café Training
Will you help out this popular ministry?
 

Sit-Sip-Share-and join the Agape Café Team on Sunday mornings! The café is looking for a few more volunteers to help serve on Sunday mornings. All serving times are only one hour, just twice a month! You can connect with fellow Christians, learn the art of building specialty drinks and also fulfill community service hours. For additional information contact Pam Bibeau at pbeebs68@sbcglobal.net.

40 Days of Purpose at New Hope
Join us Saturdays this Fall!

It's hard to believe, but it's been ten years since Pastor Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life came out. Do you remember when we at Calvary did the 40 Days Of Purpose campaign? We couldn't keep the book in stock fast enough! Many people dedicated their lives to Christ during this campaign. 

 

Now it is the 10th anniversary and we are going to do it all over again!

On Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. in November we will be doing a six-week series on this book that will include a video, message, great praise worship and dinner afterwards.

 

People need purpose. The Purpose Driven Life is a great book that will answer the question, "What On Earth Am I Here For?" Get ready for a wonderful six weeks of self discovery! Be sure to bring friends that would like to join you.  

 

The books are sold in our Revelations Bookstore for only $12.00 each.  

Girlfriends' Christmas Event
Get in the holiday spirit with this comedy show!

If there's anything the world could use more of today, it's laughter! Tracy DeGraaf, author of Laugh Anyway Mom, brings humor to the everyday trials and tribulations of life as a woman, wife, and mother of FIVE BOYS and she's coming to Calvary for the Girlfriends' Christmas event!

 

This newcomer is quickly making a name for herself. Lake Michigan Shore Magazine called her incredibly funny and named her one of "six Midwestern comedians who crack us up." Legendary comedian, actress, and fellow mother of five children, the late Phyllis Diller, said this about Tracy's book, "A funny book that will make you laugh, cry, and take life as it should be - with a grain of salt!"

 

Tracy's show is a delightful presentation of hilarious true stories about the ups and downs of being a woman ending with a tug on heartstrings that has left audiences both laughing and crying.  

 

The Girlfriends of Calvary Church will host DeGraaf's one-woman show, It's a Wonder-Full Life, Laugh Anyway, on Saturday, December 7. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 1 p.m.   

 

Seating is limited. Tickets are $12. The event will also include music, inspiration, and fellowship and is open to all women ages 18 and up. Advance tickets are recommended. Limited amount of tickets may be available at the door.  

 

For information and to register, visit our website at www.calvaryop.org/girlfriends/christmas. Have questions? Email us at girlfriends@calvaryop.org. 

Local Community News
The Confident Caregiver Conference:    

Come to "The Confident Caregiver" workshop on Saturday, November 16 at 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Trinity Christian College. Speakers Karen Mulder & Ginger Jurries are also the co-authors of the Compassionate Congregation, a handbook for people who care for others in crisis. $15 per person; $10 for students; $120 flat rate for churches bringing 8 or more people. Scholarships available upon request by Christian Service Ministries. Register by e-mailing Jane: jane.voss@trnty.edu.

     

Illiana Oratorio Society:    
The Illiana Oratorio Society is pleased to announce the performance of Mendlessohn's Messiah on Sunday, December 1 at 2 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church (16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL). All are welcome to come celebrate the life of Christ with us during this Christmas season! 

Your Kingdom Come Seminar:

Orland Park Christian Reformed Church is excited to announce that we will be hosting a two-day seminar with Rev. Ray Vander Laan on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seminar is called Your Kingdom Come: The Ministry of Jesus in Its First Century Setting. During this seminar, Rev. Vander Laan will give us a greater understanding of the message of the Bible in light of its Jewish context. The conference will be held at OPCRC at 7500 W. Sycamore Dr., Orland Park, IL. To register, go to www.orlandchurch.com or contact Jan Kamp at 708-532-4900 or jank@opcrc.org.  

  

Providence Life Services News

Are you ready to join us for Torchlight 2013? Providence Life Services is excited to return to the Museum of Science and Industry for an evening of ministry celebration that will include an elegant meal, popular exhibits, and dueling pianos (yes, dueling pianos!). On Friday, November 1, 2013 the evening begins at 6:30pm, and transportation is available for those who prefer not to drive. To make reservations, email jschutt@provlife.com or call (708) 342-8108.

  

Men of A-Chord

Come celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with song! The Men of A-Chord cordially invites you to join them in A Festival of Nine Lessons in Carols for Christmastide on Saturday, December 7 at 7 p.m. at Munster Christian Reformed Church. Come join the singing with the Carols and Songs of the Season celebrating Christ's birth! Justin Rich is the director, Beverly Hoitsma is the pianist, and Nancy Venema is the organist. A freewill offering will be taken.


Camp Manitoqua News

Red Oak Luncheon for Seniors    

Enjoy a taste of fall at the Red Oak Luncheon, a pleasant occasion for seniors, at Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center on Wednesday, December 4th. Coffee & rolls will be served at 10:30am. Our program will begin at 11:00am with lunch to follow at 12:00pm. Tours of the grounds will be available after lunch. Cost for the event is $10.00. Please make reservations at 815-469-2319 by November 30.

 

Fall Retreat Discounts 

Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center's fall retreat season has begun. At this time, we are offering groups a 15% discount on any retreat booked for December 2013 or January 2014. Please contact Becky at 815.469.2319, or at becky@manitoqua.org for availability.

  

WinterBlast Day Camp  

Have a BLAST this winter break - Registration begins October 1st for our WinterBlast day camp program, a break from school, not from fun, at Camp Manitoqua and Retreat Center. Held during winter break for grades 1-5; featuring classic camp activities, winter snow games, hot lunches, and more. Additional information (including downloadable brochure) available at  www.manitoqua.org, or call our office at 815-469-2319.
In This Issue
Fall Back Time Change
Hopkins Park Annual Log Splitting Day
New Small Group Bible Study
Coffee Break's Fannie May Sale
ONE Ministry Bonfire
Girlfriends' Pinterest Party
Operation Christmas Child
GEMS Mexican Fiesta
Pray Big For Your Child Splitting Day
Thanksgiving Services
Agape Cafe Training
40 Days of Purpose
Girlfriends' Christmas Event
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

THURSDAY (10/31):

- 7:00 a.m.  Men's Barnabas Bible Study

- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Food Pantry

- 1:00 p.m.  Men's Bible Study 

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

  

FRIDAY (11/1):

- 9:30 a.m.  Momtourage 

- 5:30 p.m.  Parents' Night Out 

  

SATURDAY (11/2): 

- 9:00 a.m.  Hopkins Park Wood Splitting
- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service

SUNDAY (11/3):
- 8:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 9:30 a.m. Worship Service
- 9:30 & 11 a.m.  The Loft
- 9:30 a.m.  Jr. High CrossTraining
- 9:45 a.m.  NO Faith Foundations Bible Study
- 11:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 1:00 p.m.  DivorceCare
- 6:00 p.m.  Jr. High XP
- 7:00 p.m.  Senior High XP 

 

MONDAY (11/4):      

- 9:30 a.m.  Girlfriends Bible Study (Faithful, Abundant, True)

- 6:30 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal   

- 7:00 p.m.  Girlfriends Bible Study (Nehemiah)

- 7:00 p.m.  New Hope 

    

TUESDAY (11/5):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Consistory Meeting

- 7:00 p.m.  Children's Musical Rehearsal 

- 7:00 p.m.  HS Guy/Girl Night

  

WEDNESDAY (11/6):

- 9:30 a.m.  Coffee Break

- 11:00 a.m.  OK Club 

- 6:30 p.m.  Cadets

- 6:30 p.m.  The Hangout 

- 7:00 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  NOAH (offsite) 

 

THURSDAY (11/7):

- 7:00 a.m.  Men's Barnabas Bible Study

- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Food Pantry

- 1:00 p.m.  Men's Bible Study 

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Stephen Ministry 

  

FRIDAY (11/8):

- 7:00 p.m.  Jr. High Event  

- 7:00 p.m.  ONE Marriage Ministry Bonfire  

SATURDAY (11/9): 

- 9:00 a.m.  Children's Musical Rehearsal
- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service

sermon

Virtual Job Fair!
Join us at the 2013 Dice Virtual Career Fair without leaving your house!

When: Wednesday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

How: Sign up here!

By participating in this virtual career fair, you will be able to chat with dozens of recruiters and hiring managers as well as apply for dozens of engineering and technology openings in the Midwestern United States. You will be able to do this without leaving the comfort and privacy of you own computer, in a real-time, virtual, 3-D online environment.
Tinley Park Job Fair!
Register now for the Chicago South Career Fair, featuring companies such as Aflac, Farmers, New York Life, Aarons, and many more!

When: Tuesday, November 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Tinley Park Convention Center, 1845 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, IL 60477

How: Sign up here!
Men's Bible Study
On Thursdays at 1 p.m., a new Bible study for men meets. This men's study group will meet every Thursday and is full of lively conversation and discussion as they look at Scripture together. So, if you have a little extra time and would like to spend some time searching God's Word with other men, we'll see you there in the second floor room #252. Questions? Contact Earl at earl@calvaryop.org
or call him at 708-429-2200 ext. 14. 
Help Us Stock Our Food Pantry!

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! 

Senior Bible Study
Pastor Dave Van Kley invites you to join him on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. for a great Bible study on the book of Isaiah. So, if being a senior is a part of your description and you are looking to grow in your knowledge of God's Word, join us in room #210. Any questions contact Pastor Dave at davevk

@calvaryop.org or 708.429.2200 ext. 33. 

Prayer Opportunities
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!
Faith Foundations Bible Study
An Adult Bible study meets on Sundays at 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.
DivorceCare
DivorceCare is a special weekly video seminar and support group conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. This support group will explore real world questions and answers on issues related to separation, divorce and remarriage, all presented in an easily understandable format. Most importantly, you'll learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.

 

Our sessions are on Sundays at 1 p.m. in room 104. You can download our full schedule right here. Questions? Email Nancy Triezenberg at amera6@att.net. 

Coffee Break
Our popular Coffee Break Bible study for women meets on
Wednesdays at 9:30-11:00am. FREE childcare is available for kids 5 & under. We have an exciting year planned! For more information, please contact Jenny at coffeebreak
@calvaryop.org or visit their Facebook page here. 
Looking For a Job?

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.