For the Week of November 14-21

Vol. 9, Issue 41

Crazy Love

The staff at Calvary have been reading a book together called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This book is a wonderful love letter to God and contains some of the simplest, but most powerful theology that I've encountered. I highly recommend it for Christians at all levels.

One of the more illuminating things that the book has helped me understand more clearly is how big, deep, and wide is God's love for me, a sinner. It's not just a simple thought that can be easily grasped.

People can easily accept that I love my wife. Some have been to my wedding where they saw me exchange my vows with her. Some have come over to our house and seen the life that we've been building together. Some see how my wife and I are together in public. The main thing is that our love for each other is visible and easily seen.

But what about God? How can we feel the love of an invisible Creator? How can we love back something that we can't see or touch? Even more mind-bogglingly, how can the Being who created the massive galaxies and stars and the universe care about little us, who are like gnats on the cosmic scale?

The first step in loving God, says Francis, is to accept God's love for us. "The very fact that a holy, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, merciful, fair and just God loves you and me is nothing short of astonishing. ... The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing God treasures us."

God showed us His love when Jesus died on the cross for us. That's how much He treasures us and desires to have a relationship with us. This is not the only time He has shown us His love. His love is also manifest when we wake up daily, in the sunrise, in the sunset, in the wind, in the blessings of life, and in the curses of life that cause us to rely on Him.

Do you buy that truth? Do you accept that fact? Once you start to understand how God's love undergirds the world, your perception on life and its purpose changes. You'll begin to see God's love for you in more and more apparent ways and you'll start to reciprocate His love back to Him, just like we do when someone loves us back.

So, this week, I challenge you to look for the ways that God's lavishing His love on you. I think you'll be surprised on how much He loves you.

-Matt

Girlfriends' Pinterest Party

You're invited!

The Girlfriends are inviting you to a Pinterest party coordinated by Jackie Dorcic and Laura Winthrop TOMORROW, 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 THIS Sunday, November 17.

We will then ship them off around the world! Questions? Call the church office or email Tiffany at children@calvaryop.org.

O.K. Club

Age 55 or better? Join us in this wonderful ministry!

We are planning to attend the Red Oak Luncheon for seniors at Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, IL on Wednesday, December 4. Cost is $10 at the door. Coffee hour begins at 10:30 a.m.; the music program begins at 11 a.m.; and lunch will be at 12 noon. In order to reserve enough tables for everyone, please sign up at the Welcome Center by THIS Sunday, November 17. Bus transportation is available. Questions? Contact Carol Hart.

NOAH

Check out our Young Adult ministry!

NOAH is Calvary's Young Adult Ministry, for anyone in their early 20's - mid-30's. We are not a singles ministry, but a ministry for anyone in that post-college age range looking for fellowship, spiritual growth, and a place to connect. In January, we will begin a new Bible Study on the book of Galatians, using a study guide by John MacArthur. We meet at 7:30 p.m. on the 1st, 3rd, and the occasional 5th Thursday of every month at someone's house. We also schedule social hangout times, so come on and join us if you're looking for a place to join! If you are interested, please contact Brian "Pills" Langeland at 708.502.2930 or at tobyspill@yahoo.com.

We will have a table in the lobby for the next two Sundays, so come by and check us out!

*NEW* Girlfriends Bible Study

Join us for an advent Bible study!

Beginning Monday, November 18 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., we will be having a new women's Bible study called Chai With Malachi. This is by Sandra Glahn and is an advent study that will bring you face-to-face with a sovereign God of past, present and future, who keeps His promises to discipline and bless His people so that He will be known among the nations.

For more information, please contact Jeanne at jeannehagenberg@gmail.com.

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!

Holiday Childcare Needed

Can you gift us your time this holiday season?

Please take time to consider serving during one of our Holiday events. You will be a blessing to all of the people who use our nurseries during the holidays. You can email your interest to Luz Lopez at luzl@calvaryop.org OR fill out a form on our website right here.

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.

Girls' Biddy Basketball

Are you in 4th-6th grade? Then join us!

Basketball is back again at Calvary Church! All girls in 4th-6th grades are welcome to join us. Practices are Thursday evenings beginning December 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. Games will be held on Saturday mornings starting in January through April. No prior basketball experience is needed! If you have any questions, please contact Paula Lenderink at plenderink@aol.com.

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.

Holiday Food Boxes

Help us make the holidays memorable for a family!

This year for the Holidays, we will once again be assembling and distributing food boxes to be given to needy families in our community. This will be done in conjunction with Calvary's Food Pantry.

The items needed for each box are:

Canned Ham, 5 pound
Box of White Potatoes
Can/Box of Sweet Potatoes
Can of Cranberry Sauce
Canned Green Beans
Canned Corn
Jar of Apple Sauce
Box of Brownie Mix
Roll of Paper Towels
Small Package of Napkins
$20 Gift Card from Jewel

YOU CAN HELP IN 3 WAYS:

1) Bring any of the items listed above. You can place them in the "Food Pantry" box near the Welcome Center, along with your regular donations to the Food Pantry.

2) Volunteer to help assemble the boxes. Please sign up on the volunteer list at the Welcome Center or you may call the church office at 708.429.2200 ext. 14, or e-mail to earl@calvaryop.org.

3) Volunteer to deliver boxes to families who need delivery. Please sign up on the volunteer list at the Welcome Center or you may call the church office at 708.429.2200 ext. 14, or e-mail to earl@calvaryop.org.

Boxes will be assembled on December 16 and distribution of boxes will begin on December 19.

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. You can find Tiffany's blog right here.

The books are available in our Revelations Bookstore for $10. (Or you can download it on your Kindle for $8!) Pick up your copy NOW 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.

Special Needs Buddy Ministry

Have a love for God's VIP kids?

Have a love for God's VIP kids? Our Special Needs Buddy Ministry is looking for a few extra serving hands once a month or every other month during the 9:30 service upstairs in The LOFT. Our VIP friend, Hannah, is looking for a buddy to assist her with her Sunday curriculum. The material is very easy to follow and everything is prepped for you! Come and show God's amazing love and hope to Hannah!

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

Contact Tiffany for more details at children@calvaryop.org.

Local Community News

The Confident Caregiver Conference:

Come to "The Confident Caregiver" workshop THIS 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.

Southwest Chicago Christian News

CCHS Play

Chicago Christian High School will be performing the C.S. Lewis masterpiece "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" for its fall production. Performances will be November 22 and 23 at 7:00pm and November 23 at 2:30 pm in the CCHS Auditorium. Tickets for the evening performance will be $5 for students and seniors and $8 for adults; they will be $3 for students/seniors and $5 for adults for the matinee performance. Tickets will be for reserved seating, so advanced purchases are encouraged. Questions, call 708-388-7650.

7th & 8th Grade Knight Hoops Basketball

Chicago Christian High School Knight Hoops Basketball League is for 7th and 8th grade boys who love to play basketball games. It is not a teaching clinic; it is a competitive basketball environment for competitive players. Teams are coached by CCHS varsity players and officiated by the CCHS coaching staff; all games are played at Chicago Christian High School. Cost is $40 for five weeks of organized basketball, and a team t-shirt to be worn each week. Knight Hoops games take place between 9am - 11:30 am on Saturdays, December 7 & 14 and January 4, 11, & 18. Registration deadline is November 15. Questions? Contact Kevin Fopma at kfopma@swchristian.org.

Faith CRC's Journey of Joy

Faith Christian Reformed Church invites you to attend their 11th annual Journey of Joy. This live nativity will take place on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, from 1-6 p.m. All ages will enjoy the 45-minute guided tour through eight scenes (complete with live animals) leading up to the birth of Christ. Tours begin every 10 minutes. For shorter wait times, we suggest coming on Saturday. There is no charge for admission and this event is wheelchair accessible. Faith is located at 8383 W. 171st Street in Tinley Park. Call 708-532-8300 for more information.

FREE Conference About Suicide

Have you lost a loved one? Join us on Saturday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Fox Valley Institute, 640 N. River Rd., Suite 108, Naperville, IL for a FREE conference led by Jennifer Logston, MSW, LCSW, who will share her personal story of loss. Participants will view a DVD presentation that features survivors of suicide sharing their experiences as well as experts revealing current information about suicide. Following the DVD presentation, participants will have a special opportunity to break into groups with others who have experienced similar loss. This will be a time for sharing, connecting and finding support. Go here to register.

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

Girlfriends' Pinterest Party

Coffee Break's Fannie May Sale

Operation Christmas Child

OK Club

NOAH

*NEW* Girlfriends Bible Study

GEMS Mexican Fiesta

Holiday Childcare

Thanksgiving Services

Girls' Biddy Basketball

Girlfriends' Christmas Event

Holiday Food Boxes

Pray Big For Your Child

Special Needs Ministry

Local Community News

What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

THURSDAY (11/14):

- 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 (11/15):

- 9:00 a.m. Momtourage

- 7:00 p.m. Girlfriends Pinterest Party

SATURDAY (11/16):

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

SUNDAY (11/17):
- 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. 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. Sr. High XP

MONDAY (11/18):

- 9:30 a.m. Girlfriends Bible Study (Chai With Malachi)

- 5:30-7:30 p.m. GEMS Mexican Fiesta Fundraiser

- 6:30 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal

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

- 7:00 p.m. New Hope

TUESDAY (11/19):

- 6:00 p.m. Praise Band Rehearsal

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

- 7:00 p.m. HS Guy/Girl Night

WEDNESDAY (11/20):

- 9:30 a.m. Coffee Break

- 6:30 p.m. Cadets

- 6:30 p.m. The Hangout

- 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

- 7:30 p.m. NOAH

THURSDAY (11/21):

- 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. Job Networking Group

FRIDAY (11/22):

- 7:00 p.m. Jr. High Event

SATURDAY (11/23):

- 9:00 a.m. Children's Musical Rehearsal
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spiritual Journey (40 Days of Purpose)
- 5:00 p.m. New Hope Fellowship Service

Camel Lot: A Children's Christmas Musical

Save the date for

Sunday, December 15 at both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services for Calvary's Children's Christmas musical, Camel Lot!

Stitch 'n Time

This group meets monthly to get together to create and connect while knitting, stitching, crocheting and quilting along with conversation and friendship.

This is a note to say that we will NOT be meeting in the months of November and December. See you again in January!

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!

Agape Caf� Training

Sit-Sip-Share-and join the Agape Caf� Team on Sunday mornings! The caf� 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.

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.

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