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For the Week of November 21-28               
Vol. 9, Issue 42
Living For Tomorrow
Last week, I mentioned that the staff at Calvary have been reading a book together called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I said that this book contains some of the simplest, but most powerful theology that I've encountered.

One of the reasons for this is that Francis' writings have a deep scriptural truth to it. He just doesn't use scripture to back up what he's saying, he also sometimes quotes other Christian thinkers and theologians. One of them is C.S. Lewis. I came across a powerful quote from Lewis when Francis quoted him in a chapter: "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought the most of the next [heaven]. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."

This quote is taken from C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity, a famous piece of Christian apologetic literature. I highly recommend it.

So, do you think about Heaven often? Why not? It is, after all, the place that we will spend most of our life. I know, it's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that this world is all we're going to know and experience, but no, this world with all of its wonders and surprises, pains and sorrows is a blip in our existence, a place that we're visiting on our way to our final destination.

We need to stop paying attention to what our bodies are telling us and start remembering that you and I are eternal beings. Our life has begun and it will not end any time soon. As Christians, if we know that this is just a stopover on our way to Heaven, why do we behave as if this is our final stop? Worse still, why do we think that it's OK to neglect the work that God has for us in order to prepare ourselves for a short-term future?

What would be better: invest our money, time and talents to ensure that many others learn and get to know Christ OR invest our money, time and talents on ourselves to gain a comfortable lifestyle that will be upended and left behind anyway when we move through the door of death to the other side?

So, this week, I challenge you to deeply think about how you're spending your time here. Are you living as God's worker or are you living for yourself? In short: Are you living as an eternal being with eternal consequences?

-Matt 
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 on Sunday, so come by and check us out! 

Girlfriends Bible Study
Join us for an advent Bible study!

There will be NO STUDY THIS MONDAY, 11/25, due to the Thanksgiving week.

On Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m., we will be having a  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. 
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. 

Operation Christmas Child
Missed the deadline?
 

All the boxes received have now been delivered. If you missed the deadline to return your box to church, you may still drop them off at Lighthouse Fellowship Church (8128 W. Lincoln Hwy, Frankfort, IL) on M-F from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or on Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thank you.

Thanksgiving
Join us here at Calvary for 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 STILL needed for each box are:

  • Canned Ham, 5 pound
  • $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.  

Local Community News
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!

Career Transition Meeting:    
Join us at St. Raphael for a networking group on Saturday, November 23 at 9 a.m. - 12 noon. There will be a presentation presented by St. Raphael career ministry facilitator Matt Rohr. He will be presenting how to develop your value proposition. As a retired HR executive, he takes the "other side of the table" perspective and can help you craft a value proposition that will impress recruiters and hiring managers. He will speak on identifying and articulating your value, provide document design tips (resumes, handbills, business cards) and take your questions.
His presentation will be followed by our roundtable networking--please bring your business cards and/or handbills! 
 
St. Raphael Church is located at 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville, IL. Parking is in the lot behind the building.
Please enter through the center doors (between the Church and School). Check the monitors for our room assignment.  
 
Come to the Stable: A Concert     
Join us at Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana for a musical journey through the Christmas season with special guest Wayne Messmer and the Crown Point Christian Children's Choir! The concert will be held on December 5 and 6. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. You can pre-order tickets online for $15.50; otherwise tickets are $18 at the door. All children under 12 years of age are free! Get more information and tickets here. 

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.


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
NOAH
Girlfriends Bible Study
Holiday Childcare
Operation Christmas Child
Thanksgiving Services
Girls' Biddy Basketball
Girlfriends' Christmas Event
Holiday Food Boxes
Children's Christmas Musical
Pray Big For Your Child
Christmas Services
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

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

SUNDAY (11/24):
- 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
- 7:00 p.m.  Sr. High XP 

 

MONDAY (11/25):      

- 1:30 p.m.  Senior Bible Study 

- 6:30 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal   

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

- 7:00 p.m.  New Hope 

    

TUESDAY (11/26):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

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

  

WEDNESDAY (11/27):

- 7:00 p.m.  Thanksgiving Worship Service 

 

THURSDAY (11/28):

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

- 10:00 a.m.   Thanksgiving Worship Service 

  

FRIDAY (11/29):

OFFICE CLOSED 

 

SATURDAY (11/30): 

- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service

sermon

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!
Special Needs Buddy Ministry

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. The material is very easy to follow and everything is prepped for you! Come and show God's amazing love and hope!  

 

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

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 Café Training

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.

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.