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For the Week of January 30-February 6        
Vol. 10, Issue 4
Mortification
I hope you have been enjoying Pastor Ron's CENTERED sermon series for the past few Sundays. I know I have been challenged by the truth he has been sharing from the book of Colossians.

There is one truth that I have been especially grappling with these past few days, and it's from Colossians 3:5, "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

In his discussion of this passage, he called this process mortification, which is defined as "practicing ascetic discipline or self-denial of the body and its appetites." The word mortify has its roots from the Middle English word mortifien which means to deaden, subdue. So, if we are to take this word from its literal origins, it matches what Paul is saying we have to do to ourselves: put our desires to literal death; to kill them. The only thing that matters is what God's desires are. We are to prioritize those desires above what we want for ourselves.

That is HARD to do, isn't it? It's sobering to realize that your inner self doesn't automatically point to God, but rather to selfishness, evil, impurity and doing things that places ourselves first over others. It's also hard to hand over the reigns of our life over to someone else. We love feeling in control; at least I know I do.

But as Pastor Ron succinctly put it: Scripture is clear: we are called to a life of self-denial. But such a call is not morbid or sad. It is the happiest choice the human person can make. You see, I actually think Jesus is competent, the most brilliant human person that has ever walked upon the earth. I think he is more competent in securing my happiness than I am.... In self-denial, I create the space to enter into the life he offers. A life so wonderful that Paul says when it is fully revealed it will be glorious!

This is a good truth. Like Paul says in Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" God is ALWAYS for us. He wants what is the best for us, ALWAYS. His plans are good and wonderful and perfect. If we are to truly accept this, then we must accept that our own plans apart from God are less than what God wants for us. We must accept that our earthy desires apart from God are not good. We must, yes, put our desires to death and yield ourselves completely to God's plans and trust that He has the best in mind for us. He wants nothing but the best for His children.

This is also a hard truth. My sinful and selfish self stubbornly resists, but the good news is that God will help all of us, just like He's helping me slowly give up myself for His glory. This is why He sent Scripture, the Holy Spirit, wise guides, Jesus, and makes Himself freely available to all who ask for his help. Just listen to Proverbs 2:3-6, "Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

After all, what is more wiser: trusting in myself and my limited competence or trusting in the One who created everything and knows everything there is to know about everything, including what is best for me?

-Matt 

Year-End Giving Tax Document

Need your 2013 giving tax papers? It's online this year!

 

Calvary Church uses a database program called ACS to maintain our records for members and visitors. This stores information on individuals and families such as name, address, phone number, email address and your record of giving. We are pleased to announce that this year we are making your 2013 giving record available online. You will able to review your 2013 giving and save and print out a year-end tax record copy for your records.

 

Have no idea what ACS is or how to access it? No worries. We've prepared an instructable for you. Grab it here. 

 

Any questions, please contact the church office at 708.429.2200 or info@calvaryop.org.

Directory Photos

Say cheese!

 

As mentioned above, Calvary Church uses a database program called ACS to maintain our records for members and visitors. This program also has room for all of us to upload photos of our families to help all of us to get to know each other! Think of it as a virtual directory of Calvary Church, kinda like Facebook, but just for our church.

 

During the month of February we will be taking pictures of individuals and families to add to our online directory. With a new pastor and new members joining, this is a way of connecting a name to a face. We hope you will stop by and get your picture taken.  

 

If you don't want to have your picture taken, you can easily upload your own pictures. An instructable for that will be coming soon.

 

Watch this space for more details! 

Warm Coats Still Needed!

Help those less fortunate this brutally cold winter

 

A warm thank you to all who have brought their gently used coats, hats, gloves, blankets etc. to church. They are being put to excellent use, especially with these bitterly cold temperatures!

Due to the increasing high need for these types of items, we are again asking the congregation to help in this ministry to the homeless. We only need the following items at this time: GENTLY USED, waterproof men's winter gloves; warm men's coats in L, XL & XXL including men's fleeces and hoodies; women's warm coats size M & L; children's warm coats any size, and men's and women's warm boots that are in good condition.

TEENAGERS, make a difference by donating your warm fleeces and hoodies that you no longer wear! Items can be dropped off by the Welcome Center. For information about additional ways you can help, please contact Dee at jasdee2@yahoo.com.
High School Youth Group Kick-Off

Join us for a new semester this Sunday!

 

ATTENTION: high school teens! Our high school youth group is starting up once again THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2. We will watch some of the "Big Game" and discuss how three NFL players live their lives as acts of worship in radically different ways.  Huddle up with us from 7-8:30 p.m.! Come, even if you care more about the commercials than the game. We'll have something for everybody!
Family Fun Zone
Here's your chance to have some family fun and meet our new pastor!

 

Families, join us for fun, food, roller skating, arcade games and laser tag at Family Fun Zone, 2333 Theodore St., Crest Hill on Sunday, February 9 from 3-6 p.m. Cost is $5 per child, ages 2 and up. Adults are free (unless you want to join in on some of the activities!).  

 

Tickets are now on sale in the lobby through February 9 or go online to www.calvaryop.org/familynight. Payments can be made by cash, credit or a check made out to Calvary Children's Ministry. 

 

Pastor Ron Citlau and his family will be joining us for this event, so it'll be a great time to socialize with his family! 

Cadet Pinewood Derby

What's that smell?! It's pinewood dust!

 

Yes, it is Cadet Pinewood Derby time again! Did you know that you don't have to be a Cadet to participate in the Derby? Once again, the Cadets are offering an "Open Class" so anyone can join in on the fun. You can build your very own Pinewood Derby car and race it with the Cadets on Saturday, March 1 at 12-3 p.m. in the church gym.

 

There is a suggested donation of $20 for the car kit. Contact our Cadet Leaders Mark Sullivan (drpaulmarksullivan@gmail.com) or Mike Sluis (sluismichael@sbcglobal.net) to get your Pinewood Derby kit and let the sanding begin!

 

Please note that the sign-up deadline to enroll your car is February 16th.

Installation Service for Pastor Ron Citlau

Join us for a special service of installation of our new pastor

 

The church family and friends are cordially invited to the Installation Service of Pastor Ron Citlau as he begins his ministry with Calvary Church as its newest Lead Pastor. The service will be on Sunday, February 16 at 5 p.m. at Calvary. We pray for God's fullness and blessings on Pastor Ron and his family as they become a part of God's work here among us.
Bethany Baby Bottles

It's that time of the year again to show support for babies!

 

Baby bottles with change are being once again collected for Bethany Christian Services.  

 

Bethany Christian Services is the nations' largest adoption agency, and they also care for women facing unplanned pregnancies, and orphans. Please put your spare change in the bottles and bring them back to church by February 16.

 

Thank you from the Chicago Christian High School National Honors Society. If you have any further questions, contact Kayla Bulthuis.

Revelation is Relevant Bible Study
This popular Bible study is back!

This verse-by-verse study of the Revelation of John will help you experience the awesome spiritual power that resides in this final book of the Bible. Revelation's message is truly for every generation: "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." Rev. 1:3.

Show up Tuesday nights starting February 25 at 7 p.m. in room 252 to receive this blessing from God! Questions? Contact Joe Dampf at jdampf22@gmail.com.

Summer Church Camp for 2nd-12th Grade

It's time to start thinking summer!

 

Camp Manitoqua, a local Christian camp we work with, has just begun summer registration. They have many wonderful camp opportunities for your child, whether it's just a one- or three-day overnighter for the young ones, or a full week for those entering 3rd grade and up.  

 

We are very excited to have designated "church weeks" this year where hopefully many of our children can attend camp together. To support the high value we place on church camp in a child's life, Calvary offers financial assistance based on family membership and/or regularly active attendance in KidsLife or Youth programs.

 

Stop by the Camp Table upstairs near The LOFT and Youth area to pick up a Manitoqua packet and a detailed registration letter from Tiffany Johnston, the KidsLife Director. Early bird pricing deadline is March 31. 

Local Community News
Iron Shapes Iron 2014 Men's Conference

Orland Park Christian Reformed Church is excited to announce that we will be hosting an IRON SHARPENS IRON conference here at OPCRC on Saturday, February 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register and find out more information, go to www.focalpointministries.net. This conference is for men of all ages from 13 on!

 

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 School News:

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools has begun planning for the 2013/2014 school year! The following informational meeting will be held:

· Thursday, January 30, 7pm - Tinley Park Campus - for prospective kindergarten parents

If you have a child who will be 5 on or before September 1, 2014 we invite you to attend. Application materials will be available that evening or by calling the Association Office at 708/388-7656.

 

Open Houses  

The Tinley Park Campus of Southwest Chicago Christian Schools welcomes interested families and their students to an Open House on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 8pm. The Kindergarten - Grade 8 campus also offers before & after school care. The campus is located at 17171 S 84th Avenue. For further information call 708-388-7656.

 

The Oak Lawn Campus of Southwest Chicago Christian Schools will host a Open House on Thursday, February 6, 6:30 to 8pm for interested families and their students. The campus offers Preschool through Grade 8 along with before & after school care. If you know of someone who may be interested in Christian education, please encourage them to attend. The campus is located at 10110 S Central Avenue. For further information call 708/388-7656.  

 

Pancake Breakfast

Southwest Chicago Christian School invites you to their annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 1, from 7:30-10:30AM at the Tinley Park Campus (17171 S. 84th Ave). PTL is also sponsoring a book fair that morning. Donations and proceeds from the events help teachers and librarians purchase materials for their classrooms and libraries at the Tinley and Oak Lawn campuses. Please contact the Tinley campus if you would like to sponsor this event. We hope to see you there and thank you for your support! 

  

Speak Out Illinois 2014:

A valuable Pro-life ministry opportunity to attend a seminar called "Speak Out Illinois 2014" which is only once a year. Both the adult and teen program are the same place but in different rooms on Sat. Feb. 1, 2014, includes a banquet style lunch at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare Hotel, 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont which has free parking with conference admission. After registering, the adult program is 9:15 am to 3:30 pm but the teen program is 9 am. If enough people are interested -- could we have a carpool from Calvary Church to Rosemont?

For the adult program, there are various topics and speakers such as the topic, "40 Days for Life"-- Shawn Carney. There is the  topic, "Religious Freedom" -- Rich Baker, John Breen and Eric Scheidler. Also the topic, "Abortion in the 'Hard Cases' " -- Dr. Pam Smith, Jim Sable, and Lisa Youngblood. There are other topics and speakers -- Joe Walsh, Rev. Bob Vanden Bosch, Rep. Tom Morrison, Steven Tucker, Dr. Barbara Bellar and others. The teen program is the speaker Vicki Thorn who is an expert in post-abortion healing will share her knowledge of attachment and bonding between men and women and between parents and children. The teens have videos and can network with other teens.

If you register before 1/24/14 -- each adult ticket is $55 instead of $65. Student tickets are $25 but a fund is available to help pay for a student ticket if needed. For information and to register -- phone 773-777-2900 or go to www.SpeakOutIllinois.org. 

  

FREE Home Visitation Seminar at Trinity Christian College
On Thursday, February 27 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Christian Service Ministries will present a free seminar with Trinity Christian College at the Van Namen Recital Hall of Trinity. The seminar will feature tips on how to visit someone at a hospital or nursing home led by Chaplains Corky DeBoer and Betty Vander Laan.
In This Issue
Centered Series
Year-End Giving Tax Document
Directory Photos
Warm Coats Still Needed!
High School Youth Group Kick-Off
Family Fun Zone
Cadet Pinewood Derby
Installation Service for Pastor Ron Citlau
O.K. Club White Elephant Luncheon
Revelation is Relevant Bible Study
Summer Church Camp
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

THURSDAY (1/30):

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

- 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  Food Pantry is Open!

- 12:00 p.m.  OK Club White Elephant Luncheon 

- 1:00 p.m.  Men's Bible Study

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal 

- 6:00 p.m.  Girls Biddy Basketball

- 7:00 p.m.  Momtourage Craft Night

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH 

 

SATURDAY (2/1):  

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

SUNDAY (2/2):
- 7:45 a.m.  Prayer Meeting
- 8:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 9:30 a.m.  Worship Service
- 9:30 & 11 a.m.  The Loft Sunday School
- 9:30 a.m.  Jr. High CrossTraining
- 9:45 a.m.  Faith Foundations Adult Class
- 11:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 7:00 p.m.  Sr. High School Youth Group 

 

MONDAY (2/3):      

- 9:30 a.m.  Girlfriends' Bible Study (Here & Now)

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

- 7:00 p.m.  New Hope 

    

TUESDAY (2/4):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Elders & Deacons Meeting

- 8:00 p.m.  Executive Council 

  

WEDNESDAY (2/5):

- 9:30 a.m.  Coffee Break
- 6:30 p.m.  Cadets
- 6:30 p.m.  The Hangout
- 6:30 p.m.  Girlfriends' Bible Study (Discover Prayer)
- 7:00 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

 

THURSDAY (2/6):

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

- 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  Food Pantry is Open!

- 1:00 p.m.  Men's Bible Study

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal 

- 6:00 p.m.  Girls Biddy Basketball

- 6:30 p.m.  Stephen Ministries 

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH

 

SATURDAY (2/8):  

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

sermon

Here & Now: Women's Morning Bible Study
Join us for a lecture series on the book of Revelation by Beth Moore. Beth presents many points of view, allowing women to decide for themselves when the interpretation varies among scholars. She teaches that God is as specific about what He does reveal as He is about what He does not reveal.

Join us on Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Find out more here.
Gideon: Women's Evening Bible Study
Ever feel insufficient? Could it be that your weaknesses are the keys that unlock God's strength? Through a look at the life of Gideon, you can discover that instead of ignoring, neglecting, or trying to escape your weaknesses, you can see them as the gifts, given specifically and strategically by God to unlock the door of God's strength.

Join us on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. Find out more here.
Discover Prayer: A Beginner's Bible Study for Women
Join us as we begin the year studying Discover Prayer on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.

This Bible study is open to all women who are beginning their walk with the Lord.

Find out more here.
NOAH
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.

Are You Praying Big For Your Child?
The KidsLife Ministry has a challenge for all parents: Pray Big for Your Child! This challenge is based on the book Pray Big for Your Child by Will Davis, Jr. 

  

Join in the conversation with all the parents who are doing the challenge right here.  
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! 

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!