header
For the Week of February 6-13         
Vol. 10, Issue 5
On the Road to Damascus
Imagine you were walking on a road. It's a beautiful day outside, the temperature just perfect. The wind gently buffets you, bringing with it scents of nature and of the world around you. The sun is high in the sky--it's almost noon, after all. It is a good day for walking, so you stride confidently on the road.

Then all of a sudden, a blinding light shoots down from the sky, and along with it, a voice that demands to know what you're doing. Since this sudden brightness both blinds and surprises you, you stop and kneel quickly as your once-confident feet fail you. This sudden occurrence of events stuns you and your first impulse is to, naturally, find out who's talking, so you ask, "Who are you?"

Imagine that voice replies, "I am Jesus." It would be the last thing you would expect to hear, but there it is, unmistakably, a voice from the heavens. After identifying itself, the voice tells you to go to the place you were walking to and there someone will tell you what to do. Before you can ask another question, the light disappears. However, it doesn't make any difference because then you discover that you're blind. So, your friends who were with you help you up on your feet and take you to your destination. Several days later, someone, true to Jesus' word, shows up and performs a miracle, allowing you to see again.

Would you be able to ignore something as amazing as that? Would you be able to label it as an odd experience and shrug it off? I would hope you wouldn't. This wonderful thing happened to Saul (who becomes the well-known apostle Paul) on his journey to Damascus (see Acts 9 and 22). What's even more shocking about it is that Saul was a notorious persecutor of the early Christians, hunting them down to murder them. After this experience, it's an extreme understatement to say he wasn't the same. He took on a new name and immediately began evangelizing among the Jews about the risen Christ.

This amazing turnabout is a great example of what's possible for all of us when God intervenes. It may not be as dramatic as Saul's conversion; I know mine didn't include a bright ray of light, a voice from the sky and blindness--and it also wasn't a one time-thing, but multiple times over the course of my life. But that shouldn't stop us from taking the time to think about our life and recognizing the times when God stepped in while we were on our own personal roads to Damascus.

It is not just our responsibility to recognize when and where God speaks, but we must act accordingly. Imagine if Saul had ignored what the Lord had said and just continued down the road. There's a very real possibility that the gospel wouldn't have gotten as far as it would have because Acts 9:31 records that after Paul's preaching "the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."

So, has God been telling you to read the Bible more? Do it. Get involved more in church? Do it. Give more? Do it. Work more? Do it. Listen to your wife? Do it. Be a better parent? Do it. Share Christ to someone in particular? Do it. Whatever it is, do it! There's no limit to what we can achieve with God's help!

But, we need to listen to Him and act when He asks. Please don't dust yourself off and continue on the road like nothing happened.

(Reprinted from 2/5/09)

-Matt 

Youth Group News

Here's some updates on our youth ministries

 

High School Youth Group will continue to meet each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. here at church. Check us out anytime! We're always open to new people, no matter where you are in life's journey. For more information contact Dave and Crystal Rusthoven at djrusthoven@gmail.com.

 

Junior High Youth Group (6th, 7th and 8th grade) will meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month here at church at 7:00 p.m. This is a safe place for kids to meet and make friends and have a blast doing so! If you would like more information, please contact Amanda Schuler at amanda.schuler11@gmail.com.

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 THIS 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.

 

Sunday, February 9 is the LAST day to sign up and receive the discount. The ticket cost will go up to $7.50 if you elect to purchase them at the door. 

 

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.

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.

 

For the month of February, starting Sunday, February 9, there will be a table in the lobby where you can have your photo taken and uploaded for you.  

 

Rather do it yourself? You can pick up instructions at the table or get them here.

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.

Childcare WILL be available for this service!
Want to Become a Member?

Join our membership class!

 

Interested in learning more about Calvary Church? Interested in becoming a member? Join us for our next membership class on Sundays, February 23, March 2 & 9 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 104! Contact Earl Vander Wall at earl@calvaryop.org or 708-429-2200 if you are interested in attending or want to know more information.
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 on Sunday mornings starting February 23 at 9:30 a.m. in room 241 OR 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.

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.
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. 

Save the Date: Vacation Bible School!

It's coming soon! Mark your calendars. 

 

The date is set for June 23-27 at 9 a.m. to 12 noon for Vacation Bible School for ages 4 thru 12. Mark your calendars!

 

The VBS Directors Team has approached individuals to seek their interest in serving as a station leader or head coordinator. If you have interest in serving prior to the VBS week we have several options such as prep work or decorating team. The volunteer form for the actual week of VBS will be coming out in mid-April. Please call Tiffany at the church office or email her at children@calvaryop.org 

if you have any further inquiries.
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:

Open Houses 

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.  

  

PASS Needs More Volunteers!

PASS is in need of volunteers in their Lansing and South Holland Centers. Join them for their next Volunteer Tour & Orientation on Monday, February 10 at 7 p.m. at Tinley Park Center, 17214 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park.

 

Park in the back lot behind the building, enter through the back door. All interested volunteers will then receive a tour of the facility, as well as information about the PASS ministry.

  

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. Everyone is invited! To reseve a seat, please call Jan at Christian Service Ministries 708-307-2370 or write jvisser.csm@gmail.com.  
In This Issue
Centered Series
Youth Group News
Family Fun Zone
Cadet Pinewood Derby
Year-End Giving Tax Document
Directory Photos
Installation Service for Pastor Ron Citlau
Membership Class
Bethany Baby Bottles
Revelation is Relevant Bible Study
Warm Coats Still Needed!
Summer Church Camp
Save the Date
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

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 
  
SUNDAY (2/9):
- 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
- 9:30 a.m.  Faith Foundations Adult Class
- 11:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 3:00 p.m.  Family Fun Zone (offsite)
- 7:00 p.m.  Sr. High School Youth Group 

 

MONDAY (2/10):      

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

- 1:30 p.m.  Senior Bible Study  

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

- 7:00 p.m.  New Hope 

    

TUESDAY (2/11):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Consistory Meeting  

- 9:00 p.m.  Executive Council 

  

WEDNESDAY (2/12):

- 9:30 a.m.  Coffee Break
- 11:00 a.m.  OK Club Concert Series (offsite)
- 6:30 p.m.  GEMS & Gents Night
- 6:30 p.m.  The Hangout
- 6:30 p.m.  Girlfriends' Bible Study (Discover Prayer)
- 7:00 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

 

THURSDAY (2/13):

- 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

 

FRIDAY (2/14):  

- 9:00 a.m.  Momtourage

SATURDAY (2/15):  

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

sermon

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!
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.
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.

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.
Career Fair
Are you searching for a job? We've been made aware of a local career fair in Tinley Park!

You are invited to the Chicago South Career Fair on Wednesday, February 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn & Tinley Park Convention Center.

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.
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!