header
For the Week of February 20-27           
Vol. 10, Issue 7
Why Do We Pray?
If you weren't at church last Sunday, we kicked off a new three-week series on prayer. The next two Sundays we will be looking at WHEN we should pray and HOW do we pray.

Last week, Pastor Ron Citlau preached on a great truth of why we pray. We pray, he taught us, because God wants a relationship with us. Prayer is a way that we can enter in a true communion with God, the creator and the ruler of the Universe.

Today, I came across an article by the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis that tackles this same question, "Why do we pray?" from the viewpoint of God's sovereignty. Do our prayers matter even if God is in control of all things? Lewis answers this question with a resounding yes.

If you're interested, you can read it here.

See you Sunday for the next sermon in the series!

  

-Matt 

SPECIAL Guest Speaker

Be sure to join us at our next Southwest Jobs Networking meeting!

 

TONIGHT, Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m. we will have our next Southwest Jobs Networking meeting. We will have Bill Alexander of the Calumet Area Industrial Commission as our guest speaker.  

 

Since 1967, the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) has worked with the industrial companies in the Greater Calumet Area, including the City of Chicago, South Suburban Cook County and Northwest Indiana. As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit economic development organization, their mission is to lead the industrial expansion and retention efforts in this region. To fulfill their mission, their programs and service are focused on the following areas:

  • Industrial Advocacy, including linking companies to Economic Development Resources
  • Networking & Business Forum Events
  • Workforce Training & Education

The CAIC advocates many of the concerns affecting industry and manufacturing in our area. They have a membership of over 130 companies and service providers, representing over 8,000 employees, in manufacturing, transportation & logistics, human resources, health care, finance and higher education.

 

Be sure to join us on Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m. in Room 252. This will be a great opportunity to network and help others, including yourself, in any job search. Any questions, please contact Earl Vander Wall at earl@calvaryop.org.
Directory Photos

Say cheese!

 

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.

 

Continuing this Sunday, February 23, 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.

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.
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.

*NEW* Beth Moore Bible Study
Join us on Thursday nights!

Stepping Up by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience in this in-depth women's Bible study of Psalms 120-134. Traveling pilgrims sang these psalms both on the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us.

 

Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth through this 7-session study, starting on Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. in Room 104. Themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule, and more are explored in detail. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey toward greater intimacy with God.

 

For more information, please contact Girlfriends at girlfriends@calvaryop.org.
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.
Summer Guatemala Mission Trip

We would love to have you join us on this trip  

 

A mission team headed for Zacapa, Guatemala on July 11-20, 2014 is forming. Our team will assist with construction, medical teams, and conduct Vacation Bible School in severalvillages. No specific skills are required, God uses willing hands and hearts. Additionally, we are also seeking people who speak Spanish to assist with VBS. Please start thinking and praying if you would like to come on this trip now. As God calls you to join the team, or for more information, please contact Donna Doff at hnddoff@yahoo.com.
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!

 

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools:

Open Houses 

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools will host a Daytime Open House at both the Oak Lawn and Tinley Park campuses on Monday, March 3 from 9am to noon.  Prospective parents and students are invited to visit classrooms and meet teachers & administrators to learn more about our elementary programs. Please call 708/388-7656 for more information.

  

Southwest Chicago Christian School's Oak Lawn campus invites you to experience a "Free Day of Preschool" on Monday, March 3 from 9 to 11 am.  Meet our faculty, learn about our program and experience our well-equipped facilities.  To register call Carol at 708-636-8550 or email cdenbesten@swchristian.org.

  

Want to Learn Word and Excel? 

Interested in learning some of the basics of Word and Excel, or just feeling that you need to brush up your skills, then this class is for you. This class will spend three weeks on both Word and Excel introductory skills. Classes will be held at Chicago Christian High School on Mondays from March 10 through April 21, however, there is no class on March 31 due to spring break. Classes will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will be taught by the high school computer teacher Linda Potter. Class size will be limited to 10 people, so sign up soon. Cost for the 6 weeks is $100. To register for the class, call 708/388-7656.

 

Alzheimer's - Family Learning Day

Are you interested in learning more about Alzheimer's and how to care for someone who has memory loss? Join this awesome opportunity at Family Learning Day by the Alzheimer's Association of Illinois on Saturday, March 29 at 8:30 a.m. in Bolingbrook, IL. You can register for this day by visiting www.alz.org/illinois.  

 

A Harmony of Generations

The Men of A-Chord is pleased to announce a combined concert with the Illiana Christian High School A Capella Choir for a "Harmony of Generations." The concert will be on Saturday March 22, 2014. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church of South Holland located at 16248 South Park Ave, South Holland, IL. Each choir will sing numbers separately and they will also join together as one mass chorus and sing several songs together with Justin Rich and Kathy Sliekers directing. There will be brass instrumental and plenty of audience participation in song. Make your plans now for a great evening of song and praise. Proceeds from a free will offering will benefit the Illiana Christian High School Choral Department. Join us for a Harmony of Generations. For information please see our website www.menofachord.org or contact any member of the Men of A-Chord.

 

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
Prayer Series
Special Guest Speaker
Girlfriends Game Night
Directory Photos
Membership Class
Revelation is Relevant Bible Study
*NEW* Beth Moore Bible Study
Parents' Night Out
Summer Church Camp
Save the Date
Summer Guatemala Mission Trip
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

THURSDAY (2/20):

- 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

- 7:00 p.m.  Job Networking Group

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH (offsite) 

 

FRIDAY (2/21):  

- 2:00 p.m.  Girlfriends Stitch 'n Time
- 7:00 p.m.  Girlfriends Game Night 

SATURDAY (2/22):  

- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service   
   
SUNDAY (2/23):
- 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.  Revelations Bible Study
- 9:30 a.m.  New Members Class
- 11:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 7:00 p.m.  Sr. High School Youth Group 

 

MONDAY (2/24):       

- 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 (2/25):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Revelations Bible Study 

  

WEDNESDAY (2/26):

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

 

THURSDAY (2/27):

- 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 (2/28):  

- 9:00 a.m.  Momtourage
- 7:00 p.m.  Jr. High Youth Group 

SATURDAY (3/1):  

- 1:00 p.m.  Cadet Pinewood Derby Race
- 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.
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.
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!