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For the Week of March 20-27               
Vol. 10, Issue 11
Followers vs. Admirers
No, there's absolutely nothing to admire in Jesus, unless you want to admire poverty, misery and contempt. -Søren Kierkegaard
 
I don't know about you, but Pastor Dave's sermon last Sunday really struck a chord deep within myself. For those of you who weren't present, it was an examination of Jesus' words said in Matthew 16, that we had to take up our own cross in order to follow him and that we had to lose our life in order to find it.

It made me uneasy when Pastor Dave started quoting from Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th century Danish philosopher and theologian. In his writings, Kierkegaard makes the sharp observation that to truly follow Jesus is to pitch whatever you've been doing away and literally follow his words and commands without exception. Anything else is empty platitudes coming from a person that admires what Jesus said, did and stood for, but nothing else. We don't allow him to change our lives.

I felt uneasy because God illuminated in me the hard truth that I am oftentimes an admirer. I find it easy to, like Pastor Dave said, "be familiar with him. We know what he did; what he said. We understand he's the son of God; that he's our Savior." This part is easy for me. It's not hard for me to accept and digest that Jesus was who he said he was.

However, accepting Jesus' words is not the end of it. We must act upon them. There is no choice. Kierkegaard writes, "[Jesus'] whole life on earth, from beginning to end, was destined solely to have followers and to make admirers impossible." Either we act on Jesus' words or we don't.

It is as simple as that.

If we don't act on Jesus' words, we are an admirer. From Kierkegaard: "The difference between an admirer and a follower still remains, no matter where you are. The admirer never makes any true sacrifices. He always plays it safe. Though in words, phrases, songs, he is inexhaustible about how highly he prizes Christ, he renounces nothing, gives up nothing, will not reconstruct his life, will not be what he admires, and will not let his life express what it is he supposedly admires."

Pastor Dave asked us on Sunday, "Are we doing the things that will change us in ways that will make us like [Jesus]?" It is my hope that today we answer Dave's question with a resounding affirmative. As we move closer to Easter, to the bloody cross and to the open tomb, let's all start taking serious steps towards Jesus and leave our admiring behind and actually follow him.

 

The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. -Søren Kierkegaard 

  

-Matt 

Job Networking Group
Looking for employment or unemployed?
 

Our next meeting will be held on TODAY, Thursday, March 20 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in room #252. The speaker at the meeting this week is Ms. Daphne Wilson from The Hub. The Hub helps people with housing, mortgages, education and helps people find jobs. For more information, go here. 

 

This is open to the community, so invite your friends and neighbors to this wonderful opportunity for finding employment. Be sure to bring your résumé with if you have one. There will be prayer warriors available for those who have needs as well. Please contact Earl at earl@calvaryop.org for more info. 

GEMS Pancake Breakfast
Hungry for pancakes - or breakfast in general? Come on by!
 

bible studiesJoin us THIS Saturday, March 22 from 7-11 a.m. in Calvary's gym for a delicious breakfast prepared by our GEMS girls and counselors! A freewill offering to the GEMS program will be appreciated. All donations will help support their upcoming spring campout. For more information on the GEMS program, visit our website here.

Spring DivorceCare Sessions Coming
This 13-week support group is starting back up soon
 

DivorceCare, a weekly video seminar and support group for all separated and divorced men and women, will encourage you and help you through the emotional, physical and spiritual trials of this time of your life. It might seem like there are not many people around you who understand the pain your separation or divorce has caused. To you. Your family. Your friends. But that's why we're here, the reason for DivorceCare.

This group meets weekly on Sundays from 1-3 p.m., starting THIS SUNDAY, March 23. For more information, please contact Nancy at amera6@att.net.

One Thing: A Church-Wide Book Study

Join us in reading a book together as a church

 

We are reading together as a church One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God by Sam Storms.

The goal of our creation was not simply that we might be happy but happy in appreciating God's own glory. Not in reviewing our own accomplishments or in the enjoyment of our own sensual appetites. Not in the development of a healthy self-esteem or in the acquisition of a four-bedroom home with a three-car garage. We were made to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Nothing is more important than understanding this truth.

You are invited to get the book and read with us.

For the week of March 23, please read Chapters 5 & 6.

Questions for Thought / Discussion for Chapter 5 & 6
  1. What do you think of Dr. Storm's assertion that we are too obsessed with the contemplation of our own souls? Pg. 85-86
     
  2. What does Dr. Storms say is the solution to this misguided pursuit?
     
  3. What were your thoughts and feelings as Dr. Storms described the amazing features of the universe, both big and small?
     
  4. How can you begin practicing the three elements of waiting on God at the end of Chapter 5 in your life?
     
  5. Why does Dr. Storms feel it is important for us to have an awareness of the greatness of God?
     
  6. How does an awareness of how awesome God is impact your understanding of the gospel?
Guatemala Mission Trip News

There are ways you can support this trip   

 

- JOIN US! Join the team headed for Zacapa, Guatemala on July 11-20, 2014! No specific skills are required. There are jobs available for everyone.

- ASK US! We'll have a table out in the lobby this Sunday with team members from last year's trip available to answer any questions!

- COME TO OUR INFO MEETING! We will have an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. in room 129 to answer questions about the trip.

- BUY DESSERT! The Guatemala Mission Team is selling GFS pies and cookie dough for a fundraiser! Please see one of the team members at a table in the foyer on Sundays for more information! The sale starts THIS SUNDAY, March 23 and lasts until April 1.

For more information, please contact Donna Doff at hnddoff@yahoo.com or visit the H.I.M. website at www.heartsinmotion.org. 
Summer Church Camp for 2nd-12th Grade

It's time to start thinking summer!

 

Don't forget the early bird pricing ends on March 31st.  

 

Register your 2nd-12th grader for summer camp at Camp Manitoqua now and save money!   Calvary offers financial assistance, let us help you get your child to camp! Visit the camp table upstairs outside The LOFT and Youth Rooms or email Tiffany for more information at children@calvaryop.org.

Calvary Mission Work Day at Manitoqua

Want a serving opportunity but can't join the mission trips?

 

We have a local mission project for Calvary to take part in!   Sign up at the Welcome Center to help beautify Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, IL so it can offer wonderful Christian programs throughout the year. Spring Clean-Up Work Day is set for Saturday, April 12 from 9am-2:30pm. Come when you can! Lunch will be served and childcare provided for ages 4-9.

 

There are a variety of projects that need to be done that day: painting, weeding/raking, cleaning windows, creating/designing decorations for the summer programs, building projects and more!

 

Calvary families are highly encouraged to make this a "family mission project." Support Camp Manitoqua as well as instill the importance of serving others into your child's heart!  

 

Questions? Email them to Tiffany Johnston at children@calvaryop.org and sign up at the Welcome Center by Sunday, April 6.

Easter at Calvary

Mark these dates in your calendar

 

Here are the dates and times for our Easter services here at Calvary Church:

- Good Friday (Communion Service), April 18 at 7 p.m.
Childcare will be provided for infants through age 4.

- Easter Sunday, April 20 at 8, 9:30 or 11 a.m.
All KidsLife programs will be offered as usual during our 9:30 and 11 a.m. services while childcare (through age 4) will be provided for all three morning services.

This is a very special time at Calvary as we praise and give thanks for the price paid and our redemption through God's one and only son, Jesus Christ.

EASTER CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

There is a new board in the lobby to sign up for Tiny Town volunteers at our Good Friday and Easter Sunday services. Thank you for your prayerful consideration to serve our children. Questions, contact Tiffany at children@calvaryop.org. 

 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

KidsLife Easter Celebration

Join us on Saturday, April 19 at 10:00-11:30 a.m.

 

Mark your calendars for April 19th for an Easter Celebration at Calvary. Families, join us for an Easter craft, an egg hunt inside the church, and refreshments afterwards! Open to the community! Invite your friends and neighbors!

 

DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: CANDY, COOKIE BAKERS, STUFFERS, EVENT DAY ASSISTANCE

 

Last year we stuffed over 2,000 eggs! We are in need of LOTS of small wrapped candy and small trinkets that will fit inside a plastic egg. Be on the lookout for those Easter sales and drop off your donations near the Welcome Center by Sunday, April 6th.

 

Want to help stuff or hide eggs, bake cookies, or help on the event day? Call Tiffany at the church office, email at children@calvaryop.org, or sign up at the Welcome Center.

Local Community News
Concert at Faith United Methodist Church

A concert featuring The Suburban Youth Symphony & The Incredible Opportunity Program will be presented at Faith United Methodist Church, 151st and 80th Avenue, Orland Park, IL on April 27 at 4 p.m.  

  

The Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestras are composed of about forty talented young musicians from Chicago's south and southwest suburbs who present an annual subscription series as well as a number of other performances in the area. Over 30 southern suburbs are represented in our two performing groups, and, though each carries its own character, they all unite under the common goal of making music together.

  

Tickets are available for adults ($10) and children ($5) at our website.

  

Spring Luncheon with Providence Life Services

The Providence Life Services Auxiliary of Palos Heights invites you to their Spring Luncheon at the Garden Chalet on Tuesday, April 8 at 12 noon. Enjoy delicious food, uplifting fellowship, and a special presentation by chalk artist George Vogrin. George's specialty is a "Musical Chalk Talk." On a giant easel, he will render beautiful scenic images enhanced by an entertaining, interactive show. You'll recognize the music that accompanies the presentation, and you'll enjoy George's heartwarming stories. Join the Providence Auxiliary of Palos Heights for this unforgettable afternoon. Call your Key Lady or Helen Noort to RSVP by April 1 for tickets and information at (708) 448-9241.

   

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.

  

Fundraiser for Jay Iwema

Calvin Christian Reformed Church of Oak Lawn member, Jay Iwema, a paraplegic of 2-1/2 years after falling from a ladder, needs to continue his therapy to regain the use of his legs. His improvement thus far has been steady. Friends at Calvin are raising funds with a supper, fun fair for all ages, and a silent auction at 101st and Central Avenue in Oak Lawn on Saturday, May 3, from 5-8:30 p.m. Volunteers and auction items needed. Also, please come and enjoy yourself! Tell us how many are coming to eat. Can't come? Donations are welcome. Call 708-843-3597 for information.

 

Concert at Trinity Christian College

Experience amazing Christian music at the Change a Life Tour, featuring GRAMMY award-winning Audio Adrenaline and Dove Award-nominated Kutless, on the campus of Trinity Christian College. Also performing are Finding Favour and Shine Bright Baby. The concert is on Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m. Visit iTickets.com to purchase your tickets today, or learn more on Trinity's website.  

  

Beyond the Resume: A Networking Seminar

Join us as St. Raphael facilitator Steve Susina presents his approach to go "beyond the resume" to move your candidacy through the hiring process. He'll share his experience as both a job seeker and hiring manager and explain how you can gain the edge and win more phone screens, interviews and ultimately a job offer. You'll learn:
-- Why you should not apply to a job without an insider or employee referral
-- The seven documents that should be part of your job search
-- How to use those documents in a comprehensive search strategy

Roundtable networking will follow the presentation. Please bring handbills or business cards and a willingness to help your fellow job seeker as we share our networking stories, target lists, and job search challenges and seek help from the "wisdom of the crowd"!

St. Raphael Catholic Church
1215 Modaff Rd, Naperville 60540
Saturday, March 22
9AM to Noon
 
Check posted signs for our room assignment.
  

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools News

Parent University Night

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools will host a Parent University night on Monday, March 24 at 7pm, in the CCHS auditorium. As entertainment and education becomes increasingly driven by and dependent on technology, brains, relationships, and sense of self are often short-changed.  Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee will speak on the latest research in this area and will consider the impact of over-reliance on technology and how to appropriately engage this challenge.


Elementary Musical 

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Oak Lawn Campus Elementary Musical will be held Thursday, March 20, with performances of "Under God's Sea in 3D" at 7pm.  The 4th and 5th grade students will perform this musical sharing ways that we can daily dive deeper into Gods world and word.

  

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.
In This Issue
Prayer Series
Job Networking Group
GEMS Pancake Breakfast
DivorceCare
One Thing: A Church-Wide Book Study
Summer Guatemala Mission Trip
Summer Church Camp
Calvary Mission Work Day
Easter at Calvary
Easter Egg Hunt
KidsLife Easter Celebration
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

THURSDAY (3/20):

- 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 Ministry

- 7:00 p.m.   Job Networking Group

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

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH 

 

FRIDAY (3/21):  

- 1:00 p.m.  Stitch 'n Time & Sassy Scrapbookers

SATURDAY (3/22):  

- 7:00 a.m.  GEMS Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service   
   
SUNDAY (3/23):
- 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.  Revelation Bible Study
- 11:00 a.m.  Worship Service
- 1:00 p.m.  DivorceCare
- 7:00 p.m.  Sr. High School Youth Group 

 

MONDAY (3/24):       

- 1:30 p.m.  Senior Bible Study
- 7:00 p.m.  Girlfriends' Bible Study (Gideon) 

- 7:00 p.m.  New Hope 

    

TUESDAY (3/25):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Revelation Bible Study

  

WEDNESDAY (3/26):

- 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 (3/27):

- 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 

- 6:30 p.m.  Stephen Ministry

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

 

FRIDAY (3/28):  

- 7:00 p.m.  Jr. High Youth Group 

SATURDAY (3/29):  

- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service  
sermon
Career Fair

Indiana University Northwest will host its 13th Annual Career Fair next month.

 

The job fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 11 in the Savannah Center Gymnasium.  

 

Employers who will be on hand include the Boy Scouts of America, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, Direct Buy, First Savings Bank of Hegewisch, the Gary Community School Corp., Horseshoe Casino Hammond, Luke, Panda Express, Speedway, Staff Source USA, The Adventures Club and WCOE FM Radio of LaPorte.

 

Job-seekers should dress professionally and bring copies of their resume to distribute.

Coffee Break: Discover Easter
Women of all ages are invited to join our new study which will take us right into Easter. There's more to Easter than bunny rabbits and colored eggs. The real story of Easter is part of the world's most amazing love story. God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to set things right again in this broken world. Jesus saved us by paying for our sin through his death on the cross and rising again in victory over death, giving hope and the promise of new life forever for all who believe!

 

Coffee Break is held on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Childcare is available. For more information, contact Jenny at coffeebreak
Men's Barnabas Group
We will be beginning a new book study by Max Lucado entitled You'll Get Through This. Do you believe that God is still in the business of redeeming the broken? He was then, He is still.

All men are welcome to join us on Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. in room #204. Light refreshments and coffee are served. Contact John Brooks at brooksjnb@att.net for more information.
Calling All Knitters and Crocheters!
Tiny Town passes out handmade baby blankets to all of our newborns. We have welcomed many little ones to our congregation in the past two years alone and we have a few due this Spring! Our baby blanket supply is dwindling. We would appreciate any handmade donations in either pink, blue, or neutral colors.

Blessings for sharing your talent to our newest additions at Calvary!
Revelation is Relevant Bible Study
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 at 9:30 a.m. in room 241 OR Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. in room 252 to receive this blessing from God! Questions? Contact Joe Dampf at jdampf22

@gmail.com.

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!
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.
Thursday Night Women's Bible Study
Stepping Up by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience in this in-depth women's Bible study of Psalms 120-134. 

 

Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth through this study on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Room 104.  

 

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! 

 


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!

 

Volunteer forms will be coming out in mid- April.