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For the Week of March 27-April 3                
Vol. 10, Issue 12
Praising God Any Time
Have you ever been in the place where you had nowhere else to go, where you were stuck in a corner with no way out? On Sunday Pastor Ron talked about the woman who was sick for twelve years and who desperately reached out to Jesus for help because she had nowhere else to turn to.

Another person that came to mind as I listened to Pastor Ron was King David since I am knee-deep in studying the second book of Samuel in the Bible. One of the things that impresses me about David is his almost-constant awareness that everything he has - all of his blessings, punishments, gifts and his power - is because of God and His grace. This is the key difference between his reign and the reign of King Saul, his predecessor.

When Saul sinned and did not truly confess, God took away his kingship and gave it to David. This did not happen right away. Over several years, Saul constantly threatened David's safety and well-being in a bid to try to thwart God and preserve his dwindling hold on the kingdom of Israel.

During this dark time, David was a fugitive, constantly on the move to avoid assassination. A wanted man, he had no idea who he could trust. He was desperate, a feeling that comes through in a very real, raw way in the psalms that he wrote during this time. For instance, in Psalm 142, a psalm that was written when he was hiding in a desert cave, a place with only one way out, he writes, "Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me."

Even in his young age and in the predicament that he was in, David understood that he could only go to God for help and that God would help him out. God, he says in the same psalm, "is my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Indeed, in the closing sentences of the psalm, he begs to be freed from being a fugitive so that he can go and praise God's name to others and show them how good God is.

This, I think, is a wise attitude, one that we all should adopt as Christians regardless of where we are in life, comfortable or desperate. God is to be praised always. We need to be constantly looking to God and accept that God always has good in mind, both our own and the world's, even if it doesn't look or feel like it. All things work towards the praiseworthy glory of God.

Consider Heidelberg Catechism's Q&A #28 that asks, "How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?" It is answered as such: "We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing in creation will separate us from his love. For all creatures are so completely in God's hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved."

So, friends, as effective as a clarion call towards God as desperation is, don't let it be the ONLY thing that drives you closer towards God. Praise Him in lean and fat times, look to Him for clarity and wisdom, and thank Him for His grace in every molecule of the air that the world breathes.  

  

-Matt 

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 30, please read Chapters 7.

Questions for Thought / Discussion for Chapter 7

1)Are you obedient because that is what is religiously expected or out of delight? Why does your reason for obedience matter?

2)Do you believe that the essence of following Jesus is not 'trying harder' but 'enjoying more'? Why does this matter?

3)What 'fruitless joys' do you participate in?

4)How can you enjoy Jesus more?

Summer Church Camp for 2nd-12th Grade

It's time to start thinking summer!

 

NOTICE: Early bird pricing ends THIS Monday, March 31! 

 

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.

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 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. 
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.

There will be no coffee and the children's playland will be closed.

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.

Calvary's Food Pantry Needs
Can you help?
 

We are currently in need of toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap & toothbrushes. If you are able to donate any of these items, please place them in the Food Pantry box located by the Welcome Center. A complete list of items needed is available at the Welcome Center, or you may find it listed in the Food Pantry link on the right sidebar. The Food Pantry is open every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  

Spring DivorceCare Sessions
This 13-week support group is meeting now
 

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. For more information, please contact Nancy at amera6@att.net.

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.  

  

Your Church & Autism

Join Elim Christian School for a workshop for disability ministry leaders, volunteers and parents on autism on Saturday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Topics that will be covered will include: Nurturing the Spiritual Development of Each Child, Helping Kids and Your Church Include Kids with Disabilities, Behavioral Challenges and Strategies for Churches, and Curriculum Adaptation. You can find out more, including signing up, here. 

  

Night of Song

The Men of A-Chord is pleased to announce their annual Night of Song concert on Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Lansing located at 3500 Glenwood-Lansing Road, Lansing, IL. The concert this year will include the Heritage Singing Men of Jenison, MI. Each choir will sing numbers separately and a number of songs together as a mass chorus. There will be brass instrumental and plenty of audience participation in singing many old favorites you love to sing! Make your plans now for a great evening of song and praise to our great God. A free will offering will be taken. For information please see our website www.menofachord.org or contact any member of the Men of A-Chord.
In This Issue
Prayer Series
One Thing: A Church-Wide Book Study
Summer Church Camp
Summer Guatemala Mission Trip
Calvary Mission Work Day
Easter at Calvary
Easter Egg Hunt
KidsLife Easter Celebration
Food Pantry
DivorceCare
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

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   
   
SUNDAY (3/30):
- 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 (3/31):       

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

- 7:00 p.m.  New Hope 

    

TUESDAY (4/1):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Revelation Bible Study

- 7:00 p.m.  Elders & Deacons Meeting

- 7:00 p.m.  Guatemala Mission Trip Informational Meeting 

  

WEDNESDAY (4/2):

- 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 (4/3):

- 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)

- 7:00 p.m.  Mission Team Meeting

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH 

 

SATURDAY (4/5):  

- 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.

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.

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!
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.

 


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.