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For the Week of April 10-17                  
Vol. 10, Issue 13
Easter at Calvary
Believe it or not, this coming Sunday is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter Sunday. We're busy here getting everything ready for a great weekend of celebrating Jesus' victory over sin and death, paving the way for all of us to approach God with no fear of hell or being eternally separated with no hope.

Check out the graphics below for the exact dates and times for the Easter weekend events. We WILL have nursery for infants and toddlers up to age 4 for both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The Loft (for kids 5 years old up to 5th grade) will be in session on Easter for the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services.

Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors out to Calvary! We have set up an Easter Sunday Facebook event invitation that you can use if you and your friends are on Facebook. You can find it here.

Want to invite your friends with children to our FREE Easter Egg Hunt on the Saturday before Easter? You can access our Facebook event invitation for that event right here.

Questions? Contact us at info@calvaryop.org.  

  

-Matt 

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 THIS 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.

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 April 13, please finish the book.

Questions for Thought / Discussion for Chapter 9

1) What are the reasons Dr. Storms says it's important for us to have our minds on heaven? What do you think about those reasons?

2) How did Dr. Storms descriptions of heaven affect or change your thinking?

3) How did his descriptions affect your perception or understanding of God?

4) How does Dr. Storms say our present lives will affect our experience of heaven?

5) What does Dr. Storms say is the ultimate purpose of Christ's return? Why should that excite us?

6) How has this book affected you?

Illinois Mission Trip Opportunity
Can you help?

The tornado last fall its toll on Southern Illinois. One town that did not get the attention of the press but was also devastated is Brookport, IL. We are working with World Renew and sending a team to do both construction and clean-up.

 

We need both skilled construction workers and those that can help with the unskilled labor. The trip is open to both men and women 18 or older. We will be staying in a church in Paducah, Kentucky. The cost is $250 per person. (A hotel is available for those that need it, at an extra cost.)

 

If you're interested, please sign up at the Brookport Mission Trip table in the lobby on Sunday, April 13 or by calling the church office. There will be a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. for all those planning on going.

 

If you have any questions please contact Pastor Ron Ovitt, Gary Deckinga, Randy Kosar or Steve Goreham.        

Celebrate Recovery Coming to Calvary!
Join us in this exciting new program at Calvary!
 

If you have had a personal victory in your own life with a hurt or habit and want to know more about getting this exciting program started at Calvary, please plan on coming to an important informational meeting on Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Room 252.

 

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-based approach to recovery aimed at all "hurts, habits, and hang-ups," including but not limited to, drug and alcohol addictions, sex addiction, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and people who have been sexually abused. The goal is to become free from our hurts, habits, and hang-ups through an in-depth step study program and God's healing power in our lives. This occurs through study, action and commitment to Jesus Christ as we understand the eight recovery principles (based on the Beatitudes in Matthew) and the 12-steps with their Biblical comparisons. As these principles are applied to lives, people begin to grow spiritually and become free from addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors.

 

Come and find out how you can become involved in helping us get this program started here at Calvary. Any questions, please contact Pastor Ron Ovitt at 708.429.2200 or ron@calvaryop.org. 

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
Selah Concert at Moody Bible Institute on April 25 

Tickets for the Selah concert on Friday, April 25, at Moody Bible Institute in Torrey-Gray Auditorium are on sale through iTickets or by calling (800) 965-9324. Tickets are $20. This general seating concert will begin at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6 p.m. The concert will also be broadcast live via Moody Radio. For more information about the Selah concert on Friday, April 25, please visit the concert web page or call (800) 965-9324. Flyers are also available at the Welcome Center. 


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.

  

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools News

Just So Stories  

Oak Lawn Middle School will be presenting Just So Stories.  Save the date for Tuesday, April 15 to come see this imaginative retelling of Rudyard Kipling's classic animal stories. Five of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, including "How the Camel Got His Hump", "How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin" and "How the Elephant Got His Trunk" are included here. The tales are brought vividly to life by Kipling's young daughter, Elsie, and a group of new friends she has made during a visit with her aunt while her parents are away. Elsie receives in the mail from her father a recently published copy of his new book, a series of animal adventures. She and her friends eagerly act out the stories until they come to the final one which, to the surprise of her friends, Elsie is reluctant to enact. The ending, which holds a surprise or two, is moving and uplifting as Elsie learns something about herself and her friends as well. Performances at 1:00 and 7:00pm. Check the drama website for more information: http://drama2.arcofhistory.org/Just_So_Stories/Welcome.html  

  

Oak Lawn Campus News 

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools OAK LAWN CAMPUS will host a Daytime Open House on Tuesday, April 15 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 Schools OAK LAWN CAMPUS invites you to experience a "Free Day of Preschool" on Tuesday, April 15 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.   

  

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools OAK LAWN CAMPUS will host a Kindergarten Information Meeting on Monday, April 21 at 7pm for prospective kindergarteners and their 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.

  

Chicago Christian News  

Chicago Christian High School's annual GRANDPARENTS DAY will be Friday, April 25. Grandparents, older relatives, and friends are an important part of our constituency, so please join us in celebrating our older generation's contribution to the welfare of our Christian schools and families.  Grandparents are invited to view student Art Exhibits beginning at 9:30 am. Chapel begins at 10am followed by an opportunity to visit classes with grandchildren. A complimentary lunch will be provided at 11:30am.

  

Choir Cantata at Orland Park CRC

Join Orland Park CRC for The Risen Christ, a choir cantata performed by the combined choirs of Orland Park CRC and Covenant OPC, on Sunday, April 13 at 4 p.m. You can find out more information here.

  

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.  

  

Panel of Local Agencies / Ministries

Christian Service Ministries invites you to a panel of local agencies/ministries on Thursday, April 24 from 7-9 pm at Hope Christian Reformed Church in Oak Forest. It's a great way to learn how to tap into local resources that may be useful in your work with people in your church or community. Please reserve a seat by calling Jan at 708-307-2370 or email jvisser.csm@gmail.com .

  

PASS Color Fun Run & Hike for Life

Join us on Saturday, June 7 from 7-11 a.m. for PASS' annual Fun Run & Hike for Life in Frankfort, IL. This is an annual fundraiser to benefit PASS and its 30 years of life-affirming ministry that serves the south suburbs, including Lansing, South Holland and Tinley Park.

  

There will be a complimentary breakfast, petting zoo, pony rides, Jump Zone, music, games, photo booth, police and fire vehicles, face painting and so much more! For more information and to pre-register, go to www.helppass.org.  

  

Summer Christian Sports Camps

Chicago Christian High School will be hosting Youth Sport Camps again this summer for students that will be entering grades 4-8. The camps include Tennis, Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Cross Country. For further information, go to their website here.

  

Trinity Christian College is offering a wide variety of sports camps for a variety of ages from K-9. Camps include Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field and Volleyball. Registration is open now online! Click here to sign up. 

  

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
Good Friday
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter
Calvary Mission Work Day
Prayer Series
One Thing: A Church-Wide Book Study
Illinois Mission Trip Opportunity
Guatemala Mission Trip
Celebrate Recovery
DivorceCare
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

THURSDAY (4/10):

- 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 (4/11):  

- 7:00 p.m.  Jr. High Youth Group 

SATURDAY (4/12):  

- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service   
   
SUNDAY (4/13):
- 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 (4/14):       

- 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.  Celebrate Recovery   

    

TUESDAY (4/15):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Revelation Bible Study

  

WEDNESDAY (4/16):

- 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 (4/17):

- 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.  Job Networking Group  

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH

  

FRIDAY (4/18):  

- 7:00 p.m.  Good Friday Communion Service 

 

SATURDAY (4/19):  

- 10:00 a.m.  Children's Easter Egg Hunt
- 5:00 p.m.  New Hope Fellowship Service  
sermon

 


WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please begin to save your empty 1- or 2-liter plastic bottles for a Vacation Bible School craft! We will have a collection site to drop off your bottles in May.

Thank you!

Be sure to save the date of June 23-27 from 9 am to noon for VBS! 
Job Opening
Faith United Methodist Church, the church that bought our old building, is looking for a Director of Children's Ministry.

A background in elementary education and experience with children's ministry is preferred. Send cover letter and resume to careers@faithumcop
.org or fax 708.444.8570.
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.