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For the Week of May 1-8                     
Vol. 10, Issue 16
Assured For Eternity
For does not my house stand so with God?
    For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
    ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
    all my help and my desire?
- 2 Samuel 23:5 (ESV) 

 

I love reading about King David. I just finished the story of his life, and the passage I have highlighted above is the recorded last words of David, probably written close to the time he passed the torch of his kingdom on to his son, Solomon.

  

For those of who are fortunate to live long enough to understand that we are closer to death than to life, it is usually a time of introspection. It is a time when people take stock of the life they've lived and think about what lies ahead. David was no different. 

  

For David, in his writings, we can see that he understood what it meant to be eternally assured. God had promised him that he would have a dynasty that would last for eternity. In a prophecy given to David in 2 Samuel 7:16, he hears God say to him, "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." We understand that this prophecy came true hundred of years later when Jesus was born because he was a direct descendant of David. Jesus is the King who will reign forever.

 

As he approached death and began to take stock of his life, David took God's Word literally. He had no doubt that God would provide a dynasty for him and his family. He had no doubt that God would follow through on his promise. He was eternally assured and was able to say that God would do what he said he would do.

 

As I read about David's breathtaking faith in God, I can't help but wonder about my relationship with God. Do I fully understand and embrace that God has good intentions for me in light of Christ's horrifying crucifixion on the cross and his awesome resurrection from death? Do I understand that what Christ did is God's eternal promise to all of us? Do I understand that God fully intends and will keep his promise FOREVER?

 

As we all march on to eternity, regardless of what happens to us in our earthly life, both good and bad, God is always working on us, shaping us, loving us, drawing us closer to Him, making us new, and asking us to discover who He is and what He's up to daily. God fully intends to take care of us FOREVER. This is an amazing truth, one that we all need to hold fast to.  

 

This is why I'm so impressed by King David. He held fast to God's promises and never let them go, regardless of what life threw at him. David has inspired me to follow in his footsteps and write in my heart, like he did, about God's promises to me and have the full confidence that He will keep each and every one of them.  

 

My question to you today: are you eternally assured? If not, I would encourage you to reach out to God today and ask Him to show you His faithfulness. 

 

- Matt 

KidsLife News
We have a lot coming up and a lot to be thankful for!

Volunteer Orientation

New Tiny Town Volunteers: Just a reminder that if you signed up recently to assist in Tiny Town and you received a letter from KidsLife staff you will need to attend one of our orientation dates. We will be going over crucial information about our KidsLife serving policies and emergency procedures. 

 

The following dates are scheduled for Volunteer Orientation: 

Sunday, May 4 from 9:00-9:20 am or 10:30-10:50 am

Sunday, May 18 from 9:00-9:20 am or 10:30-10:50 am

 

Please plan to attend one of these times. We will meet with you in Room 129.

 

If you are unable to make one of these dates, please call Tiffany at the church office at 708.429.2200 or email her at children@calvaryop.org.

 

2014 VBS Weird Animals   June 23-27 from 9am-12pm

Calling all volunteers who know that Jesus' loves is one-of-a-kind! We are busily preparing to serve 400 kids for VBS and we cannot do it without the help of our amazing volunteers! Visit our website to sign up as a volunteer!

 

Are you unable to serve the week of VBS but would like to help in another way? We have many items needing to be donated to help offset the cost of VBS. Look for the VBS Donations board in the lobby starting May 18th.

 

Kids, pre-registration will begin Sunday, May 18 in the lobby or sign up online now at www.calvaryop.org/vbs!

 

May in KidsLife

KidsLife on Sundays will be having their end-of-the school year party on Sunday, May 18. The LOFT WILL NOT be open on Memorial Weekend, May 25; however, our Tiny Town nursery will still be offered. Our LOFT and Tiny Town summer programs will begin on June 1.    

 

S.O.S. - Save Our Staff! 

We have many volunteers that dedicate their time and energy throughout the school year in many of our children's programs. Become a life-saver by serving in KidsLife LOFT this summer, allowing our usual "volunteer staff" refresh themselves. Sign up with Tiffany Johnston for once or twice a month at your preferred service time (June and July only). Call her at the church office @ 708.429.2200 or email your interest to children@calvaryop.org.  

 

Want to do more than just help out two or three times this summer? Contact Tiffany to see where you can get plugged in for the upcoming Fall programs!  

Upcoming Girlfriends Events
Join us!
 

Girlfriends' Night Out 

Join us to see a movie! Calvary's Girlfriends is organizing an evening out of just women to see Mom's Night Out at Marcus Theaters in Orland Park on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. We'd love to have you join us!

The cost is only $5 and includes popcorn! Email us with your interest in attending at girlfriends
@calvaryop.org and we will save you a seat! If you'd like to order tickets ahead of time, you can go here.

 

Girlfriends' May Bible Study - Only 3 Weeks! 

Join us on Monday, May 5 at 7 p.m. for a 3-week study of three topics from Priscilla Shirer's Seed series! Join us on Monday nights from 7-9 p.m. in Room 210. 

 

  

Girlfriends' Summer Book Study

Join us on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. for a 9-session DVD Bible study, The 7 Experiment: Staging Your Own Mutiny Against Excess.

 

Come honest and ready to untangle the clutter in your life.  Discover how temporarily disengaging from excess can allow God's heart to break through your stuff and open your eyes to the things that really matter.

 

Mark your calendars for what promises to be a great study! The final dates will be announced shortly. Also, the author of this book, Jen Hatmaker, will be coming to Parkview Church on Thursday, May 15 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.! We are organizing a trip to go there. You can find out more about this event here.

Questions? Contact girlfriends@calvaryop.org. 
Cadet Corps Fishing Tournament!
Come and fish for a good cause!
 

The Calvinist Cadet Corps is hosting its twelfth annual fishing tournament to raise funds to support its ministry - helping boys grow spiritually in all areas of life. The fishing tournament will be held on Saturday, June 7 at Gun Lake State Park in southwest Michigan. For more information, please call the Corps office at 616-241-5616 ext. 4 or check out the Cadet website under the "Events" tab. Everyone is welcome! You can register at our website here. Lunch will be served at noon. Join us for a fun-filled day!

Donate Your Eyeglasses to Guatemala!
Help restore the sight of those who cannot see...
 

The Guatemala Team is collecting used prescription eye glasses and reading glasses. These glasses will be distributed in remote villages through the free vision clinic this summer. Please consider donating your old eyeglasses to help people with eyesight difficulties who cannot afford to buy them. You may bring your used prescription eyeglasses and reading glasses and place them in the box in the lobby near the Welcome Center. Thank you!

Men's Barnabas Bible Study
Open to men of all ages!
 

Come and join a men's fellowship every Thursday from 7-8 a.m. in room #204 to study and discuss scripture based materials. Our study is now You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado! Light refreshments and coffee are served. Contact John Brooks at brooksjnb@att.net for further info. All men are welcome to join at any time. We would love to see you there!

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.

SummerStage 2014 Coming to Calvary!
Mark your calendars!
 

Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 6 and experience the music of Christian singer/songwriters Nick Flora, Eric Peters, Waterdeep, Burlap to Cashmere, and JASON GRAY right here in our worship center! Tickets will be available in the lobby THIS SUNDAY (and the next few weeks) at an early bird discount of $12 VIP (includes a meet & greet with all artists) and $8 general admission (reg. $24/$16). For more info or to volunteer the day of the concert, contact Deb Jennings at jenningsdeb@gmail.com.

Local Community News
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools News

Southwest Chicago Christian Preschool on the Oak Lawn campus has openings in its 3- and 4-year-old half-day and full-day programs. Choose between 2, 3, and 5 day/week options. Call (708) 388-7656 for more information or to schedule a tour. We are excited to share with you our rigorous learning environment that will stimulate your child's mind and engage their soul. You can also visit us on the web at www.swchristian.org.

  

Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Mid-America Reformed Seminary cordially invites you to their 29th Commencement on May 15 at 7:30 pm at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Glenwood-Lansing Rd, Lansing, IL. The speaker will be alumnus Rev. John Bouwers, pastor of Immanuel Orthodox Reformed Church in Jordan, ON, Canada. 

  

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.

  

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. 

  

Men of A-Chord News

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.

  

60th Anniversary Celebration Concert

The Men of A-Chord is excited to announce a concert in celebration of their 60th Anniversary. The concert will be on Saturday, June 7. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Trinity Christian College Ozinga Chapel located at 6601 W College Dr., Palos Heights, IL. As part of this Celebration Concert these other male choruses will combine with us: His Men of Holland, MI, The Singing Crusaders of Kalamazoo, MI, and The Singing Men of Oakbrook of Oakbrook, IL. Each choir will sing numbers separately and a number of songs together as a mass chorus. There will be piano/organ duets as well, along with plenty of audience participation in singing the many old favorites you love to sing! Make your plans now for a great evening of song and praise in celebration of God's faithfulness for 60 years with Men of A-Chord. A free will offering will be taken. For information please see our website at  www.menofachord.org or contact any member of the Men of A-Chord.
In This Issue
NEUE: Sermon Series
KidsLife News
Upcoming Girlfriends Events
Cadet Corps Fishing Tournament
Eyeglasses for Guatemala!
Men's Barnabas Bible Study
DivorceCare
SummerStage 2014
Local Community News
What's the What
This Week @ Calvary!

 

THURSDAY (5/1):

- 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)

- 7:30 p.m.  NOAH 

 

SATURDAY (5/3):  

- 9:00 a.m.  New Elder / Deacon Orientation  
   
SUNDAY (5/4):
- 7:45 a.m.  Prayer Meeting
- 8:00 a.m.  Church Service
- 9:00 a.m.  Tiny Town Volunteer Orientation
- 9:15 a.m.  Congregational Meeting
- 9:30 a.m.  Church Service
- 9:30 a.m.  Jr. High CrossTraining
- 9:30 a.m.  Revelation Bible Study
- 9:30 & 11 a.m.  The Loft Sunday School
- 10:30 a.m.  Tiny Town Volunteer Orientation
- 10:40 a.m.  Congregational Meeting
- 11:00 a.m.  Church Service
- 1:00 p.m.  DivorceCare
- 7:00 p.m.  Sr. High Youth Group 

 

MONDAY (5/5):       

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

- 7:00 p.m.  Celebrate Recovery

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

    

TUESDAY (5/6):

- 6:00 p.m.  Praise Band Rehearsal

- 7:00 p.m.  Elders & Deacons Meeting 

  

WEDNESDAY (5/7):

- 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 (5/8):

- 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.  Girlfriends Leaders Meeting

  

FRIDAY (5/9):  

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

 

SATURDAY (5/10):  

- 8:00 a.m.  Stephen Ministry 
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! 
Job Openings

Cardinal Specialities

Cardinal Specialties in Orland Park is looking for an Office Assistant to start immediately.

20 hours per week - computer skills are needed. If interested, please call (708) 532-8200.

 

Chicago Christian Counseling Center

Chicago Christian Counseling Center is seeking a part-time Office Assistant 19 hours per week (M & W 9-4, F 11-4) at our Orland Park location. Qualified applicants should have excellent phone and computer skills. Office and insurance experience helpful. Submit resume to Mel Jonkman, Executive Director at 

info@chicago
christiancounseling
.org. Chicago Christian Counseling Center is a non-profit and has provided professional Christian counseling in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana since 1973.
Celebrate Recovery

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. 

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!