We have been talking about reaching the people in our community who are not affiliated with another church.  This is the largest growing group in surveys about religious standing in America.  When asked what church they are affiliated with, they mark "none." So they are called the "nones".

"Nones" are not atheist or unbelievers, they went to church at one time or another, but they have not been to a church lately.  The reason why-no one asked them.  No one invited them to church.  Yes, it can be a little awkward to begin a conversation when you have an agenda of inviting someone to church.  It's simply not our style.  These days no one wants to be pushy-we can all understand how that turns people off.  If we look as if we are a church that is trying to convert everyone to membership, then we are only out for one thing-membership numbers.

That's not what we are all about.  We are about unleashing the Holy Spirit. We are not about information-convincing someone to agree to our doctrines.  We are about transformation-seeing lives changed in Christ.   So how do we reach out and connect?  One way is to re-frame the invitation.  Instead of seeing it as going to church, think about it as being a "partner in ministry."

Once we see the opportunity coming, usually we are thinking, "Ok, I am about to invite my neighbor across the street to come to church.  Come on courage!"  Instead of that, ask yourself what you enjoy about church, then use that to issue the invitation. Or see what your neighbor enjoys, and consider how that could be used to bring God the glory.

Recently a student group, Habitat for Humanity, partnered in a beautification project by planting some flowers by one of our signs.  Ann Hall got a good picture!  Now those students are likely to return to worship.  They feel a connection with us.  Maybe you and your neighbor could join together in something that might lead to an easier, less blunt invitation to worship.  Don't worry so much about what words to say.  Let the Holy Spirit work through you.  Let's connect with those "nones." 

In Christ,

Andrew

Discover the NEW THINGS that God is doing at First & Calvary! 

Bring a "none" with you!

Learn about becoming a Presbyterian and a member of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church.  Call the church office to register.

Get Acquainted with one another

in room 021 from 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Lunch and conversational information

begins at 12:15 p.m. until 3 p.m. in room 020.

A great opportunity to meet First & Calvary staff members!

for Contemporary Application   

The "Search" Bible study is a lot of fun.  

You should try it!

Each class will begin with a contemporary application of the Scriptures to the news of the day and then move to the planned study of  Esther. It's great to see how relevant God's Word is. It's timeless and is so applicable to our lives today.

Please join Dr. Chaney for this SEARCH Bible study class held on Wednesday mornings 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. through May 22nd. The class meets in the Reception Room 026.

Attention All Men!

"Outer Space-Inner Space" Men's Retreat

This year's men's retreat will be held at Roaring River State Park on May 10-12.

The theme will center upon how modern cosmology informs faith and spirituality.  If you aren't sure of that connection, consider attending the retreat to hear Dr. Chaney present 5 sessions on this topic that will stretch your faith into space! We will also offer small group discussions.

During the retreat there will be opportunities for fishing and golf.  You might want to hike around or take a guided tour of the park, springs, river or fishing hatchery.

Take a quantum leap forward in faith and fellowship with your fellow gentlemen of First & Calvary.

The cost is $150 per person.

Download your REGISTRATION FORM here or pick one up at the church office or in your Sunday school class!

Our Youth Choir parents are preparing
a FREE lunch for YOU! Dine in the fellowship hall, on the lawn, or take your FREE food to go! Make sure you don't leave before getting your FREE CAR WASH (beginning at 12:30) from our wonderful Youth Choir members in the south parking lot. 

Your donations are gladly accepted to support our Youth Choir trip to North Carolina in late May!

Reminders from Rob ...

Camp Galilee

Monday, June 17-Saturday, June 22

Cost: $250 per student.

All students going into 6th grade through students who have just completed grade 12  are invited to experience Camp Galilee this summer! The middle & high school will share the same camp during the same week, but will be separated from each other.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 30 BUT SPACE IS LIMITED, SO SIGN UP NOW!

Everywhere Fun Fair:

Where God's World Comes Together...

This interactive, energizing, Bible-based program that gives children a chance to discover God's welcoming love. At this exciting global fair, children will experience the love of Jesus, meet welcoming neighbors from the Bible, and explore the everyday lives of neighbors from Japan, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico. Children will learn that God's love welcomes everyone as they learn how to love and serve God and be a neighbor to the world.

The Children's Ministry Committee is in need of "Faith Guides" to guide children as they learn the word of God during VBS 2013. Would you like to spend a week guiding children and helping children grow deeper in their faith?

• Register your children here.
• Sign up to volunteer here.
• Or email Erika O'Bryant 

"Smoke on the Mountain" Branson Show & Dessert

Join your friends as we enjoy a NIGHT OUT in Branson!

• There are only 56 seats available on our Cavallo tour bus!
• The cost is $30 per person-covers  transportation/gratuity/show.
• (Shopping &/or dessert are on your own.)