I was reminded in my sermon preparation this week of the classic story in John Bunyan's (1678) Pilgrim's Progress. Like the main character, Christian, in Bunyan's tale, we are all on a journey together - trying to make progress in our joy - until we reach the great City. There God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
The good news is that we are not on this journey alone. And I hope that in 2015 you will join the entire church on the joy journey. Let's fight TOGETHER for joy! Make worship a priority. Get involved in a Life Group! Roll up your sleeves and serve. Read the Scriptures with the rest of the church. Jump into an IF: Gathering with the women or hang out with some men at their next gathering. Spend time with friends who are all in for your joy. Don't go it alone.
Last Sunday night more than 25 new attenders showed up at Coffee with the Pastors on a cold January night. (Wow!) And person after person told us they came because YOU invited them. Let's make progress TOGETHER for our joy, and let's continue inviting others to join us on the joy journey.
What's New at Calvary...
Nominate Someone to Lead
Calvary is looking for men to join our elder board to serve the needs of our growing church body. Elder candidates should be men of Godly character who are competent and experienced leaders. You are invited to prayerfully consider nominating someone you believe will provide able leadership for our church community. To nominate one or more elder candidates, CLICK HERE.
GroupLink
New Life Groups (small groups) are starting this month through GroupLink, where at a table over lunch you will meet your new Life Group leader and the other people in your group. Once you decide as a group about where and when you will meet, you are off and running! GroupLink is on Sunday, 1.18. Sign-up at the Guest Services desk or online here.
Women's Bible Study
The winter session of women's Bible studies beginsJanuary 12 & 13. Join us on Monday evenings for Beth Moore's study, Children of the Day: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Or join us on Tuesday mornings for a study by Dr. Judi Slattery and Linda Dillow, Passion Pursuit. Click on the study titles for more information or to register online. Stop by our table in the lobby this Sunday to ask questions or to sign-up.
IF: Valparaiso
Join us for the IF: Valparaiso simulcast at Calvary on Friday evening, 2.6, and Saturday, 2.7. This 2-day gathering brings together women from around the world to wrestle with the essential questions: IF God is real... THEN what? What purpose does He have for me? IF: Gatherings are about facing those questions head-on and grappling through the hows and whys of living out the answers. Click here for more information and to purchase your ticket.
Sevenglory in Concert
What if you could change a life with a $10 concert ticket? On Friday, 2.13 at 7p, rock band Sevenglory with special guest Red Umbrella presents An Evening of Hope and Melody, a benefit concert for Oasis Home in Guatemala. Advance tickets ($10) are on sale now through 2.12 at brownpapertickets.com. Oasis is a residential haven for girls who have been abused or forced into child labor (or both). It's a place for them heal and experience love and security.
Rooted: How to Make Your Marriage Last
Each Sunday in January, Calvary's weekly disciple-building forum will work through practical steps and application for How to Make Your Marriage Last. This topic is designed for both married couples and singles! Join Pastor Jon Nitta each Sunday for a discussion and an extended Q&A. Looking to plant yourself deeper in the faith? Get in on a Rooted discussion in room 403 from 9:30a-11a.
Starting Point Membership Class
Become a part of our family! Starting Point is Calvary's membership class, giving information on what Calvary believes, where it is headed, and why that is important. The class is also designed to connect you with others who are considering making Calvary their home church. Starting Point begins on Sunday, 2.8, at 11:15a and continues for three weeks. Sign-up at the Guest Services Desk on Sunday or online here.