Summertime is in full swing! I've already been engaged in soccer camp, basketball on the driveway, throwing the football, and coaching baseball with Joel. I've ridden the Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point with Kaitlyn on a Student Ministry trip (and didn't throw up). I've played "Ultimate - Ultimate" and other crazy games with Lydia at Miracle Camp (and did throw up...thanks for the germs, kids). We've gone on bike rides, visits to the beach, and made plenty of trips to local ice cream and fro-yo establishments. This past weekend we enjoyed grilling out and watching grown men blow stuff up in the name of freedom. < Catch my breath here... > I'm taking more kids to Miracle Camp this week, getting ready for an awesome week of VBS (just a few weeks away!), and planning for more time at the beach and a trip to the Smoky Mountains before this summer is over.
I certainly hope that you are enjoying the summer as much as we are. Every good thing that we enjoy is a gift from the Lord, including the community of believers that we get to do life with. One of the beautiful things about many of the activities I've mentioned is that we've been able to enjoy them with others from our Calvary Church family. What an incredible means of grace the community is to us - in the good times and in the bad. We praise God for the blessing of being able to do life together with brothers and sisters in Christ.
Joining up with you on Sundays to celebrate and declare how awesome Jesus is and to encourage one another in the grace we have found in the gospel is a high point for us every single week! This Sunday will be no different. Join us in the 2,000 year old traditions of the church as we sing with the best worship team in the region, serve one another, give, and hear the Word, continuing in our series Real Christianity from John's first letter.
Staff, elders, family, and friends will be remembering the life of Dr. Stewart Wu this Saturday at 11a at Calvary. We're grieving his death, but also encouraging one another with the hope we have in the gospel. The Lord graciously used Dr. Wu to reach so many lives with the gospel. His enduring faith and his fruitful life of ministry and devotion to Christ are an encouragement to us all.
What's New at Calvary...
Men's Ministry Social
The men of Calvary Church and friends are invited to John Bryant's home tomorrow, 7.9, from 7-10p for an evening full of food, drink, and good company! For more information and location details, click HERE.
Women's Ministry Serving Opportunity
Following the memorial service for Dr. Stewart Wu on Saturday, 7.11, Calvary will provide lunch for his family and friends. We still need several ladies (and gentlemen!) to help with set-up and clean up, food prep, and serving. In addition, we will need chips, prepared fruits and veggies, and desserts dropped off to the church. Would you consider serving our church family in this way? Please contact Victoria Evans-Peasley (victoria@calvaryweb.net) to let her know how you might be able to help.
Calvary Student Ministries: Location Change!
Attention Middle and High School Students! Due to inclement weather, we will NOT meet at Shorewood Forest Beach. Instead we're getting the whole gang together at Calvary TONIGHT. Join us in The Well from 5p - 7p for dinner and some tasty movie treats, plus a showing of McFarland, USA.
High School Summer Mission Trip: New Orleans
Next week, our high school students begin a weeklong mission trip to the heart of New Orleans, LA. You can help get them there to serve children in day camps and recreations outreach programs. For more information or to help fund their trip, click HERE.
Summer Life Night
Want to get more connected at Calvary? If you're thinking about joining a Life Group, Summer Life Nights are the place for you! Dinner and childcare will be provided. Our next Summer Life Night is Wednesday, 7.15 from 6-8p in The Well (Room 500). This event is for everyone - singles and marrieds, families and empty nesters, college students and senior adults. For more information or to sign-up, click HERE.
Coffee With the Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to Coffee with the Pastors on Sunday, 7.19, from 6:30-8p at The South Bend Chocolate Company. Learn about Calvary's values and vision, and take the opportunity to ask questions of the pastoral staff in a casual environment. We would love to meet you! RSVP HERE!
Children's Ministries VBS
Journey Off the Map with Calvary's Vacation Bible School 7.20-22 from 5:45-8:15p! This awesome week for kids entering K-5th grade is filled with Bible stories, action-packed songs, memory verses, cool crafts, games, and snacks. At the journey's end is a Family Fun Night on Thursday, 7.23! Submit child registrations by July 12th to avoid long lines on opening night. Sign-up online or stop by our table between services to register.
VBS VOLUNTEERS: Please plan to join us for an important meeting this Sunday, 7.12, at 12:30p in the Gym. Lunch will be provided. Contact Ashley Rice (ashley@calvaryweb.net) if you are unable to attend.
Calvary Church Family Fun Night
The Calvary Church family is invited to enjoy Family Fun Night on Thursday, 7.23! Invite your neighbors, family ,and friends to join you! We will have games, bounce houses, face-painting, music, and a free hot dog meal for kids (while supplies last). Additional food will be available for purchase. Join us in the Worship Center for the kick-off at 5:45p. All activities will open at 6:15p.
Starting Point Turbo 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. Our Starting Point Turbo Membership Class combines a 3-week course into one Saturday morning on 7.25 from 8:30a-12p. Sign-up online HERE.
