Calvary Link: Last Sunday

Calvary-Link-BeautyI can't stop thinking about last Sunday. Nearly 1500 people (1472 to be exact) packed into a place of worship built for a few hundred and witnessed the most baptisms completed on a single day in the history of our church. It's not the numbers that are important; it's the changed lives they represent! Young and old are coming to Christ as we reach out to friends and family with the Good News.

We are certainly aware that it is getting very crowded at Calvary Church on Sunday morning. You can help us by coming early to get the kids checked in and find a seat - and by attending an early or late-morning service. The 9:45a was standing-room only last Sunday! Also, please know that our leadership team is working hard on the campus expansion plan. We are incorporating the great input you gave us because we want to do it right, and as soon as the planning work is done, we promise to share the plans with you.

Are you in a Life Group? Can I tell you how much I long for every single person who attends Calvary to enjoy relationships with other believers? It will change your life. Sure you have to make time for it, but it's worth it. GroupLink is coming up in just a few weeks on September 20. We have a a number of new groups launching this fall so we will have room for YOU! We promise that we will work hard to help you find those relationships that will encourage you on the journey.

See you Sunday for the encouraging conclusion of 1 John. It will be another great morning of worship together!

What's New at Calvary...

A Model for Daily Prayer
It's easier than you think to fit more prayer into your life. The simple model for daily prayer that Pastor Lionel shared last Sunday is on the Miscellanies blog today. Plus, tomorrow's post will recount his explanation of what it means to pray according to God's will.

Coffee with the Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to Coffee with the Pastors on Sunday, 9.13, from 6:30 - 8p at The South Bend Chocolate Cafe. 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.

Rooted: How to Grow and Change
Rooted is an intentional approach to making disciples. Pastor Jon Nitta hosts these biblically grounded Sunday morning discussions that incorporate teaching, small group interaction, and short weekly projects. Rooted begins on Sunday, 9.13, in room 403 from 9:30 - 11a with a discussion on How to Grow and Change.

Young Adult Gathering
For awhile now, Pastor Jon has wanted to gather the young adults of Calvary (ages 21-35) so they can grow spiritually together and get to know one another. If you fall into that age bracket, this gathering is for you!

Join Pastor Jon on the first Friday of every month for a relaxed evening complete with dinner and discussion. At the first gathering on Friday, 9.4, from 7 - 9p in the Well, he will share his thoughts on the Young Adult Ministry and give you a chance to share yours.

Welcome Back, College Students!
College students: On Sunday, 9.13, from 12:30 - 2p, we are hosting a lunch for you to kick off the school year and tell you more about Calvary and the College Ministry. Whether you're a Calvary regular or brand new, come grab a bite in room 403 and hear how the College Ministry will look this year.

Stories: New Life in New Orleans
In July of 2015, a team from Calvary Student Ministries embarked on a journey to New Orleans to partner with Urban Impact and reach surrounding neighborhoods with the gospel. From leading a day camp to developing relationships with people in the community, these students set out to change lives and ended up experiencing some life change of their own. Check out there STORY HERE.

MOPS Sign-ups
MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, is starting September 11! Visit our Drive-thru registration THIS Friday, 8.28, from 9:30a to 11:30a. Click here for more information!

Women's Bible Studies
Women's Ministry will be offering new study opportunities starting on September 14 & 15! Join us on Monday nights at 6:30p or Tuesday mornings at 9:30a for an 8-week study, Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman. Also available on Tuesday mornings is an 11-week Precepts Bible study on Philippians. Click here for more information and to register online.

AWANA Registration
Kids ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to attend our AWANA program, which begins Wednesday, September 2, from 5:45 - 7:45p! AWANA teaches kids to love God through Scripture memorization, teaching, worship, and more. To avoid long lines the first night of club, you may pre-register your kids at the AWANA tables in the gym between and after services this Sunday, 8.30!

Calvary Kids Casting Calls
K-5th Graders & Parents: You're invited to a Casting Call and Parent Night to learn more about this year's Christmas musical and to get signed up to participate! Join Calvary Kids Director, Sharalee Falls, in room 300 on Sunday, 9.13, from 3 - 4:30p. Click here for further details.

Student Ministries Launch Night
All 6-12th grade students & parents: Please join us in the Well on 9.13 from 4:30 - 6p as we kickoff the 2015-2016 school year for Student Ministries. We can't wait to see you! We've got a "Parents Only" time set aside to catch you up on calendars, communication, and partnering together. Don't miss out!

Financial Peace University
Calvary Church will be offering Financial Peace University Workshop starting this fall on 9.23. Financial Peace University will teach you and your family how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build wealth.

Kids Alive Golf Outing
Calvary's Global Ministry partners, Kids Alive International, will be holding a benefit golf outing on October 2. For details on how to register or for sponsorship information for this event, click here.