I've been taking lots of walks lately. I took one last night and again early this morning. As I've been taking in the beauty of God's creation, I am also praying for the people I love the most in this world--my friends, my family, and my flock. Let me encourage you to take in the beauty of each day and then move beyond enjoyment, and even beyond gratitude, to a place of worship.
"Gratitude exclaims, very properly, 'How good of God to give me this,'" C. S. Lewis once explained. "Adoration [worship] says, 'What must be the quality of that Being whose far-off and momentary brilliance is like this!' One's mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun" (Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly On Prayer). Gratitude gives thanks while adoration wonders in awe of the Giver.
As you take in the beauty of the fall colors and enjoy October baseball (go Cubbies!), let your mind turn from gratitude to adoration. "What must the Person be like who created THIS?!" And then give Him praise. I'm back in the pulpit this Sunday continuing our verse-by-verse exposition of the Word of God and adoring the God of all creation with you.
What's New at Calvary...
Student Ministries Concert of Prayer
Life gets busy, chaotic even, and that busyness can crowd out the space we need to PAUSE and hear from God. So on 10.18, students are gathering for A Night of Prayer to do just that. The middle school concert of prayer is 4-5:30p and the high school one is 6:30-8p. This is a time for prayer, worship, and reflection as students seek to sync up with God's heart for their lives.
Prayer Warriors Needed
God, what would you have us do? This fall, we are entering a season of prayer as we ask God to continue to bless our church and to show us what He would have us do in the months and years ahead. One of the first things we're doing is initiating a prayer gathering on Sunday mornings. Join Dan and Candie Blankenburg every Sunday in the church conference room at 9:45a. Come and pray for our church; we need you!
Children's Ministries Volunteers
Are you a new Children's Ministries volunteer or nursery childcare worker? Or are you a seasoned volunteer who wants a refresher on Calvary's policies and procedures for our nurseries and classrooms? Join Victoria Evans-Peasley, Director of Children's Ministries, this Sunday, 10.18 for a New Volunteer Training. Meet in room 300 from 8:15-9:30a. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
Women's Ministries Special Event
We are excited to kick off the holiday season with author and speaker Emily Freeman! She will visit Calvary for a special women's event on November 7 beginning at 9a. Join us for a morning of worship with Kurt Felsman followed by teaching and encouragement from Emily. Women of all ages are welcome to come and relax, worship, connect with others over brunch, and enjoy! Get all the detail HERE, plus purchase advance tickets before November 1.
Women's Ministries Working Moms
Are you a working mom with young kids? Join a whole group of working moms and their child(ren) for a special field trip to the County Line Orchard on Saturday, 10.17, at 9:30a. Click HERE for more information and to RSVP.
Men's Ministries Tailgating Party
The Crusaders are playing on Saturday, 10.17, and we're tailgating! Get the details HERE.
Are you looking to get plugged-in with the Men's Ministries at Calvary Church? Get details and sign-up for the monthly newsletter here.
Coffee With the Pastors
Calvary guests are invited to Coffee with the Pastors on Sunday, 11.1, from 6:30 - 8p at The South Bend Chocolate Cafe. Learn about Calvary's values and vision, and ask questions of the pastoral staff in a casual environment. We would love to meet you! RSVP here.
Job Opening
Calvary is seeking a part-time accounting manager/bookkeeper. If you are a Calvary member (or are pursuing membership), have a strong accounting background, practical experience in fund-based accounting and account reconciliation, and a rock-solid commitment to confidentiality, we'd like to talk to you about being part of our staff team. Submit a resume and cover letter to Lori Coslet.