Calvary Link: Advent

Calvary-FollowThis Sunday begins the season of Advent, a special time in the church calendar. Advent means “to come to” in Latin, and it’s an apt name for the season that both celebrates every good thing Jesus has already done and anticipates the good things yet to come. It’s sometimes described as a season of waiting, waiting for Jesus to show up, to make himself known in our lives; but I think Advent is better described as a season of “looking for.” We’re looking for Jesus to bring us what we long for because we know he’s going to. He always does. That’s why we celebrate.

I am planning to observe Advent this year by "looking for" God to renew me through Christ. I will be worshipping, spending time with my family, exchanging a few simple gifts, and being with friends. We're keeping it simple. There is something about this time of year that seems rushed. Don’t give in to that. Find time in the busy holiday season to quietly anticipate Jesus. Take in that daily diet of good news—the gospel—that Pastor Josh mentioned last Sunday. Pray for those in our church family who have experienced loss or hurts. Give generously to those in need. You may change a life.

We gather again this Sunday and open the Scriptures to 1 Peter on this first Sunday of Advent. What a perfect week to remember that Jesus, whom this season eagerly anticipates, is our cornerstone!

Christmas Musical
Laugh along as a group of shepherds discover they're part of a great dynasty!

It's a quiet night in the hills outside Bethlehem, but it won't be for long. Shepherds watching over their sheep are about to get a surprising visit and an even more stunning message: a new King has been born!

David's Dynasty is a fun, comic musical for the whole family that reminds all of us that we are invited to be part of a dynasty—God's great family.

Changing Lives
Thank you for giving generously! You can help our church finish the year strong and continue doing what God's Word tells us to do: share the hope of Christ; care for orphans, vulnerable families, and immigrants; and support and encourage one another. Give today.

Mission Trips
Serve alongside one of Calvary’s international partners and see the beauty of the global church at work. Applications are being accepted now for 2018 mission trips for women, medical professionals, and adults. Get an application on our Mission Trips page.

Family Worship Night
WEDNESDAY 12.20

Family Worship Night kicks off at 5:45p with kid-friendly worship! Then enjoy fun activities throughout the chuch building like bounce houses, laser tag, holiday photo booth, and airbrush tattoos. Hot chocolate and cookies for all!

Family Christmas Series
Begins SUNDAY 12.3

This Sunday begins a new series, Family Christmas, in Calvary Students. The series culminates in the Awkward Family Christmas Party on 12.17! Middle school students meet at 4p; high schoolers at 6:30p.

Christmas Dinner
THURSDAY 12.7 at 7p

Reserve your seat for the annual Calvary Men’s Christmas dinner at Kelsey’s Steakhouse in Valpo. On this night, we enjoy each other’s company as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

December IF:Tables
If you're looking for a way to connect with other women, we schedule IF:Tables, small conversation-oriented gatherings, throughout each month. Find a Table near you.

A Bible Journey
Spend 2018 in God’s Word with Pastor Lionel as your guide! Lectio Divina is a yearlong Bible reading plan with daily commentary from Pastor Lionel Young. Read the daily devotions on the Calvary app or visit the Lectio Divina site to have them delivered to your email inbox.

Family Sundays
On Family Sundays everyone worships together! This year, Christmas Eve on Sunday 12.24 and New Year's Eve on Sunday 12.31 are Family Sundays. Childcare is still available for our youngest worshippers, infants through preschool.