weekly focus: guyana trip recap
congregational care
In July, a team of 11 young adults traveled to Guyana, South America to support the ministry of Pastor Vishal and his wife, Naomi. The area where we were working is a predominantly Hindu area, so sharing the gospel and making disciples is not an easy task. Our team helped to lead four evening evangelistic crusades in various neighborhoods. Many people came each night, but many in their homes were also able to hear through the sound system. We performed skits, led worship, shared testimonies, and even preached.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED PRAYER LIST If you have been hospitalized, or anticipate hospitalization, and would like to be added to the prayer list, please call the church office at 956-9377.
Our team also led a VBS for the village kids from Monday through Friday. Our whole team took part in leading songs, games, skits, crafts, and sharing the gospel in our various age groups each day. On our last day there were 193 kids at VBS who heard the gospel and saw it portrayed through a skit.
PRAYER CHAIN: If you need prayer, contact Don & Cindy Marrell (
[email protected]) at 450-9622.
We saw the Lord at work throughout the week in moving our team closer to Him in what He wanted from us, and using us for His plan. Pastor Vishal and our team estimated about 3,000 people heard the gospel over the course of a week. It truly was a blessing to be a part of the Lord’s plan and work in Guyana. We give all the glory to the Lord (Matthew 28:16-20). Please continue to pray for Pastor Vishal and Naomi, our Calvary missionaries Andy and Kathleen Girwarnauth, and the ministry of the Association of Bible Churches in Guyana. Our team wishes to thank Calvary Church for sending us and partnering with us through your gifts, and through your prayers.
Missionary Christmas: Intentional, tangible care for our missionaries is something you can be involved in! Throughout the months of September and October, please give to our annual Missionary Christmas offering. Through your generosity, our missionaries each year receive a love gift with no strings attached to use for whatever they need the most. To donate, indicate Missionary Christmas on your check or on the Giving Envelope and drop it in the offering plate. You can also give online at mycalvarygr.org or text the amount you would like to give and GIFT to 616-294-0700.
DeVos Children’s: Uriah Steffens
BEREAVED We extend our Christian sympathy to Michael & Pamela Sigafoose at the homegoing of Michael’s mother, Alice, on September 20; to Joan Roeters at the homegoing of her husband, Dick, on September 21; and also to Diane and Gary Ergang at the homegoing of Diane’s mother, Anne Klifman, on September 22. BAPTISM If you would like to participate in our next baptism opportunity, please contact Kristen (kwhite@ calvarygr.og) at ext. 5013.
THE CALVARY LIBRARY IS OPEN! Lower Level | Near Entrance G The library is open Sundays, 8:45-10:45am and Wednesdays, 5:45-7:15pm. Visit us today and borrow from our many resources including DVDs, bible studies and audio books. MISSIONARY PRAYER GUIDES Missionary Prayer Guides are available at the Information Centers to guide you as you pray for our global and community workers throughout the month of October. A summary of prayer requests is also available on Calvary’s website. PARENT/PASTOR CONFERENCES Are you a parent of a 5th-12th grade student? Even if your family isn’t involved in Student Ministries, our staff wants to meet with you! Schedule your Parent/Pastor Conference now at calendly.com/calvary.
FOR THE RECORD
Calvary Church
Projected Offerings
Actual Offerings
Surplus/ (Deficit)
Last Week
$
137,246
$
107,785 ($ 29,461)
Fiscal YTD
$
548,984
$
501,723 ($ 47,261)
Sept. 1 Sep. 24
Missionary Christmas
$
8,166
707 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids MI 49525 Mailing Address: PO Box 1600 Grand Rapids MI 49501 Ph (616) 956-9377 Fax (616) 956-9723 calvarygr.org CalvaryChurchGR calvarygr
October 1, 2017 9:00am & 10:45am
The Kingdom of God Mark 1:14-15 Jim Samra, Senior Pastor
If you are visiting today, we are glad you are here. For information about our many groups, programs and events for all ages, pick up a copy of the quarterly Calvary Life magazine, visit us online at calvarygr.org, or stop by the Connection Point (located in the Gathering Place across from the main Sanctuary entrance). We would love to meet you! If you need hearing assistance, listening devices are available at the Welcome Center in the Crosswalk.
getting around the building In order to keep our Calvary Kids Ministry Area secure, the only entry to and from this space is via the grand staircases located off the Crosswalk. There is also elevator access near Entrance A. There is no access to the rest of the lower level, at any time during the week, from the Calvary Kids Ministry Area. Please do not walk through this area to the East or West End of the lower level. An alarm will sound, requiring a staff member to disable. Thank you for your assistance in helping us maintain a safe environment for ministering to children.
this morning COMMUNION: The ordinance of communion will be observed in this morning’s worship service. If needed, gluten-free bread is available at the back of the Sanctuary prior to the service. We will also collect an offering for our Benevolent Ministry following our time of communion. GRACE BEYOND: Last week we announced that an additional $3.2 million has been pledged toward Grace Beyond. The congregation also received information on extending our pledge season. Recognizing that Grace Beyond has always been about more than just renovating our building, we want to step forward with gusto into the future God is calling us to as transformed people. If you did not receive information on this next phase, pick one up today at the back of the Sanctuary.
coming events & announcements Transformed: An Eating & Body Image Study Begins October 5 | 7:00-8:30pm Register at mycalvarygr.org This seven-week bible study is designed to empower and equip women 18+ to walk free from eating and body image issues. Forever Hope: Hayride & Bonfire October 14 | 6:30-9:00pm Register at mycalvarygr.org If you are an adoptive or foster care Calvary family, we invite you to join us for a hayride and bonfire. There is no cost to attend. Register by October 9 at mycalvarygr.org. Young Adult Fall Retreat October 20-21 Early Bird Cost: $65 (ends Oct. 6) Register at mycalvarygr.org Get away for the weekend and experience an awesome time filled with fun activities, friends old and new, engaging teaching and worship. The location for our retreat this year will be at beautiful Gull Lake Retreat Center. 5th/6th Grade: Fall Retreat October 20 at 5:30pm October 21 at 5:30pm | $60 Register at mycalvarygr.org Are you ready for a full 24 hours of fun? We will squeeze in as much fun, friendship, worship, games and teaching sessions as we can! This is an awesome time to meet and get to know your fellow fifth/ sixth graders. This retreat will be held at Cran-Hill Ranch.
High School: Fall Retreat October 27 - October 29 Early Bird: $75 (ends Oct. 10) Register at mycalvarygr.org Enjoy getting to know your fellow high school UNITED friends better and find out what God has in store for you this coming year. We will be heading to the woods at Center Lake Bible Camp for this weekend! Lasting Impressions Workshop October 28 | 9:00am-2:30pm Gathering Place Register at mycalvarygr.org Join us for this workshop with author and Pastor Mark Waltz, on creating a culture of belonging. Learn practical tips for demonstrating hospitality in your area of ministry. Gain insight on how you can care for individuals from the moment they walk into church. Be encouraged to serve faithfully and extend a welcome like Jesus would. We hope anyone who regularly interacts with others in the church family will attend. Clean up Calvary Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share. You’ve heard this tune before right? Now’s your chance to do your share in helping maintain our beautiful facility. Volunteers can sign up for two-hour shifts once a month (or more) to help vacuum, clean bathrooms, dust and shine windows. To sign up, visit serving opportunities at mycalvarygr.org or contact Brian Novak (
[email protected]).
this week at calvary 1
Sunday Night Service Sundays | 6:00pm | Gathering Place Sunday night services at Calvary are an opportunity to worship God in a unique, discussion-oriented setting. We will challenge one another to act out biblical truth, demonstrate love for God and one another by weekly bringing baked goods to share, having regular potlucks, and actively welcoming others to gather with us. We invite you to participate as we walk through the book of Job together.
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Pray With the Elders Tuesday | 6:15-7:15pm | Room 211 (Entrance C) The elders meet for prayer from 6:15-7:15pm on the first Tuesday of the month in room 211. If you would like the elders to pray for you, please stop by. You are welcome to come unannounced, but it is helpful if you contact Cindy Marrell (
[email protected]) in advance so she can put you on the schedule.
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7th/8th Grade: Fall Retreat October 6-8 | $90 Register at mycalvarygr.org by October 3 We are planning an amazing weekend of fellowship, fun and time in God’s Word at Pine Ridge Bible Camp. You won’t want to miss this year’s Fall Retreat!
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Young Adults: Orchard Outing October 7 | 10:30am-2:30pm | $5 | Meet at Entrance D Register at mycalvarygr.org Come on out and enjoy a festive fall day at Klackle Orchard. It will be full of apple picking, cider, donuts, and a wagon ride.
