I've learned how to stay warm in NWI and stave off the winter blues: you have to spend time with people you love! Get up and go to worship. Get together with your Life Group. Go out for coffee with a friend. Hang out with people who love Christ and laugh together. On Monday night, when it was blisteringly cold outside, my wife I and were sitting in a Valpo restaurant laughing, talking, and praying with missionaries from our church. The night was cold, but our hearts were warm. Make the effort to be in community!
So many of you are making the effort to be in church on Sunday, and I love seeing your faces in our community every week. Since I'm there for every service (LOL!), I can offer this tip. If you come a bit earlier for the 8:15a service or sleep in a bit later and make the 11:15a, you'll not only get a little more elbow room, you'll also be helping us out. We are completely out of room in the 9:45a, which is the service most of our visitors choose to attend. This Sunday, I'll tell you more about our plans to expand the campus so that we have room for everyone at every service!
And speaking of staying warm in community, GroupLink was a great success! There are still a few openings in small groups for young adults, families with older children, and empty nesters. Contact Julie Shoupe to get connected to a group. I'll see you Sunday when we ask God to warm our hearts through worship and the exposition of His Word!
What's New at Calvary...
Your Giving 2015
Thank you for helping Calvary change lives FOREVER in Valparaiso and around the world. Giving statements for 2015 are being prepared and will be on the way to you soon, along with a short report on year 2015 at Calvary. What a year we had! We are looking forward to God doing EVEN MORE through us in 2016!
30 Volunteer Challenge
We started a challenge to draw 50 new volunteers into Children's Ministries. We still need 30 people to help in the new 4/5s and nursery classrooms on Sunday mornings. Contact Victoria Evans-Peasley to find out how serving kids and their families can fit into your schedule and change your life.
Preschool Open House
Attention parents of 4 & 5 year olds: Between services on Sunday, 1.24, bring your child(ren) to the gym and check out our new set for Sunday mornings. Kids will love discovering areas for Play Time, Large Group (story and worship), and Small Group (craft and snack). The "Big God Story" and Jesus-centered teaching will still be the focus of our program as we use these new sets to teach and encourage your kids in the gospel!
CalvaryLIVE Recording Event
The stage is set. The musicians are prepped. The equipment is tuned up. We're ready to record! It's your last chance to grab tickets for the CalvaryLIVE Recording Event THIS Friday, 1.22 @ 7p. The worship team is recording a second LIVE album, and you can be part of the crowd providing background vocals. Get all the details and a ticketing link at the CalvaryLIVE Recording Event info page.
IF:Valparaiso Simulcast
IF:Valparaiso is a simulcast gathering that brings together women from around the world. On Friday evening, 2.6, and Saturday, 2.7, the IF:Gathering encourages women to look to Jesus, our example of what it means to live in the fullness of grace and truth, even as it feels like the world is crumbling around us. Let's not shrink back. Instead, let's love like Jesus loved, serve like Jesus served, pray like Jesus prayed, and pursue holiness like Jesus pursued it. Get tickets and info online at the IF:Valparaiso event page.
Starting Point Membership Session
Starting Point provides important information about Calvary's values and vision. It's the perfect...well, starting point for people considering making Calvary their church home. The session meets for 3 consecutive Sundays in February beginning 2.7 from 11:15a-12:15p in room 403. Or pack all of Starting Point into a single turbo session on Saturday, 2.27, from 8:30a-12p in the Well. Sign-up online for Starting Point or Starting Point TURBO.
Calvary Men's First Thursdays Gathering
Calvary Men gather for dinner on the first Thursday of the month. Catch up with the guys at Hunter's Brewery in Chesterton on 2.4 @ 7p. No RSVP needed. Just show up for some food, drink, and time to enjoy life together.
Calvary Missions Trips 2016
Few experiences will change you like serving those in need. Spend some time working with Calvary's ministry partners in Kenya or Guatemala this year. The application period is still open for the men's trip to Kenya in August and the women's trip to Guatemala in October. Get application packets and more information on the Global Outreach "Serve the World" webpage.
Calvary Worship and Event Cancellations
When Sunday morning worship or a church event must be cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather, look for updates at www.calvaryweb.net and the Calvary Church Facebook page.