As we celebrate One in Worship in our worship services this Sunday, come early and join us at 6pm in the Dining Room for dessert. Please consider providing a dessert that reflects your ethnic heritage and label the ethnic origin of the dessert.

Each service will have the same format and will include music and worship forms that recognize some of the many people groups represented in the body of Calvary.

Click here for more information

In this sermon, Pastor Todd addressed issues such as: What is the listener's role in preaching? What does it mean for the listener to encounter Christ in the pew?

Click here for more information about last week's sermon.

Pastor Todd addresses these issues in his February 28 sermon, "The Mystery of Preaching."

Don't miss next Sunday (March 7), Pastor Todd will address the listener in the pew. What is the listener's role in preaching? What does it mean for the listener to encounter Christ in the pew?

The link to Calvary's sermons is available here.

Take advantage of one of these opportunities!

We enjoyed a great time of fellowship and learning during our Winter Retreat. Joel Willitts, our retreat speaker, helped us to see Jesus in his context and then pushed us to think about following Jesus in our context. The last night of our youth group gathering, we further discussed what it would look like to follow Jesus as a high school student.

A number of great thoughts and questions were shared, so please continue to pray that the message from the retreat will have a continuing affect with our group.

For entrepreneurs and business professionals interested in:

• Starting or expanding a business on the mission field

• Working for an existing company on the mission field

• Partnering with tentmakers and nationals in Kingdom business initiatives

• Coaching tentmakers and national businessmen while continuing to live in North America

Contact missions@calvarymemorial.com for more information.

Whether you are single, married or engaged, this course is excellent for anyone! If you are struggling with debt and living paycheck to paycheck, then this class will teach you how to get control of your finances.

Contact Nicko Sahlas for more information at // nsonline@sahlas.com or 708.699.8627. Course cost is $93.00 (which includes FPU Workbook, Audio CD library, budgeting forms, two FPU bonus CDs, Dave Ramsey's book "Financial Peace", FPU envelope system, tip cards, and debit card holders).  Click here to discover more about the Financial Peace University.

Life Groups are small group communities where we seek and serve God.  Connect with fellow believers from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and life experiences.  Grow your relationship with Christ and learn to apply God's truth to life through biblically based studies.  Serve the local community and fellow believers by extending compassion to others in need.  Share your faith, telling others the good news of the Gospel.

As Life Groups continue to grow, we are looking to create more groups, but need more leaders. If becoming a small group leader is of interest to you, please email the Life Groups ministry, or call the church office (708.386.3900) and ask for Keith Steiner.

If you're looking for a great way to get connected at Calvary, visit the Life Groups web page, call the church office (708.386.3900), or simply email lifegroups@calvarymemorial.com

Dr. David Fisher, one of Calvary’s 2009 short-term missions associates, has connections to a Christian organization in Haiti, El Shaddai Ministries International.  It is a leading evangelical, grassroots organization in Haiti.  ESMI has organized an “orphan village” just east of Port-au-Prince in a safe location, and they are calling for medical teams to minister to hundreds of medically needy children who are victims of last week’s earthquake.  Medical supplies are also needed.  If you have medical training and you have interest in traveling to Haiti for a 5-7 day trip sometime in the next 2-3 weeks, please contact Laura Lange, or Hans and Mary Jane Svebakken. Dr. Fisher has worked with ESMI in Haiti and can vouch for their trustworthiness in providing safety for short-term missionaries, even in the current conditions.

All are invited to a Sunday afternoon concert by renowned Christian Artist Ken Medema. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and experience his incredible music and talent. Ken will also be participating in the worship services that Sunday morning.

Born almost completely blind, Ken began learning piano at the age of five. In 1973 he began his performing and recording career, singing in every venue imaginable for 50 - 50,000 people, from churches to conventions to colleges to corporations. Married for 44 years, Ken is the father of two grown children.

A freewill offering will be taken at the concert.

Would you join us, as we come together with confidence, drawing near to the throne of grace, and pray for the people and the country of Haiti? Pray for the relief effort, that lives will be spared, land will be restored, and for God to work mightily in the lives of many people.

First and foremost, please pray. Also, please consider how God has laid this disaster on your heart, and how you may respond. Samaritan's Purse is one of many organizations supporting relief efforts.

Here are just a few, of many, Scripture passages to call to mind as we pray:

Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” - Lamentations 3:19-24

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:35, 38-39

Also, we experienced some technical difficulties with the audio file from Pastor Todd's sermon, How Does a City on a Hill Grow? (Nov. 15). The sermon is now available to listen to, download, or read.

As a church, we have already given away over 2,000 gift bags, with just under 1,000 more still available to be given away.  If you're interested in a gift bag, or want some to give away, feel free to stop by our Portico this Sunday, or sometime this week. Feel free to contact the church office with any questions.

Look forward to seeing you there!

In case you missed it in the CFN this past week, my wife, Sarah, and I are departing from our respective ministry positions (I from Interim Director of Children's Ministries and Sarah from 3-year-old Sunday School Teacher and AWANA Sparks Leader). 

December 6 is our final Sunday at Calvary before we head down to Dallas, TX to begin attending classes at Dallas Theological Seminary in pursuit of a Master of Theology each; it is a 4-year program.  Following that, we believe God is calling us into the Missions field, most likely overseas.  Although we are greatly anticipating fulfilling the next phase of God’s plan, we are grieved that we will be leaving each of you, as least physically.  Praise be to God that He has given us many ways to remain emotionally, mentally, and, most blessed of all, spiritually connected. 

In light of that, Calvary Memorial Church, allow me to exhort and encourage you.  As Pastor Todd would say: Calvary Memorial Church, you are a City on a Hill!  You are a beacon of light in these troubled and dark times.  Do not hide the light of God under a basket or behind a fear of rejection or of disinterest, but instead allow it to shine into the darkness and overcome it!  God has not given us a spirit of fear or of trembling, but of boldness; embrace that spirit and find ways to spread the Good News that Jesus Christ is risen and is determined to give life to all who receive Him!

Please, pray for us, as we also will pray for you!

In, by, and through the Grace of God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ,

-Benjamin and Sarah Bowler

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. - Titus 3:8

Bring a coat for the Emergency Clothes Closet Ministry (Adult XL are in urgent need).

Come ready to hear stories of God’s grace in our lives! Pastor Todd will share a brief thought on thankfulness as we gather in the cozy and informal atmosphere of the Dining Room.

Join us for Harvest Sunday this Sunday (Nov. 22)! There will be a special offering taken to meet present needs, plan for future ministry, and share with ministry partners.

Here is how these offerings will be designated:

10%  To express and cultivate partnership with Cirlce Urban Ministries / Rock Church

20%  To set aside for planting and gospel advancing efforts in 2010

70%  To address budget expense shortfall for 2009

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! - 2 Cor. 9:15

The leaders of this ministry recently posted an urgent need for: warm winter coats and jackets, boots, gloves, long underwear, size XL men's pants,  NEW men's and women's underwear, and anything size XXL or larger.

Click here for more information about this ministry.

Earlier in the day, a Pace bus crossed over the curb in front of our building and ended up in our east parking lot. Four cars belonging to our staff members, among many others, were damaged in the process.  Amazingly, all indications are that no one was injured in the process. We overflow with thanksgiving to God!

More information about the incident is available at the Wednesday Journal.

On Wednesday, Sparks, Boys Club (T&T), and Girls Club (T&T) each hosted a missionary or couple.  We followed our normal format of games, large group time, book time, but rather than a normal lesson during large group time, our missionaries presented information about the culture and people with whom they minister.  The boys and girls were encouraging in their obvious regard and attention our guests, offering many good questions and comments!  We’re looking forward to you joining us for exciting events to come!

Sign-ups have started for our new pictorial directory! Sign up on our website, or stop by a registration table in the Portico. You may also call 1.800.866.2263, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. to schedule or change an appointment. Each household that comes for photography and portrait viewing will receive a complimentary directory and 8x10 Custom Color Portrait. Pictures will be taken October 20 - 24 and October 26. You are not required to buy anything, although portraits will be available for purchase.

Things started off with a bang this Autumn season in the Children’s Ministries as we had over 300 kids and 60 teachers and helpers to minister to them in Sunday School on Sunday, September 13, 2009, our kick-off. 

We launched with two curricula, Gospel Light and Lifeway, in different classrooms, as our children learned about the God of the Bible.  If you are new to Calvary or our Children’s Ministries, please, find out more about the activities and classes in which your child can take part here.  At Calvary, we are committed to your child’s spiritual, emotional, and physical growth and well-being.  Contact us with any questions or concerns!

During this week the momentum has continued and the church building hummed with activities. Again, over 100+ students participated in the exciting kickoff events for Allied Force and Power Connection. On Wednesday evening, AWANA hosted 180 kids with over 45 leaders and ministry partners supporting the activities.

Both the Women's and Men's ministries are also off to strong starts. Tuesday morning saw over 40 women gathered to connect and study God's word and on Wednesday another 50+ met, with an additional 20 more registered to join next week. The men have held two of their six session offerings and saw about 35 men participate.

The 25 Life Groups, plus the two new ones about to start, continue to provide an expansive opportunity for people to connect, serve one another, and reach out in many ways to our surrounding communities.

Our evangelism team was able to lead a lady to Christ on Tuesday and share the gospel with at least three others who recognized their need and are in the process of considering next steps.

Much more is happening, with many serving behind the scenes to help the Calvary family serve our Lord and Savior. Over 125 of our body will be participating in our twenty-four hour Prayer Vigil this Saturday and Sunday.

God is so good! We have a great responsibility and opportunity to help the Calvary family grow in their relationship with our Lord, connect and care for one another, and advance the gospel in this community.

Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Psalm 111:1

Sponsored by Band of Brothers, this all-church event promises to be a mountaintop experience in the ongoing life and ministry of Calvary Memorial Church. This is a great way for the Calvary family to draw closer to one another and pray together. All are urged to participate and/or attend. Join us for any one hour segment, or contact bandofbrothers@calvarymemorial.com for more info.

Elders and Pastors also will be on hand on Saturday between the hours of 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in the Legacy Room for individual prayer needs, anointing with oil, and laying on of hands. 

The tip was featured on the Oak Leaves Blog this past Wednesday. They came to our car wash and snapped a few pictures. Please take a look at what they wrote and the pictures they took.

Our group leaves on July 25. Please be in prayer for them as they finalize their preparation.

As we saw this past Sunday, Titus 2:1-10 has numerous implications and points of application for each of us personally. And I hope you have or will take time to interact with others, perhaps in your Life Groups, over what some of these are for you personally. In this post, however, I would like to make a few observations about the implications of this passage for the teaching ministries of our church.

First, our teaching ministries must be firmly rooted in sound doctrine. We must not become slack or compromise on this point. For we cannot build strong Christian lives upon a shaky foundation. And sound doctrine is that foundation. So whether it’s men’s or women’s ministries, our Life Groups, or our Sunday school curriculum for our children, we must insist upon the fact that is it thoroughly biblical, robustly theological, and doctrinally sound. There’s plenty of superficial, not very substantive teaching material out there. We don’t need more of it. We need more sound doctrine coursing through our teaching curricula. So the first question we should be asking of curriculum or studies we might use would be: Is it firmly rooted in sound doctrine? And don’t just assume that because you found it at a Christian bookstore, or another church is using it to good effect, or it’s written by a well-known author, that it’s firmly rooted in sound doctrine.

Second, our teaching ministries must prioritize life-change. Paul said to Timothy that the goal of his instruction was love (1 Tim. 1:5); so too should it be the goal of all our instruction. We cannot be content with filling our heads with more and more and more knowledge. Knowledge is critical and foundational – don’t misunderstand me – but knowledge is just not sufficient in itself; it must lead to life-change. And so we must work hard to find out what “fits” with biblical teaching, and then teach it. Furthermore, we must do this from cradle to grave: from young to old. This is as important for our students as it is for our seniors; this is as critical for our kids as it is for our college-aged.

Third, our teaching ministries must creatively enable intergenerational, life-on-life interactions. The classroom is a necessary part of what it means to teach; but the classroom is rather limited. We need to think carefully and creatively about how it is that we can rub shoulders with one another on a more consistent basis so that this kind of modeling and mentoring happens. This is a primary reason why our Life Groups are not demographic, or life-stage specific, but instead are multi-generational—so that this kind of life-on-life, cross-generational mentoring can happen on a more regular basis. We need to continue to think creatively about how to make that happen more and more and in other areas of the life and ministry of this church.

Fourth, and finally, our teaching ministries must be wholly reliant upon the grace of God. It is critical that we not forget this! It is all too tempting to come away from Sunday’s sermon with marching orders and try to man-handle the teaching ministry of the church. We must remember that it is the grace of God that trains us on the art of living Christianly in the world (Titus 2:11-12). It is reliance upon what God has done, not what we must do; it is resting in his provision for us, not the provisions we must make for ourselves; it is looking to his Holy Spirit for empowerment, not to ourselves for the necessary motivation to do what needs to be done. Unless we look to the grace of God and promote the grace of God in all our teaching, we may well end up in the predicament the Pharisees in Jesus’ day found themselves in: they were great teachers and holy, well-disciplined bunch, but they were miles and miles from the Kingdom of God because they didn’t understand the grace of God.

First, obey your elders for your own spiritual good. Listen to Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” What this passage reminds us all of is that God puts leaders into our lives for our own good. We are to obey our leaders and submit to them because they have been entrusted with the care of our souls; and indeed they, as this passage says – a most terrifying thought – will be judged by God as to how well they did in keeping watch. So, the logic of this verse goes, make every effort to help this be for them a joy and not a burden, because you only stand to gain from their work.

Second, pray for your elders that they would have discernment. I’ve been reading through the Bible, as some of you have, and just this week read the passage from 1 Kings, where Solomon, as the newly installed king of Israel, prays to the Lord: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9). The ministry of an elder within the life of the local church is a kingly ministry: a ministry of overseeing and governing and ruling and leading. There are weighty and difficult decisions to be made at every turn. There are complex issues for which there seems to be no easy answer. There are difficult circumstances that require careful navigation. All of this requires, therefore, “an understanding mind to govern,” as Solomon prayed; that is, the ability to discern between good and evil. So, as Solomon prayed for himself, would you pray for your elders: “Oh, God, would give our elders understanding minds and discerning spirits that they would be able by your Holy Spirit to govern and lead and serve this church well.” 

Third, take seriously the preparation and appointment of future elders. This is of course one of the main upshots of this passage in Titus: Paul is admonishing Titus to take seriously the preparation and appointment of future elders because the long-term health and vitality of the churches in Crete depend upon it. Similarly, he says to Timothy: “what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). This is a call to be highly intentional about raising up and then deploying new elder-leaders within the church, faithful men who will be able to minister the word to others. This church, as with any other church, will only survive if there is a continual, fresh infusion of godly leadership. So it is incumbent upon us all – and especially upon me as the Pastor and the other elders – to be identifying, cultivating and training future elders. And it is incumbent upon you, the congregation, to encourage and support this work and then, when the time comes to nominate and appoint new elders, to engage the process both thoughtfully and prayerfully. 

Fourth, honor your elders for their labor of love on your behalf. Paul says to the Thessalonians: “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:12-13). And to Timothy Paul writes: “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor” (1 Tim. 5:17). We honor our elders in a variety of ways: with respect, by speaking well of them, by imitating their way of life, by heeding their instruction, by encouraging them in their work, by expressing words of thanks, and, most importantly, by praying for them.

The cost is $20 for individuals or $30 for couples and includes a 100-page Money, Purpose, Joy workbook.  Sign up after any of this weekend's services or by contacting the church office.  Don't miss this opportunity to get to a better place with money. 

Christians are called lots of things these days, some flattering, others less than flattering: intolerant, arrogant, sheltered, overly-political, hypocritical, prissy, narrow-minded, fundamentalist, homophobic, bigoted. Of course, there are some labels we can live with – and some we can live without!

How about zealous? Have you ever been called zealous? If so, why? What are you zealous for? And is zealous a label you and I can live with?

Come, explore these and other questions with us as we begin a new series on the Book of Titus, entitled Zealous for Good Works. But be prepared to be labeled! For being called zealous – zealous for good works – is not only a label we can live with, it’s a label we must live with. In fact, as we'll discover together, being zealous for good works is one of the goals of the gospel itself, one of the reasons our Savior Jesus Christ gave his life for us: to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).

Whether you are a member, or have never visited Calvary, we hope the new site will serve you.

Your new website launch team,

Benjamin Nelson

Kara Miller

Karen Nelson

Keith Steiner

Kimya Bryant

Sarah Bowler