weekly focus: a heart for grand rapids
congregational care
Every summer, Calvary sends teams all over the world to assist, show mercy, and exemplify the gospel to all people. A few weeks ago, we had a group serve closer to home. A team of thirteen individuals participated in a three-day trip to learn what problems contribute to poverty, homelessness, and addiction in our community as well as some of the ways to practice mercy and hospitality. Here are what they said:
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.
I was both overwhelmed and encouraged after spending a weekend downtown Grand Rapids with the underprivileged. Our homeless population is so much more than the small percentage of people we see standing on the street corners. There are those who use our shelters, who live under overpasses, who are sleeping on the floors of acquaintances, and living in cars. The reasons are so complex, i.e. mental illness, disability, cognitive limitations, lack of skills, inadequate income to pay rising rent costs. Yet we saw organizations providing – Degage, Mel Trotter, Dwelling Place, Guiding Light, God’s Kitchen to name a few. I was inspired by the overwhelmingly friendly staff, clients, and people on the streets, to get involved! The effort is small. The reward is HUGE. Mary Monsma We saw people who could be you or me struggling to make rent or put food on the table. People with big hearts who love to chat and who willingly share prayer requests. People who don’t like the situation they they’re in but are unsure how to get out. People who need to know the love of God but also just want to be respected by others. My life was changed with every moment spent with the individuals that live on the streets of Grand Rapids, Roxanne, Amy, Kelly, Charles and so many more. I want to help them all. I can do a little as an individual but as a church family we can make a big difference! Angel Atwood Though the need is great, Calvary is becoming part of the difference. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
Missionary Prayer Guides are available at the Chapel Information Center to guide you as you pray for our global and community workers throughout the month of July. You can also see a summary of prayer requests updated monthly at calvarygr.org.
Butterworth: Connie Langerak Blodgett: Ruthie Krause, Bonnie Swart Metro: George Johnson, Laura Terry Spectrum Continuing Care: Emo VanBuren PRAYER CHAIN: If you need prayer, contact Cindy Marrell (
[email protected]) at 956-9377, ext. 5997. PRAYER WITH THE ELDERS Our regularly scheduled first Tuesday prayer time with the elders will not take place in July. If you would like the elders to pray with you prior to the next session in August, they are available on Sunday mornings between services, now - July 15. Contact Cindy (
[email protected]) to schedule a time.
BEREAVED We extend our Christian sympathy to Roberta Boomgaard at the homegoing of her husband, Chuck, on June 21; to Lance Depender at the homegoing of his wife, Linda, on June 23; and also to Tom & Jill Miller at the homegoing of Tom’s mother, Eva, on June 25. THANK YOU Thank you for the beautiful flowers and prayers at the passing of husband, father and grandfather, Don Koster. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated during our time of sorrow. Ardy Koster Jim, Amber, Emma & Ellie Koster Matt & Becca Horling Thank you for the kindness, prayers and visits given to Jerry by Dane Bjork and Josh Mateer in his final days on this earth. He is home with his Lord and Savior and many family and friends he so missed. Thank you to the church for the lovely bouquet, it was thoughtful & very appreciated. The Lane Family
FOR THE RECORD
Calvary Church
Projected Offerings
Last Week Fiscal YTD
Sept. 1 June 24
Jerusalem Project
$
138,095
$ 6,499,992
Actual Offerings
$
Surplus/ (Deficit)
112,755 ($ 25,340)
$ 6,353,440 ($146,552)
$
220,917
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
July 1, 2018 9:00 & 10:45am
Through the Fog Mark 12:18-27 Tom Olsson, Lead 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.
this morning Family Service This morning is a family service, children preschool age and older are encouraged to attend the service with their families. Nursery is available. If needed, room 124B will also be open for a limited number of preschool age children who need to get the wiggles out. Boiler Room Prayer 8:50-11:50am | Room 222 Pray over every aspect of the service as the Holy Spirit leads, assisted by a request sheet composed by staff. Language Translation Details During the 9:00 service, the songs and sermon are interpreted into Farsi. At 10:45, the worship service is interpreted into both Korean and Arabic. Pick up a receiver at the Welcome Center.
serving opportunity Serving alongside others at Calvary is a way to put into action what we learn through the Sunday worship service and engage in the work God has called us to as His church. See more information at mycalvarygr.org under “Serving.” REFUGEE MINISTRY: We are in need of volunteers willing to assist us in coming alongside refugee families in our community. This can take on many characteristics of sharing Jesus’ love. In addition, we have an urgent need for rental housing (3-4 bedrooms) for two of our families. If you have an interest or ability to help us minister to these families, contact Courtney Hoekwater (
[email protected]).
coming events Middle School 78: House Party July 9 | 6:30-8:30pm | Free 6511 Egypt Valley Ave NE Summer isn’t complete without a cookout, s’mores, hammocks, swimming and friends! Bring your favorite lawn games, a swimsuit, and a towel. We’ll take care of the rest! Register at mycalvarygr.org. Kids: Picnic on the Playground July 11 | 6:00-8:30pm Cascade Township Park Join Calvary Kids families for a picnic dinner on the playground as we continue to enjoy summer together! Bring your own picnic dinner for your family to enjoy. We will provide drinks for everyone. Register at mycalvarygr.org. Middle School 78: Donuts & Devotions Begins July 11 | 10:30am-12:00pm Gathering Place | Free Let’s eat donuts & study the Bible together! During Donuts & Devotions we will explore some tools and tips for spending time in God’s Word, will take time to put what we learn into practice, and will gather together to pray and discuss what we experience along the way. Bring your Bible, notebook and pen. Just show up! Middle School 56: Waffles & The Word Begins July 11 | 10:30am-12:00pm Room 108 | Free Come join your fellow fifth and sixth graders for a fun time enjoy-
this week at calvary ing waffles and digging into God’s Word! No need to register, just show up with your Bible, a notebook and pen. Women: Summer Prayer Shawl July 12 | 10:00am | Room 215 If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, we encourage you to join us for fellowship, prayer and creating prayer shawls. Third Monday Missionary Prayer July 16 | 11:30am | Room 114 The third Monday of each month we gather to hear updates about and pray for our missionaries around the world. Bring your own lunch and join us! Internationals Picnic July 19 | 5:30-8:00pm | Free Gathering Place We are hosting a potluck style picnic for internationals at Calvary! Bring your favorite dish and come to enjoy live music and a variety of outdoor activities. Invite your friends and meet us in the Gathering Place. High School UNITED Treetops Adventure Park July 19 | 6:00-9:00pm | $15 Join us as we climb through the trees and balance our way through the ropes course at TreeTop Adventure Park! Register at mycalvarygr.org by July 18. Questions? Contact Samantha (sheetderks@ calvarygr.org) at ext. 5161.
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Office Closure for Independence Day Holiday July 3 and July 4 The church building will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you have a spiritual need and would like to speak to someone during this time, please call 956-9377. A staff member is always available.
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OASIS Bike & Breakfast: Paul Henry Trail July 5 | 8:00am | Meet at ?? Join us at Paul Henry Trail at 8:00am for breakfast and a bike ride. Questions? Contact Pastor Bruce (
[email protected]) at 956-9377.
sunday night service 6:00pm | Gathering Place Sunday night services at Calvary Church are an opportunity to worship God in a unique, discussion-oriented setting. Join us!
take note Language Café on Hiatus for Summer The Language Café will not meet in July and August. September 6 will be our first day back this fall. Have a blessed summer!
Join brothers and sisters in Christ from across West Michigan as we ask God to bring revival and spiritual awakening in our community through the Palau Festival coming September 8-9. A CityFest Prayer Gathering is taking place this Thursday, July 5, 7:00pm, at Iglesia Mision de Fe (242 52nd Street SW, Wyoming). We’ll take time to pray for your five "most wanted" friends/relatives to come to Christ during CityFest. Noted theologian A.T. Pierson announced this truth, "There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer."
