Calvary Summer 2025 LIFE
Summer 2025
Summer Program Guide
Your guide to the activities at Calvary Church this upcoming season.
Jerusalem Project Updates
Read about exciting happenings in the areas of church planting and training.
Diving Deep on the Fruit of the Spirit
Calvary Kids has 10 weeks of fun, VBS-style lessons this summer that kids won’t want to miss.
Celebrating Graduates
Pray for our 2025 graduates as they finish out high school and take their next steps into adulthood.
Book Reviews
Mercy & Missions
One of Calvary’s newest missionaries shares an update on their ministry.
Neighbors International
It’s that time of year, Calvary’s ministry to international college students is once again looking for friendship families.
Continuing Our Journey Toward Racial Unity
Approach your summer with intention. Whether its a time for rest or to engage in something new, Neil Kassuba has encouragement for you! 3
Members of Calvary’s Library Commitee are reviewing books on Sabbath. Consider picking up one of these titles on a Sunday this summer.
Calvary’s Elders give an update on this journey. Looking back at March’s prayer meeting and ahead to what’s planned for June, you’re sure to find a way you can engage with this. You’ll also hear more about how you can join in this initiative in June.
Summer Serving Fun
Calvary Church 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
SUMMER 2025 PROGRAM GUIDE
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Worship & Prayer
Sunday Morning Worship Service
Calvary Church Sanctuary
9:00 & 10:45am
Both services are identical. Join us! All services are streamed live at calvarygr.org.
Calvary Church welcomes people of all abilities. Special accommodations including reserved seating and wheelchair assistance are available. Inclusive worship is encouraged for all - in the Sanctuary with additional spaces available for those with sensory sensitivities. Many hearing aids offer hearing assistance by selecting the t-coil setting on your device. You can take advantage of this feature on the main floor behind row 6 of the main seating area. For more information, contact Zach Schmuck (zschmuck@ calvarygr.org) .
Pre-Service Prayer
8:30-8:50am | Room 211B
Come pray with the morning’s teaching pastor and other participants that God would bless our worship services. All are encouraged to join.
Boiler Room Prayer
8:50-11:55am | Room 212
Pray over every aspect of the service as the Holy Spirit leads, assisted by a request sheet composed by staff. Open to all, come and go as able.
Adult Sunday Classes
Adult Sunday classes are committed to engaging deeply with the Bible and authentic biblical community. The focus of each class is growing in God’s Word, care, prayer, and community.
Visit a few of the classes to see where God may lead you. Questions? Contact Karen (kvanholstyn@calvarygr.org) at ext. 5173.
9:00am Classes
Ambassadors | Chapel
A medium sized teaching-oriented class comprised of senior adults.
Faith Builders | Room 260
A medium sized teaching-oriented class of couples and singles 40s-60s.
Family Tree | Room 251-253 | Does not meet on the 1st Sunday of the month
A medium sized multi-generational sermon discussion class focused on doing life together as we pray for one another and share what God is teaching us through the Sunday sermons. First Sunday is a potluck at someone’s home after second service.
Growing in Relationships | Room 261
Meet 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays
A large teaching-oriented class of married, single, and remarried adults.
L.A.C.E. (Living After Christ’s Example)
Room 255 | Does not meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month
A small teaching-oriented class for women of all ages and life stages.
Young Marrieds | Room 264 | They will resume meeting in September.
10:45am Classes
Faith & Fellowship | Room 264
A medium sized sermon discussion class of all ages and life stages.
Heirs Together | Chapel
A welcoming community of adults who love biblical principles, prayer, missions, revival, member care, and ministry to others. Not meeting in July or August.
Journey | Room 265
A large, teaching-oriented class of all ages and life stages.
Koinonia | Room 260
A medium sized sermon discussion class of all ages and life stages who love Jesus.
Legacy Builders | Room 106A
A small discussion style class of all ages and life stages that studies the Bible inductively verse by verse.
Sojourners | Room 252
A medium sized teaching-oriented class comprised primarily of senior adults who are seeking to become more inter-generational.
Kids & Students
9:00 & 10:45am (Nursery - Fourth Grade)
Check-in : All children need to receive their nametags at the check-in area at the bottom of the stairs, then be escorted by a parent or guardian to the room number printed on their name tag.
Inclusion is encouraged for children of varied abilities, K – 4th grade. If extra support is needed, an individualized Care Plan can be developed alongside our facilitator, Pam Cook, (pcook@ calvarygr.org).
Holiday Sundays: May 25, July 6. On these Sundays, only nursery & preschool are available in Calvary Kids. We encourage families to worship together on these days.
KIDS & STUDENTS
Calvary Kids
Birth-Fourth Grade
Contact: Brooke DeWitt
bdewitt@calvarygr.org | ext. 5085
Popsicles at the Park
Grand Rapids Township Park
June 18, July 16, August 13 10:00am-12:00pm
Invite your child’s friends and their parents and enjoy a morning out with other Calvary Kids families at Grand Rapids Township Park. Our Popsicles in the Park theme this summer will be themed “Follow the Shepherd.” At 11:00am, we’ll gather together to learn about how God as our shepherd knows, cares for, and loves his sheep! The short lessons will be followed up by games, crafts and/or activities that are sure to bring summer joy!
Clique Coffee is provided for parents, grandparents, and caregivers and there’ll be plenty of popsicles and snacks for the kids. Neighbors and friends are always welcome. Kids are not to be dropped off or left unattended. Registration is not needed.
Water Wednesday
July 2 | 10:00am-12:00pm Millennium Park and Splash Pad 1415 Maynard Ave SW
Enjoy the Michigan summer - bring your swimsuit or a change of clothes and get ready for some splish-splashy fun! Kids are not to be dropped off or left unattended. Snacks will be provided. Registration is not required, just show up!
Fruit of The Spirit Celebration
July 27 | 12:30-2:00pm | West Lawn
Come celebrate the Fruit of the Spirit with us after second service! We’ll gather outdoors on the west lawn for a joyful, potluck-style picnic. Calvary will provide the main dish, and we’re asking families to bring a dish to share
based on last name:
• A–H: Fruit or veggies
• I–P: Desserts
• Q–Z: Chips or summer salads
Enjoy yard games, connect with other Calvary families, and experience a special Fruit of the Spirit song from our kids! We’ll also have a fun tie-dye station—each child will receive a shirt to decorate and take home.
Register by July 24 at calvarygr.org/ foscelebration to help us plan food and headcount. Bring your picnic blankets, your appetite, and your family—it’s will be a sweet time of fun and fellowship!
Water Wednesday
July 30 | 10:00am-12:00pm Forest Hills Park Association 847 Greenbrier Dr SE
Get ready for a pool party! Bring your swimsuit and get ready for some splish-splashy fun! Those who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper. Adults must stay for this event; kids are not to be dropped off and left unattended. Lifeguards will be present. Snacks will be provided. Registration is not required, just show up!
5th-8th Grades
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
Breakfast In the Bible
Tuesdays, June 10 , 17, July 22, 29, August 5, 12 | 9:00am-12:00pm | FREE Room 108 (Entrance F)
Register at calvarygr.org/breakfast
Pull up a chair and grab a plate, ‘cause we’re servin’ up somethin’ special at our Breakfast in the Bible! All summer, on Tuesday mornings we’re gatherin’ ‘round to fill our bellies and our hearts with some good ol’ fashioned fellowship. We’ll have delectable breakfasts, plus a side of scripture to nourish your soul. Think of it as a down-home devotional with a heaping helping of holiness. Come on down and let’s break
bread and share some stories together, just like family.
Kickoff Cookout
August 27 | 5:30-7:30pm | FREE
Meet & Pick Up: Room 208 (Entrance D)
We’re kickin’ off the new school year with the Middle School Kickoff Cookout. Ministry Director David Prichard will be manning the grill, slingin’ out the juiciest hot dogs you’ve ever seen. We’ll have all the fixin’s – ketchup, mustard, relish, the whole nine yards. It’s gonna be a classic cookout with good food, good friends, and maybe even a friendly game of catch. Come hungry and ready to celebrate the start of a fantastic school year! Register at calvarygr.org/cookout
Fifth & Sixth
Fifth-Sixth Grade
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
Beachless Volleyball!
Wednesday, June 11 | 6:00-8:00pm | Free Meet & Pick Up: Room 208 (Entrance D)
Alright, beach bums and volleyball fanatics, get ready for Beachless Volleyball Night! Trade in your swimsuits for gym shoes, we’re bringing the beach vibes indoors. We’re ditching the sand but keeping the heat with an epic game of Nukem in the gym. Think sun, fun, and spiking – all without the pesky sand in your shorts! So, grab your team, practice your digs, and get ready to dive into some serious summer action. It’s gonna be a wave of good times! Register at calvarygr.org/56volley
Service Day
July 23 | 8:00am-1:00pm | $10 Room 108 (Entrance F)
This is a fantastic opportunity to put our faith into action and show our neighbors the love and support they deserve. Come ready to serve with a heart of compassion and help us strengthen the bonds of community. Together, we can be the hands and
feet of Jesus. Please register at calvarygr.org/56serviceday.
Seventh & Eighth
Seventh-Eighth Grade
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
Kiddie Pool Kickball!
June 18 | 3:00-5:00pm | FREE Meet & Pick Up: Room 208 (Entrance D)
Alright, team, huddle up! Get ready for some serious aquatic athleticism at our Kiddie Pool Kickball Classic! We’re trading the baseball diamond for the yard and the bases for, well, kiddie pools! It’s gonna be a splash hit, combining the thrill of kickball with the refreshing coolness of a summer afternoon. So, lace up your water shoes, practice your kicks, and prepare to get soaked in a fun-filled competition that’s sure to make a splash! Let’s get ready to rumble... or should I say, ripple! Register at calvarygr.org/78kickball.
Bikes N’ Brats
July 30 | 4:00-6:00pm | FREE Meet & Pick Up: Luton Park 5950 10 Mile Rd NE
Listen up, you grease monkeys! Bikes N’ Brats is rollin’ into town! We’ll be fire-roasting some dogs and brats and burnin’ rubber. Bring your bike and your hunger, ‘cause we’re gonna chow down and then hit the road for a righteous ride. It’s gonna be hog and dog heaven, with plenty of grub and good company. Don’t be a lame-o – be there or be square! Register at calvarygr.org/ bikesbrats.
High School
9th-12th Grade
Contact: Darcy Walukonis dwalukonis@calvarygr.org
At HSM we seek to help students become ROOTED in personal relationship with Jesus so that they can grow full of love, engage in
meaningful community, walk in truth, and live fruitful lives wherever they go (Col. 2:6-7, Phil. 1:9-11).
Over the summer break, our high school ministry digs deep into that meaningful community, spending most Sundays and roughly every other Thursday together. If you are a high school student (this includes anyone who was a freshman this past school year all the way to graduating seniors), we’d love for you to be a part of our community as we enjoy incredible adventures, lots of laughs, and grow in our faith together. Graduating seniors are welcome to attend all HSM events this summer, and are also invited to start attending Young Adults events, beginning June 3. If you will be an incoming freshman this next school year, we are excited for you to join us at HSM, beginning August 29 with our Welcome Freshmen Bonfire!
Summer Sundays at HSM
June 8, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17 | 6:30-8:30pm
This summer at HSM, we are going to embrace the summer vibes by having Sunday Night HSM in the backyards of families within our ministry! We will enjoy yard games, sometimes swimming, worship and good conversations around the bonfire. We are excited for a relaxed, family feel as we deepen relationships and grow in our faith together. Bring your friends-all are welcome! Email Darcy Walukonis (Dwalukonis@calvarygr.org) to join our weekly mailing list to stay in the loop on our weekly backyard bonfire locations!
Thursday Hangs
In addition to HSM on Sunday evenings, we spend time together roughly every other Thursday! The heart behind our Thursday Hangs is to soak up the summer while making memories and building
relational community together. Email Darcy Walukonis (dwalukonis@ calvarygr.org) to join our weekly mailing list or scan this QR code to stay in the loop concerning our Thursday adventures!
Tubing in Rockford
June 19 | 1:00-4:00pm | $15 Meet & Pick-up: AAA Canoe 18 S Squires St, Rockford MI 49341 Register at calvarygr.org/hsmtubing by June 15
Summer is for lazy afternoons on the river. So join us for a three-hour tubing trip down the Rogue River in Rockford. We will spend time bathing in the sun, taking in the scenery, and enjoying friendly company and conversation. After we get off the river and back to AAA the good times don’t have to end there. If you would like to stick around some of us will be grabbing a bite to eat in Rockford. This is optional so, just be sure to bring your own money. If you need help with carpooling to Rockford, let us know. Start the summer off right with your HSM friends.
Cascade Park Hang
July 10 | 11:00am-2:00pm | Free Meet & Pick-up: Cascade Park 3810 Thornapple River Dr SE Register at calvarygr.org/hsmparkhang by July 8.
Walking trails, basketball, pickleball, soccer, disc golf, cornhole, KanJam. At cascade park you name it, we’ve got it. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than having a classic picnic at the park. We will spend quality time having a chill afternoon doing any of these activities, as well as a fun group game! Oh, we will also have food as well. So, come on out for an afternoon of park fun!
Beach Day at Grand Haven
July 24 | 10:00am-4:00pm | Free Meet at Entrance D Register at calvarygr.org/hsmbeach by July 22
Have a splashing good time at Grand Haven beach with your friends at HSM! We will spend the day posted up at Grand Haven beach catching rays and waves. Go for a walk on the pier, play games in the sand and water, grab some pronto pups, and make some memories. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a bag lunch or money for food. We will meet at Calvary and take the vans out to Grand Haven. If it is easier, you can also meet us out there. A day at Lake Michigan is a classic way to spend a summer day.
Camping with Tom Event for incoming juniors and seniors
July 30 at 12:00pm-August 1 at 5:00pm
Cost: $125 | Meet: Entrance D Register at calvarygr.org/campwithtom by July 23
If you’re going to be a junior or senior during the 2025-2026 school year, this event is just for you! Join us (and Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson) for two nights of tent camping in the Glen Arbor/ Traverse City area. Our time together is full of great outdoor adventures as well as some incredible fireside chats. You’ll conclude our time together feeling closer than ever to your friends from HSM and encouraged in your walk with the Lord.
Tree Runners
August 7 | 11:00am-1:00pm | $25 2121 Celebration Dr NE Register at calvarygr.org/hsmtree by July 23
Get ready to climb, balance, and soar through the canopy at Tree Runners by Celebration Cinema – the ultimate outdoor adventure for the thrill-seeker in you. Nestled among the towering trees, this adrenalinepumping experience will test your
courage, coordination, and sense of adventure. Afterwards you can stick around to grab a snack or bite to eat with friends. Remember to bring your own money for a treat, but leave with the memories.
Michigan’s Adventure
August 14 | 10:00am-8:00pm
Calvary Church - Entrance D
Cost: Buy Your Own Ticket Register at calvarygr.org/hsmmiadv by August 12
Get ready for a full day of thrills, chills, and non-stop fun at Michigan’s Adventure – the state’s largest amusement and water park! Whether you’re a coaster fanatic, a water slide warrior, or just in it for the snacks and sun, there’s something for everyone. This is a Buy Your Own Ticket event. You can buy your ticket online ahead of time for $40 or at the gate for $60. Be sure to bring an empty water bottle, swimsuit, sunscreen, and $ for meals or anything else you would like to buy in the park. We will provide transportation and parking. End the summer right having a thrilling time with your friends at HSM!
Welcome Freshmen Bonfire
August 29 | 6:00-8:00pm Event for incoming freshman (Class of 2029)
The Woznick Home | 3554 Merlin Ct. NE
We are excited for you to join the HSM family, and want to welcome you with a delicious cookout around the fire and low-stakes games to get to know the HSM staff.
Parents, our main goal for this event is to get to know the students and give them time to get to know us. That being said, when you drop off and pick up your student, we’d love for you to come say hi so that we can meet you too!
Hotdogs, S’more supplies and drinks will be provided. Please bring one of
your favorite snacks to pass! Register at calvarygr.org/hsmbonfire
ADULTS
Questions? Contact Kaylynn Woznick, High School Director. Young Adults
College & Career (Ages 18-30)
Contact: Abby Nuenke anuenke@calvarygr.org
Tuesday Nights
Tuesdays | 8:00-9:30pm | Room 208 (Entrances D & E)
We exist to help Young Adults know God and actively live out their faith where they live, work, and play. So, come encounter Jesus in a community of young adults through worship music, teaching, testimony, and friendship. Doors open at 7:30. For updated information on events and other happenings at YA, head to our linktree: https://linktr.ee/ya.calvarygr.
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
June 6 | 8:30–10:30pm | $20
John Ball Zoo | 1300 Fulton W Register at calvarygr.org/yalantern
Grab your crew and get ready for a night like no other. Come experience the stunning Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo with us. We are inviting young adults for an unforgettable evening walk through glowing pathways, incredible lantern displays and the magic of the zoo after dark!
YA: Riverside Food Trucks Event
July 11 | 5:00 –7:30pm | Cost: Up to You Riverside Park | 2900 Monroe Ave NW Ball Field Entrance
Registration not required.
Tacos & smash burgers & ice cream, oh my! The options are endless at Food Truck Fridays at Riverside. Bring your appetite and join us as we sample a lot of delicious options, listen to live music, and hang out.
Summer Camping Trip
July 25 at 5:00 pm–July 27 at 1:00pm Interlochen State Park [rides available] Cost: $100 | Register at calvarygr.org/ yacamping by July 18
Calling all explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature-lovers! This is your chance to spend an unforgettable weekend in Northern Michigan. We are taking a crew of young adults for a weekend camping trip filled with outdoor adventures, intentional time with God, and building relationships. Spots are limited, sign up quickly to reserve your spot!
River Tubing Event
August 23 | 12:00–4:30pm | $20 Wisner Canoes
25 E Water St, Newaygo, MI 49337 [Carpooling Available] Register at calvarygr.org/yatubing by August 15
Join us as we hit the river for a day of floating, laughing and hanging out on the river. Whether you are a seasoned tuber or a total newbie this day will totally tubular.
Men
Contact: Carla Julien cjulien@calvarygr.org
Basketball
Mondays | 6:30-9:00pm | Gym
Men’s open gym pick-up basketball. This is a great opportunity for men (age 19+) to enjoy some fellowship over a good game of basketball. For more information contact Mike (mensbball@calvarygr.org).
Men at Noon
Tuesdays | 12:00pm | Zoom
This group of men meet weekly throughout the whole year to do an inductive Bible study. Contact Russ (menatnoon@calvarygr.org) for details.
Men of Prayer
Third Tuesday | 6:30-7:30am | Room 253
We need prayer warriors now more than ever! Join the praying men of Calvary church for a one-hour prayer meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. There will be a brief devotional, worship, and a time of inviting the Lord’s presence in united prayer. Coffee will be available and you will be out by 7:30am.
Men’s Senior Golf League
Tuesdays | 9:00am-1:00pm
Boulder Creek Golf Club | $37
The Tuesday league is open to all seniors who love to play golf on a somewhat regular basis and without the pressure of a formal golf league. Come out when you’re able to play. Each week we pair up the players randomly so it’s a great way to meet new people. Join us for exercise, fellowship and enjoyment of God’s creation. The cost is for 18 holes of golf with a cart. For more information, contact Ken Kits at (708) 860-6010 or (kitskenneth@gmail.com).
Father-Son Camping Trip
June 6-7 | $10 per person
Calling all dads and sons! Kick off the summer right with an action-packed overnight camping trip designed to strengthen your relationship, grow closer to God, and create lifelong memories. We’ll be diving into exciting games, challenging each other in friendly competitions, and enjoying God’s great outdoors. Prepare for worship around the campfire, delicious food, and a night of bonding under the starry sky. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your father-son legacy!
• Location: 40 acres of private land in Cadillac.
• What to bring: tents, sleeping bags, Bibles, camp chairs,
flashlights and a sense of adventure
• Ages: all ages welcomed, but some activities will be geared towards 10+
• Limited capacity: Register today at calvarygr.org/men
Virtual Fishing Tournament
June 13 - June 15
It’s time for our sixth annual Virtual Fishing Tournament! Take advantage of a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones on the water. Three fish categories with a first, second and third place prize. Sign up for the full details. There will also be other prizes for first fish caught, best picture, and other random prizes just for fun! Just snap a picture of you and your fish with a measuring tape or scale to enter. Submit photos via email to men@calvarygr.org. You must be registered to win so sign up at calvarygr.org/men. Action starts at 12:00am on June 13 and ends at 11:59pm June 15. Fish must be caught during this time frame.
Men’s Breakfast
July 12 | 8:00-9:30am | Room 208 | $5
After taking a month off, it will be good to gather again with brothersin-Christ for Men’s Breakfast Summer edition! Share in community and fellowship and come away charged up to do the good works Christ has set in advance for us to do. Bring along a friend or neighbor and sign up now at calvarygr.org/men. Since this is our only breakfast event this summer, you will want to take advantage of this opportunity to experience Christ together as men.
Men’s Fall Kickoff
August 20 | 6:30-8:30pm
Gathering Place
It’s time to kick off another amazing year of Men’s Ministry here at Calvary Church! God continues to call us deeper and is looking for real men who want to get serious about their walk. Psalm 14:2 says, “The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Our goal is to become a community of Godly men transforming our world for Christ! We need you to be the man that God created you to be. Our journey starts at our Fall Kickoff with fellowship, food, worship and an invitation from God’s word. Sign up today for this free event at calvarygr.org/men!
OASIS (Senior Adults)
Contact: Carla Julien cjulien@calvarygr.org
Dinner & Down Home Concert
June 1 | 3:30-8:00pm
Sandy Pines Chapel, 3630 26th Ave, Dorr
For the past 35 years Down Home has been singing bluegrass gospel music. An optional van ride from Calvary leaves at 4:00pm and dinner at 4:30pm at Culver’s, 500 84th St. Concert begins at 6:00pm. R.S.V.P to Carla by May 28 if you plan to join us at any point in the evening. Bring your own lawn chair. The cost of dinner is your own and a free-will offering.
Bike & Breakfast
Thursdays | 9:00am-12:00pm
Get some great exercise and fellowship and on Thursdays throughout the summer. The round-trip bike rides will average between 18-24 mile and will stop mid-way for brunch. The cost of brunch will be your own. Contact Carla for a list of the scheduled rides.
Senior Serve
June 11 | 9:00-11:00am
Meals on Wheels
2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500
We have a serving opportunity! Come and help their kitchen plate meals that will be delivered to seniors. Contact Carla by June 4 if you plan to join us. They will need to do a background check on each volunteer. The optional van ride will leave at 8:30am.
Picnic Praise
June 25 | 6:00-7:30pm | West Lawn
ALIVE is dedicated to serving Jesus Christ through praise & worship music. They are comprised of vocalists, keyboardist, guitarist, sax player and drummer. Bring your own lawn chair and picnic. Pie and ice cream will be served mid-evening. A free-will offering will be collected.
Adverse weather will move the event to the Gathering Place.
Love’s Got a Way Bible Study
July 9 | July 16 | July 30 | 9:45-11:00am
We’ve all been disappointed by love, especially when our expectations didn’t line up with our plans. Anticipating beauty, joy and enrichment, ended with feelings of anger, hurt, rejection, resentment and deeply seeded wounds. What we’ll discover this summer is that Biblical love differs significantly than the worlds. For it begins with God and through Him we come to understand what love is and how it was designed to impact our lives. So, this summer Senior Adults are invited to join us for a three-week dive into the beauty of this divinely inspired quality. Come and learn – Love’s Got a Way!
Lunch & Concert
July 14 | 10:00am-12:00pm | $8
The Noble Family will bring honor and glory to God through good ‘ol gospel singing, piano and violin. Join us for great fellowship and a delicious lunch. A free-will offering will be collected for the Noble’s Ministry. Purchase your tickets at calvarygr.org/oasislunch or by contacting Carla before July 7.
Senior Serve
August 6 | 9:00-11:00am
Let’s serve together! Come with us to deliver cookies to our Oasis friends that are home bound for a season. We will meet at church. Contact Carla by August 1 if you would like to join us.
Dinner & Hope Heralds Concert
August 16 | 4:45-9:00pm | $10
Christian Reformed Conference Center
Hope Heralds is a large men’s chorus whose mission is to share the love and grace of God through song. The optional van ride from Calvary leaves at 4:45pm and dinner at 5:00pm at Culvers in Standale, the concert begins at 7:00pm. R.S.V.P. to Carla by August 12 if you plan to join us at any point in the evening. The cost of dinner will be your own and a freewill offering at the concert.
OASIS Singles (60+)
Contact: Gladys Ramsey oasissingles@calvarygr.org
First Sunday Lunch
June 1 | 12:30-2:30pm | $20 Shesco Mediterranean Grill
August 3 | 12:30-2:30pm El Burrito Loco, 1971 E Beltline NE
Meet for a tasty lunch and good fellowship right after church. The cost of lunch will be your own. R.S.V.P. to Gladys.
Summer Kickoff
June 14 | 3:30-7:00pm | Stanaback Park
Let’s begin summer with a good old-fashioned picnic! Hot dogs, hamburgers and buns will be provided. Bring your own beverage and a picnic item to share. R.S.V.P. to Gladys by June 10.
Dinner & Selah Concert
June 28 | 3:30-9:30pm | $20
Maranatha Bible & Confer. Ctr
Their new songs speak about the journey of life and humanity’s relationship to God. The carpool from Calvary leaves at 3:30pm, dinner at Texas Roadhouse at 4:30pm. The concert begins at 7:00pm. R.S.V.P. to Gladys by June 24.
Dinner & Concert
July 12 | 4:00-9:30pm
Christian Reformed Conference Center
Enjoy a night of innovative worship for young and old alike. The carpool from Calvary leaves at 4:00pm. Purchase the optional chicken bbq dinner at CRC. The concert begins at 7:00pm. R.S.V.P. to Gladys by July 9.
Food Truck Friday
August 22 | 4:30-7:30pm | $15 Riverside Park
Try some new foods and make some new friends. Meet by the food trucks. Cost of dinner on your own. Bring your own lawn chair. R.S.V.P. to Gladys by August 18.
Women
Contact: women@calvarygr.org
Generations
June 12 | 7:00-9:00pm Gathering Place
Join Calvary sisters in Christ (ages 8 – 108) for an evening of dessert, inspiration, conversation and worship led by Katie Mateer. Our topic will be, “Waiting: A Good Part of Our Story.”
Special guest speaker, Shannon Popkin, will help us consider how we trust God in the long stretches of waiting for Him to fulfill His promises. Our temptation is often to turn to control and self-reliance, as Sarah did in the Bible. But God invites us to walk by faith in the waiting.
Shannon is the author of books, Control Girl and Comparison Girl , and a new Bible Study titled, Shaped by God’s Promises
No cost for this event. Register at calvarygr.org/generations.
Summer Bible Study
Wednesdays, June 18-August 13
(Not meeting July 2 & 23)
7:00-8:30pm | Gathering Place | $15
Discover a God who is faithfully at work-especially when you can’t see it. In a world of anxiety and uncertainty, the Biblical account of Sarah’s story is one we can all relate to. When God’s promise of a son didn’t arrive on her timeline, fear and doubt crept in, tempting her to take control.
Join Shannon Popkin in this six-week Bible study, titled “Shaped by God’s Promises.” We’ll learn through Sarah’s story to trust that God is all-knowing and all-powerful and that his plan and timing are perfect even when it feels like nothing else is. Scholarships available.
Register at calvarygr.org/womensstudy by June 17. If you wish to join after that date, you may arrive at 6:45pm and register then. If you need a virtual option, email Jessica (women@calvarygr.org) for availability. Questions? Contact 616-956-5186.
Embrace Moms: Play Dates at the Park
July 9 | August 6 | 9:30-11:30am Manhattan Pavilion
430 Manhattan Rd SE
Meet other young moms from Calvary Church. Embrace is a group of moms with babies and young children. Join us for two play dates at Manhattan Park this summer and enjoy refreshments while our children play. Use the entrance on Manhattan Road, nearest the playground equipment.
No registration needed. Email questions to embrace@calvarygr.org.
Blessed2Bless
August 27 | 9:00-10:00am Room 215 (Entrance C)
As we continue to step out in faith into our neighborhoods, workplaces and friend groups with simple Bible studies, you may need encouragement to carry on or maybe God has been prompting you to take the first step. Blessed2Bless gatherings are for prayer and encouragement as we continue to reach out.
Loving Your Neighbor Coffee
July 22 | 9:00-10:30am | Room 207 (Entrance C)
Join us for coffee with Debbie McGoldrick, founder of Neighborhood Bible Studies 2GO (NBS2go.com).
You may have met Debbie when she helped us launch our Bible study outreach ten years ago and would like to say hi. You may have a neighborhood, workplace, or friend group Bible study and would love some fresh ideas. Or maybe you’ve had a heart for your neighbors, coworkers and friends for a long time and haven’t known how to get started. You will be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to bring the Good News to those around you! Register at calvarygr.org/loving for this free event.
Women of Faith Book Club
Three Centuries of Faithful Women
June 30, July 28, August 25 | 7:00pm
Read about courageous women who have impacted history and the faith of many! We’ll read one book each month and meet in The Gathering Place on the last Monday of each month for a discussion at 7:00pm. You may choose to read one, two, or all three biographies.
• June - Ann Judson: A Missionary Life for Burma , by Sharon James (1800s)
• July - By Life or by Death: The Life & Legacy of John & Betty Stam , by Andrew Montonera (1900s)
• August - Miracle on Voodoo Mountain: A Young Woman’s Remarkable Story of Pushing Back the Darkness for the Children of Haiti, by Megan Boudreaux (2000s)
Register at calvarygr.org/women. No cost; obtain your favorite version of the book on your own. Some copies will be available to check out in the Calvary Library.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Second Thursday of the Month 10:00am-12:00pm | Rm 215 (Entrance C)
Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? We would love to have you serve with us in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. We meet monthly for a time of prayer, devotion and fellowship while creating prayer shawls. Join us in person or work from home and we supply yarn and patterns.
If you know someone who is struggling with chronic illness, receiving medical treatment or grieving, please let us know. The Prayer Shawl Ministry would love to give them one of our handmade prayer shawls which are a wonderful comfort and reminder that many voices are lifting that person up in prayer. Questions? Contact women@ calvarygr.org.
CARE & SUPPORT GROUPS PRAYER
Contact: care@calvarygr.org
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Sundays – Women’s Stag
5:00-6:00pm | Room 112 (Entrance G)
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
7:30-8:30pm | Rm 112 (Entrance G)
Monday-Friday
12:00-1:00pm | Rm 112 (Entrance G)
Al-Anon
Thursdays | 7:30-8:30pm | Room 110 (Entrance G)
Tuesday Women’s Meeting
7:00-8:00pm | Room 114 (Entrance G)
Al-Anon is a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.
Avenue
Help for men who are struggling with pornography and/or sexual brokenness. Contact avenue@calvarygr.org.
Hannah’s Heart
Support for those grieving a miscarriage or the loss of an infant. Contact: Deb Donker at (616) 363-7818 or Judy Wetters at (616) 433-1533.
Mental Illness Support Group
Second Thursday | 6:30-8:00pm | Rm 255
If you are caring for a loved one with mental illness, this support group is designed to give you encouragement, training and fellowship with others walking a similar journey. Contact mentalhealth@calvarygr.org with questions.
Our Journey of Hope Cancer Care
One-on-one support ministry partnering cancer patients with trained
Cancer Care Volunteers who will walk alongside them to provide hope and encouragement on their cancer journey.
Contact: Cindy Marrell (cmarrell@calvarygr.org)
Elder Prayer
First Tuesday | 6:15-7:15pm
Contact: Cindy Marrell at ext. 5997
Are you seeking healing? Do you need others to come alongside you right now? Experience the encouraging power of prayer with the Elders. Schedule a time and let us come before the Lord with you in this season.
Jerusalem Project Monthly Prayer
Second Sunday | 10:15-10:40am Room 110
Pray for the Jerusalem Project. Sign up for our monthly prayer email, contact: jp.prayer@calvarygr.org.
Pastors’ Prayer Partners
Sundays | One Service Monthly
Receive weekly updates from the Pastoral Staff via email or postal mail. Your role is to pray with a team of prayer warriors during one service a month and pray in your own home regularly.
Prayer For the Persecuted Church
Fourth Sunday | 10:15-10:40am Room 110
Pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering for their faith. Register for our prayer list by emailing a request to prayerforpersecuted@calvarygr.org.
Third Monday Missionary Prayer
Third Monday | 11:30am-12:30pm Room 255 (Entrance K)
Join us in person, with virtual option, to hear updates and pray for our missionaries around the world.
SERVING OPENINGS WORSHIP MINISTRY
Contact: Christie Thompson cthompson@calvarygr.org
Prayer points and Zoom link can be emailed. Contact: Susan Mangione (thirdmondayprayer@calvarygr.org)
Baptism
Baptism is a great way for us to celebrate with you the change that God has brought in your life. Baptisms take place during our morning worship services. If you feel the Lord prompting you to be baptized, contact Natalie Uecker (nuecker@ calvarygr.org).
Communion
We aim to observe the ordinance of communion once a month, typically on the first Sunday. At these times, we will also collect an offering for Calvary’s Benevolence Fund. If you would like to join the team of communion servers email Christie Thompson (cthompson@calvarygr.org).
Calvary Grounds
If you like to be in the outdoors taking care of flowers, bushes or grass we need your help.
Calvary has 26 acres to keep looking manicured and beautiful for the thousands of people that visit each week. The commitment is from May – September and can be tailored to fit your schedule; from once or twice a month to a little every week. If you would like to know more on how you can get connected contact Mark DuBois (mdubois@calvarygr.org) or fill out a volunteer application at calvarygr.org/volunteerapp.
Updates
We are delighted to welcome Emma Miller as a pastoral worship resident this summer. Emma will primarily be serving with the Worship and Production Team. Her responsibilities will include leading worship for our Sunday worship services as well as in Young Adults.
Emma Miller is a student at Purdue University studying organizational leadership. Emma grew up in Fishers, Indiana, which is outside Indianapolis. She has been involved with choirs since she was 11, and for several years, she has led worship at her church. A few of her favorite worship songs are “My King Forever” by Bethel Music, “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship, and “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Gates Spafford.
Emma is very excited to be spending the summer at Calvary Church and we know she will be a blessing to our congregation.
Mark Schaap, Teaching and Vision Pastor Rodney Velting, Next Gen and Discipleship Pastor
New Church Plant in Ada
Frontier Church is Calvary’s newest church plant. Led by Mark Schaap and Rodney Velting, the church plans to launch in Ada this October.
Frontier Church’s goal is to be a church that helps every man, woman, and child joyfully live out their purpose for the glory of God.
If you would like more information about the church, scan this QR code or visit frontierada.org.
We partner with families to raise kids who will for the rest of their lives. trust, love, follow Jesus and
It is our desire for our children in Calvary Kids to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and to be fruitful! We have been enjoying Marty Machowski’s The Gospel Story Curriculum and have journeyed through the New Testament this ministry year. We are excited to announce that this summer we sensed a leading by God to slow down and take a deeper dive to cover the full 9 Fruits of the Spirit, giving each fruit their own Sunday to shine! If you are a kid, join us on Sundays from May 4 to July 27 to experience our lessons VBS Style! We’ll have 10 weeks of special crafts, games, and even fun science experiments!
The entire Calvary Kids volunteer team has worked hard to transform the children’s area with fruity decorations. We hope our kids will enjoy a weekly scavenger hunt to find Peter the Pineapple, Suzie the Strawberry and more!
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” These are the things that God wants us to produce so that everyone around us can see the good fruit that He grows in us. What a joy it will be to see our kids understand the importance of the work and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Families with children birth-4th grade, we want you to SAVE THE DATE ! On Sunday, July 27, from 12:30-2:00pm we will celebrate the conclusion of our lessons with potluck style lunch. Kids will have the opportunity to tie-dye their very own Fruit of the Spirit t-shirt, play some yard games, and the parents will get to hear the kids sing our Fruit of the Spirit theme song one last time! Register at calvarygr.org/foscelebration.
GRADUATES Congrats
Pray for our high school graduates as they close out this chapter and prepare for their next adventure!
Justin Carter Grandville
Caroline Dafoe East Grand Rapids
John Cassiday Grand Rapids Christian
Christian Jacoby Forest Hills Northern
Onaka Lobbezoo Greenville
Gwen Lamport Forest Hills Central
Samantha Lovell East Grand Rapids
Anastasia Mangione Homeschool
Kennedy Matheny Northpointe Christian
Sawyer McCarthy Forest Hills Central
Aiden Platt Forest Hills Central
Mia Powell Grand Rapids Christian
Adam Pullen Northpointe Christian
Ayantu Knapp East Grand Rapids
Evelyn Kwiatkowski Unity Christian
Gracie Putnam East Grand Rapids
Anna Quartell Northview
Kayla Quartell Northview
Claire Roelofs Forest Hills Northern
Abigail Samra East Grand Rapids
Kyri Rosenow Wyoming
Luke Schafer Forest Hills Eastern
Landon Storms East Kentwood
Lauren Sorrell Northpointe Christian
Luke Taylor East Grand Rapids
Kaia Thorson City
Caleb Velting Northpointe Christian
Tessa Velting Northpointe Christian
Weston Warner Warner Academy
Abby Wieland Northpointe Christian
Simon Zwart Forest Hills Eastern
Book Reviews on Sabbath
Find your next read in the Calvary Library!
Does the thought of savoring your Sabbath while enjoying a meal with your friends or family sound difficult or even impossible? Kathi Lipp in her book: Sabbath Soup Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for A Day of Rest gives us a guide that walks us through her process. “Setting aside and respecting a holy time of rest is more than a command: it is a gift.”
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.“ Mark 2:27
Her desire and prayer for this book "with its recipes, ideas for Sabbath living, practical steps, and compassionate prayers is that it will help you enter that state of the heart and mind with surprising ease.”
As with any new routine, it can be slow going at first and it often takes a lot of effort. But as with any new discipline, we learn and grow and what was once hard can become easier. Perhaps this book can help you have a day in your week that is less about producing and hurry and more about time with friends, family, and the Lord that we love and serve.
The key areas that Kathi shares are: Why Sabbath? Why Soup? and The gift of Preplanning (Why this works)
She then uses the four seasons and categorizes the menu and meals to correspond to the coziness of fall and winter or the lighter fare of spring and summer. The range of recipes is broad and encompasses everything from breakfast dishes, breads, salads, desserts and of course soup.
Sabbath Soup has many great recipes but more than that it is an encouragement to align your week to a time of Sabbath rest in relation to planning and preparing nourishing food to gather with those you love.
By Cindy Gronsman (Library Committee Member)
In the foreword to Sleeth’s short, but powerful book, scholar and theologian Eugene Peterson cites one of the Psalms - in a powerful way:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know that I.
Be still and know that.
Be still and know.
Be still and.
Be still.
Be.
After quoting and parsing that oft-quoted verse from Psalm 46, he quotes a line from 24/6 : “Sabbath is a time to transition from human doings to human beings.”
It’s that brief, but pithy sentence - focused on putting a weekly stop to the incessant “doing” in our lives - on which Sleeth based his entire treatise. But as we readers all know - and the author is quick to admit - this is nothing we didn’t already know. The challenge lies merely in actually putting it into practice.
Moreover, it’s not necessarily our disobedience that results in our skipping a sabbath rest - but rather forgetting the blessing that God designed it to be. Sleeth reminds us this fourth commandment in Exodus 20 - Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy - is the only one of ten that begins with the word remember - “almost as if God knew we would forget.” And forget we have. But without it being an excuse (because we can dream up plenty of those), it’s fair to say that modern culture - with our nearly nonstop connectivity to digital information and engagement - keeping a rhythm of Sabbath rest requires more discipline then it may have in days gone by.
So, with that, Sleeth commends building an intentional structure and rhythm into our personal and family lives. Not something done from a legalistic perspective - as the Pharisees of old would have done, pridefully keeping score of who might just be breaking the Sabbath law. On the contrary
- and along the lines of Mark 2:27 - the author reemphasizes the simple fact that “The Sabbath was made for man - not man for the Sabbath.”
But knowing our human weaknesses mentioned above - both remembering this command, and having the discipline to actually obey it - Sleeth does make a strong case for adding a distinct structure to our lives. Not in a Pharisaical way, mind you, but only because our human weakness requires it. Better yet, however, the blessings received from “keeping that day holy” far outweigh the “cost” of throttling-down our schedules on Sunday and blocking out our calendars.
And as Christians - even with such a Sabbath structure in place - we can still very easily justify breaking the Sabbath with all sorts of good things. For instance, forgoing the already scheduled family time on a Sunday afternoon when someone calls with a “ministry opportunity” at church.
Frankly, it can be especially tempting (and dangerous) for those working vocationally for a church - or in a parachurch ministry. Since “we’re doing the Lord’s work” in those settings, we can often (and incorrectly) fool ourselves into thinking that those ministry activities must automatically override the time we’d already planned to set aside for Sabbath rest. Now to be fair, especially for someone on a church staff, one’s Sabbath may very well need to be on a day besides Sunday. However, the principle remains.
So, without crossing the line into legalism (far from it), Sleeth makes a robust case for the distinct and inherent value of carving out Sabbath rest in our weekly schedules - and adhering to it with the same level of seriousness that we should for any spiritual discipline.
Perhaps most powerful were some of the closing lines of 24/6. To quote Sleeth:
“In adopting a 24/6 life, we put God back into the equation. We leave some of the figuring out to him. We recharge our batteries with the energy that comes only through stopping, and we become more generous with the gifts God has given to us.“
Trust and obey. For there’s no other way. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Many of us learned that much-loved song in a Sunday school class decades ago. But as those decades pass, for many of us, the words and meaning may become a fond, but distant memory. So too is the case for the word Sabbath - and thus, once again, the reason God began that fourth commandment with the word “Remember.”
In 24/6 , Dr. Sleeth follows the Lord’s lead by helping us remember the beauty and benefit of the Sabbath - resurrecting the word not out of duty, but beauty - and not out of religiosity, but rest.
Be still. And know. That I am God.
He’s given us much to do in this life. And do those things we should. But on the seventh day, He rested.
So, regardless of which day of seven it may be for us, so should we.
By Jeff Rogers (Library Committee Member)
Missionary Update
”When we care, we give not just food but also the Word of God to those who are hungry for the Lord.”
Sal and Rawan are Jordanian as well as US citizens. And because of their background, they have extensive ministry experience in the country as well as the cultural and language skills necessary to communicate in the heart language. And while based in the Grand Rapids area, as the country leader for a Christ-centered humanitarian aid organization, Sal travels often to Jordan to oversee and guide the staff and their many ministries on the ground. Rawan works locally with Tent School International and the West Michigan Friendship Center. On May 26, 2024, Sal and Rawan became commissioned missionaries from Calvary Church. Here are a few updates from their ministry:
We are excited to announce that in April, we will start four new classes around Jordan, partnering with churches in Amman to also reach out to Iraqi Christian refugees. This is part of our mission to bring hope and healing to those in need. Our trauma healing program is changing lives by bringing joy and restoration to broken
hearts. Through counseling and support, we help individuals find peace and remind them that their pain is not the end of their story. This work is rooted in Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Every month, we bring wheelchairs and the love of Christ to those in need, offering not just physical support but hope and dignity. This effort is inspired by Matthew 25:36, where Jesus says, “I was sick and you looked after me.” We do this to serve others as Christ served us, showing His love and care in practical ways. Through these acts, we bring both healing and hope, reminding them that they are not forgotten.
The House of Ruth, Jordan valley center, and the House of David are a light for many kids and families, offering hope and a place to grow in faith. As Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world,” we are called to be that light in our communities.
The Lord blessed us with a wonderful time sharing with these children, reminding them that He is the only one we can truly rely on in life. We encouraged them to seek the truth of who He is and to build a strong relationship with Him, which leads to true success. We also emphasized the importance of loving their neighbors. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will move in their hearts in supernatural ways, opening their minds to His truth. We are confident that we are walking the right path, and with you, we can continue this mission.
Sameerah, along with other ladies, serves as a board member of the community center in Ajloun, where we began our work. During our conversation, she shared that she was diagnosed with cancer last month and was deeply worried about her life. Led by the Holy Spirit, I spoke about Jesus—how He is still healing and performing miracles today. As I spoke, all the women in the room listened
attentively for about ten minutes. What truly surprised me was when Sameerah asked me to pray for her in the name of Jesus. Then, another woman, Sawsan, also requested prayer for her grandson, who has a disease that doctors have been unable to cure. The Lord is opening doors in unreached places among hidden and forgotten people, lifting His name and bringing them both Hope and Help.
Thank you for believing in and praying for our ministry.
Sal and Rawan at Calvary’s Global Adventures Fair
Intern ati nal Neighbors ati
Calvary’s International College Student
Ministry
Friendship Families are Needed for Fall SIGN UP NOW!
NEIGHBORS INTERNATIONAL, Calvary Church’s international college student ministry is growing! Friendship Families / Partners are needed to befriend International college students arriving this fall.
You will be matched up to a student(s) who live close to you and share similar interests. These students are lonely and experiencing culture shock and are longing for a family that can welcome them and help them. Requirements to join the ministry:
• Must be 30 or older
• Complete an application, background check and attend training
• Meet with your assigned student(s) at least once a month and talk to them weekly
• Plan fun activities to do with your student, invite them to your home, celebrate holidays with them
• Help them with needs they might have
SIGN UP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION on how you can befriend an international college student arriving this fall, contact Sonja at neighbors_international@calvarygr.org.
Note: We will also have an information table at Calvary by the Connection Point on Sundays, August 10 and 17.
Toward Racial Unity Continuing our Journey
On March 30, at our most recent Racial Unity Night of Prayer , we had an incredible, intimate discussion with Pastor Artie Lindsay unpacking the implications of the sermon he delivered this spring on Revelation 7:9. Those who were there will attest that it was powerful.
We left deeply moved by the powerful vision this passage describes: a radically-unified, multi-ethnic kingdom made possible through the Gospel— one characterized by racial and ethnic harmony in Christ, radical love for neighbor expressed through our mindsets, words, and actions; and, where our differences are not erased, but celebrated.
We also left challenged and convicted by the ways we fall short of this in the church today—ways we fail to love as we should, ways our mindsets need to be reclaimed and renewed, and ways our attitudes and actions need to better align with the gospel. We were also shocked, moved and stirred by the challenges and needs of our city.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT NIGHT OF PRAYER ON JUNE 29 WITH A VERY SPECIAL GUEST
On June 29, we will host our next Night of Prayer and will have the opportunity to hear a first-hand account of profound racial injustice perpetrated against an innocent person, but also the power of the gospel of Jesus to also transform a life—redeeming his pain and turning him into a pastor.
In 2022, Raymond Flanks was released from prison in Louisiana after having served 38 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, where evidence of his innocence was deliberately shelved. His case, taken up by The Innocence
Project, will be the subject of an upcoming documentary. Dave Ellis and Scott Bowman had the privilege of hearing his story and getting to know him on their Biblical Unity Vision Trip of 2024.
Mark your calendars – trust us, you will not want to miss this very special night! You will have your eyes opened to issues you may not realize still occur in our day, but also, you’ll be inspired and moved by the power of the gospel to heal, restore and renew life.
As we have done at each of these nights, we will be using the discussion to spur us to pray, to seek the Lord, and inquire of Him.
OUR GOAL: BECOMING THE CHURCH JESUS WANTS US TO BE
Some have asked: where is this going? What is Calvary’s goal? It’s really quite simple: Our desire is to be the people and church He desires, to explore ways we can become more like Jesus in our heart, attitudes, motivations & actions regarding ethnicity and race, to be a gospel-centered community committed to racial reconciliation, restorative grace, and radical love — for one another within our church and for our neighbors in the community.
If you’re unable to join us but are interested in remaining informed, or if you want to share in advance how the Lord has been speaking to you in the area of racial unity, please email us at elder.chair@calvarygr.org.
We’d love to hear from you!
- Calvary Church Elders Join us June 29 at 6:00pm Gathering Place
GENERATIONS
Waiting
A GOOD PART OF OUR STORY
JUNE 12 · 7:00-9:00PM · GATHERING PLACE
Join Calvary sisters in Christ (ages 8 – 108) for an evening of dessert, inspiration, conversation and worship led by Katie Mateer.
Special guest speaker, Shannon Popkin, will help us consider how we trust God in the long stretches of waiting for Him to fulfill His promises. Our temptation is often to turn to control and self-reliance, as Sarah did in the Bible. But God invites us to walk by faith in the waiting. Shannon is the author of books, Control Girl and Comparison Girl , and a new Bible Study titled, Shaped by God’s Promises .
Summer Serving Fun
While summertime pulls Michiganders into all different directions as we enjoy the warmer months of this beautiful state, this time of year also coincides with many of Calvary Church’s programming taking a pause before our Fall kickoff. This season is a great time to reflect on how you’ve experienced the Lord’s goodness and also discern where He is leading you into the next season of life. September will usher in new activity where we welcome our full suite of ministry activities. At this time, we exhort you to pray about how you can join us in the adventure of serving God and His church.
There are many ministries that continue to function in the Body of Christ from May through August. We have a large team in Calvary Kids that ministers to our children, birth through 4th grade on Sunday mornings, our hospitality team is busy each Sunday bringing a warm welcome to our guests, our Facilities Ministry has participants maintaining our grounds for all to enjoy while visiting our church and our Prayer Ministry is regularly praying for others on a day to day basis. We encourage a time of respite for everyone during Summer, but also encourage those of you who are being called by the Lord to join our team through the many great opportunities we have for you to serve at Calvary to explore next steps in being the hands and feet of Christ.
Neil Kassuba Facilitator, Serving Ministry
If any of the previous volunteer roles mentioned sound interesting or if you are still looking to discern what God has planned for your life, I would be honored to hear your testimony and see how I can help you walk that path and step into a new volunteer role. Please reach out, as it blesses me to be able to get to know you better, provide an encouraging word of prayer and assist you as you continue to grow in your faith. – Neil Kassuba - Serving Ministry Facilitator at 616-956-5277 and nkassuba@calvarygr.org.
Picnic July 23
Join us for a church- wide picnic on Wednesday, July 23 from 5:30-8:00pm!
This is a FREE event! Dinner will be provided at no cost to you. There will be carnival games, live music, and more!
Dessert food trucks will be on site with treats available for purchase.
CARNIVAL VINTAGE CAR SHOW
LIVE MUSIC FOOD TRUCKS