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The Calvary Connection May 2008

FROM PJ’s

Did you hear about the little boy who attended a wonderful worship service one Sunday? After attending church the little boy knelt at his bedside that night and prayed, "Dear God, we had a good time at church today--but I wish you had been there" I’ve often wondered if God has thought the same thing about us?

I am convinced that people who love Jesus, worship Him on Sunday morning. I realize that some people have illness, work, or family commitments that sometime impede their worship but that isn’t true for most people. Where are you? Is our lust for entertainment so overwhelming that Jesus has to be given to us in the comfort of our own homes while perched upon our easy chairs? Are we so lazy that unless it’s Easter or Christmas we are unwilling to worship the God of the Universe? Are we so misled that we believe the lie that I can worship God at home, on the golf course or at the lake as well as we can in church?

Who is Jesus Christ, to you? Is he the Lord God, Almighty? Or is he just another voice competing for your attention. As I said, I am convinced that people who love Jesus worship Him on Sunday morning. Where are you?

CT STUD was the Michael Jordan of his time. Born in England and known as the world’s greatest athlete in his day and age. He gave his life to Christ, left the world of fame behind and went into the ministry. Later he said, "IF Jesus Christ be God and died for me then no sacrifice is to great for me to give to Him." Do you believe this? Or do you insist on being fed spiritual baby food the rest of your life?

Every Christian needs worship. As much as you need air, food and water. You need worship.

My friends, we are without excuse. If you love Jesus and want to go to Heaven you’ll be at church on Sunday morning. If you want your children to be saved, you’ll be at church begging God to speak to them. Or you want your husband or wife saved, why would you so pollute your testimony that you wouldn’t go to church? Our family and friends are watching the witness of your faith. Why would you not be at church on Sunday?

If you believe Jesus Christ is God, you must be in church to worship him.

With Great Expectation,

NEW MEMBERS

God has been good to Calvary. We are thankful for the many new families He has brought our way. We’ve had several people make decisions for Christ and His church. This is a marvelous praise. On April 6^th we had 6 people come forward and join our church. They were:

Joe Henninger, He came forward upon his profession of faith. Because of his faithfulness to God, many of his family members also made decisions.

Linda Lauderbaugh, came forward to transfer her membership to Calvary. She is the daughter of Joe. Last month, Linda’s daughter Jenny McCune and grandson Joey Rodriquez (Jenny’s son) came forward. Joey was baptized on April 20^th This is another four generation family in our church.

Susan Mooney, also came forward to transfer her membership. She is the niece of Joe Henninger. J

Melissa Mooney, Susan’s daughter came forward to transfer her membership. You might recognize Melissa if you shop at K-Mart. You’ll recognize her by her ever-present smile.

Cameron Mooney, Susan’s son came forward to profess his faith in Christ and was baptized on April 20^th. Cam is a freshman at Lewis Cass. Ask to see his state band championship ring. Cool!

Cathy Shaw, who is not related to these families, but a friend to all, came forward to transfer her membership to Calvary as well.

April 13^th

Blake Hill came forward to profess his faith in Christ and desires to be baptized and join our church. We thank God for his family, Andy and Ashley Mims and grandparents, Frank and Leona Mims.

During the invitation on the 13^th, Heidi Freeman looked to her father and said, “Will you go with me?” Of course, both parents, Dan and Adriane came forward to not only support their daughter in her decision, but to both join as well. Heidi was baptized on April 20^th and her parents transferred their membership to Calvary. If that Freeman name sounds familiar to you, ask their parents, Richie and Gracie how they feel about having their son and family join Calvary. J

God continues to bless our church. Pray that God will continue to speak to His people and call them forward to decide for Christ and Calvary.

Green Thumb Team

Calvary has a group of people who like planting and growing flowers at our church. They do a super job each year and we all benefit from their joy filled labor. Would you like to serve on the Green Thumb Team this year? We’ll have our once a year meeting to plan the flowers, watering schedule, etc. We need more volunteers. Perhaps you are new to our church. If so, this is a great way to begin getting involved at Calvary.

We’ll meet on Thursday, May 6 at 11 am. Make sure you wear green.

Mother’s Day

Invite the women in your life to join us in worship as we honor the spiritual contribution they make in all our lives. Our Mission and Evangelism Team will be presenting a flower to the matriarch who brings the most family with them to church on this day. This will be a fun day.

As always, each woman in our congregation will be recognized, too! Plan to bring your family to worship together and hear the Word of God.

GERANIUMS FOR MEMORIAL DAY

The Missions and Evangelism team will be taking orders soon for Memorial Day geraniums. You can order geraniums in honor of someone special or in memory of a loved one. They will be displayed in the sanctuary on Memorial Day Sunday, then you can take them home to enjoy the rest of the summer! All proceeds will benefit the summer mission trip to Mississippi.

OPERATION RECLAIM

Calvary is going back to Mississippi! Our summer mission trip to Pass Christian, MS will be June 7-14. We will be building and repairing homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Workers are needed and there is a job for everyone- from electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to roofers, drywallers, painters, cooks, and gophers! Is God calling you to be a part of our team? Talk to Pastor Jeff or Margie if you are interested in going or would like more information!

AB Girls of Faith and Hope

Gathering is fast approaching and the registration forms are due to me by May 18th. If you haven't received a form yet, please let me know.

2008 Theme: Get Your Daily Exercise.... Walk with the Lord

Exercise your FAITH, TALENTS and STRENGTH
Scripture: 1 John 1:7
Song: Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp

If you have any questions about this great event, please contact me. Jen Parrish

Senior Adults

Our April meeting was held in Bloomington - a two hour drive from Kokomo. Our destination was McDoel Baptist Church & the meeting was for the State Senior Adults. The church has been built into the side of a hill and required steps to get to several of the rooms. We had 17 from Calvary Baptist to go. Thanks to Georgia for making the arrangements for this trip.

Our May meeting will be a carry-in at the church. Meat will be furnished by the Club. Plan to bring your delicious food around 11:30 a.m.

After a short business meeting you should decide if you want to play games (come prepared if you do!), or if you would rather, we are planning a trip to Miller Variey Store owned by the Amish, you may help with that.

We’ll see you on May 15th at 11:30!

Communion Sunday

On Mother’s Day, we’ll also receive Holy Communion. It’s a worship service where every professed believer in Jesus Christ should be in attendance. We recognize that some have work, illness or family commitments that may keep them away every once in a while, but we MUST be more committed to the observance of the Lord’s Super. This is a NO-EXCUSE Sunday.

Dr. Joseph Huse

The American Baptist Foundation is a support to all of our ABC churches. They help explain and encourage people to provide for their families and church in wills and other financial areas. Dr. Joseph Huse from the Foundation will be at Calvary to speak to the Adult Bible Study on Wednesday, May 14^th at 6:30 pm. This will be an educational workshop. Everyone’s questions will be answered and you can take home any of the hand outs Dr. Huse will provide.

AB Men Work Day at Camp Tippy

Our men will be going to our own Camp Tippy, in North Webster on Saturday, May 17^th. We’ll meet in our church parking lot at 6:30 am and leave for the camp. We’ll normally paint, rake, and clean the camp areas. This is an important service to the Lord. Think of all the kids who have made decisions for Christ while at camp. Imagine how many will come to Him this summer. This is an important day. We’ll be home before dinner. Will you come with us?

Day of Remembrance

On Sunday May 25^th we will recognize the members of our church who have died and gone on to their reward in the

previous 12 months. At Calvary we remember and continue to give thanks to God for their faithful witness.

The only church member we are aware of who has died is Pat Martin. A white rose will be presented to her family. We will pause to remember Pat’s faithfulness and give thanks for her. If you are aware of any other church members who have died in the last year to please contact the office. We do not want to miss any member.

You will also be able to order a geranium for any deceased family member you would like to have remembered on this special day. Each name will be read during the worship service from the pulpit, as well as the names of the family members who remember them. You can start placing an order for your deceased loved ones on Mother’s Day. Following the service you can take your flower home and plant it in your garden.

WOMEN MISSIONARY NEWS!!

WE HAD ROBIN NOLAN, STATE PROJECT CHAIRMAN AT OUR MEETING. SHE GAVE A VERY DISTURBING AND WONDERFUL PROGRAM. BREAK THE CHAINS:SLAVERY IN THE 21ST CENTURY. THIS PROJECT NEEDS LOTS OF PRAYERS. WE HAD 24 WOMEN AT THE MEETING. WATCH FOR COMING NEWS!!!

MAY 13--IS THE MOTHER/DAUGHTER AT 6;00 WITH THE MEAL FOLLOWED AT 7:00 PROGRAM ENTITLED "FILL THE WORLD WITH LOVE-RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY.

BRING A SALAD OR DESSERT AND COME AND ENJOY THE FELLOWSHIP

MAY 15--IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE WOMEN SUMMER CONFERENCE AT FRANKLIN COLLEGE. THIS IS JUNE 6,7,& 8. ONE OF OUR MISSIONARIES-JOAN BROWN FROM MURROW INDIANA CHILDREN'S HOME IN OKLAHOMA IS GOING TO BE THERE. HERE IS A CHANCE TO MEET HER. THEY WILL BE HAVING A SHOWER FOR THE HOME. ITEMS TO BRING: KITCHEN ITEMS, CLEANING SUPPLIES, DETERGENTS, PAPER PRODUCTS, CANNED VEGETABLES,ETC. ANYONE INTERESTED IN GOING, SEE ME.

MAY IS EDNA MARTIN CHRISTIAN CENTER MONTH. WE WILL BE COLLECTING PAPER PRODUCTS AND CAN FOODS. WE WILL BE HAVING A CONTEST BETWEEN THE CAVELIERS AND THE CHILDREN. SO LETS SEE WHO CAN GET TO THE FINISH LINE FIRST. SO START YOUR ENGINES AND LETS HAVE SOME FUN HELPING OTHERS.

DR. LAWRENCE LINDLEY OF EDNA MARTIN IS ONE OF OUR NEW NATIONAL MISSIONARIES WE JUST RECEIVED. SO LET’S SHOW OUR SUPPORT.

THE BIBLE BOOK OF THE MONTH IS LAMENTATIONS. I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU TO READ IT. WHOEVER DOES WILL RECEIVE A SURPRISE.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
What a great ministry we have a Calvary to be able to be a part of the babies and toddlers lives as they grow in our church. If you would like to be added to work in the nursery either with the babies or toddlers please let me know by May 25th. I will be working on getting the second half of 2008 schedule completed and would love to be able to add more name to it.

You may call me at home at 453-0385 or just let me know when you see me.

Let's give all the mommies and daddies a break so they can really get refueled in our worship service!

Jen Parrish

Parents Are Key to Teens' Religious Activities