calvarytalkcalvarytalkVolume 1, Issue 1Volume 1, Issue 1

Winter 2014Winter 2014

The Heartbeat of Calvary

Connecting With Christ and Each Other

page 4.

It Grabbed My Heart It Grabbed My Heart and I’m Diff erentand I’m Diff erent

page26.page26.

The GardensAssisted Living for Elders

page 15

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The Heartbeatof CalvaryConnecting With Christ and Each Other

04.04.

Continuing Jesus’ MissionGuerry Clegg

Just Say Yes! Giving Your Time

09.09.

Girl Power!Really?Beth Britton

As Iron Sharpens IronChris Sharp

Give It Up!Galations 4:11Ricky Smith

Charlie’s BlanketA Story of ComfortJune Wilhite

Do You Know What Family Means?Steve Pate

Dad, You are the Pastor of Your HomeNick Bruner

calvarytalkcalvarytalkCreative Arts Pastor,

Chief EditorAlan Smith

Art DirectorLaura Atterbury

Graphic EditorBecky Smith

Contributing WritersJeff StruekerJune Wilhite

Donna June WallerVickie Dort

Beth BrittonNorman Drummond

Chris SharpMichael KingGuerry CleggRicky SmithSteve Pate

Nick BrunerAllen Runner

PhotographersSouthern Exposure

PhotographyRebekah Davis

Krista Pettry

John David HelmsDonnaJune Waller

Ken BrantleyAmber WilhiteBecca MoonAlan SmithRicky Smith

Michael KingHeather SmithStacy Reinen

If you would like to contribute, please contact

Alan Smith.706-322-1491alansmith@

calvaryministries.com

The GardensAssisted Living for Elders

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32.

35.

07. 22.How the Worship of God Shapes His PeopleMichael King

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Continuing Jesus’ MissionGuerry Clegg

Upcoming EventsNew Bible Studies Beginning in January

Surprised by GraceBook ReviewAllen Runner

24. 38. 40.

It Grabbed My It Grabbed My Heart and I’mHeart and I’mDiff erentDiff erent26.26.

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The Heartbeat of The Heartbeat of CalvaryCalvary Connecting People With Christ and Each OtherConnecting People With Christ and Each Other

5

You will quickly notice from this digital magazine You will quickly notice from this digital magazine that Calvary Baptist Church has a busy calendar. that Calvary Baptist Church has a busy calendar. We are a church that no matter what day you We are a church that no matter what day you drive onto our campus there is always something drive onto our campus there is always something happening. In fact, if you’re new to our church happening. In fact, if you’re new to our church it can be a bit overwhelming at times that on it can be a bit overwhelming at times that on the average weekday there are more than 1000 the average weekday there are more than 1000 people living, working or going to school on our people living, working or going to school on our campus. I guess if you think about it, we are a campus. I guess if you think about it, we are a little bit weird in that, Sundays may be one of little bit weird in that, Sundays may be one of our least busy days on the Calvary Ministries our least busy days on the Calvary Ministries campus!campus!

Why do we do so many activities around this Why do we do so many activities around this

church? Maybe you’ve asked that question church? Maybe you’ve asked that question before. Maybe you’ve wondered if we do so before. Maybe you’ve wondered if we do so many activities to keep us busy because busy many activities to keep us busy because busy people get in less trouble than bored people? people get in less trouble than bored people? No. Are we trying to keep up with the church No. Are we trying to keep up with the church down the street? No. Is it because we want to down the street? No. Is it because we want to off er a lot of options for people to pass the time off er a lot of options for people to pass the time with? No. The real answer is that we do all the with? No. The real answer is that we do all the stuff that you see on our calendar because we stuff that you see on our calendar because we want to connect people with Christ and with want to connect people with Christ and with each other. each other.

For the last eight weeks we have been talking For the last eight weeks we have been talking about what makes our church unique during about what makes our church unique during this “Heartbeat” sermon series. We have been this “Heartbeat” sermon series. We have been trying to identify the heartbeat of Calvary trying to identify the heartbeat of Calvary Baptist Church. We have said that our church is Baptist Church. We have said that our church is all about “carrying out the Great Commission”. It all about “carrying out the Great Commission”. It has become very clear over the past eight weeks has become very clear over the past eight weeks that the Great Commission ultimately tells us to that the Great Commission ultimately tells us to make disciples. So, I guess you could say that make disciples. So, I guess you could say that making disciples is what we are all about as a making disciples is what we are all about as a church. church.

“We try to connect people with “We try to connect people with

Christ by engaging our city, our Christ by engaging our city, our

country and the world on mission country and the world on mission

for Jesus.”for Jesus.”

But that still doesn’t answer why we do so many But that still doesn’t answer why we do so many activities around our church. We believe that we activities around our church. We believe that we make disciples by connecting people with Christ make disciples by connecting people with Christ and connecting people with each other. We try and connecting people with each other. We try to connect people with Christ by engaging our to connect people with Christ by engaging our city, our country and the world on mission for city, our country and the world on mission for Jesus. At Calvary we call this eff ort “missions”. Jesus. At Calvary we call this eff ort “missions”. We also try to connect people with Christ by We also try to connect people with Christ by talking to our next-door neighbors about our talking to our next-door neighbors about our Savior Jesus. Connecting people with Christ is at Savior Jesus. Connecting people with Christ is at the heart of making disciples; it’s at the start of the heart of making disciples; it’s at the start of carrying out the Great Commission. So, a part of carrying out the Great Commission. So, a part of the reason why we do so many activities around the reason why we do so many activities around our church is because we want to give members our church is because we want to give members an opportunity to connect with people who an opportunity to connect with people who don’t know Christ on our campus. We call this don’t know Christ on our campus. We call this “evangelism”. A great example of this was Ark in “evangelism”. A great example of this was Ark in the Park this past October. the Park this past October.

The other reason, why we do so many activities The other reason, why we do so many activities around our campus, is because we want to around our campus, is because we want to connect members with each other. We believe connect members with each other. We believe that the Christian life is meant to be lived in that the Christian life is meant to be lived in community with others. That’s why we want community with others. That’s why we want people to fi nd meaningful ways to enter into people to fi nd meaningful ways to enter into deeper relationships with each other at Calvary. deeper relationships with each other at Calvary. That is why we make such a big deal out of our That is why we make such a big deal out of our small groups. There is an educational aspect small groups. There is an educational aspect to our small groups. We want people to learn to our small groups. We want people to learn the deep truths of God in small groups. But our the deep truths of God in small groups. But our small groups are shooting for much more than small groups are shooting for much more than just education... they are aiming at life change. just education... they are aiming at life change. We want people to learn what it means to live We want people to learn what it means to live like Jesus by watching the way other people live like Jesus by watching the way other people live for Jesus. You can’t just learn to become like for Jesus. You can’t just learn to become like Christ in the small group classroom or in the Christ in the small group classroom or in the church room. Learning to live like Jesus has to church room. Learning to live like Jesus has to be done in our living rooms, in coff ee shops and be done in our living rooms, in coff ee shops and in deer stands as we live life together. in deer stands as we live life together.

I hope that you will fi nd something that grabs I hope that you will fi nd something that grabs your attention and gets you excited in our your attention and gets you excited in our calendar of upcoming events. I hope you will calendar of upcoming events. I hope you will engage with others in the church that you have engage with others in the church that you have never met before by joining in some of these never met before by joining in some of these awesome activities. But I really hope you will do awesome activities. But I really hope you will do more than be entertained or educated. I hope more than be entertained or educated. I hope your life will be changed by the stuff that we do your life will be changed by the stuff that we do as a church. I hope that everything that we do... as a church. I hope that everything that we do... from missions, to evangelism, to education, from missions, to evangelism, to education, leads people to know Christ personally and to leads people to know Christ personally and to follow him more passionately.follow him more passionately.

Learning to live like Jesus has to be done in our living rooms, in Learning to live like Jesus has to be done in our living rooms, in

coff ee shops and in deer stands as we live life together.coff ee shops and in deer stands as we live life together.

Written byWritten byJeff StruekerLead Pastor

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Our son and family live in Waco, Texas. They drive to Columbus, Georgia twice a Our son and family live in Waco, Texas. They drive to Columbus, Georgia twice a year to visit both his wife’s family and us. On three separate visits, I was presented year to visit both his wife’s family and us. On three separate visits, I was presented with our grandson’s “blankie,” which was in need of repair. The fi rst time I mended with our grandson’s “blankie,” which was in need of repair. The fi rst time I mended Charlie’s blankie, the back Charlie’s blankie, the back layer had come loose on two edges. The second time, the front was separating from the binding, and the back layer was torn into three or four uneven strips. That took some work but I fi nally had it back in one piece.

Charlie’s BlanketCharlie’s Blanket A story of comfortA story of comfort

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telling me that I need to be saved.” Amber called his dad and the three of them sat on Charlie’s bed while David talked to Charlie about how that Satan even tried to tempt Jesus. Jesus answered each temptation with scripture. David read several verses and then suggested, “Charlie, maybe it is time for you to make a choice in regard to committing your life to the Lord.” Charlie nodded, “I want to be saved.” David asked Charlie to explain what he meant when he said he wanted to be “saved.” Charlie had been raised and taught the Bible all his life – at home and in church. So Charlie knew exactly what the word “saved” meant and explained it to David clearly. David led him in a prayer of salvation. The three of them said, “Amen,” with eyes full of joyful tears.

Now Charlie has a new Comforter, the Holy Spirit. The security of his salvation will never wear out. The Lord said,

“I will never leave you nor

forsake you.”

(Hebrews 13:5c)

Charlie may make poor choices, along life’s road, that result in brokenness, which requires repair by the Father. Even if he becomes “tattered and torn” God will always love him and be available for mending jobs.

As Charlie grows closer to this Comforter, that relationship will strengthen and become more beautiful. I am comforted to know that all four of our grandchildren have chosen to trust in God the Father and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of the Lord, our Comforter, can and will go with us everywhere. Before long, Charlie’s relationship with his blankie may fi zzle. But no matter how old he becomes, he will never need to be ashamed of the Son of God, Charlie’s Savior!

And I will ask the Father, and He

will give you another Counselor

(Comforter, KJV) to be with you

forever. He is the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17a (HCSB)

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Written byJune Wilhite

Last year, I was presented with two blankies – Charlie’s and Rena Evelyn’s (Charlie’s sister, our youngest granddaughter). Rena Evelyn’s blanket was then eight years old. Her blankie resembled Charlie’s the fi rst time his was mended. I fi nished mending it in under an hour. Now Charlie’s was a colossal challenge. I have refrained from adding new fabric, binding, or patches to the blanket because Jesus said that new fabric would tear an old garment. But this time, I added a thin piece of cotton cloth to the front and back side of one corner. It was the only way to hide a gaping hole. After two and one half hours and 500 yards of thread, Charlie’s blankie was in one piece again. It was now smaller and much less pleasing to behold, but it was pleasing to Charlie. Charlie’s blanket keeps him warm when it’s cool. It comforts him when he’s sick or sad. It’s snuggly on his lap while reading a book. When Charlie is home or sleeping elsewhere, his blankie is nearby. It is his faithful companion. When he is away during the day, the blankie gets to rest.

Recently, Charlie became unusually restless. His mother, Amber, asked him what was troubling him. He said he was hearing voices in his head. “Satan is telling me not to give my life to God, and God is

Our grandson’s “blankie” was tattered

and torn, yet loved and valued the same.

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Just Say YES!Just Say YES!Giving Your Time

We live in a fast paced, high volume, low quality fast food world. With our busy lives, we may feel like we have no time to be a Calvary volunteer. We are tired. It is easier to plop down in the seat and be a spectator. It may surprise you that some of the busiest people at Calvary are also the most faithful volunteers. Why do they do this and how do they fi nd the time?

Volunteer Elijah Moon is a busy college student with three part time jobs. In spite of his busy schedule, he makes time between work and school to reach out to CSU students by giving them free pizza and an invitation to Calvary’s Young Adult events. According to Elijah, he makes volunteering a priority “because it is fulfi lling and enjoyable.”

Being busy does not stop us from being a

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptiz ing them in the

name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching

them to obs erve all that I have commanded you...” Matthew 28:19 20 ESV

Calvary volunteer. Here are some reasons to considering giving your time and becoming a Calvary volunteer.

It is written in red! In a traditional hard copy Bible, the words of Jesus are written in red. That means “Stop! Pay attention! This is not just a strong suggestion but a command.” Some of Jesus' last words as He ascended into Heaven were “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you...” Matthew 28:19 -20 ESV. Calvary volunteers have literally gone to other nations and have shared Jesus through mission trips. If you can't do that, you CAN volunteer and help a ministry who is “carrying out the Great Commission by healing hurts and meeting needs.”

It is good for you! Exercise, eating right and getting rest is good for you. Volunteering is also good for you. According to the Corporation of National and Community Service, there is evidence that volunteers themselves benefi t. “Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.” Age is not a factor. One of the most

important fi ndings is that “older volunteers are most likely to receive greater health benefi ts from volunteering.”

Perfection is not required. Jesus was perfect so we don't have to be. There are no perfect churches, pastors or members. As we work together and leave our holy huddles, we become like holy sandpaper for each other. “As iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 ESV. As we rub shoulders and work together, the rough edges are less splintered. If you are struggling spiritually, get the focus off YOUR struggle. Spend time with imperfect people who love Jesus.

There are certain things to which you should just say no, but volunteering at Calvary is not one of them! Say yes! “Just do it!”

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Written byVickie Dort

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The term girl power is a pet peeve of mine. It seems so demeaning to our male counterparts and echoes of bitter feminist tones. I try not to use that term, but I wonder, does a Christian woman ever have a need for girl power, really?Yes, ma'am.

Okay, the Bible doesn't call it girl power, since it tends to stay away from those trendy, pop terms. It calls it discipleship, instead. Not quite as cool, but defi nitely more rich in its meaning and purpose. Rather than just an ambiguous supernatural strength held only by females, discipleship is a long, intense process that happens when older and younger women are joined in a maturity-inducing relationship.

How does discipleship among women happen How does discipleship among women happen at Calvary Baptist Church?at Calvary Baptist Church? Discipleship needs time to develop, and starts with fellowship. Cindy Ware is the current director of the Women's Ministry and her goal is to provide women a place and time to fellowship outside of "passing one another in the halls on Sunday

morning." Sundays are especially busy and there simply isn't enough time to form the kind of relationships that promote discipleship. The Women's Ministry helps connect women with events such as Ladies' L3 (Lunch, Laugh, Learn), Bunco, the annual Christmas Tea, and regular bible studies. What's the point, ladies?What's the point, ladies? The point is to get involved with other women outside of regular service. I know, the hubby and kids are crazy needy. Your professors and bosses are ridiculously demanding. Maybe if you're older, those grandkids just keep getting mysteriously dropped off for "free" babysitting. No matter what season of life you're in, try to connect with the amazing women at Calvary, and fi nd

GIRL POWER!GIRL POWER!

Really?Really?

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someone you can "mutually encourage.” The biggest challenge that the Women's Ministry faces is the generation gap. This is where we come in, ladies. We have to look past diff erences, whether it be white hair or tattoos, and understand that learning from older, more mature women in the faith is a Biblical requirement, not a suggestion. This is God's plan for growing us. Young ladies, if you think a tea sounds boring and stuff y, give it a try anyway. After all, your faith is more important than your comfort level. Older women, reach out to those younger ones. Try to ignore the phone in their hands, and look at their hearts. Discipleship is the culmination of your Christian walk.

Whether you embrace or detest the term, girl power, whether you are young or old, you will benefi t from God's plan of discipleship in His church. Like the amazing saint, Elisabeth Elliot writes in her book, Let Me Be a Woman, "Maturity starts with the willingness to give oneself." We cannot expect to grow if we don't participate in a little girl power.

"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to

strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each

other’s faith, both yours and mine." other’s faith, both yours and mine." (Romans 11:1 ESV)(Romans 11:1 ESV)

Written byBeth Britton

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DIYDIY Personalized Coff ee Mugs

Th e gift -giving season is upon us and here is a craft

that is sure to please any person on your list.

Th e artistic pos sibilities are endless, and anyone who

can hold a marker can turn an ordinary mug into a

special and personaliz ed gift !

It’s as easy as draw and bake!

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Supplies needed: a plain mugSharpie Oil-Based Paint Pen(s)Masking tape or painters tape, optionalPencil, optional

Step 1: Wash and dry mug. Decide on a design and prep mug with tape, if necessary.Step 2: Use a pencil to map out words or lines, or use sharpie to trace lines using tape as your guide.Step 3: Allow a few minutes to dry and remove tape. (To avoid paint bleeding under tape, press tape down against mug really well before tracing.)Step 4: Carefully draw the rest of your design with Sharpie Paint pens.Step 5: Place mug onto baking sheet and set in cold oven. Turn oven heat to 400 degrees and “bake” for 40 minutes. Turn off oven and allow mug to cool inside oven. This process will take a couple of hours.

1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

4.4. 5.5.

Submitted byHeather Smith

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Assisted Living for our EldersAssisted Living for our Elders

The Gardens at Calvary

The fi nest Assisted Living Community providing for elders in the Southeast is The Gardens at Calvary; a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. Open for almost 15 years, The Gardens is home for 84 elders. We are not just bragging about our facility when we claim it is “the fi nest.” When sons and daughters are looking for the best places available to trust with their mother or father, they will tell you that The Gardens tops their list.

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There is a wide-range of apartment sizes and set-ups to meet the needs of singles and couples. A beautiful dining room brings the elders together for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a few annual events. The activity room/chapel is where elders go for parties, movies, Bingo, Bible studies, worship, guest singers, volunteer entertainers, Wii bowling, and more. A hair-salon is the place to be for ladies on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and for men on the fi rst Monday of each month. And, the home setting includes wooded areas, gardens, green landscaping, bird houses and feeders. Many of our elders enjoy circumnavigating our building on our beautifully

Employees and volunteers Employees and volunteers care for our residents like they care for our residents like they would their own parents. Every would their own parents. Every elder is a special creature of elder is a special creature of God and every staff member an God and every staff member an instrument of God’s love.instrument of God’s love.

renovated walk-way.

Our elder care team of licensed practical nurses, certifi ed medical assistants and certifi ed nursing assistantss; house-keeping team and personal laundry services; full-time maintenance supervisor; food-services team; administrative services personnel; doctor-appointments transportation service; full-time Life Enrichment Director; full-time Chaplain; and a host of volunteers; care for our residents like they would for their own parents. Every elder is a special creature of God and every staff member an instrument of God’s love. Our staff understand their work as

ministry in service to a loving Lord who allows us to work hand-in-hand with Him in a Matthew 25 commitment to “the least of these my brethren.” If you are interested in working in a Christian environment like this, we occasionally have job openings. Check with the offi ce at 706-653-2000.

There are many opportunities for volunteers at the Gardens to assist with activities. Volunteers must attend a 45 minute orientation. Then our Life Enrichment Director works with each volunteer to determine available hours and schedule times for helping with games, crafts, parties, seasonal decorating, etc. Volunteering

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is Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. Weekend volunteering is only on weekends with special events. The prerequisite for volunteering is a smile on your face and love in your heart.

Calvary Baptist Church has a long history of commitment to senior adults. In the 80s the church built our fi rst elder care facility - The Community: low cost independent living apartments for seniors and handicapped. Ten years later, The Gardens at Calvary was built; opening in 2000. The new millennium began with a celebration of a new ministry and the excitement that Calvary was continuing to fulfi ll a dream: to provide the valley with top quality elder care. Ten years later Calvary completed work to open two Green Houses. These memory care units provide for a special need of the areas aging population.Calvary has led the way in elder care. There is no other another church in Columbus/Phenix City that has provided for senior adults as Calvary has. We believe God cares about elders and has commissioned us to be His agents of mercy and love.

It is September as I write this article. Just last week we held a memorial service for a sweet lady who was a resident before her health began to fail. We

have a memorial service for everyone who has lived at the Gardens when we learn of their death. It is a special time of closure for other residents and a comfort in knowing they will not be forgotten whenever their death comes. This week we had our monthly birthday party to celebrate all residents who had birthdays in September. Next week our staff is joining the Alzheimer’s Association in their annual Alzheimer’s Walk. Vendor Day and a Flu Clinic are also on the agenda for the week.

One day during the fi rst week

in October we will gather the residents for our monthly Resident Council. Residents have an opportunity to address the administrative staff with any of their concerns. The staff share plans and tips from each of their departments.

There are events going on every day. Coming soon is our recognition on Veteran’s Day of residents who served in the military, and a Blessing of the Hands ceremony for our caring staff . Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are not far away. There will be many holiday events and special holiday

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meals. Life is always full of activity around the Gardens.

Every entity must have exceptional leadership in order to operate at optimum effi ciency and carry out its mission eff ectively. The Gardens is blessed with that kind of leadership. Lisa Dodgen has served for fourteen years as the Director at the Gardens. She is a high energy, easily approachable, extremely competent director with a huge heart for God and a love for elders. She has the respect of all her staff and knows the condition and needs of every resident.

Behind Lisa and supporting her (besides a loving husband) is the president of the governing board and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Jeff Struecker. A strong leader himself, and a wonderful pastor, Jeff is able to ensure that the Director of The Gardens at Calvary has his help and prayers. The Gardens is strong at the top. We can expect that the future of The Gardens at Calvary is as bright today as it was in 2000 when it fi rst began to function as a shiny new ministry of Calvary Baptist Church.

Assisted living allows elders with some physical or mental limitations to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. It becomes appropriate when elders are having diffi culty preparing balanced meals, performing daily home chores, remembering to take medication, or maintaining proper hygiene.

Services provided by our assisted living home include:

Daily housekeeping with trash pickup•

Assistance with dressing, bathing, and • personal hygiene

Administering medications•

Monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and • weight

Three nutritious meals each day plus • snacks on request

Social and recreational activities•

Cable TV in all apartments•

Personal emergency call pendent • system

Personal laundry care•

Transportation to medical appointments•

Wander-Guard system for residents who • may wander

Assisted Living care is not the same as Nursing Home care. A Nursing Home provides more intensive medical/nursing services for individuals with acute medical requirements. A visit to both kinds of facilities will make very apparent the diff erences in the clientele of the two. The Gardens at Calvary welcomes anyone to visit and discover how special this ministry of Calvary Baptist Church is.

What is What is Assisted Living?Assisted Living?

Written byNorman Drummond

191918

There is a new focus in Calvary as it seeks to meet the Great Commission of healing hurts and meeting needs; that focus is on men. Along with having a men’s group that meets to discuss issues related to being a man of God, this new focus adopts a holistic approach that incorporates everything the church does to win men for Jesus.

Why such a focus on men you ask? Unfortunately, in the news we hear stories too often of men who are spiritually lost in the news; usually with horrifi c results. We hear about the eff ects of not having a male fi gure, or having a negative male fi gure, in the household, and the impact that has on youth crime, educational performance, and even suicide rates. We see the impact that a loss of Christ-following men has in a society that seems to be heading more toward self-destruction every day.

In the Chattahoochee Valley, we are surrounded by some of the most physically and mentally strong men in the country. Many of them serve our nation and our communities with pride, honor, and loyalty, and we look to them for inspiration because of their ability to lead and perform. We revere their sense of duty to their profession, but they are spiritually empty. Divorce, substance abuse, suicide, and child abuse and neglect all run rampant because of this emptiness; and we have been called upon to lead these men to Christ. As they grow in Christ, so can their families, friends, and co-workers

who see all of the same qualities

as before, but now backed with a spiritual fulfi llment and peace that can only come from knowing Christ as King. The potential impact is astounding.

What does this mean for the Calvary Baptist Church? There will be more mission trips to the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus, Phenix City and to Ft. Benning, which has an international reach (what better way to reach the world!). We will be hearing more about the important role that men play in Christ’s church, in the community, and in their families. We will be asking more men to serve and lead, something many of them already do in their professional careers but now for the most important job – for Christ.

So, the men’s group is expanding into everything we do and our entire church family is now a part of this initiative to meet needs and heal hurts. Let’s get busy!

Written byChris Sharp

As Iron Sharpens IronAs Iron Sharpens Iron

“Iron sharpens

iron, and one

man sharpens

another.” Proverbs 27:17 ESF

Winterizing Your Home

Installing an Exterior Water Faucet Frost ProtectorInstalling an Exterior Water Faucet Frost Protector

Th e Fros t King Faucet Protector is a simple, easy and eff ective way to

winteriz e the ex terior water faucets of your home.

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The Frost King Faucet Protector installs quickly and looks good attached to the home.They can be found at most home improvement stores for under $3.00 each.

Before installing you need to turn the water off and disconnect the water hose from the spigot.

Image 1:Attach the loop of the Faucet Protector onto the faucet handle.

Image 2:Stretch the drawstring away from the faucet, sliding the cover over the spigot.

Image 3:Push the sliding lock fi rmly against the cover to hold it into place.

Image 4:The fi nished product.

1.

2.

3.

4.Submitted byJames Mixon

The ancient church fathers had a saying “lex orandi lex credendi”, loosely translated, it means “The law of prayer [is] the law of believing”. Law doesn't mean what you think in this situation, what we are really talking about is a practice, the how of whatever you’re doing. What they were trying to say is that the how, the way you worship, greatly eff ects the way you believe.

This is the reason the historic Church put so much eff ort into crafting liturgies and prayers down to the tiniest details of the service. They knew that how you responded to the revealed Glory of God (worship) would shape how you viewed God’s Glory.

But what does this have to do with us here at Calvary? While we don't use such a strict form of liturgy around here, we do still have a liturgy. A regular week in week out, come to church,

How the Worship of How the Worship of God Shapes His PeopleGod Shapes His People

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Written byMichael KingWorship Arts Pastor

Have you ever been frustrated in your work? Have you ever wanted to give it all up? Have you ever sat down at your desk and started writing your resignation letter, only to throw it in the trash can? Have you ever felt like all of the energy you’ve spent was a waste? If so, then you may have some idea of how the Apostle Paul felt in Galatians 4:11.

Paul had invested enormous energy and time into the people of Galatia. His work and ministry has seen fruit produced, as they responded to Christ. His frustration is evident as he watches this church begin to slip back into their old tendencies. As the Jewish traditions begin to be adopted by the Gentile church, Paul expresses deep frustration and fear.

This verse gives us a glimpse into the heart and emotion of Paul. His passion for God’s mission consumed his life. As one involved in ministering to students for nearly twenty years, I can relate. In ministry, those moments will come when we feel frustrated and ineff ective. We must remember that our battle is spiritual. We must trust the Holy Spirit to change lives. We must be faithful to preach the Gospel!

sing, listen to the word preached, giving, and from time to time the table, liturgy. And maybe we can learn something from those that more readily admit their dependence on a liturgical system. Maybe the passionate love for God’ s glory is wrapped up in some small way with the way that we worship, and the constant return to what we do each and every week.

It is important to realize that the actions we participate in on a Sunday morning or a Wednesday night are not just empty rituals, but carefully constructed opportunities for us to be formed by the Holy Spirit into the men and women God has called us to be. If we become easily bored and tired of a repetition of our weekly service, maybe it isn't the service that should change, but instead the way we think about the importance of that repetition.

As we gather each week let us begin to think on these things, and use our opportunity as a gathered church to put into practice what we believe, and in so doing, believing more and more what we practice.

Give it Up!Give it Up!

Written byRicky SmithHeadmaster

“I am afraid I may have

labored over you in vain.”Galatians 4:11 (ESV)

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Hear the word “missions” and you think … what? Feeding the poor in Africa? Providing medical and dental help in Haiti? Thousands of Christians from hundreds of American churches visit foreign countries every year to off er some form of humanitarian aid. And that certainly fulfi lls a commandment of Jesus to love

one another.

Beyond that, though, many missions are loosely defi ned, if even defi ned at all. Calvary Baptist Pastor, Jeff Struecker, wants to change that. “It’s time to properly defi ne missions, and then to decide, how are we going to accomplish that?’” Struecker said. “I

Continuing Jesus’ MissionContinuing Jesus’ Missiondefi ne mission as, ‘This is Jesus’ church continuing Jesus’ mission.’ If you were to trace Jesus’ mission, Jesus is always about his father’s business. So ultimately, Jesus was doing God the Father’s mission. Missions therefore is doing what God the Father was doing in human history. And that of course is redeeming sinful men and

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Written byGuerry Clegg

women and turning them into adopted sons and daughters.”“He is the prodigal Father, not the prodigal son, who goes to them instead of waiting for them to come to Him. He runs to them and meets them half way.” Over the last two years, Calvary has become more focused on missions and more intentional on how to go about it.

In 2013, more members of Calvary went on their fi rst mission than ever in the church’s history, and they visited more countries than in any other year. In 2014, the focus shifted from foreign missions to domestic: Columbus, Phenix City, Fort Benning, as well as trips to Atlanta, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Alaska and New York City. That even led to more people (62) making their fi rst mission trip. In all, 173 people(26%) of Calvary’s regular attenders went on mission trips in 2014. “Less people went overseas. We’re OK with that,” Struecker said. “We just quadrupled the number of people who did some type of missions last year.”

So is going to neighborhoods and apartment complexes within the local community really missions work?Absolutely. “It’s ultimately thecarrying of the Gospel, spreading the Gospel,” saidAlan Smith. “Here we try to do that everywhere we go. It’s what we do. But it’s focused on local stuff .” But it’s more

26% of Calvary’s regular attenders went on mission

trips in 2014

than just going. It’s going and making disciples, as Jesus commanded.

“It’s not good enough to hand them a business card and say, ‘Hey, here’s when we have church service. Would you be willing to come check us out?’” Struecker said. “We want them to hear who Jesus is, what he’s done for them, and have a chance to respond. When we go knock on people’s doors, we’re inviting them to Jesus fi rst, and then to church second. Always in that order.”

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Cap Haitian, Haiti -- big city, small Cap Haitian, Haiti -- big city, small country, third world poor, and country, third world poor, and located in the Bahamas. This is located in the Bahamas. This is not exactly everyone’s dream not exactly everyone’s dream vacation, but was exactly where vacation, but was exactly where my daughter begged me for my daughter begged me for three years to take her. She three years to take her. She watched her brother go. She watched her brother go. She watched her grandparents watched her grandparents go. Now it was her turn and go. Now it was her turn and she wasn’t going without her she wasn’t going without her momma! Me! There’s no place I momma! Me! There’s no place I would rather be than on an island would rather be than on an island in the Bahamas. But, Haiti? It is in the Bahamas. But, Haiti? It is dirty. It is poorer than India. And dirty. It is poorer than India. And it is not known for pristine beaches. it is not known for pristine beaches. But, it is where Rebekah wanted to But, it is where Rebekah wanted to go. God was calling her to Living go. God was calling her to Living Hope Mission in Cap Haitian. Hope Mission in Cap Haitian. He was calling me too! He was calling me too! But, it took the voice But, it took the voice of a child for me to of a child for me to hear Him. hear Him.

It Grabbed My It Grabbed My Heart and Heart and I’m Diff erI’m Diff erentent

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On our fi rst trip to Cap Haitian (we have taken two and are planning a third), we boarded the plane with nervous anticipation. What was I thinking? She is young, cute and blonde. I decided she will not leave my side at any moment for any reason the entire week. Nope, not happening. We arrived on a landing strip that, minus the concrete runway, would be considered primitive. Just on the other side of the concrete walls of their international airport, we found a crowded city anxious to “help” us with our baggage and to “assist” us. Thank goodness our host Wilbert Merzilus greeted us with his small band of assistants and the open-air truck complete with bench seating and no shocks. Have I painted a dim picture for you? I hope you fi nd just the opposite. So far, we were having the time of our lives! It would only get better.

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Our trip was geared toward medical missions. We joined a team of physicians, dentists, nurses and other non-medical team members like us. Neither Rebekah nor I had the fi rst clue about medical work or mission work. We did have willing spirits and hearts to love on whoever needed us. It’s amazing how God can use ANYONE in ANY circumstance. All it takes is willingness – that’s willingness not giftedness.

Our days were fi lled with meeting people whose only language is Haitian Creole (a dialect of French Creole). We spoke and understood only English! Of course, we had interpreters to assist us in translation. Some things are simply universal. You don’t have to speak their language to smile! They don’t have to speak your language to give you a hug or to shake your hand! Throwing a ball with children, dancing to music, rocking crying babies, or giving a gift bag of goodies – for these verbal language isn’t necessary!

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Every day I cried! Most of them were tears of joy watching Rebekah work with the doctors as an assistant, helping the patients take their medications. She took pictures of children who had never seen themselves! That’s right! No mirrors! No cameras! Moms asked her to take photographs of their babies. Everyone with a photo treated that little Polaroid like it was gold. Even more amazing, everyone smiled – most of the time! Haitians seem to be some of the happiest people on earth. And they have nothing! In the rural areas where we served, their homes had dirt fl oors. If lucky, they had a real door. But my goodness they were happy! I’m convinced many have no idea how poor they are.

I said most of my tears were joy-fi lled -- until the last day. Then we were all crying tears of sadness. We were leaving. Returning to reality. Leaving these beautiful people. Are we leaving them better off than before we came? Did they see Jesus through us? Did we make an impact? They certainly made an impact on us! Rebekah and I returned home changed for the better. Maybe that’s what a mission trip is really for?

Maybe God calls some of us to missions to change us! Not just those we serve! Have you considered joining a mission team? There are oodles of opportunities just waiting for you to jump on board. The destination doesn’t have to be a small third world country. It could be on the other side of town. My momma said that when I was four years old God told her He would lead me to the mission fi eld. She always wondered how that would manifest. It took over forty years before we found out! Don’t let it take God that long to grab your heart for missions!

Written byDonna June Waller

“God can use anyone in any circumstance. “God can use anyone in any circumstance. All it takes is willingness.”All it takes is willingness.”

And he said to them, “Go into all the world

and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark 16:15 ESV31

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Not that you would ever do this, but if you do ever read the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defi nition of family, you will agree with me that good ‘ole Daniel Webster was not a member ofCalvary Baptist Church. He gives eight defi nitions of "family." Yet none of those truly defi ne family here at Calvary.

One will notice that family has a special meaning. It begins with the Nursery. A warm, genuine, welcome greets you when you drop-off your child. They truly care. "How was your week?" "Everything ok?" "Anything going on with baby?" "Oh, look at that precious little thing." Those are just a sampling of possibilities you may hear when dropping off your child. You feel a sigh of relief when you leave them, knowing that these volunteers actually care.

You walk down the hallway and glance into a pre-school classroom. There you will see a teacher engaging a child in a game, or an activity. As you listen, you may overhear them telling an Old Testament story, or teaching a parable that Jesus taught. You see the kids laughing, smiling, and feeling safe and secure. Hmmmmm, they really do seem to care.

As you enter into the children's worship area you see a praise team on stage leading the elementary children in singing. It's an active place. You pause there to take it in. These volunteers also seem to care.

You see the youth walking with volunteers to their area. As they go, adults are engaging them in conversation and lots of smiles. You feel totally confi dent leaving your children.

Written bySteve PateChildren’s Pastor

33

Now it's time for you to go to a small group. You chat with old friends and meet new ones. Your leader asks for prayer requests. Soon, you gather with a large group to worship. Singing, praying, learning, being refreshed,

rejuvenated, motivated and challenged.

You pick your kids up from a volunteer. "Have a good week", "See you next time", "Glad you came".

Everyone seems happy, content, interested and energized.

On the ride home you hear about the lesson that was taught; the cool game that was played; the new friends they met; the teacher who talked to you. You refl ect on the challenge given in the sermon. During the week, you visit the Calvary Baptist Church app to recall the lesson for a brief review. As you do, you remember one of the faces of someone who spoke to you. Chances are, it was NOT Daniel Webster (at least I hope not). But if so, he would have had a notepad writing down defi nition number nine for family-people who actually care.

Baby DedicationsBaby Dedications

Wesley Charles BrasherSon of Johnathon &

Erica BrasherBorn March 4, 2014

Rebekah Ashlynn DavisDaughter of Daniel &

Rebekah DavisBorn November 6, 2013

Abigail Jo PettryDaughter of Dan &

Krista PettryBorn August 28, 2014

Emma Pate SmithwickDaughter of Stewart &

Leah SmithwickBorn March 14, 2014

Sadie Emma WisehartDaughter of John & Erin

WisehartBorn September 13, 2012

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”Jeremiah 1:5-7 (ESV)Jeremiah 1:5-7 (ESV)

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My hope, fathers, is that this would be an encouragement to you, and not a guilt trip. We live in such a busy, interconnected, multitasked culture. Our kids are increasingly and evermore so invested in all the activities of a young life: academics, sports, playdates, social events and church activities.

If we were to be honest with ourselves, being the main discipler of our children is not high on the priority list. In fact, we could say that we have outsourced our children in this regard. But friends, that is simply not what Jesus intended for His church.

If you disciple your children in the instruction of the Lord, praise God. This is an affi rmation and reminder. If you are not, shame on us, your pastors, for not equipping you to do so. I take responsibility in that.

The mark of a Christian man is Christ Himself and the example He lived for us. Because of the reality of Christ and the life He has called us to, part of being a man of Christ is to imbue that in our lives as husbands and fathers.

Dad, Dad, You Are the Pastor You Are the Pastor of Your Homeof Your Home

Ephesians 6:4 speaks to discipleship: the following in the footsteps of another. You are the primary agent to lead your home in the ways of Christ, not the pastors of Calvary Baptist Church. We are here to help equip you in this task. Our heart motive is the sheer joy and thanksgiving of the glory of God displayed at Calvary, through Christ nailed to a cross for you and me. That is why, I hope and pray, we as Pastors seek to help you in this journey with your family.

Discipleship in the home is raising children in the reality of Christ crucifi ed and risen; teaching them as Christ has shown us in Matthew 28:19-20.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [2]

The Great Commission applies to all realms of life, including the family.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to Fathers, do not provoke your children to

anger, but bring them up in the discipline anger, but bring them up in the discipline

and instruction of the Lord. and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4Ephesians 6:4

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But discipleship is not simply teaching, it is also living by example. My daughter is 3 years old. And she is a sponge. She is an observer. She not only sees Daddy, but all her senses are attuned to the moment. And she remembers. She hears us and takes in what we teach her about God and the Bible through stories, but even at her young age, she sees the contradictions. She knows when Mommy and Daddy have had a bad day or a good day.

I point all that out to say as Paul said to the Ephesians, “Bring them up.” This means literally to nurture and bring your children toward maturity. We can feed them, clothe them, hope for their future, but if we neglect the spiritual, essential fi rst things of reality in God, then the rest falls fl at.

How does this practically play itself out? You don’t have to be your child’s best friend. You are the parent. But, just as in ministering to students, you have to meet them where they are. Be in their lives. Do not disconnect.

This is how it plays out for me. My aim: Read to my daughter before she goes to sleep. Hug and kiss my wife goodbye so that my daughter sees that I treasure and value her Mommy. Go

in the backyard and kick the soccer ball, even when you are dead tired! Sing with my daughter when she sings about Jesus and encourage her in that. But also, guide her in the ways of Christ and teach her even at a young age that there is a God who created her and wants to have a relationship with her that will change everything.

Time and again, I will read from a devotional at bedtime called “Thoughts to Make you Heart Sing,” by Sally Lloyd-Jones. In the fi rst devotional, she says this, based off Job 38:7, “God made everything in his world and in his universe and in his children’s hearts to center around him—in a wonderful dance of joy. It’s the dance you were born for.”

Seek to raise your children in Christ, for the sake of Jesus and what He did for you, in joy and thanksgiving.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Eph 6:4–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 28:19–20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We believe that every member is a minister and every minister should have a ministry. God has shaped each one of us for ministry, and for you it may be in the creative arts. We believe that God created each of us with gifts and talents to be used for His Glory and for His purpose and the creative arts is no exception.

If you are a writer, illustrator, artist, designer, photographer, videographer, copy editor, or any other creative art form, we want you to use those skills to spread the Gospel, enrich the Church, and minister to others. We are developing many platforms where your talents can be utilized to help Calvary Baptist Church carry out the

Great Commission through healing hurts and meeting needs. Our website, app, magazine and other media platforms need men and women exercising their

gifts for the Glory of King Jesus.

If you want to get involved or have questions, please contact Alan Smith at alansmith@calvaryministries.com or through the church offi ce at (706) 322-1491.

How to Get Involved

Written byNick BrunerMiddle School and High School Pastor

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calvarytalk

calvarytalkVolume 1, Issue 1

Volume 1, Issue 1

Winter 2014

Winter 2014

The Heartbeat

of Calvary

Connecting With Christ

and Each Other

page 4.

It Grabbed My Heart

It Grabbed My Heart

and I’m Diff e

rent

and I’m Diff e

rentpage28.page28.

The Gardens

Assisted Living for Elders

page 16.

Keri Tarnowski•

Aaron Haggard•

Beverly Haggard•

Frank Bowden•

Paige Bowden•

Anthony Kight•

Karen Kight•

Last Quarter New Members

Last Quarter Baptisms

Nate Osbourne

Abby Osbourne

Samuel Kight•

Kale Kight•

Hannah May Kight•

Todd Schuster•

Allison Schuster•

Scott Schuster•

Tammy Brooks•

37Audrey Weaver

Scotty Brooks•

Ron Tyler•

Karen Tyler•

Alaya Tyler•

Arielle Tyler•

Sue Tyler•

Samuel Britton

Book Review“Surprised By Grace” “Surprised By Grace” by Tullian Tchividjianby Tullian Tchividjian

I heard about Tullian Tchividjian (the T is silent and it rhymes with religion) several years ago when I read his book Jesus + Nothing = Everything. He is the grandson of Billy Graham. (His mother is Billy’s daughter) I have been thoroughly impressed with him ever since. I enjoyed reading this book because I had recently done a study on the book of Jonah, and this was a good reminder of that study.

One of the fi rst surprising things about the book is that we normally think of the book of Jonah to be about Jonah and a big fi sh. Actually, the book is more about God’s compassion and grace. This compassion was not merely for the wicked city of Nineveh, but for a stubborn messenger in Jonah.

The book starts with a quote from Lloyd John Ogilvie and it says, “To know Jonah is to love him and the reason we love him is because he is so much like us in our response to God’s guidance.” God’s call on our lives can be confusing and diffi cult at times. This is usually caused by our desire to be “God” instead of allowing God to be God. Tullian reminds us of the danger we can experience when we run, the deliverance we experience when we submit, and the deliverance

others experience when we fulfi ll God’s will. “Freedom comes when we start trusting in God’s abilities and wisdom instead of our own.”

Like the title, the truth of the book comes from our idea of grace. “Grace can be defi ned as unconditional acceptance granted to an undeserving person by an unobligated giver.” As we follow the story of Jonah, we see that Jonah starts to believe that he is a deserving person and the people of Nineveh are not. He doesn’t understand that God is the sole giver. He can give it to whomever He wants. “God’s grace isn’t seen in the lessening of his demands

toward us; he always has and always will demand perfect obedience. His grace is experienced when we come to realize that his perfect demands for each of us have already been met by Jesus. He lived the life we couldn’t live and died the death we should have died.” This is the truth of the Gospel that is for everyone, the “righteous” and the unrighteous.

“The reason he (God) seeks sinners, saves sinners, and sends sinners like Jonah (and like you and me) is that GOD LOVES SINNERS. Throughout the book, we see how much we are sinners just like the people of Nineveh, but we are not left to despair. “Cheer up, you’re a lot worse off than you think you are, but in Jesus you’re far more loved than you ever could have imagined.”

Tullian does a great job helping us focus on God and His grace versus Jonah and his disobedience. The heart of the Gospel is not what we could do for God but what He has graciously already done for us through Jesus. For many, that’s what it means to be surprised by grace.

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Written byAllan RunnerExecutive Pastor

December Events

3 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Silent Night

5 Friday 5:00 Preschool/Nursery Teacher's Christmas Social, Hightower Hall

10 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Wrap a Leader Night

13 Saturday 9:00- Children’s Christmas 12:00 Party in the Student Center. There will be food, activities, crafts, and practice for Sunday’s performance.

14 Sunday 8:30 Children perform in the Adult Christmas Program 8:30-9 and 11-11:30. Bring your children to their Sunday School room for drop-off .

17 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Jesus’ Birthday Party

Th e HUB 2014 Beach Retreat$150 per student and per adult with a $300 family maximum. The deadline to sign up is December 1st.

Space is limited. First come fi rst serve.

Christmas Musical8:30 and 11:00 ServicesA spirit fi lled concert featuring the adult choir, pre-school choir, kids choir and various soloists. It will be a morning of worship and praise to King Jesus.

1414 31-331-3

18 Thursday 6:00 Young at Heart Christmas Carol sing in Hightower Hall featuring a covered dish meal of honey baked ham (provided) and your side dishes.

24 Wednesday 6:30 Christmas Eve Service

24 Wednesday 6:30 No AWANA

31 Wednesday 6:30 New Year’s Eve Service

31 Wednesday No AWANA

DECDEC JANJAN

66Ladies Christmas Tea11:00 in the CBC cafeteriaFestively decorated tables, tea and a tasty lunch set the scene for this time of celebration and outreach. A special guest speaker will challenge us with the Gospel and God’s truths.

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Connecting Scripture with Scripture A New Study Beginning in January and Led by Janice Morris

Connecting Scripture with Scripture is a verse by verse study of the books of James, Galatians, Hebrews and Revelation. Mrs. Janice uses her experience and love of God’s Word to teach women of all ages. She will be using the King James version Bible.

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January Events

7 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA:Donut Night

14 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Crazy Hair 14 Wednesday 6:30 Calvary Institute 201 Christian Maturity

15 Thursday 9:00- Second Annual 4:00 Creative Summit: Meet at The Loft. Creative team to review 2014 and plan for 2015.

18 Sunday Missions banquet service

21 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Silly Sock Night

A Woman’s Heart "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place” by Beth Mooreled by Darlene Tucker and Marinda Smith. This is a study of the Old Testament tabernacle.This study will challenge us to prepare our hearts to become the dwelling place for God.

Th e Truth ProjectThis is a DVD-based small group curriculum taught by Dr. Del Tackett. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life. This home study will be led by Brian and Rosie Osborne.

777744Missions Off eringThe missions off ering is due by January 4. We want to provide a bicycle and a Bible to each student. Our goal is $50,000. Our hope is to spread the Gospel throughout India by assisting these graduates and sending them out with resources.

21 Wednesday 6:30 Calvary Institute 201 Christian Maturity

28 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Crazy Hat

30 Friday 7:00- Young Adult Party at 9:00 Jeremy’s house. Bouncy House!

31 Saturday 10:00 Bridal Shower for Haley Bell and Jacob Struecker. The shower will be held in Hightower Hall. The couple is registered at Target.

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February Events

4 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA:Friend Night Part 1

8 Sunday 2:00 Mission Trip to Phenix City

11 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: VIP Friend Night Part 2

11 Wednesday 6:30 Calvary Institute 301 Christian Ministry

18 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA: Twin Night

18 Wednesday 6:30 Calvary Institute 301 Christian Ministry

25 Wednesday 6:30 AWANA Zoo Night Bring a stuff ed animal 25 Wednesday 6:30 Calvary Institute 301 Christian Ministry

28 Saturday 7:30- Young Adult Fellowship and music at 9:30 Midtown Coff ee House. The Wednesday night band will be playing.

Wednesday Night Bible StudiesBeginning in January

88Bunco at the CommunityLadies are invited to join us at the Community to play Bunco with the residents at 2:30 PM. Bring a snack or beverage. Have fun as we share Christ's love with others. Sign-ups are requested.

2828Young Adults Trip to

Airsoft ColumbusJoin the Young Adult Ministry as they enjoy a trip to Airsoft Columbus on Saturday, February 28 from 2-5:00 PM.The cost is $20.

Dealing with Anger Management led by Anne GermanWhether you are a slow burn or a violent eruption, anger can wreck havoc on your relationships. This six week class will look into the roots of our anger, discuss biblical anger, and will provide coping skills to deal with stressors in a positive manner.

"Connecting With God. A Guide To Prayer" Women's Military Wives Mentoring Ministry Bible Study. This study on prayer will empower you to experience the heart-to-heart connection with God you need to grow strong in your faith and draw close to Him. The six lessons include Bible passages, study questions, and prayers that will jump-start your prayer life and help you build a meaningful relationship with God. Inspiring stories of answered prayer and answers to common questions about prayer will help participants reach new heights in their devotional lives.

Financial Peace University led by David PittmanThis class teaches participants God’s way of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents Biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

A Class with Andy Dodgen