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2024 Bible Reading Resources

2024 Bible Reading Resources

Have you been struggling to read the Bible regularly? Are you looking to encounter Scripture in a fresh way? Spending regular time reading, studying, and listening to Scripture helps infuse our minds with truth about the God we worship and how we are to live as we follow Jesus together. The start of a new calendar year is a great time to consider a Bible reading plan or tool to help you better engage with Scripture. There are tons of options out there, but here are a few of our favorites:

The Bible Project – Digital Bible study with video integration & more
Bible Ref – Digital commentary tool Dwell – Audio Bible App
ESV Scripture Journals – Print resource for personal/group study
Foundations – Simplified family study tool
Meet Me In The Bible Cards – Personal/group study tool

The Bible Project App

What we like: The group you know from their engaging animated teaching videos has an app that teaches you HOW to read the Bible WHILE you read the Bible. Pointing out how to identify key words and concepts, literary styles and themes, The Bible Project focuses on the Bible as one unified story that points to Christ. All their videos are conveniently linked right in the text to provide additional context to your reading.

Bonus: Expansions to the app this year include the Bible Project full video library, full podcast library, and the Bible Project Classroom, which offers free, self-paced, graduate-level classes to help foster deeper engagement with Scripture. Find it: bibleproject.com or download the free app (Apple / Google Play)

BIBLE REF Website & App

What we like: A new resource from gotquestions.com, this is a free, commentary study tool built around the principles of Biblical authority, accessibility, and discipleship. It offers a deep look at Scripture from a book, chapter, and verse-by-verse perspective in an easy-to-read format. You can also view selected verses in multiple translations side-by-side. It’s not yet complete – they’re adding a few chapters of different books every couple of weeks.

Bonus: Their monthly blog posts offer Biblical perspective on current societal and world events (website and monthly newsletter only). Find it: Free at bibleref.com or on the app (Apple / Google Play)

Think BIG. Start SMALL. Go DEEP... The Blessing Box Journey

In April 2020, the Blessing Box was established on our campus. The concept came about as we recognized that food insecurity was growing in prevalence among households in our community. We saw a clear need and excitedly accepted the challenge to come alongside our community through a client choice food pantry. We were able to creatively have many hands involved during a time where physical contact was discouraged. Our Deacon Board built the Blessing Box, and the Calvary Family made sure it was stocked regularly with items people needed.

As peoples’ needs were changing, our Blessing Box ministry team continuously sought the Lord for wisdom and discernment, and we felt God walking with us along a new but steady path. In the inception of the Blessing Box, fulfilling physical needs was the goal, but as the months progressed, God revealed the spiritual needs. As a ministry team, we wanted to think big, start small, and go deep. We followed this path with God paving the way. People in our community were sharing prayer requests—mental health for their children, job opportunities, health and wellness of family members. The spiritual needs were there, and God was present and attentive in drawing us closer to His people.

As the Blessing Box progressed, we noticed that we couldn’t keep hygiene items and cleaning products stocked frequently enough. Throughout the community, those specific physical needs were continuously being sought after. With a desire to go deeper with the people we were connecting with, we began offering a monthly distribution of those items. We consistently meet with a dozen families through the distribution and have seen people begin to grow in their trust of the Church.

In August 2021, we temporarily closed the Blessing Box. The needs were changing, God was moving, and we wanted to follow. As we leaned into the Holy Spirit, we patiently and prayerfully thought through next steps. We recognized God is calling us to fully love His people, to deepen relationship, to insert ourselves into His story and their lives. We recognize the Blessing Box served a very specific purpose during a very specific time, so we want to learn from that experience and continue to go deeper. In addition to our Calvary LOVES distribution of hygiene and cleaning items, we want to take things a step further. Therefore, we have invited the families we have been serving to join us for a meal. Currently, our community does not offer hot meals for those in need, so we hope to fulfill a physical need, but more importantly we look forward to talking with people, hearing their celebrations and hurts, and breaking bread with them.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can partner with us as we think big, start small, and go deep.  

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Here I am. Send me. Our First Blessing Box Distribution

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After a year of providing non-perishable food items through the Blessing Box, we found ourselves being invited and challenged through God’s work. A team of people have prayerfully considered various different paths to take, but we felt confident in changing gears and following the Lord’s lead. We decided to offer a distribution of free cleaning products and personal hygiene items based on a community needs assessment.

On Thursday, June 3, the rain had subsided from the morning and the afternoon was filled with beautiful weather and a lot of activity on our campus. The Lord’s harvest workers arrived with open hands and feet ready to serve. Not to mention, countless partners of the Calvary family helped provide the items needed to support this distribution. Within the first 30 minutes, we served a handful of people, but there were not many cars pulling in. It was real slow. We found ourselves with many bags of cleaning products and hygiene items. One of our partners asked, “Do you feel discouraged?” Discouraged? No!

In Isaiah 6, we see that Isaiah experienced a life-changing vision of God’s overwhelming holiness and his call to ministry. Although our circumstances at the Blessing Box were not as severe as the loss of a king, we too had a revelation similar to the prophet. Isaiah heard His voice and his response to the Lord of Armies was “Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). As the Lord’s people our response should reflect the same attitude of Isaiah. We are called to take bold steps in the pursuit of Kingdom building. We took a bold step with our first distribution. We connected with some people. We asked how we can pray for them. Kingdom building is about His people helping people. We look forward to being a part of God’s plan for the Blessing Box. At our next distribution, we will respond, “Here I am. Send me.”

Ramadan...and how to talk with your Muslim friend, neighbor, coworker

A member from SEND Diaspora recently posted an article, “As Muslims pray and fast, ideas for sparking discussion”. In being fully honest, I personally do not know a lot about Ramadan or the Muslim community. However, my family has neighbors who are Muslim. My husband also works with individuals who are Muslim. I want a better understanding of the people who live beside me. We share a community together.

The article posted starts with great insight about what Ramadan is, “Ramadan is a very important month for Muslims because it is one of the five pillars of practice required for all Muslims worldwide. The benefits that they believe they achieve from the self-sacrifice of denying themselves food and drink during daylight hours are only part of the equation.” Not only does the article provide an insight about Ramadan, but it also has great suggestions for connecting with those you engage with who are of Muslim faith. Check out the link below to read the full article.

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Precautions for In-Person Indoor Gatherings

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  • We will have one Sunday worship service on our campus, in the church Auditorium, that will include live music and teaching at 10:45 a.m. Anyone planning to attend this in-person worship service needs to RSVP!

  • Our Sunday worship service will also continue to be live streamed online at 10:45 a.m. The link to jump in for the live stream remains the same: cbcjoy.org/live

  • In addition to our Sunday worship service, other indoor ministries are being offered including some of our adult and student classes, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, prior to the worship service. You can visit cbcjoy.org/fall2020 for more information about the different ministry offerings. If you’re planning to attend one of the first hour classes at 9:30 a.m., you do not need to RSVP for those – only the worship service.

  • Consistent with our desire to love our church family and community during this pandemic, we are requiring all attendees to wear a mask or face covering inside the building for the duration of their visit (infants and preschool aged children are exempt). Additionally, we will provide a brief temperature check for all upon entering the building.

  • Please note that our Nursery and Calvary Kids programming will not meet in-person until October 25. Until then, children younger than middle school are encouraged to attend an Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) class and/or the worship service with their families.

  • There will be no coffee provided, but please feel free to bring your own!

Please use the button below for more in-depth information and an FAQ section

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In-Person Gatherings Cancelled • 9/27

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Change Of Plans For September 27 

Hey, Calvary Family:
Our sincere apologies for the very late notice, but we wanted you to know that, unfortunately, all in-person activities scheduled to take place at CBC  tomorrow, September 27, need to be cancelled. More details will follow as we’re able to share them.

UPDATE: Please visit this post for more information

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Pray For Our Elders

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Please Pray For Our Elders

Dear Calvary Family,  

Consistent with our church-wide focus on being joined in prayer this week, the Elders would sincerely appreciate your prayer support now and on an ongoing basis, relative to fall ministry planning. Despite the ongoing uncertainty around all of us, the Elders have continued to lean into a number of key principles as the foundation upon which to guide our church as we live out our mission of “helping others follow Jesus together,” even in this unique season of ministry. Although we continue to be encouraged by the growth we see in many areas, we readily acknowledge the challenging aspects of our ability to gather in person as significantly constrained and painful. 

The timing has certainly been beyond what many of us would have anticipated, and we recognize that some churches in the surrounding area have chosen different approaches than we have to date. We all long to be together again and to return to some sense of “normalcy." We also have great appreciation for your perseverance during this period of time and recognize the impact of the prolonged nature of the pandemic. The fall season has always brought with it a time of great expectation for ministry together at Calvary. As such, the Elders are requesting your prayers that there would be clarity and unity as we continue to seek God’s wisdom regarding next steps moving forward in the coming weeks and months.

Thanks, in advance, for your faithfulness in prayer!

Bob Baker, Brett Comstock, Paul Ellinger, David Gregory, Evin Hutton, Dave Riddle, Rod Windle and Bob Yerks

(CBC Elder Team)

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Outdoor Worship - What to Expect

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Outdoor Worship at Calvary

We’re very excited to be transitioning back to in-person worship! We have four options for how you can join in: worship from your home via livestream, worship on campus from inside your vehicle, worship on campus outside on the lawn, or (NEW!) worship on campus inside our Lobby via livestream. Here’s what to expect as you prepare to worship on Sunday!

At Your Home – Via Livestream
- We’ll be streaming live at 10:45 a.m. from our on-site outdoor services.
- You can find the links to watch the stream at cbcjoy.org/live.

On Campus – From Your Vehicle
- Join us for either the 9:00 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. service times. Please plan on arriving roughly 15 minutes before the service begins to get settled in your parking spot. When you arrive, signage & staff will direct you to the “Stay-In-Car” parking and worship area.
- Signs will also note a radio station frequency number to which you can tune in and listen to the service.
- We ask that you please plan to remain in your vehicle for the duration of your time on campus, unless you need to use the restroom.
- No RSVP is needed to attend from your vehicle.

On Campus – On The Lawn
- Our on-campus capacity is 100 persons and requires an RSVP. Links to RSVP for the 9:00 and 10:45 services are available at cbcjoy.org/rsvp.
- Those who have RSVP’d to join us at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. should also plan to arrive roughly 15 minutes before the service begins. When you arrive, signage and staff will direct you to the “Lawn RSVP” parking and worship area.
- We encourage lawn attendees to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating, but we will have chairs available if needed. Please note, as we endeavor to be respectful of the current executive order in effect in Michigan, our expectation for on-the-lawn worshipers is that they would observe appropriate social distancing standards (6’ minimum between different family units, please!). 
- We will be outside on the grass so please feel free to dress appropriately and comfortably for the weather and environment and to consider sun and bug protection. You are welcome to bring your own drinks or snacks.
- If you are bringing young children with you to worship on the lawn, we kindly ask that you be sure to keep them close to you at all times and please refrain from using the playground equipment while on campus.
- The wearing of masks for outdoor worship is optional – we expect to see people with and without masks. If you prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please be respectful of those who do. Note: since singing may have the potential to increase the risk of virus transmission, we are recommending (but not requiring) the use of a mask by those who choose to sing along with our worship music while attending from the lawn seating. Thanks in advance for your grace, consideration, understanding, and cooperation!

NEW OPTION: On Campus - In The Lobby
- Participants can view the 10:45 livestream from our West Lobby on our newly installed large-screen televisions.
- Our indoor capacity is limited to 10 persons and requires an RSVP. A link to RSVP can be found at cbcjoy.org/rsvp.
- This worship option is open to anyone, though we’ll try to give preference to those who may have limitations in being able to attend an outdoor service or connect online in their home.
- Please note, per the current executive order in effect in Michigan, a mask/face covering is required for all who attend this indoor service.

A few other thoughts for those planning to join in-person…
- Restrooms will be available in the Barn and in the lower level of the church building.
- There will be no Calvary Kids activities for our in-person services, but printable resources will be emailed out to families with children; that can be brought along for them to use during the service.
- A songsheet with lyrics of our songs for the day is available at cbcjoy.org/lyrics. We will be projecting lyrics on screens during the service, but they may be difficult to read so please consider either printing the songsheet at home and bringing it with you or following along on your mobile device.
- If inclement weather is expected for Sunday morning, we will make the call by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday to cancel both the indoor and outdoor in-person, on-campus venues. In the case of a cancellation, our team will lead the worship service from the church building via livestream only at 10:45 a.m.

Did we cover all your questions? If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please email Dan Arbitter (dan@cbcjoy.org). We look forward to worshiping together this Sunday!

Holy Week Meditation & Prayer Guide

Holy Week Meditation & Prayer Guide

Sunday, April 5 – Sunday, April 12, 2020

Sunday, April 5

Read: John 11:55-12:1, 12:12-19

Think/Talk: It was public knowledge that the religious leaders desired to arrest Jesus if he showed up at the Passover celebration. Why do you think people still flooded the streets and celebrated his arrival in Jerusalem, hailing him as king?

Pray: Spend some time praising God for Jesus, our King.

Act: Take a walk around your neighborhood and think about God establishing his kingdom where you live and what your role in that might be. Share your thoughts with a family member or friend.

Monday, April 6

Read: John 12:20-36

Think/Talk: Jesus knew that his death was necessary for all people to come into relationship with him, and the thought of this death caused him great stress as he anticipated it. As followers of Jesus, we are asked to follow him in sacrifice so that God’s kingdom might grow. What does this sacrifice look like for you personally? For your marriage? For your family? In other aspects of your life (work, school, friendships, etc.)?

Pray: Ask God to strengthen and empower you to follow Jesus sacrificially.

Act: Identify one thing you can give up today in order to show kindness to someone else and then do it!

Tuesday, April 7

Read: Matthew 23:1-36

Think/Talk: Now face-to-face with those seeking his demise, Jesus aggressively calls out the religious leaders for their arrogance and pride as they set the spiritual example for the Jewish people. Have you ever put the “letter of the law” over your love for others?

Pray: Ask God to give you a spirit of humility as you model Jesus to those around you.

Act: Service is a form of humility. Find one way you can serve others today and then do it!

Wednesday, April 8

Read: Mark 13:1-13

Think/Talk: Jesus’ disciples ask him to tell them details about the future and he shares with them about the difficulties that lie ahead for his followers. What sort of difficulties and/or opposition have you faced as a Jesus-follower?

Pray: Pray that you would have a strong testimony of faith as you face trials and challenges. Pray also for those suffering around the world because of their faith in Jesus.

Act: As you respond to and interact with people on the internet today, consider your testimony as a Jesus-follower in your actions and words.

Thursday, April 9

Read: Mark 14:1-11, John 12:4-6

Think/Talk: Judas’ dark attitude is revealed in this exchange. How could one who was so closely connected with Jesus over the course of his earthly ministry still have such a hardened heart? Is it possible that some of us who have walked with Jesus for some time might also struggle in a similar way?

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you are resistant to his leading and calling. Then, with an attitude of repentance, ask God to soften your heart and make you more like Jesus.

Act: Have you been holding on to bitterness toward a spiritual brother or sister? Repent and then reach out to that individual for forgiveness.

Friday, April 10

Read: Luke 22:39-53

Think/Talk: Jesus twice urged his disciples to pray so they would not fall into temptation. When the authorities arrived to seize Jesus, his followers panicked and acted impulsively. Do you think there is any relation between these two ideas? How does prayer prepare us for trouble?

Pray: Pray that when difficult moments come, you would be filled with the Holy Spirit’s power and be able to respond like Jesus.

Act: When you encounter a challenging situation today, stop before you react and choose to respond in a way that follows Jesus’ example.

Saturday, April 11

Read: Matthew 27:50-66

Think/Talk: As Jesus breathed his last breath, a rock-splitting earthquake occurred, along with other miraculous things. When he was buried, a large stone was placed and sealed in front of the tomb entrance. What do you think the women who witnessed both Jesus’ death and burial might have thought of this?

Pray: Spend time praising God for his great sovereignty and control over all things.

Act: Identify something in your life that you’re struggling to accept or don’t really want. Write a short letter of “thanks” to God for his control over the situation.

Sunday, April 12

Read: Luke 24:1-12

Think/Talk: Consider the angels’ words: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” How might those words sound like nonsense to the apostles? How does Peter’s response display a hopeful outlook?

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the hope and purpose you have because of your faith in Jesus. Then spend time praising God for this great gift.

Act: Make a list of things in your life that seem hopeless. Then consider them in light of Jesus’ resurrection and rewrite your list. Does it look more hopeful? Use your observations to encourage an unbelieving friend this week.

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Calvary's 2019 Year in Review

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Thank You For 2019!

As the calendar turns this week and we look forward to the start of a new year, we want to thank you for partnering with us throughout a great year of ministry in 2019. Through weekly worship services, family events and activities, and outreach initiatives, we’ve continued in our effort to help people follow Jesus together. We are so grateful for your generous investment of time and resources that makes this possible.

In case you missed it, we’ve put together a year-end booklet that highlights the impact your partnership has had over the past year. It also provides a glimpse at how a year-end special gift could empower us to go further in impacting the lives of people here in our local community and around the world. You can take a look at this special booklet below.

As we approach our 87th year of existence in 2020, we are excited and expectant to see what God will do in and through us for His glory. We’ve seen His faithfulness year after year, generation after generation, and are so thankful for your continued partnership in the ministry of Calvary Baptist Church.

On behalf of our staff and leadership teams here at Calvary, thank you, and happy new year!

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Welcome Our New Community Life Director!

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As was announced at last Sunday’s worship service, we are very excited to welcome Bobbie Lee Barr to the Calvary Church ministry staff! Bobbie Lee has been hired as our new Community Life Director, and her first day is October 14th. Some of her key responsibilities include: 

  • Be an agent of change within our CBC family, helping us to progress as effective followers of Jesus.

  • Develop a culture and oversee strategies that help the Calvary family move forward as “sent ones,” as part of our OUT orientation and engagement.

  • Develop, equip and deploy the body in local outreach, evangelism and external volunteerism.

  • Oversee core discipleship pathways and strategies that help the CBC family advance in relational connectedness, spiritual growth and ministry investment.

  • Develop, equip and deploy the body for and in group/class/community life.

  • Develop and oversee guest services, guest follow-up and assimilation pathways.

Please pray for Bobbie Lee and her family, as she begins to servant-lead at Calvary in this capacity. Thank you!

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Membership Class - October 20th

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If you are interested in taking the next step of partnership with our Calvary family, we encourage you to plan on attending this special class. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of how Clavary functions and how you can become more deeply invested in the ministry. We’ll also be discussing the short book I Am a Church Member by Thom Rainer. We have 30 copies of this book available for free in the Lobby; pick one up and sign up if you’re planning on attending the class.

The class will take place on one night, Sunday, October 20th 6:30PM and dinner will be provided.

Questions? Contact Dan Arbitter

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Have an impact on the lives of children. Join ABCs in the D!

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We are looking for Jesus followers willing to be His hands and feet in the lives of inner city students! Partnering with Central Detroit Christian, CBC is preparing to begin it’s 10th year with ABC’s in the D mentoring ministry. We need people who are willing to be mentors to elementary-aged students in Detroit on Saturday mornings, rotating every other week (about 10 sessions), October 5 – March 31. No experience is needed – just a heart for Detroit and kids! We are also in need of people willing to provide breakfast for our students on occasion and teach Bible stories. For more information please contact Paul Trulock at 734.377.4776 or contact us online!

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We're making a new Calvary Family Photo Directory!

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Come get your family’s photo taken for free!

What to Expect

A Free professional photography session, no session fees. 

View your images after your session and make your selections. 

You will receive one free 8x10 standard print, a printed church directory, and other special offers.

Photography Dates

October 7-8 • 2PM - 9PM
October 9 • 10:30AM - 5:30PM
October 17-18 • 2PM - 9PM
October 19 • 10AM - 5PM

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We’re Hiring! Part-time Children’s Ministry Coordinator

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Have you been looking for a great chance to use the gifts and skills with which you’ve been blessed to impact the kingdom of God? Do you love spending time with children and helping them to learn about Jesus? Do you have a passion to partner with parents and other Children Ministries’ team members to help these little ones understand and become Followers of Him? If you answered “Yes!” to those questions, then you’re invited to consider becoming part of the ministry team at Calvary Baptist Church, in the role of Children’s Ministry Coordinator. We believe God is providing a wonderful season of opportunity for the ministry at CBC, and we also believe that locating His person for that role will be a key part of seizing that opportunity! Take a look at the qualifications, attributes and job functions; if the Holy Spirit is leading you to apply, please let us know!

Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Qualifications

  • Mature and growing follower of Jesus

  • Willing and able to align with Calvary’s statement of faith and vision for ministry

  • Active participating member of Calvary or desire to become upon hire

  • Has completed a bachelor’s degree in education or Bible

  • Has experience in local church ministry to children

  • Able to teach and convey God’s Word to children

Essential Attributes

  • Exhibits flexibility, patience, a nurturing spirit, kindness, gentleness, compassion, humor

  • Love of interacting with children and their parents

  • Ability to work cooperatively with parents and fellow staff members

  • Giftedness in organization and planning

Essential Job Functions

The position of Children’s Ministry Coordinator is a paid part-time position. Specific hours and schedule will be developed with your supervisor 

The Children Ministry Coordinator reports to and assist the Director of Children’s Ministries in the following areas:

  • Serve as the lead contact person in the absence of the Director of Children’s Ministries including Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights

  • Recruiting of and communication with Children’s Ministry volunteer staff

  • Planning and implementation of:

    • Summer Children’s Ministries programming

    • Lesson plans for Children’s Ministries as needed

    • Special projects and programs (Service projects, special holiday projects, etc.)

    • Teacher appreciation projects

    • Teacher training sessions as needed

    • Facility/classroom improvements

  • Assist with special events (Vacation Bible School, Good Friday Services, etc.)

  • Assist in Children’s Ministries mailings

  • Purchase of supplies and organization of the supply room in classrooms

  • Teach classes or substitute in classrooms as needed

Are you interested?

If so, please contact our Executive Pastor Dan Arbitter at dan@cbcjoy.org