COVID Update 05.15.21

Hello, Calvary Family!

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on the wearing of masks/facial coverings. On Friday, the Michigan Department of Health stated that they are updating the State’s Mask Mandate to align with the recent CDC guidance.

The Elders have approved the following changes to Calvary’s mask/facial covering protocols, effective Sunday, May 16, 2021.

• For all persons of any age who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19:

  • Masks are no longer required to be worn for any indoor or outdoor ministry activity.

• For persons who have not been fully vaccinated:

  • Masks are required for all persons (kindergarten aged and older) within common areas (hallways, lobbies, restrooms, etc.) or any other areas where social distancing of at least 6 feet cannot be effectively achieved.

  • Masks are recommended but not required once seated in the Auditorium, while on stage, or when seated in an adult-only classroom, as long as social distancing of 6 feet or greater can be maintained.

  • Masks are required for children and students while seated in their classrooms.

• We are discontinuing the RSVP registration for our Sunday morning worship service.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact Dan Arbitter at dan@cbcjoy.org. And as always, we thank you for your continued support, prayers, grace, patience and understanding as we live out life together in our church family.

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Dave Riddle, teaching pastor
Dan Arbitter, executive pastor

Children’s Ministry Summer Intern

We are seeking a part-time Children’s Ministry Intern who is looking to gain experience and training in the area of Children’s Ministry.  This position reports to the Director of Children’s Ministries.  This position is paid and part-time.  The time frame for the position is for May through August. 

As the Calvary Kids Intern you should have a passion for ministry and a passion for kids! This internship is a hands on application of ministry skills, leadership skills and an application of experience working with children ages Nursery-5th grade. This person should be highly creative and not afraid of hard work.

Who You Are

• Someone who loves Jesus

• Someone who loves Kids

• Someone who has an interest in working in Ministry and currently pursuing a degree in Children’s Ministry

• Someone who is reliable and highly organized

• Someone who is creative and likes to have fun!

• Someone who is able to step into any area of need on a weekly basis

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist on weekends in classrooms and other areas as needed

• Assist with preparation for weekend services and special events

• Assist with lesson preparation for upcoming months

• Assist with creation of fun ideas and activities for children

• Assist with technology

• Assist with communication with parents and teachers

If interested contact Carrie Macklem at carrie.macklem@cbcjoy.org. 

New Song Devo: House Of The Lord

 What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “house of the Lord”? Maybe you picture the physical church building filled with new and familiar faces gathered for Sunday worship. Or possibly the Old Testament tabernacle or temple where the physical presence of the Lord dwelled. Or maybe even the idea of our bodies serving as the temple of the Holy Spirit. I’d venture to describe the house of the Lord as anywhere that the Lord is near. 

We’ve had to get pretty creative this past year when it comes to corporate worship and it’s been hard and sad in all sorts of ways. But I think something that we’ve had to be continually reminded of is that God cannot and will not be relegated to the walls of the church building. He is so much bigger than that! Worship, both personal and corporate, can happen anywhere! In a small group of believers praying together, in a family singing together at home, in Scripture being taught in multiple languages across the world, in a large group gathered in a parking lot. God is there. God is here. God is near. God is with us. And we respond with joy!

As we continue in a season of unconventional worship, instead of dwelling on what may feel like obstacles to worship, may we remember these basic truths and choose to respond with joy! May we be so filled with joy at the knowledge that the Creator of supernovas and tulips and chocolate and E minor and of each human on the planet is present with us that we literally cannot hold back our praise. What a testimony this is to the world around us! Testifying to the bigness of a God who cannot be contained.

I hope you’ll check out the song “House Of The Lord” this week as you prepare personally to worship corporately this Sunday.

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.

House Of The Lord

We worship the God who was

We worship the God who is

We worship the God who evermore will be

He opened the prison doors

He parted the raging sea

My God He holds the victory yeah

There’s joy in the house of the Lord

There’s joy in the house of the Lord today

And we won’t be quiet

We shout out Your praise

There’s joy in the house of the Lord

Our God is surely in this place

And we won’t be quiet

We shout out Your praise

We sing to the God who heals

We sing to the God who saves

We sing to the God who always makes a way

'Cause He hung up on that cross

Then He rose up from that grave

My God’s still rolling stones away

We were the beggars

Now we’re royalty

We were the prisoners

Now we’re running free

We are forgiven accepted

Redeemed by His grace

Let the house of the Lord sing praise

CCLI Song # 7168995
Jonathan Smith | Phil Wickham
© 2020 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Cashagamble Jet Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC])
Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC])
Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC])
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20

 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17 

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
I Corinthians 3:16

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.

Let The Nations Be Glad - New Song Devo

For as long as I can remember, Psalm 96 has been one of the most foundational Scripture passages for me when it comes to explaining worship. It’s like going back to the basic building blocks of who our God is and why He is worthy of our worship. 

One of the themes that jumps out in this passage, and is a consistent theme throughout all of Scripture, is the desire to declare God’s glory among the nations. The call to worship here is not just to praise God for the benefit of those assembled for worship, though that is, of course, part of the goal. But these worshippers at the time the Psalm was written, who were constantly competing with neighboring nations and foreign gods, recognized the need for the might and glory of the Lord to be declared all over the world, that all might know the Lord reigns supreme.

As we spend the next two Sundays considering the theme of Global Missions, may we worship with this consideration that like the ancient worshipers of Yahweh, we too live in a world where many people worship other gods. This could be in the form of formalized religion or an anti-faith worldview. It could be in a country across the globe or right in our neighborhood. The need to declare the glory and kingdom of God is tremendous.

The song, “Let The Nations Be Glad”, challenges us to celebrate the good news of the gospel being proclaimed throughout the earth. The one true God and the gospel His Son offers is too great a message to keep inside the church walls. We look forward to a time when the whole earth will be filled with praises of the Lord – it will definitely be a time of gladness!

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.

Let The Nations Be Glad

Let the glory of the Lord forever be our joy

May redemption be the theme of our song

For by grace we have been saved

And by grace we shall proclaim

To the corners of the earth that Christ is come

Let the nations be glad

Let the people rejoice

For salvation belongs to our God

Let the whole earth be filled

With the praises of the Lord

For salvation belongs to our God

Let the nations be glad

Through the ages gone before

Through the trial and the sword

Many saints and martyrs conquered

Though they died

Still we, holding out the cross

Crossing oceans suffering loss

Shall endure all things to win the crown of life

As Your holy church goes forth

In the Holy Spirit’s power

With the glories of the gospel to exclaim

Now we pray Your Kingdom come

And we pray Your will be done

For the honor and glory of Your name

CCLI Song # 5760316
Aaron Boswell | Matt Boswell | Matt Papa
© 2010 Getty Music Hymns and Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Love Your Enemies Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Curb Dayspring Music (Admin. by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

Psalm 96 (NIV)

Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
    The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
    he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

COVID Update: 03.18.21

Hello, Calvary Family!

This week, we achieved our first marker point of the Elder’s 3-phase plan to reduce our church’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Our state sustained 7-day rolling averages of COVID-related deaths per day below twenty (20), so we will enact Phase 1 of the protocol reduction plan. Starting Sunday, March 21, the following changes occur:

• Discontinue temperature checks at entry doors.

• Remove the health assessment as part of the online RSVP process.

• Discontinue lobby reconfiguration and flow for social distancing.

• Allow food, coffee, snacks, drinks, etc. to be provided by CBC.

• Water fountains will be turned back on and available for use.

As a reminder, all of our marker points are related to the 7-day rolling average of COVID-related deaths per day in Michigan. Phases 2 and 3 of our reduction plan will take place when we see sustained daily averages of fifteen (15) for Phase 2 and ten (10) for Phase 3. Though they are not yet being enacted, the specific details for those subsequent reductions are detailed below. 

Phase 2:

• Discontinue RSVP process.

• Continue to strongly encourage mask usage at all times but allow for masks/facial coverings to be removed while seated in services and classes.

• Allow on-stage non-singing/speaking personnel to remove masks/facial coverings while on-stage.

Phase 3:

• Continue to strongly encourage mask usage at all times, but not require masks/facial coverings in common areas (lobbies, entrances, etc.).

• Continue to strongly encourage, but not require, masks/facial coverings while in classrooms (adults, students, children).

• Discontinue front-to-back and side-to-side social distancing spacing limitations in classrooms, auditorium, meeting rooms and on-stage.

Please remember, you will be notified when we cross each of the marker points and reminded of the changes that will take place within each of the phases. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact Dan Arbitter at dan@cbcjoy.org. And as always, we thank you for your continued support, prayers, grace, patience and understanding as we live out life together in our church family.

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Dave Riddle, teaching pastor
Dan Arbitter, executive pastor

COVID Update: 03.13.21

Calvary Family,

Recently we updated you on our 3-phase plan to reduce our church’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols as the severity of the disease lessens. We mentioned that the Elders’ plan included marker points related to the 7-day rolling average of coronavirus-related deaths per day in Michigan. We also stated that our first phase of reductions will begin when we have achieved sustained 7-day averages below 20, with continued protocol reductions at 15 (Phase 2) and 10 (Phase 3).

At the time of our last communication, our state was hovering in the mid 30s to high 20s. This week, we have seen repeated days in the low 20s, continuing the positive trend that has we have been experiencing since early January. Below are the specific actions the Elders have agreed to take at each of the marker points related to the 7-day rolling average within Michigan:

Sustained Rolling Average of less than 20:

• Discontinue the temperature checks at entry doors.

• Remove health assessment as part of the online RSVP process.

• Discontinue lobby reconfiguration and flow for social distancing.

• Allow for food, coffee, drinks, etc. to be provided by CBC.

• Turn back on water fountains

Sustained Rolling Average Less than 15:

• Discontinue RSVP process.

• Continue to strongly encourage mask usage at all times, but allow masks to be removed while seated in services and classes.

• Allow on-stage non-singing/speaking personnel to remove masks while on stage.

Sustained Rolling Average Less than 10:

• Continue to strongly encourage mask usage at all times, but not require masks in common areas (lobbies, entrances, etc.).

• Continue to strongly encourage, but not require, masks while in classrooms (adults, students, children).

• Discontinue front-to-back and side-to-social distancing spacing limitations in classrooms, auditoriums and on-stage.

Please note there are no additional COVID policies or mandated safety protocols beyond those listed above. When we achieve the less-than-10 marker point, they all will have been lifted.

We will specifically notify you when we cross each of these marker points and make you aware of changes that will take place within each of the phases. If you are interested in following the metrics daily, a convenient location is COVID-19 Data | ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4. 

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact Dan Arbitter at dan@cbcjoy.org. Thank you for your support, prayers, patience and understanding as we live out life together in our church family at this time.

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Dave Riddle, teaching pastor
Dan Arbitter, executive pastor

New Song Devo: Do It Again

It’s easy to feel stuck. Stuck in a particular life season, stuck in a job or financial struggle, stuck in grief, in a physical or mental illness. Feeling stuck, powerless to change your circumstance, can be very draining. In a world of instant gratification, it’s easy to lose any sense of hope.  

If you’ve been a part of the Christian faith for a while, you may be familiar with the term “Ebenezer” from 1 Samuel 7, or in the popular hymn “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing”. The Ebenezer stone is ultimately a memorial to God’s faithfulness. It’s a marker that is set up so that we would remember how God has been there for us and met our needs in a particular circumstance or situation. 

But why is this important? Why did those Israelites in 1 Samuel 7 need to be reminded of how God sustained them in a tough situation? Why does that word remember appear time and time again all throughout Scripture? As much as we think we will never forget God’s faithfulness to us, we do. How easily the doubt and the lies sneak in and tell us we are stuck and hopeless, that we have failed or aren’t enough. THESE are the moments we need to be reminded of who our God is and who we are to Him. 

The lyrics of “Do It Again” lead us to remember God’s faithfulness, and to allow His past faithfulness to help us recognize His present and future faithfulness. As we come to understand God’s desire and promise to care and provide for us at all times, may we put our hope and confidence in Him at all times, and find rest in that promise.  

As we look forward to worshiping together on Sunday, I hope you’ll take some time to listen to the song “Do It Again” and meditate on the lyrics and Scripture passages below as you prepare personally to worship corporately.

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.

 Do It Again

Walking around these walls

I thought by now they'd fall

But you have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come

Knowing the battle's won

For you have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands

Great is your faithfulness

Faithfulness

I'm still in your hands

This is my confidence

You've never failed me yet

I know the night won't last

Your word will come to pass

My heart will sing your praise again

Jesus you're still enough

Keep me within your love

My heart will sing your praise again

I've seen you move

You move the mountains

And I believe

I'll see you do it again

You made a way

Where there was no way

And I believe

I'll see you do it again

CCLI Song # 7067555
Chris Brown | Mack Brock | Matt Redman | Steven Furtick
© Said And Done Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” 

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 

These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. 

I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42 (NIV)

Remember my affliction and my homelessness, the wormwood and the poison.
I continually remember them and have become depressed. 
Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:19-24 (CSB)

“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34 (CSB)

COVID-19 Update

Calvary Family,

Over the last two months the State of Michigan has seen significant improvements in various metrics relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new positive cases, patient census in critical care units and COVID-related deaths are all continuing to improve dramatically.

Back in early November, the Elder Board developed a 3-phase plan to reduce our church’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols when the severity of the disease lessened. Marker points were developed around the single specific metric of a seven-day rolling average of COVID-related deaths. In mid-December, that number had reached an average of (126) deaths per day, which was connected to the second surge of the pandemic. This week we are hovering in the range of the low 30’s and into the high 20’s. Our first phase of reductions begins when we have sustained 7-day averages below 20, with continued protocol reductions at 15 (Phase 2) and 10 (Phase 3).

In summary, we’re seeing a significant improvement in COVID metrics and will be taking the above actions consistent with the Elders’ agreed-to plan. We will specifically notify you when we cross each of these marker points and make you aware of changes that will take place within each of the phases. If you are interested in following the metrics daily, a convenient location is COVID-19 Data | ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact Dan Arbitter at dan@cbcjoy.org. Thank you for your support, prayers, patience and understanding as we live out life together in our church family at this time.

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Dave Riddle, teaching pastor
Dan Arbitter, executive pastor

New Wednesday Night Options!

Hey Calvary Family – We are excited to announce some expanded ministry offerings on Wednesday nights for the upcoming spring season! The following activities will begin next Wednesday, March 3 and run weekly until May 26, meeting from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Discussion & Prayer
This group will be led by Dave Riddle and will meet in the Choir Room, in-person only. No pre-registration is needed. 

Calvary Kids
Elementary-aged kids (Kindergarten-5th grade) are invited to join together for a time of connection, games, worship, and a deeper dive into Sunday learning. Kids will be meeting in the church 100-Level Cafeteria and will be in-person only. No pre-registration is needed. 

Calvary Women “Seeking Him” Study
Women are invited to join leaders Sarah Bomgaars and Julie Stephenson for a 12-week study on the subject of personal revival. This group will be meeting in-person in Room 401 and on Zoom. More details and registration are available here.  

Calvary Students
Our Calvary Students (6th-12th grade) will continue in their regular Wednesday evening meetings. 6-8 Grade meets in the Lobby/Auditorium and 9-12th grade meets in Room 303.

New Song Devo: Yes I Will

I think every one of us could identify a time when we’ve walked through a valley. I’m not talking about a physical space between physical mountains (though that can be quite the experience!), but valley of the soul – a season of struggle. We all encounter difficult circumstances: a health diagnosis, financial challenges, concern for or loss of a loved one, a global pandemic, etc. But I would argue that what makes the valley is not the circumstances themselves, but by the emotions they cause: fear, worry, doubt, despair, grief, abandonment to name a few. 

I have found great comfort in the promises of Scripture as I’ve traveled different valleys in my life, especially in the Psalms. Promises like “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are with me” (Ps. 23:4), “why my soul are you downcast?...put your hope in God” (Ps. 42:5), and “I waited patiently for the Lord…He lifted me out of the slimy pit…and set my feet upon the rock” (Ps. 40:1-2). I also remember the promise in the early verses of James 1 that the testing of our faith develops perseverance.

I love that the song “Yes I Will” offers us a choice. The choice to praise God when things are hard, when we don’t understand, when the WHY goes unanswered. We can choose to acknowledge that God has always been and will always be good, perfect, and sovereign, holding all things together. And when we make that choice to ascribe worth to God because of who He is and what He’s done, even when our hearts are heavy, our worship begins to bring healing – not just to us, but to those around us as well. 

As we look forward to worshiping together on Sunday, I hope you’ll take some time to listen to the song “Yes I Will” and meditate on the lyrics and Scripture passages below as you prepare personally to worship corporately.

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.

Yes I Will

I count on one thing

The same God that never fails

Will not fail me now

You won't fail me now

In the waiting

The same God who's never late

Is working all things out

You're working all things out

Yes I will lift You high

In the lowest valley

Yes I will bless Your name

Yes I will sing for joy

When my heart is heavy

All my days yes I will

I choose to praise

To glorify glorify

The name of all names

That nothing can stand against

CCLI Song # 7105442
Eddie Hoagland | Jonathan Smith | Mia Fieldes
© All Essential Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC), Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC), HBC Worship Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC), Hickory Bill Doc (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC), Jingram Music Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC), So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC), Upside Down Under (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 702888

Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (CSB)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 (CSB) 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26 (CSB)

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4 (CSB)

Calvary Family: New Members

Hebrews 2:11—So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

As the Calvary Family, we celebrate and rejoice with one another when brothers and sisters in Christ come together as His Body.

Please welcome Doug and Serafina Lewan:

Hello Calvary Family! Here is a little more about Doug and Sera. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this last June and are hoping to celebrate their 25th/26th anniversary this summer. They live in downtown Plymouth where they have lived in the same 106-year-old home for the last 24 years. They have two wonderful sons. Their oldest son Dino is 22 years old and a senior at the University of Michigan, and he will be graduating this spring. Their youngest son Vinny is 16 years old and is a sophomore at Plymouth Christian Academy. Sera and Doug have been worshiping at Calvary Baptist Church since October of 2019 and were both Baptized the Sunday before Christmas this year. They have shared that it was a very memorable and meaningful start to Christmas and ending to the 2020 year. Doug is an avid golfer, Sera took-up knitting during the pandemic (and is doing incredibly well), and they both are avid walkers where they have time to spend together.

122 N Harvey Street, Plymouth, MI 48170

Please welcome Don & Suzy Wright:

Hello, introducing the Wrights - Don, Suzy, Jadon and Camryn! The Wright family has been attending Calvary since the Fall of 2019, but their children began in Wednesday night Calvary Kids clubs before then. Don and Suzy have been married for just over 16 years. Their son Jadon is 12 and a 7th grader at PCA, and their daughter Camryn is 10 and a 5th grader at PCA. Don is a software manager for ZF Automotive, and Suzy currently works part time at PCA. They are excited to be an active part of the Calvary family and so happy to be part of such a wonderful ministry!

6288 Porteridge Lane, Canton, MI 48187

Please feel free to contact both Doug & Sera and Don & Suzy (mail a card, email, send a text). Their addresses are listed above and additional contact information can be found in the Church Directory.

I would also encourage you to read through and meditate on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Romans 12:4-5. “For as in one body we have many members…one body in Christ, and individually members one of another”. We commit to His Body and celebrate that the Body displays our Lord and Savior.

Mid-Year Business Meeting

New Song Devo: Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

It was a dreary, cold day this past March when the song, “Christ Our Hope In Life And Death”, first crossed my path. In-person church had just shut down, we’d just had to cancel all our exciting plans for the Easter season, the prospect of our church family worshiping together on Easter Sunday was looking grim and I was feeling pretty discouraged. An email came to my inbox letting me know of a new hymn from the Getty writing team that had just been released; a song that had been in the works for many months and now released at what seemed to be a God-ordained time.

 My spirit was encouraged as I listened to the song, reminded that our hope is not in exciting Easter services, or in perfect health or job security. As we live and die our hope is in the person of Jesus Christ because of who he is and what he’s done. How desperately we’ve needed to be reminded of this hope over the past year! And what wondrous providence that the Lord would guide a team of songwriters to pen words for such a time as this.

While I was tempted to share the song with the Calvary family last Easter, the Spirit gently nudged me to hold off, reminding me that familiar anthems would better serve our family at that time of chaos. But as we now begin a new year, wrapping up the celebration of our Savior’s birth and looking forward to the celebration of his death and resurrection in a few short months, this message of hope came to mind once again. I look forward to our church family learning this song over the coming weeks and singing it together as we anticipate another Easter celebration. May our collective confession of hope in Christ encourage and strengthen us as we continue to persevere through life’s challenges.

I hope you’ll take some time this week to listen to the recording of “Christ Our Hope In Life And Death” and check out the lyrics and supporting Scripture passage below as you prepare personally to worship corporately this Sunday!

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.

 Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

What is our hope in life and death

Christ alone Christ alone

What is our only confidence

That our souls to Him belong

Who holds our days within His hand

What comes apart from His command

And what will keep us to the end

The love of Christ in which we stand

O sing hallelujah

Our hope springs eternal

O sing hallelujah

Now and ever we confess

Christ our hope in life and death

What truth can calm the troubled soul

God is good God is good

Where is His grace and goodness known

In our great Redeemer's blood

Who holds our faith when fears arise

Who stands above the stormy trial

Who sends the waves that bring us nigh

Unto the shore the rock of Christ

Unto the grave what will we sing

Christ He lives Christ He lives

And what reward will heaven bring

Everlasting life with Him

There we will rise to meet the Lord

Then sin and death will be destroyed

And we will feast in endless joy

When Christ is ours forevermore

CCLI Song # 7147502
Jordan Kauflin | Keith Getty | Matt Boswell | Matt Papa | Matthew Merker
© 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Jordan Kauflin Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Love Your Enemies Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Matthew Merker Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Messenger Hymns (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. 
All rights reserved. www.ccli.com, CCLI License # 702888

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (CSB)

New Song Devo: Still/PEACE

If you were to describe the year 2020 in one word, I’d venture to guess you probably wouldn’t choose the word peace. This past year has seemingly been anything BUT peaceful. Most of us know all too well the demons of stress and anxiety and fear. We long for peace and stillness and rest, but they seem to evade us. 

 This is nothing new. The Psalms are filled with the cries of those experiencing similar ailments. A simple skim through the book will show devout followers of the Most High repeatedly feeling lost and abandoned. But a common theme you’ll also find in the Psalms is that these downtrodden saints continually seek the Lord. They call out to him asking, begging, pleading for peace that they know He can provide. 

 I love how The Message paraphrase expresses Psalm 42:6: “When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you.” As a musician, I am well acquainted with the concept of rehearsal. An athlete might identify with the term “practice”. You do something over and over again, trying to improve and get better. And so it is with our faith. These moments and seasons when we are “in the dumps”, when we feel exposed and vulnerable, we keep going back to what we know to be true: the character of God as described in Scripture.

 As we’re reminded of the angel’s proclamation in Luke 2:14 of “Peace on Earth”, we may be tempted to gloss over this idea, or even think such peace is not possible this side of heaven. But let’s not miss the beautiful, glorious miracle of those words! Colossians 1:19-20 says of Jesus, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (NIV). When the angel made that announcement that PEACE had come to Earth, he was literally proclaiming the gospel, the good news! Jesus’ coming to Earth would bring the ultimate peace that humanity longs for: peace with God.

 So when we are feeling low, fearful, stressed, and we cry out to the Lord for refuge, let us remember that the ultimate peace is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, we can //find rest my soul in Christ alone// as our song for today says. Let us rehearse this truth over and over and never stop so that it becomes second nature to us. And when the worries of life come at us, we will default back to the truth that Jesus puts us at peace with God, and that is the greatest gift of all. 

This song, Still, was a favorite at Calvary about 15 years ago. Recently it was re-released with a new chorus that emphasizes Christ as our peace, which seemed fitting given the events of this year. I’d encourage you to read through the additional Scripture passages and song lyrics below and listen to a recording of 
Still/P E A C E as we anticipate worship this Sunday. 

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.  

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.   

Still / P E A C E

Hide me now under Your wings

Cover me within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul in Christ alone

Know His power in quietness and trust

You are peace to a restless soul

Peace when my thoughts wage war

Peace to the anxious heart

That's who You are

That's who You are

You are peace when my fear takes hold

Peace when I feel enclosed

Peace when I lose control

That's who You are

That's who You are

CCLI Song # 7163384
Benjamin Hastings | Melodie Wagner | Michael Fatkin | Reuben Morgan
© 2020 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.
I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength.
Lead me to a rock that is high above me,
for you have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings.

Psalm 61:1-4 (CSB)

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,

Isaiah 43:1-4a (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)

2020 Year in Review

Click the button below to see our 2020 recap

Be THAT House 2020 Recap

Two years ago, Calvary introduced the challenge to “Be That House” during Halloween. We invited our Calvary family to be the house that sticks out in the neighborhood—the house that hands out awesome candy, has the best décor, makes everyone feel welcomed at Halloween. This year, we expanded that invitation beyond Halloween and incorporated ideas that surrounded the fall season. The purpose of this was to encourage our family of believers to BE. Be intentional. Be loving. Be generous. Be compassionate. BE JESUS. We also wanted to emphasize what it looks like to live out Colossians 1:28: “we proclaim him…so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

 Our church staff presented ideas, provided materials, offered available coaching throughout the months of October and November. As we look back on those two months, we heard from a few people that participated—one individual used items for “Boo Bags” for several of their neighbors. Another group did a “Rake-n-Run” for the father of one of our church family members. Someone recently shared making bread for several of her neighbors. 

It was encouraging to hear what some chose to do, and we want to emphasize the fruit that comes from talking and sharing the ways in which God is working in and around you. Striving to BE Jesus is not an easy thing to do and we do not expect that it is something we will check off a list or celebrate as a goal we have achieved. However, we fully recognize as His Church that it requires STRIVING. It requires effort on our parts and as we are in process of BE-ing who He has called us to be…it may look messy and it may be complicated, or it may look different than we expected. One thing we know to be true is, as God is working in us and through us, we will experience the opportunity to grow in Him. I urge and challenge you to share not just what you are doing, but what God is teaching you. Be a testament and a witness to who God is. I challenge you to talk more about what God is revealing in your life. He invites you to BE an active part of His redemptive plan. It is vital as we “strive with His strength” (Col 1:29) that we respond with proclamation and praise for His transformative, redemptive work!

COVID-19 Update 12.4.20 - Moving Online

COVID-19 UPDATE 12.4.20

Hello, Calvary Family!

We hope this message finds you doing well. In our last communication on November 21, we highlighted that the Elder Team approved the use of certain metrics related to coronavirus case data in Michigan. Those metrics are being used to determine when and if it would be prudent for us to move to an online-only ministry format. 

We are sorry to inform you that over the last week, we have reached a level which exceeds one of those metric’s trigger points (the 7-day rolling average of deaths per day). Coronavirus-related death rates have now reached levels not seen since early May and are now over seven times higher than when we first transitioned to online-only programming in the middle of March. 

In light of this, effective Sunday, December 6, we will be moving to online-only for our worship services and all ministry gatherings greater than 10 people. 

During this pandemic, while we recognize the vital importance and priority of gathering together, we also understand the need to consider things like public health, stress on health care systems and individuals, and being good and responsible citizens. 

Right now, it is difficult to project when we will be able to return to in-person large group gatherings. We will be continuing to use these same metrics to determine when we can return again to in-person larger group gatherings.

As we have mentioned on many occasions, your prayer support is so desperately needed and sincerely appreciated. Here are some specific things for which you can be praying:

• Our Elder Team, as they seek God’s wisdom in decision making.

• Those who have lost loved ones throughout this last year, especially as we move into the holiday season.

• PCA, as they continue to minister to children in our community during this challenging season.

• Health care workers, as they serve our community during times of risk and fatigue.

• Unity and grace in our church family, as we journey through this time together.

• Our CBC staff, as they struggle to find creative ways to minister and not be discouraged.

• Those who are struggling financially, due to loss of their job or reduced wages.

• Those in our community, as many are experiencing this time without the hope of Jesus.

Though the last nine months or so have been very challenging, we also recognize that it has been an opportunity for each of us individually, and all of us collectively, to deepen our faith and trust in God. Consider what Paul was inspired by God to share with the followers of Jesus living in Corinth, many years ago:  

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:12-13, NIV 1984) 

If you have any questions or need some clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact Dan Arbitter at dan.arbitter@cbcjoy.org. Thank you! 

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Dave Riddle, teaching + vision pastor
Dan Arbitter, executive pastor

New Song Devo: Only A Holy God

There is no shortage of things vying for our attention these days. Health concerns and politics are hot right now, but then there’s also the day to day things like work, family, friends. I’ve had many a night where I’ve laid my head down mentally and emotionally exhausted and I didn’t even leave my house! It’s easy to grow weary and discouraged and stressed trying to make the best of it all. But what does God say? 

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10a 

Be still. Not a suggestion, but a command. To stop what you’re doing, thinking, wishing, and know without a shadow of a doubt that He is the holy, sovereign, good God.  

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 

The command is followed by a promise. God will be exalted among the nations and throughout the earth simply because of who He is. He is our glorious creator, shining brighter than the sun and making the darkness tremble. He is an all-consuming fire possessing the power over life and death who reaches down into the pit to take my hand and call me His child. And what peace and relief I find in His care! What rest from my worried mind I find when I am still and reveling in the limited understanding I have of who He is.  

As you move throughout the next few days and as we anticipate joining together on Sunday to worship our holy, sovereign God, I’d invite you to spend some time meditating on Psalm 46. In a world where so much is out of our control, may we turn our attention and affection to the One who holds all things together. May we find great satisfaction and delight by ascribing Him the worship He is due. 

Looking for some music to enrich your personal worship throughout the week? Check our Calvary Worship Favorites playlist on Spotify. It’s an assortment of songs that we sing on the regular during our Sunday worship services.  

If you want to get a taste of what we’ll be singing on any upcoming Sunday, check out our This Sunday At Calvary playlist. This list is updated weekly with the songs we’re planning to lead at the upcoming Sunday service.   


Only A Holy God 

Who else commands all the hosts of heaven

Who else could make every king bow down

Who else can whisper and darkness trembles

Only a Holy God

What other beauty demands such praises

What other splendor outshines the sun

What other majesty rules with justice

Only a Holy God

Come and behold Him

The One and the Only

Cry out sing holy

Forever a Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

What other glory consumes like fire

What other power can raise the dead

What other name remains undefeated

Only a Holy God

Who else could rescue me from my failing

Who else would offer His only Son

Who else invites me to call Him Father

Only a Holy God

Only my Holy God

CCLI Song # 7073332
Dustin Smith | Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson
© 2016 CityAlight Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Farren Love And War Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Integrity's Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Integrity's Praise! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
For use solely with the SongSelect®. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

Psalm 46 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Isaiah 12 (NIV)

In that day you will say: 

“I will praise you, Lord.
    Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away  and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;  make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Calvary Kids Kicks Off October 25

Calvary Kids Kicks Off October 25 

We are excited to begin our new GROW curriculum and challenge our students to GROW in their relationship with God, with others, and with our community. Here’s a look at what to expect for the week of October 25: 

• Nursery and Early Childhood Classes (2 years old through Kindergarten) will meet both first and second hour (9:30 and 10:45 a.m.).

• 1st – 5th Grade classes will meet first hour only (9:30 a.m.). 

• 1st – 5th Graders will join their parents in the worship service during second hour (10:45 a.m.). Activity packets to reinforce our GROW Sunday theme will continue to be available, as well as a link to a Right Now Media video.  

• Weekly online lessons for preschool and elementary aged kids will continue to be provided via our Sunday newsletter and the church website for those continuing to worship at home.

• A Mid-Week Family Activity to extend our Sunday GROW theme will be emailed to parents each Wednesday. 

• In-person Wednesday children’s ministry will not resume at this time. We are continuing to look at various options given staffing and interest. 

More details regarding classroom safety procedures and kids’ check-in will be sent to parents of children and will be posted on our website later this week. If you’re not on the distribution list for our Calvary Kids emails and would like to sign up, please contact carrie.macklem@cbcjoy.org.

If you have any questions about any of the information listed above, please contact  Bonnie Varney at Bonnie@cbcjoy.org