New Song Devo: God Is For Us

God’s people have always had much to fear. I think back to the early narratives of Scripture – how the Israelites faced years of slavery and homelessness, constant threats from their enemies, and frequent temptation to lean into the idolatrous practices of their neighbors. The challenges were constant, but each struggle was an opportunity for God to reveal His fierce, determined love for His people. Each time they were delivered from an enemy, it was God, in His love, who delivered them.

I was recently reading about the dedication of King Solomon’s temple in 2 Chronicles. It was a great corporate worship gathering filled with joyous celebration. And then there was the moment when the glory of the Lord, His physical presence, came and filled the new temple. God dwelt among them and all they could do in response was fall down in worship and say “He is good. His love endures forever” (2 Chron 7:3).

This response of declaring God’s goodness and love was not just out of elation for that holy moment, but of everything that had led up to it. The hardship and the struggle of Egypt and the wilderness, the seasons of doubt and faithlessness (remember the book of Judges?), the years of war under King Saul and King David. God had shown Himself to be loving and good in the midst of it all, and now, faced with His presence, the people are moved to worship.

So it is with us! God’s past faithfulness fuels our trust in Him when we face trials and struggles, fear and doubt. God’s faithful love sustains us, comforts us, and drives us to respond in worship. The lyrics of “God Is For Us” point us to a later promise in Romans 8 where we are reminded of the power of God’s enduring love. I pray that as we worship together singing this song that you would be comforted and strengthened as you celebrate His faithful love that endures forever.

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.

God Is For Us

We won't fear the battle

We won't fear the night

We will walk the Valley with You by our side

You will go before us

You will lead the way

We have found a refuge only You can save

Sing with joy now our God is for us

The Father's love is a strong and mighty fortress

Raise your voice now no love is greater

Who can stand against us if our God is for us

Even when I stumble

Even when I fall

Even when I turn back still Your love is sure

You will not abandon

You will not forsake

You will cheer me onward with never ending grace

Neither height nor depth can separate us

Hell and death will not defeat us

He who gave His Son to free us

Holds me in His love

CCLI Song # 7121853
James Ferguson | James Tealy | Jesse Reeves | Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson | Tiarne Tranter
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When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,
 “He is good; his love endures forever.”
Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God. The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the Lord’s musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the Lord and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, “His love endures forever.” Opposite the Levites, the priests blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.
2 Chronicles 7:1-6 (NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136 (NIV)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)

New Adult Elective Study Offering: Ambassadors For Life

Making Life-Affirming Disciples is a practical, nonpolitical, gospel-centered course to equip Christ followers at a church to offer support and discipleship to women and men who face challenging circumstances during pregnancy and child-rearing. Pregnancy Centers seek to bring men and women to Christ, but local churches are vital for providing long-term discipleship and support to the abortion vulnerable and the post-abortive. The class is designed to draw us into greater reliance on God and intimacy with Jesus and provide our church with a Christlike response to abortion. 

This 12 week course will be offered at Calvary this fall on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. beginning September 11 with leaders, James & Kristi Abernathy. Please pre-register below so we can have materials in place for our first meeting. The class will meet in the Church Office Conference Room.

New Song Devo: Behold Him

Behold (verb) :  to observe; look at; see. 

The word “behold” is in the Bible around 1000 times.  It is used to focus the attention of readers and listeners on the words that follow it. 

Sometimes it’s good news.

And he said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.  
Exodus 34:10

The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.
John 1:29

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. 
Psalm 33:18

Sometimes it’s bad news.

And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.
Genesis 19:28

I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:14

Behold, the Lord will empty the earth and make it desolate, and he will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants.
Isaiah 24:1

 Many times, it’s to focus our attention on praising our King.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. 
Psalm 17:15

“Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. 
Job 36:5

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel and whose power is in the skies.
Psalm 68:32-34

Every day as believers we should be beholding our king Jesus.  We need to observe his power and kindness, look at his ways, ever-increasingly see Him for who he is, and follow him more closely.  We do this through reading his word, prayer, and the many other spiritual disciplines God has given to his people.

This Sunday, as we gather as a Christian community to behold our King, we have the privilege of introducing a new song to focus our attention on this endeavor. 

Let us daily and communally fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 

Let us Behold Him.

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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.

Behold Him

He who was before there was light

Walked across the pages of time

He who made every living thing

Behold Him

He who heard humanity's cry

Left His throne to wake as a child

He became like the least of us

Behold Him

Jesus Son of God Messiah

The Lamb the roaring Lion

Oh be still and behold Him

He who dined with sinners and saints

Healed the blind the lost and the lame

Even now He is in our midst

Behold Him

He who chose a criminal's end

Paid with blood to settle our debt

Buried death as He rose to life

Behold Him

Jesus Son of God Messiah

The Lamb the roaring Lion

Oh be still and behold Him

Jesus Alpha and Omega

Our God the risen Savior

Oh be still and behold Him

Holy holy holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Worthy worthy worthy

To receive all praise

CCLI Song # 7133698
Mitch Wong | Paul Baloche
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New Song Devo: The Sending

Easter is my favorite holiday. I have fond childhood memories of candy hunts and Easter baskets and special outfits, but as I’ve grown up in my faith and as a worship leader, Easter has come to mean so much more. The anticipation of the new life coming from the earth that was dead in winter, the sobering remembrance of Good Friday, and the joyous celebration of Christ’s victory over death. The excitement in the room on Easter Sunday is invigoratingly contagious!

As I was preparing for Easter this year, I was reading through the events of Holy Week in Scripture. As I read through the familiar account of Jesus’ exchange with his disciples in the Garden in Mark 14, I was freshly struck by Jesus’ description of his emotional state in that moment. He describes himself as being “deeply distressed and troubled” and “deeply grieved to the point of death” (Mark 14:33-34). He knew what was coming for him. But more than just the physical pain and public humiliation that awaited him, he knew he was about to take on the weight of sin.

Think about sin for just a moment. Your sin. The sin of your family members, friends, and co-workers. The sin of misguided and evil people throughout all time. The sin that causes wars and genocide and mass shootings. The sin that tricks people into thinking they can write their own identity. The secret sins that destroy relationships. Christ was about to bear it all and face God’s terrible wrath. No wonder he was deeply distressed and grieved! He knew it had to be done. He knew this was the good and perfect plan of the Father. And so, because of his great love for me, and you, and all of humanity, he did it.

As the Easter season has come to a close, I’ve been pondering this great love of Christ and what it means for me. We are about to enter a teaching series on some of the later chapters of the gospel of John, where Jesus is going to candidly teach his disciples what it looks like when a person truly loves and is committed to him. So I’ve been asking myself, as I seek to fully celebrate the weight and wonder of Easter, how do I respond to so great a love?

Our new song “The Sending” is a challenge to be stirred to action, motivated by the love and grace that we have experienced, and led by the power of the Holy Spirit. We’ll see in our study of John how Jesus promised the Spirit as an advocate and counselor – the very presence of God dwelling within believers for the purpose of displaying God to the world (Acts 1:8). As we worship together, I pray that the Spirit would indeed move in our hearts that we would be filled with God’s love for His people – just like Christ was for us.

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.

The Sending

Oh Holy Spirit move in our hearts

Send us with power into the world

Oh Holy Spirit move in our hearts

Fill us with fire and love for the world

We are gathered in Your name

With expectancy and faith

We are waiting we are waiting

Give us boldness to proclaim

All the wonders of Your grace

We are ready we are ready

Your compassion for the lost

Love that sent You to the cross

We receive it we receive it

Jesus You are worth it all

No matter what the cost

We believe it we believe it

Let this room be shaken

Let our hearts be broken

Let Your church awaken

To Your love

CCLI Song # 7130332
Brett Younker | Jess Cates | Kristian Stanfill | Leeland Mooring
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“If you love me, keep my commands. 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 14:15-17 (NIV)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:9-13

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
John 16:13-15

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NIV)

New Song Devo: Make Room

Our Calvary Women’s Bible Studies are working through the book of Exodus right now and I have so appreciated this study. Throughout this book we see God reveal himself to the people of Israel – first as He asserts Himself over all the powers of Egypt and delivers them from slavery, and later as He teaches them what a life devoted to worship of Him looks like. As the Jewish worship practices are established, God’s holiness and inability to tolerate sin comes into view and we see the concept of consecration become a regular exercise.

To consecrate something simply means to make it holy. To take something that was previously sinful and of no use and to remove its offensiveness and make it useful. In the time of the Israelites in Exodus, consecration happened through a process involving many different things from washing, abstinence, and fasting to sacrificing and anointing. There was a great deal of preparation involved for those intending to meet with God. Their sin had to get out of the way before God could meet with them.

Fast forward a couple thousand years, and Christ’s sacrificial death pays the price for sin once and for all. If we are in Christ, we have been consecrated, or made righteous, by the blood of Jesus, and are now positionally unoffensive and useful to God (2 Cor. 5:21).

But God is not content to stop there.

Hebrews 10:14 tells us that Christ “made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Our holiness journey does not stop when we first profess Christ. Jesus teaches that those who claim to be his disciples should “deny themselves and take up their cross daily” (Luke 9:23). Paul teaches that we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Eph 2:10). Our ongoing actions are evidence of our faith in Christ.

When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He established a new way of living for them that would set them apart from the pagan nations around them. Their lives were expected to look drastically different and so testify to God’s sovereignty and strength. Similarly, as Christ-followers, we are called to a new way of living that is drastically different than what’s expected by the world around us. As believers, we are commanded to “not conform” to the evil practices around us, but to pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:14-15). And we know from Exodus that holiness requires consecration.

Pursuing consecration today is all about making space for God to work in and through us. When our lives are filled with sin that distracts and weighs down, we cannot be used by Him. Just as the Israelites went through a preparation process to be useful to God, so we also must continually go through a process of surrender and repentance in our pursuit of holiness. It’s not always easy. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it involves sacrifice. Sometimes it challenges our comfort zone. But it’s always worth it. Because He is worth it. 

As you listen to “Make Room” this week and as we sing it together during our corporate worship time, I’d encourage you to ponder this concept of consecration. What is getting in the way of God working in your life? What is God challenging you to let go of in order to be more useful to Him? This song is a call to clean house as we chase after the upside-down life Christ has invited us to pursue. Are you ready?

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.

 Make Room

Here is where I lay it down

Every burden every crown

This is my surrender

This is my surrender

Here is where I lay it down

Every lie and every doubt

This is my surrender

And I will make room for you

To do whatever you want to

To do whatever you want to

And I will make room for you

To do whatever you want to

To do whatever you want to

Shake up the ground of all my tradition

Break down the walls of all my religion

Your way is better

Your way is better

Here is where I lay it down

You are all I'm chasing now

This is my surrender

 
CCLI Song # 7122057
Evelyn Heideriqui | Josh Farro | Lucas Cortazio | Rebekah White
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New Song Devo: Forever And Ever Amen

It’s no secret that I love corporate worship.

 The coming together of the bride of Christ to sing and make music as a praise offering and in celebration is one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. Believers gathering to affirm truths of who God is and what He’s done and to ascribe to God the honor and praise that is due Him is a sacred and holy privilege. Before I share about our new song, “Forever And Ever Amen”, I think it’s important to first share 2 reasons why I believe corporate worship is so important for believers.

1.     Corporate worship is a picture of eternity for the church.

The book of Revelation repeatedly describes “a vast multitude” of all colors, languages, and backgrounds gathered together before God’s throne (Rev. 7:9, 19:1, 19:6) using their voices to declare the praises of God. In this picture of heaven, the relationship between people and God that was broken in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3) is finally and completely restored. Humanity is now doing what it was created to do – worshiping; and the worship is in response to who God is and what He’s done (this is described in detail in Revelation).

When a church family gathers together and uses their voices to declare praises to God in response to who He is and what He’s done, we are fulfilling our created purpose. As believers, corporate worship should be one of the most natural, fulfilling thing we can do. As we delight ourselves in the Lord, our souls are satisfied (Ps. 42:1-2).

2.     Corporate worship teaches a posture of personal worship.

Music is a powerful language. There’s a reason we use songs to teach children the alphabet or the 50 states or even the books of the Bible. Words set to melody are far more likely to stick in our heads than words spoken in conversation. Even for people who consider themselves “non-musical”, we cannot escape the fact that our brains are very good at retaining memories in song form.

And so songs, particularly song sung with others, teach us things. They shape how we see the world and how we see God. When I sing “Holy Holy Holy” in a worship service with my church family, I first have that beautiful, fulfilling experience of worshiping with them. But then the words of the song hang in my head and my heart as I go forth from that corporate worship experience into my day-to-day life. That prayer of praising God for His holiness then continues on a personal level. I might begin to meditate on how I should live my life in response to God’s holiness and then actually DO something to respond to that truth. Suddenly my corporate worship has moved me to a place of personal worship.

So what about the song?

“Forever And Ever Amen” is what I like to call a “heaven song”. Its lyrics pull from that Biblical picture of the body of Christ worshiping around the throne for all eternity. Oh what beauty! May we find great joy and contentment in continually singing His praises! And as we pour out our voices and our hearts in praise together, may these heavenly praises be burned into our minds and hearts so that as we go forth from our time together they will challenge us individually to live in response to who God is and what He’s done.

I’d encourage you to take a listen to the song “Forever And Ever Amen” below and spend some time meditating on the lyrics and the accompanying Scripture passages. As we worship together as church family using this song, may we be challenged to glorify our God as we embrace the call to unity.

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.

Forever And Ever Amen

All of creation singing the song of oldest age
Echoing heaven we join the angels as they sing
We join the angels and we sing

Holy holy
Holy is the Lord our God
Worthy worthy
Jesus Christ the saving One
Oh praise His name
Forever and ever amen
Oh praise His name

Behold the Savior
Scars of redemption on His hands
Bow down before Him
Come let us adore the Great I Am
Join in the song that never ends

For from Him and through Him and to Him
Are all things
To Him be the honor and power and glory

Who is this King of Glory
Jesus is His name
All hail the King of Glory
Forever He shall reign
He came and redeemed my story
Now everything has changed
All hail the King of Glory
Jesus is His name

He shall reign
He shall reign
Forever and ever amen

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As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I come and appear before God?
Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

 Psalm 42: 1-2, 5 (CSB)

The Lord reigns! Let the peoples tremble.
He is enthroned between the cherubim.
Let the earth quake.
The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted above all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awe-inspiring name.
He is holy.

The mighty King loves justice.
You have established fairness; you have administered justice and righteousness in Jacob.
Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at his footstool.
He is holy.

Psalm 99:1-5 (CSB)

When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:

You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slaughtered,
and you purchased people
for God by your blood
from every tribe and language
and people and nation.
You made them a kingdom
and priests to our God,
and they will reign on the earth.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing!

I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say,

Blessing and honor and glory and power
be to the one seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb, forever and ever!

The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelation 5:8-14 (CSB)

After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!

All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying,

Amen! 
Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. 
Amen.

Revelation 7:9-12 (CSB)

New Song Devo: Make Us One

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.”
John 17: 20-23

This passage details a portion of Jesus’ prayer to the Father the night before he was executed. One of his most vulnerable human moments is miraculously recorded in the pages of history for us, and the subject is unity. 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been tempted toward division far more times than you’ve been tempted toward unity. Maybe you’ve even caused or embraced division. It’s part of our sinful nature to divide ourselves, to look for ways to differentiate and alienate and judge. But as we can see in the passage above, this was not Christ’s desire or plan for the church. Jesus uses the example of his one-ness with the Father to express his desire for all believers to be one with the Father and one with each other, all for the sake of the gospel! 

 This call to unity is reiterated over and over throughout the New Testament. Clearly, it’s something that people in the early church needed to work on, and the challenge continues for us today. This isn’t something that is optional for us or something to do when it feels comfortable or suits our interests. We are commanded to love and care for the brothers and sisters who look and live differently than us, who might have different views than us on things like politics and healthcare. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are “completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” (Jn 17:23) 

I’d encourage you to take a listen to the song “Make Us One” below and spend some time meditating on the lyrics and the accompanying Scripture passages. As we worship together as church family using this song, may we be challenged to glorify our God as we embrace the call to unity.

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. 

Make Us One

One with the Father one with the Spirit

One with the Son of God

One with our sister one with our brother

One family by the blood

Make us one make us one

Your will be done make us one

One heart with heaven one mind connected

One body unified

Bind us together now and forever

Jesus be glorified

We confess all our offenses

We confess we've been afraid

We repent of all our pride

Let all the hurt be washed away

For all the wars and violence against our enemy

Come heal our land with Your great river

Restore the family and

Make us one make us one

Let Your kingdom come

Make us one make us one

CCLI Song # 7091349
Chris Quilala | Joshua Silverberg | Ran Jackson | Ricky Jackson
© 2017 Capitol CMG Amplifier (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Red Red Pop (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Tunes of Jesus Culture (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Modern Hymns and Sacred Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Richmond Park 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

Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:13-22 (CSB)

Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God.
Philippians 1:27-28 (CSB)

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility,  gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (CSB)

Open Table Update - What's For Supper?

What’s for supper?

As a mama of three, this can be a daunting question at times. When ‘supper’ takes place in the Lord’s Name though, it is a beautiful, redemptive, and intentional invitation. Each year, God presents us with over 1000 opportunities to gather in His Name with others. It’s a unique time where we can both rest and receive nourishment in the Spirit with all people. In some ways, it is also a calling from Him to be a part of the invitation process.

Through the Calvary Open Table Ministry, food has been a unique way to connect with others, build relationship, and be the Light of Jesus. God continues to provide for the physical needs of people in our community, and we have had the joy of being His hands and feet. We have invited people to join us on our campus for a hot meal and then choose blessing bags filled with personal hygiene items and cleaning products to take home.

The Open Table Ministry is modeled after Jesus’ invitation to all people to join Him in communion. So, the challenge stands: who is He calling you to invite? Is it your neighbor? Is it a co-worker? We have connected with several key families through this meal—we’ve heard their personal stories, prayed for them, and celebrated big moments. Open Table happens on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Ask the Lord, who are you calling? Who are you inviting? How can I be used by You?

To contribute food items for our January Open Table on January 13, sign up here.

If you’d like to join in fellowship with those attending Open Table, or if you’d like some flyers to help spread the word about Open Table, please email Bobbie Lee Barr (bobbielee@cbcjoy.org).

New Song Devo: Light Of Your Grace

BY THIS WE SHALL KNOW THAT WE ARE OF THE TRUTH AND REASSURE OUR HEART BEFORE HIM; FOR WHENEVER OUR HEART CONDEMNS US, GOD IS GREATER THAN OUR HEART, AND HE KNOWS EVERYTHING. 

1 JOHN 3:19-20 (ESV)

Brothers and Sisters, I must confess to you that for the past several years, I’ve lived a majority of the time with the condemned heart mentioned above.  I have felt its cold, empty weight. I have carried it to work and home from work – to church and home from church. Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I knew why it was there, but I did my best to ignore it. In fact, the very reason for my heavy and condemned heart helped me to ignore it. It also produced a numbness that seemingly no amount of prayer, healthy living, knowledge, or worldly pleasures could remove.  

This past weekend I had the blessing to attend a men’s retreat at Camp Barakel.  I entered with a very specific goal: to leave my cold, condemned heart in Northern Michigan, and to come home with a renewed spirit. 

Early Saturday morning, I joined a group of men for a “worship walk” around Shear Lake. Led by a wise man of faith (whom I want very much to model my life after), forty or so men spent an hour hiking around the lake. We stopped periodically to take in God’s creation and meditate on psalms and poetry read by our guide. I could fill pages on the beauty of this experience, but I will spare you for now . 

After the first stop of the hike, my condemned heart weighed heavily with every step. I prayed a simple and desperate prayer: 

 “Lord, soften my heart.”

We continued our hike and my mind floundered between hopeful expectation and crippling doubt that this prayer would be answered. Why now? Why not sometime over the past several years of difficulty?

At the very last stop of the hike, while our guide read a poem about the busyness of life that often distracts us from what truly matters, the weight of condemnation lifted. My heart softened. By God’s unfathomable grace, my prayer was answered. Over the course of the weekend, it became clear as to both why my heart was under condemnation, and what I had to do about it. 

 BELOVED, IF OUR HEART DOES NOT CONDEMN US, WE HAVE CONFIDENCE BEFORE GOD; AND WHATEVER WE ASK WE RECEIVE FROM HIM, BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS AND DO WHAT PLEASES HIM. AND THIS IS HIS COMMANDMENT, THAT WE BELIEVE IN THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER, JUST AS HE HAS COMMANDED US. WHOEVER KEEPS HIS COMMANDMENTS ABIDES IN GOD, AND GOD IN HIM. AND BY THIS WE KNOW THAT HE ABIDES IN US, BY THE SPIRIT WHOM HE HAS GIVEN US.

1 JOHN 3:21-24 (ESV)

            For the past several years (and likely longer), I’ve followed the first half of this commandment and made a mockery of the second. My faith was in Jesus, but my love was not for “one another.” It was for myself. By no means was it a pure form of love, but rather a self-seeking endless cycle of empty earthly pleasure. My weapons of choice were Netflix, Disney+ and video games, but the options are endless. Each day was an unfulfilling cycle of numbness that was focused almost entirely on my own desires.  

            I realized that to follow the second half of this commandment, I had to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). In order to love others well, I needed deep roots in the truth of God’s word. But where would I find the time?

            I’ll tell you where: Instead of waking up, working, getting the kids to bed at 8pm and then spending the next 3 hours numbing myself with the pleasures of this world, I would do something drastic and revolutionary. I would go to bed.

            …And wake up early to spend the morning in God’s word, in prayer and in development of other spiritual disciplines that have produced fruit in the lives of generations of faithful followers of Jesus. I would also quit the video games entirely and cut WAY back on my consumption of other forms of entertainment. The goal being to bring the ultimate focus of my life closer in line with the command to “believe in the name of Jesus and love one another.”

            Praise God that my wife quickly agreed to this lifestyle shift and at this point we’re 4 days deep. We’ve committed to this for a month, but I do not see us going back. The fruits of this change – more loving interactions with the people we come across and a sense of peace and contentment – have begun to blossom. 

            I am so thankful for our God who is “greater than our heart,” who allowed me to go through this difficult season of selfish pleasure, who sustained me through it, and brought me to a “new and living way” of obedience (Hebrews 10:20). I pray that he will sustain me in this for as long as I live.            

            Where do you stand? Is your heart under the cold, empty weight of condemnation? I hope that it is not. If it is, I pray with the writer of Hebrews that: “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15).  Friend, I have good news: God is greater than our Heart, and he knows everything (1 John 3:20).

 “Wait,” you ask, “isn’t this a new song devotional?”  
Yes. It is.

            This Sunday we’re singing a new song. It’s called “Light of Your Grace.” It’s written from this section of 1 John 3. It is a very good song. I’ll be singing it this Sunday with a fresh memory of God’s gracious power and purposed redemption.

Would you join me?

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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.

Light Of Your Grace

This is how I know I am Yours

That if my heart should condemn me

Your truth is so much more

This is how I know I'm secure

That even though I keep falling

Your love for me endures

In the light of Your grace

You end my darkness

In the light of Your grace

My burdens lose their weight

In the light of Your grace

You lift my head up

In the light of Your grace

My sin is washed away

This is how I know You're my Lord

That in my weakness You give me

The strength to be restored

This is how I know I'm adored

That when I'm lost in my feelings

You tell me I am Yours

Head out of water

Walk on the waves

This is how I know I am Yours

This is I know I'm secure

This is how I know You're my Lord

This is how I know I'm adored

Head out of water

Walk on the waves

Weight turns to wonder

In the light of Your grace

CCLI Song # 7147889
Brian Eichelberger | Zach Bolen
© 2020 E On The Eye Chart (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Half/Alive (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Integrity's Praise! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

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.  

New Song Devo: God So Loved

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
– Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message Paraphrase)

I’ve always loved how Eugene Peterson paraphrased this well-known passage. Because I feel those words. Tired. Worn. Frustrated. The world around me needs a different sort of Christian than what I understand. I watch friends and social media influencers lean toward extremes of complete tolerance or complete isolation and I feel stuck. So I go back to the Gospels again, trying to unpack the person of Jesus, trying to cross the cultural barriers of a now ancient civilization and get to his heart, trying to figure out what it looks like for me to be a person steeped in the “good news.”

This passage is one we often see on coffee mugs or wall art, marketed to believers. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And while I believe there is value in bringing our weariness and our cares to the Lord (a short glance at the Psalms will affirm this), I think the heart of these words spoken by Jesus are ultimately a gospel-carrying promise. The burdens from which he promises to relieve us in this passage are more than just the day-to-day stresses of the average believer. The burden he promises to take from us is our sin.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) 

Right before Jesus speaks these words, he pronounces woe on some unrepentant towns – places that had seen his miracles and chosen not to believe in him (Mt. 11:20-24). He then praises God for His sovereignty in revealing the truth of the good news to those with childlike faith and speaks of his oneness with the Father (Mt. 11:25-27). And then these famous words – an invitation from the heart of a father to a beloved child to come and find relief from the thing that plagues you most deeply. An invitation for his divine holiness to be transferred to me that my soul would be at rest and access to the Father restored. We wear the yoke of sin, but Christ wears the yoke of holiness, and he offers to trade.

But even in this comforting promise, the action is two-fold. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” Peterson’s paraphrase says, “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.” Jesus doesn’t just take away the yoke of sin and send us on our way. He invites us to come and learn to be like him. To allow him to teach us how to live, how to walk in freedom, and how to demonstrate that same gospel that has been offered to us to others.

Centuries later, as civilizations and cultures have shifted and changed, the sin problem and the unbelief remain. But Jesus’ invitation also remains. He alone is still the only solution. As we sing the celebratory anthem with our church family that “God so loved the world”, may we remember the burden we’ve been relieved of and consider the burdens that remain upon others all around us. And as we “walk in freedom”, may that freedom never be an excuse to do as we please – we’ve been freed from that life – but a calling to continue learning from and submitting to Christ Jesus, the giver of that freedom, to whom we owe our very lives.

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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.

God So Loved

Come all you weary

Come all you thirsty

Come to the well that never runs dry

Drink of the water

Come and thirst no more

Come all you sinners

Come find His mercy

Come to the table He will satisfy

Taste of His goodness

Find what you're looking for

For God so loved the world that He gave us

His one and only Son to save us

Whoever believes in Him will live forever

Bring all your failures

Bring your addictions

Come lay them down at the foot of the cross

Jesus is waiting there

With open arms

For God so loved the world that He gave us

His one and only Son to save us

Whoever believes in Him will live forever

The power of hell forever defeated

Now it is well I'm walking in freedom

For God so loved God so loved the world

Praise God praise God

From whom all blessings flow

Praise Him praise Him

For the wonders of His love

CCLI Song # 7138599
Andrew Bergthold | Ed Cash | Franni Cash | Martin Cash | Scott Cash
© 2019 Andrew Bergthold Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
We The Kingdom ASCAP Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
We The Kingdom Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” – John 3:16-18 (NIV)

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” – John 4:12-14 (NIV)

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” – Romans 6:1-2 (NIV)

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” – 1 John 3:4-6 (NIV)

Fall Ministry Schedule

2021-2022 Ministry Offerings

We’re looking forward to another great ministry year together! We invite you to consider how you and your family can connect with God and others at Calvary through the different Sunday and Midweek ministry offerings in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about any of the details below, please contact Dan Arbitter. We look forward to seeing you soon! 

FALL MINISTRY OFFERINGS

All activities begin the week of September 12

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

In the Auditorium, Sundays at 10:45

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Life Groups

Continuing virtually or in-person, please contact Bobbie Lee Barr for more info.

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CALVARY LOVES

Community outreach opportunities. For more information, visit cbcjoy.org/community

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ADULT BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

Sundays at 9:30 a.m. starting September 12

Adult Bible Fellowship is a critical piece of our overall CBC Discipleship Pathway. ABFs are a place to connect with others, build long-term relationships, and dive into Scripture together as a group of Jesus-followers. They are foundational to integrating into and being a part of the Calvary family. If you have never been a part of an ABF, we encourage you to consider taking this next step as we begin the fall season. If you have been a part of an ABF and have experienced the benefit of these groups, we’d encourage you to consider inviting a friend who does not attend Calvary to your ABF as a chance to connect them to Calvary in a less formal, smaller format. If you have any questions about which group would be a good fit for you or if you’re interested in joining a group meeting at a different time, please contact Dan Arbitter.

• App - Studying Matthew, meeting in the Art Portable, teacher: Charles Bai

• Becomers – Studying 2 Peter & Jude, meeting in Room 302, teacher: Mike Moyer

• Bereans – Studying Jonah & Nahum, meeting in Room 401, teacher: Paul Prong

• Core – Studying Ephesians, meeting in the Cafeteria, teacher: Paul Trulock

• Cornerstone – Studying Galatians, meeting in Room 303, teachers: Rod & Leanne Windle

• Adult Elective – Studying “The Acts Of The Apostles”, meeting in the Band Room with teacher, Tom Weedon

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Adult Bible Discussion & Prayer

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. starting September 15

Meeting in the Choir Room with leader, Dave Riddle

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CALVARY WOMEN

Beginning September 14 & 15

• Morning Bible Study - Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m.

  • Class 1 studying 1 Timothy & Titus in Room 401 with teachers, Chelsea Ford & Heidi Fulk

  • Class 2 studying Exodus 1-18 in Room 303 with teacher, Leanne Windle

• Evening Bible Study

  • Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m., studying Exodus 1-18 in Room 302 with teachers, Gina Murrin & Beth Rhodes

  • Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., studying Exodus 1-18 in Room 401 with teachers, Sarah Bomgaars and Julie Stephenson

• Moms Together (for moms of young children) meeting 2nd & 4th Fridays at 9:15 in Room 303 (beginning 9/10), coordinator: Kelly Rich

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CALVARY YOUNG ADULTS

Sundays at 6:30 p.m. starting September 12

Studying Creation, meeting in The Barn with teacher, James Abernathy

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Calvary Students

Starting September 12 and 15

Sunday Morning - 6th-12th Grade Bible Study, meeting in The Barn, 9:30am.

Wednesday Night - 6:30 p.m.

• Middle School (6th-8th Grade) meeting in Room 303

• High School (9th-12th Grade) meeting in The Barn

High School Small Groups – Sundays, 4:30-6:00 p.m., kicking off by the Barn on 9/26

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Calvary Kids

Starting September 12 & 15

Sunday Morning - 9:30 & 10:45 a.m.

• 1st Hour (9:30 a.m.) Nursery-5th Grade meeting in various locations

• 2nd Hour (10:45 a.m.) Nursery-Preschool meeting in various locations

• Kids Worship (K-5th) meeting in Room 303, dismissed during the worship service

Wednesday Night - 6:30 p.m.

• Brite Kids Club (K-2nd) meeting in the PCA Activity Center

• Forged Kids Club (3rd-5th) meeting in the PCA Butler Gymnasium

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New Song Devo: Now I See

Do you remember the time you first pieced together who Jesus is and the sacrifice he’d made for you? Maybe you had a “lightbulb” moment at some point in your life as a child, teen, or adult where everything suddenly made sense and you decided to go all-in as a Christ-follower. As the good news of the gospel came alive to you, you might have felt a sense of peace and purpose that you’d never felt before. 

Any believer could probably identify a time where they felt set free from the power of sin. Maybe it was that first salvation experience. Or maybe it was another moment along the way where you messed up and confessed your mistakes to the Lord and felt a sense of relief in that sweet act of submission. I can think of a few different times in my life where I chose to continue in a particular sin pattern long after the Holy Spirit convicted me about it, holding on to the illusion that I was in control and letting the darkness creep in. But when I finally chose to confess and repent, I felt like a brand new person – so much more alive and healthy.

The grace of Christ that saved me once and made me righteous continues to save me and allows me to grow in righteousness.

These are the stories we need to remember!
These are the stories we need to tell!

When we tell our stories out loud, we remember who God is and what He’s done for us. And then we have a chance to respond – to praise Him, to thank Him, to give Him the glory He is due.

Come and listen, all who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me.
I cried out to him with my mouth, and praise was on my tongue.
 If I had been aware of malice in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
However, God has listened; he has paid attention to the sound of my prayer.
Blessed be God! He has not turned away my prayer or turned his faithful love from me.
Psalm 66:16-20 (CSB)

When we tell our stories out loud, we remember the transformation that we experienced – may we never forget!

 Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day when you came out of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, for the Lord brought you out of here by the strength of his hand.
Exodus 13:3

When tell say our stories out loud, we invite others to participate.

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:1-3 (CSB)

“Now I See” is a feel-good song that allows us to celebrate our salvation and ongoing sanctification together. It’s a party of a song and it should be! What could be more worth celebrating? But what would happen if we took those stories of transformation beyond a song sung on Sundays? What would happen if we started telling stories out loud? If the work of Christ in our lives was just oozing out of us to the point where we couldn’t not talk about it? 

 As we sing together on Sunday, I hope the joy of your salvation and sanctification comes alive in you, so much so that you are spurred on to invite others into the story of what is possible through the saving grace of Christ. Check out the song video and lyrics below!

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.

Now I See
 

Born to the darkness I was

Rejected and cut off from hope

I couldn't see His love for me

They said He's not who He seems

Don't get your hopes up for healing

But lies fell away when I saw His face

My heart burst to life

I saw delight in His eyes when He looked at me

My whole world's on fire

Alive in the presence that burns inside of me

Now I know whose I am

Forever I'll stand on Your truth I believe

'Cause I was blind but now I see

Night turned to daylight for me

Joy is the song that I sing

All of my days are filled with Your praise

All of my days are filled with Your praise

No one could ever take my song away

My eyes were opened and I saw His face

No one could ever take away my faith

My life was changed the day that Jesus came

 
CCLI Song # 7132786
Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Hannah McClure | Joel Taylor | Paul McClure
© 2019 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Bethel Music Publishing
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

Visit the Holy Land With Us

Holy Land/Passion Play Trip Opportunity

Space is still available to join the June 2022 trip to experience the once-a-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, as well as a tour of historical biblical locations in Israel. Former Calvary leaders, Jim and Vicki Smith will be sharing biblical and church history insights as part of the touring experience. 

Trip leaders, Dennis and Debbie Woodman, are hoping to fill the remaining 13 spaces by the end of this summer. If you have questions or would like more details, please contact them at 734-455-1132 or d-dtravelplus@comcast.net, and please feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested.  

 Check out the video below for a mini-documentary on the 2022 Passion Play.

Three Job Opportunities!

We’re looking to expand our staff team! Check out the links below to learn more about the different positions. If you or someone you know is interested, please email our executive pastor, Dan Arbitter at dan@cbcjoy.org to receive next steps.

New Song Devo: Nothing I Hold Onto

When I first heard the song “Nothing I Hold Onto”, it wrecked me. This song, both in its form and function, is a meditation on our need to trust in God’s provision, God’s ways, and God’s plan rather than ourselves and the ways of the world. Why is this type of trust so simple and yet so difficult?

Humans have been grasping for something on earth to hold on to for all of history. Something to stabilize ourselves. Something to pull ourselves up. Something with which we can cover our shame and compensate for our fear.

Material wealth? Comforts? Control? Power? Prestige? Esteem from our friends and families? Knowledge? Good health? Enjoyment? Escape? These are all things we grasp for. Every one of these and endless more will only ever let us down.

Early humans were guilty of this as shown in the Genesis narrative. The Israelites were guilty of this throughout their entire history as recorded in the Old Testament. I am guilty of this.

Scripture provides another way of being, shown clearly in Proverbs 3:5-6: 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Seems simple, right?

But why is it so difficult?

All your ways. Let that sink in. Not just your ways on Sunday for an hour, but ALL of your ways. We must continuously submit to the working of the Holy Spirit in submitting all areas of our lives to Jesus.

Submitting is hard work. It involves acknowledging that we do not have what it takes to survive in this world – let alone thrive. It involves putting yourself under the authority of another. It involves giving up control. It involves a great deal of humility. 1 Peter 5:6-7 makes this point clear: 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

So why this song?

We need to be reminded of these truths in order to stay on the path of submission to God. We need to declare our trust in Him regularly and faithfully.

I pray that this song is as much of a challenge and blessing to you as it has been to me.

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. 

Nothing I Hold Onto

I lean not on my own understanding

My life is in the hands of the maker of heaven

I give it all to You God

Trusting that You'll make

Something beautiful out of me

I will climb this mountain

With my hands wide open

There's nothing I hold onto

There's nothing I hold onto

CCLI Song # 5911251
Will Reagan
© 2010 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
United Pursuit Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 702888

Elder Update: Removal of Remaining Covid Protocols

Hello, Calvary Family:

We pray that this correspondence finds you doing well. Fifteen months ago, we entered into the reality of the eventual worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. It proved to be an extremely challenging experience, in many ways and on multiple levels. Nearly all of us were affected, at home, school, work and beyond.

These months have taken a toll on us, for sure, and life at CBC has been no exception. As we begin to emerge from pandemic status, it is good to remember that though our lives and ministry may have been changed, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8, ESV). Amen!

We thank you, sincerely, for your continued patience, grace, cooperation and perseverance. And though our entire church family perhaps did not always see eye to eye on every decision about safety protocols and the like, may we remember that as the daughters and sons of God, we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28, CSB). Amen, again.

With that being said, we’d also like to inform you that the Elders have taken action to remove all remaining coronavirus-related safety protocols currently in place at Calvary, effective this Sunday, June 13. This applies to all church ministry events, programs, classes and services. As you prepare to attend, we simply ask that you continue to keep the needs, concerns and perspectives of others in mind. This posture is one God calls His people to at all times, as seen when He speaks through Paul to the church at Phillipi: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4, CSB).

Again, many thanks to all of you, for your faithful partnership in prayer, love, service and support. We are excited to see what the days ahead will bring, especially as we look to the One who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). One last time (for now), Amen!

If you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to contact Dan Arbitter (dan.arbitter@cbcjoy.org). We hope to see you Sunday morning for our Spring Business Meeting and Worship Service. Until then, God’s blessings to you!

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Dave Riddle, teaching pastor
Dan Arbitter, executive pastor

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

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.”

New Partners of Calvary Family

In partnership with Calvary, our local church, we announce and celebrate in new partners joining as His united body! As a congregation of followers of Christ, we connect with one another, we support each other’s calling, and we live into our context as a “sent one”.

Please join us welcoming our new partners! We invite you to connect with them!

As a family on mission, we strive to help others in following Jesus. “We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.”
Colossians 1:28-29

Melissa Anderson

She is the mother of daughter Aria (8), a hardworking surgical technologist, lover of all things coffee and most importantly a follower of Christ. Her daughter, Aria is in 3rd grade, loves editing videos, animals and writing stories. They are excited to come alongside Calvary as partners in their walk with Christ. The Lord called them to Him and to join His family six years ago. Melissa says, “We see Calvary as just that, family. We vow to be, through Christ, a functioning part of this body, gladly give, make sacrifices and to forgive. We will pray with and for you as well as for our leaders. We vow to value our partnership as a gift. Aria and I look forward to growing in Christ with Calvary.”

29596 Bridge Street, Garden City, MI 48135; purpletulip101@msn.com

Matt & Christy Buss

Matt and Christy said, “We look forward to seeing how, with Calvary, we can not only grow closer to God, put love on his people as well.” After having moved to several different cities and states throughout their marriage, they have lived in this area for a handful of years and have attended Calvary for about 2 years. They are the parents of 4 active boys, who have been attending Calvary Kids and Calvary Student groups and activities for a number of years now.

21144 E. Glen Haven Circle, Northville, MI 48167; christybuss@earthlink.net

Ben & Rachel Morrow

Ben and Rachel Morrow met on May 20, 2011 and six months later were married. On November 26th of this year, they will celebrate ten years of marriage. They are loving parents to three small children: Charlotte (3), Everly (2), and Jameson (8 months old). As a family, they love to go on adventures; have living room dance parties; or play family restaurant and prepare a tasty meal. The Morrow family has been attending Calvary since April of 2019. Morrows shared, “We look forward to continuing to grow in God’s word, watching our children develop a relationship with God, and continue serving God through serving others.” 

38465 Lori Lane, Westland, MI 48185; bmorrow@gmail.com, rlbean84@gmail.com

Bradley & Amie Smith

Brad and Amie Smith began attending Calvary in January of this year. They, along with their son Shawn, are excited to attend church with family. Brad and Amie met at a school they both taught at and were married a few years later. Shawn was a long awaited and prayed for addition who will be one in June. The Smiths shared, “We are looking forward to raising Shawn to love Jesus, loving others, and spending their free time outdoors.”

6622 Powderhorn, Canton, MI 48187; amielynnsmith8913@gmail.com

Rebekah Bruner

She has been coming to Calvary with her family for ten years now, and she is very glad they came. Some of her favorite things to do involve painting and drawing, writing, and singing. Rebekah is very involved with Calvary Students and frequently serves on the Student Worship Team. She has also served with Calvary Kids as a volunteer. Rebekah expressed, “I'm excited to serve here any way I can in the future.”

1690 Weeping Willow Court, Ypsilanti, MI 48198; bekahjoy1690@gmail.com

Garrick & Amanda Beaster

They met in Mobile, Alabama where Garrick was a flight mechanic in the coast guard and Amanda was pursuing a PhD in medical research. Ten years ago this June, they were married and soon after made their way back to the Midwest to be near family. Not long after, Amanda began a career in pharmaceutical development and Garrick began school at Lawrence Technical University. He will finish up his double major in mechanical and robotics engineering this year. In the interim, the Lord has richly blessed them with 3 amazing children, Ruby (5) who attends PCA, Wiley (4), and Malie (1). The Beasters shared, “We are looking forward to serving and growing with the body of Christ, growing in our relationship with the Lord under the teaching and admonition of Scripture, and forming meaningful relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ that will allow us to spur one another on towards Godliness.”

6023 Treetops Drive, Romulus, MI 48174; juneone1982@yahoo.com

George & Nicole Carollo

George and Nicole expressed, “We thank God for her 4 little ones, and we are so blessed to be able to have found a Christian community for them to grow up in. We hope Calvary continues to feel like home for us. We are praying for God to reveal His direction for our family. There are still many unanswered prayers about navigating the next steps in this crazy beautiful life He has given us.” They are parents to Claudia (5), Georgie (almost 1), Philip (almost 1), and Sofia (almost 1). They started attending Calvary over a year and a half ago. George is an engineer, and he is originally from Brazil. He loves soccer, watching and playing. He also enjoys history and politics. He has a quiet demeanor but an amazing sense of humor. He is a devoted father, and can be found on his free time entertaining them with his kid-like nature. Nicole is an air traffic controller, but her passion is music. She loves being around people who make her laugh. She also loves personal connection and friendships. She was raised in a small town and when she found Calvary, it felt a little bit like “back home” to her.

24790 Toddy Lane, Farmington Hills, MI 48335; Feliputi@gmail.com, nicolekesselhon@gmail.com

Jillian Pryor

She is a single mom to three very active kids. They’ve attended Calvary off and on for many years when they were in town visiting her parents. She recently moved back to Canton and has been coming to Calvary since November. Jillian and her kids love to be outside exploring different parks and trails. Jillian said, “I look forward to growing in my walk with God, leaning on Him while I try to navigate being a single mom and letting Him heal my brokenness.”

6622 Powderhorn, Canton, MI 48187; jpryor107@gmail.com

Adin Sumner

He is the son of Rachael and Brian Sumner. Adin (16) is a junior in high school and he is currently homeschooled. He really enjoys music and plays piano and guitar. Adin stated, “I regularly attend the youth group for Calvary and Wednesday nights are some of my favorite parts of the week. In my walk with God, I’m trying to get better at reminding myself to look to God everyday!” Adin regularly serves on the Student Worship Team, as well as served in Calvary Kids.

36100 Glenwood Road, Westland, MI 48186; adasmusic24@gmail.com

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