A ministry showing the love of Christ to children of inmates and their families. It seeks to transform lives by reconciling families to their Heavenly Father and each other. Calvary Bible Church reaches these families through the Wednesday night AWANA and REACH programs, the Annual Christmas Cookie Bake, Christmas gifts, and an opportunity to attend Camp Michawana along with a backpack of supplies for camp. These activities provide us an ongoing opportunity to introduce and reflect Christ to the children and their families.
Bread of Life
Our food distribution ministry occurs on the Fourth Tuesday afternoon of every month. We partner with South Michigan Food Bank and distribute 150 boxes of fresh food, a gospel tract, and an invitation to church. We have teams of volunteers that deliver over 125 of those boxes, and other teams that hand out boxes at Calvary.
Calvary Choir
An auditioned ensemble comprised of singers of high school age and above with a wide range of singing experiences and training. The choir season runs from mid-September through early May. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings and help lead the congregation in worship in 2-3 Sunday morning worship services per month. Additionally, the Calvary Choir participates in the annual Calvary Christmas concerts, the Worship Ministries Spring Concert and in other concerts here at Calvary and in the community as opportunities arise. The choir’s theme verse is Psalm 66:2: “Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.” (NASB (New American Standard Bible).
Calvary Coffee Ministry
Designed to call visitors and attenders of Calvary to Go from the service, Gather into a common space and Grow together in love and fellowship. It is a time for coffee and to draw like-minded people together for the purpose of growing deeper in community and in Christ. It is a great opportunity to have new attenders get a warm greeting from another congregant or a coffee service worker and then encouraged to join a class or small group.
Calvary Compassions
A group of Calvary women who are willing to visit and minister to the older women and widows of the church on a monthly or even weekly basis for a short time of fellowship, prayer, and devotions.
Care Closet
A ministry to any Calvary attender at any time or others by request. Clothes are sorted weekly and put out seasonally. We ask for clean, washed, donations that can be left on the tables outside the room, by the Chapel.
Calvary Praise Band
Seeks to help lead and accompany Christ centered worship. It is made up of rhythm section instruments: piano, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. We seek to rotate several players for each instrument throughout each month.
Global Impact Weekend
A fully focused weekend about mobilizing the congregation to make disciples locally and globally. Each year, we dedicate the first weekend of November to highlighting what the Lord is doing in and through HIS body, the church. Guest speakers will teach, encourage, equip, and challenge us to be involved in proclaiming Christ to all peoples.
GriefShare
A ministry whose focus is on those who have lost a loved one. It’s a Bible-based program that helps both believers and unbelievers walk the difficult journey of grief. We are always looking to add facilitators and training is provided.
Healthy Homes
Ministers to Kalamazoo area families in need of replacement windows. Volunteers replace old home windows with new, vinyl, double-hung windows that provide needed house security, fresh air circulation and improved energy savings. The CBC Elders and CBC families support the ministry expenses to purchase all windows, wood supplies and necessary tools for each home installation. Families who meet the financial criteria receive spiritual encouragement (Bibles or books), replacement windows and the witness of our volunteers. The Lord uses Healthy Homes to change a home and change a family. Usually, we ask volunteers to help one Saturday a month in the spring and summer. We provide all the window materials and tools for each job and lunch for the workers and host family.
Kid’s Praise!
Calvary’s children’s choir and is open to children in grades 1–5 who are enthusiastic about music, singing and worship! Kids learn to worship through song while discovering and developing creative ways to praise our Lord! We rehearse on Sunday evenings during the school year and help lead worship in Calvary services at various times throughout the year. In addition, we spent most of our second semester preparing a Spring Musical, which typically involves both song and drama, as well as other worship areas.
Kitchen Ministry
Our food hospitality ministry includes Wednesday Night Family Meals and Funeral Luncheons. We prep, serve, and clean up after the meals while serving those that attend the gathering. Every Wednesday night during the Fall and Spring Ministry seasons, we start food prep at 3:00 p.m. for the Family Meal. The Funeral Luncheons serve families during an emotionally difficult time by providing a light lunch that includes prepared dishes from volunteers.
Library
A great place to find good reading materials for the whole family. We also have movies and audio books to check out. Calvary purchases these Christian materials and accepts donations which are approved before being placed on our shelves. We love to serve people in this ministry! We are open on Sunday mornings and other times by request. Please stop by and get some summer books!
Local Outreach to the Aging
Part of reaching out to our community with the Gospel and providing spiritual encouragement to those in need. Our ministry is to the aged and infirmed residing in long term care and assisted living facilities. This includes leading in morning devotionals, holding Sunday afternoon church services, and participating in various volunteer activities with the residents throughout the week. If you are interested in receiving more information on the various areas of this ministry and how to become involved, contact Dan Johnson in the Church Office or email dan.johnson@calvarybible.org.
Men’s Bible Study
Part of our Men’s Disciple Making Ministry meets every Tuesday Morning. We study God’s Word, only God’s Word, and digest God’s Word in a small group setting. These men range in age from college to Senior Saints. We are open to CBC members and non-CBC believers. This is engaging, supporting, and edifying men who want to know God more personally. Come try us once and return often to grow in grace.
REACH
An evangelistic outreach ministry geared towards Middle School and High School students. Most of our students (but not all!) are from low income, unchurched homes. We meet on Wednesday nights, 6:30-8:00 p.m. during the school year.
Technical Arts Team
This ministry consists of sound, video, lighting, and projection technicians. The volunteers support regular services and other events on our campus that require technical accommodations. Our volunteers love to serve behind the scenes to help facilitate the many ministries at Calvary. If the lights are on, the microphones are working, and the words are on the screen one of these servants made it possible – even if you are watching online.