To the Congregation

Elder’s Update

The Elders held an all-day retreat on Saturday, February 12, 2022, here at Calvary.  The primary focus for the day was prayer for the Body at Calvary. The agenda included:

  • A challenge from Pastor Jeff to the Elders regarding their responsibility to disciple others, using Barnabas as an example of one who used his spiritual gifts to disciple Paul and then John Mark.

  • A discussion to reach out to those who have not yet returned to church for various reasons, recognizing there has been a limited response to “Church on the Porch”. This was followed by a lengthy time of prayer by each Elder. 

  • A debrief of the first several weeks of “Go Groups”. More than 100 people are currently in groups and the initial reactions have been extremely encouraging, with many intentionally initiating conversations with neighbors and others they meet. A goal will be to provide an opportunity for those with small children to be included. This again was followed by a lengthy time of prayer by each Elder.

  • A process to effectively care for the needs of the congregation at Calvary was discussed.

  • A committee was established to study the biblical basis for membership and its application at Calvary.

The meeting was closed in prayer.

 

To the Congregation

Service Time Change

Effective January 2, the start time for the second service will return to 10:30 a.m. When the pandemic started, the second service start time was delayed to ensure that there was adequate time to complete any additional procedures necessary. At the request of the Deacons, those serving in the Next Generation Ministries, and others, the Elders decided to return to our historical service times. 

To the Congregation

Sunday Service Changes

For several months, we have announced that the High Precaution service would continue through the end of the summer or “until no longer utilized by the congregation.” Due to rapidly declining attendance in June and only 4 received responses indicating planned attendance in July, the decision has been made to move the High Precaution service to the Chapel to reduce the level of staff and volunteers needed. Beginning today at 4:00 p.m., Pastor Bret will lead both the singing and the preaching during the High Precaution service. Please use the Chapel entrance.

Beginning next week, July 11, we will no longer utilize the Sunday Evening Service for Higher Precaution and will return to a unique Worship Service at 6:00 p.m. To clarify, Pastor Bret will continue to meet at separately 4:00 p.m. with those desiring a Higher Precaution service as long as needed.

To the Congregation

Elder Recommendations Have Changed

Based on population-wide vaccine availability and the beginning of our summer ministry schedule, the Elders established June 1 as our date for modifying our current COVID-19 safety recommendations.

Beginning today, the Elders recommendations will be modified from “congregation-wide” approach, to the “individual” approach printed below. This applies to worship services, LifeGroups and worship related activities.

  • Symptom Screening: Please do not attend any service or church-function if you have a temperature, a newly developed cough, loss of taste or smell or any other possible symptoms of a contagious illness such as COVID-19, cold, strep or flu.

  • Hygiene: Please wash and sanitize your hands frequently, especially before shaking hands, hugging, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

  • Masks: Masks are no longer recommended for everyone, but individuals are welcome and encouraged to continue wearing a mask if they so desire. Three types of high quality self-protective masks (surgical, KN-95, and N-95) are available free of charge at each of the main entrances.

  • Social Distancing: Please maintain a minimum of one meter (approx. 3’4”) of social distance from anyone who is wearing a mask. Members should assume that individuals who are wearing a mask also wish to practice social distancing.

We are returning to our normal pre-pandemic procedures of communion and passing the offering plate. Hand sanitizing wipes have been places in the pew racks and are available for use.

Our goal is to continue to build a congregational culture based upon Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”

We will continue to follow state requirements for activities that are not related to worship. Please keep this change in prayer and help us finish strong in these last few weeks.

**The 4:00 p.m. higher precaution service will continue to be offered unchanged throughout the summer (or until no longer utilized by the congregation). By mutual consent, masking and social distancing are practiced at all times. We encourage those who are currently livestreaming, and those with ongoing health concerns, to choose this safe, in-person option for worship and fellowship.

To the Congregation

Back to Life! Calvary Easter Celebration Dates

Good Friday, April 2

6:00 p.m. Service Live in the Sanctuary

  • Nursery only will be offered

6:00 p.m. Higher Precaution Service in the Chapel

  • Higher Precaution Service will be hosted by an Associate Pastor in the Chapel with Pastor Bret Laird’s message via livestream

  • Masks worn throughout the service with spaced seating

Easter Sunday, April 4

9:00 a.m. Service Live in the Sanctuary

  • Nursery - Pre-K classes provided

  • No LifeGroups

10:00 a.m. Higher Precaution Service in the Chapel

  • Hosted by an Associate Pastor with Pastor Bret Laird’s message Live

  • Masks worn throughout the service with spaced seating

10:45 a.m. Service Live in the Sanctuary

  • Nursery - Pre-K classes provided

  • No LifeGroups

To the Congregation

LifeGroup Room Changes

Beginning Sunday, February 7, there will be several room changes taking place within our LifeGroups. While we try to minimize change, these adjustments are necessary, based on increased attendance and the need to provide adequate distancing in some of our classes. Below is the list of LifeGroups that are changing rooms. All other classes will remain in their current locations.

9:00 a.m. Hour
Wisdom’s Disciples: Receptions Rooms A&B
YMI: Room 300**
NextSteps: Chapel**
Encouragers: Room 214

10:45 a.m. Hour
Leon de Juda: Chapel
1711: Receptions Rooms A&B
Joint Heirs: Room 300
Marriage in Motion: Room 212
His Branches: Room 214
Inheritors: Room 307

**New changes as of February 14, 2021

To the Congregation

New Opportunities for Fellowship!

If you are post-college through age 35 you are cordially invited to join us for NextSteps, meeting at 9:00 a.m. in Room 300! Together we will enjoy community, growth, service, outreach, worship, and prayer in a focused, yet relaxed, interactive and engaging environment. In order to encourage us in our quest for growth in grace and truth, multiple formats will be utilized to address a broad array of topical and biblical studies, issues of shared life experience, and current challenges in our post-Christian culture. Come join us!

Women's Thursday Morning Bible Study will begin January 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Center and will run through April 1. We will be going through the book "Choosing Forgiveness," by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. There are no secret formulas for forgiveness, but there are biblical principles that will help us break free from bitterness and pain. Discover specific strategies for putting God's grace and mercy into practice as we study God's Word, pray for one another, and grow in obedience and love. Click here to sign up or call the church office. Today is the last day to register!

To the Congregation

Date Change for Global Impact Weekend

Due to an unexpected demand on the Ripkin’s schedule the Global Impact Weekend Dates have changed to this weekend.

Global Impact Weekend, October 17 & 18.

  • Saturday, October 17: All Day Conferenece from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    • Speaker Nik Ripkin whose life story is captured in the movie “The Insanity of God” will present a 5 session conference on Saturday. Lunch is included for the first 200 individuals. Registration is required by Thursday, October 15 at noon.

  • Sunday, October 18: Women’s Event - Reflections with Ruth Ripkin

    • Ladies are invited at 4:00 for a time of worship, fellowship as Ruth Ripkin shares her part of the Ripkin story of walking by faith. Registration is required by Thursday, October 15 at noon.

To the Congregation

Here’s What’s New

Bread of Life Ministry
The Elders have established a partnership with the South Michigan Food Bank to provide food boxes to families and individuals who have been negatively affected by the economic shutdown associated with Covid-19. On Thursday, April 30, between 2-4 p.m., people can drive up to the south entrance of the church and both a food box and an evangelistic letter from Calvary will be placed in their trunk. For those without a vehicle, walk-up pickup will also be available. Volunteers can also deliver a limited number of boxes directly to people’s porches, but this must be arranged in advance by completing the online form. This ministry is for anyone, either in the church or in our community, who could benefit from supplemental grocery assistance. For example, South Michigan Food Bank’s guidelines list an income of $70,320 or less for a family of 6 or $25,520 for an individual, as meeting the standards for the USDA and donated grocery-store food they are providing. This means many students, individuals, and families in our own congregation qualify. We will have 275 boxes available, so please take advantage of this ministry, and also help us get the word out!