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 Dan's December 2007 Update
Christmas
It’s almost here, then it’s over, then we’re planning for another—that is the nature of every Christmas season, it seems. But there is no part of the calendar that emphasizes family more. And we want to reflect that at Calvary.
This weekend (December 15-16) our KidZone students will be leading worship. We will also continue our topic of providing Biblical help to "survive Xmas".
I would encourage you to clear your calendar and strategically invite friends to join us for one of our three Christmas Eve celebrations. The 4 pm and 6 pm services will include child care(!), worship, carol singing and the drama, "Christmas Rewind"—a candid look behind the scenes in Bethlehem. At 11 pm the worship will focus on communion.
Ice and snow
I write this as we experience another of those "weather events." School is called off. Phone calls and traffic in the office are curtailed substantially. But life still goes on, and it is a great day to complete some reading. In case you’re remotely interested, here are the books I am into this month—A Resilient Life, Gordon MacDonald; The Little Red Book of Wisdom, Mark DeMoss; The Search to Belong, Joseph Myers; The Critical Journey, Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich; The Emotionally Destructive Relationship, Leslie Vernick; Integrity, Henry Cloud; and The Innocent Man, John Grisham. And Lea and I just enjoyed an evening viewing the football movie "We Are Marshall."
In a couple of weeks we’ll have a house full of family members who will reminisce, debate, play games, read books, rip open gifts, reconnect, watch football, go sledding, expect to be fed, attempt to keep little ones away from sugar, then go back home longing for some normalcy! Isn’t that crazy!? Yes, but delightful! We are enjoying our new home specifically for times like that!
I represent the Calvary staff in extending to you our best wishes for a rich and memorable Christmas season. We are grateful for each of you and the way you make what we do so worthwhile.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
What a weekend! It was the "Perfect Storm" in a good way. Several things converged at just the right time, and God honored that! Students always burst with energy, and we enjoy supporting them. Add to that the incredible talent of those students; and stir in the amazing leadership of Rene Mauck and Lorene Lewison and you have an event that has created buzz in this community and the surrounding area. I really believe if we had had another performance it, too, would have been filled up. There were 1900 in attendance for the three performances. 700 additional students were here on Thursday morning for the dress rehearsal.
Bottom line—there were many new conversations about what drives this church! Thanks for praying and working and inviting. I had virtually nothing to do with the event, but I surely am proud, in a good way, I hope!
"The Hearth"
The musical provided a great backdrop for unveiling part of our "20:24" remodeling of the commons. It has definitely brought some creativity, comfort, and focus to the area. More furniture is on the way. "The Hearth" is designed for impromptu and casual conversation before and after regular services.
Spiritual Life Survey
The on-line assessment was completed by 326 persons last month. Thank you for taking the time to ponder what we do as a church and its effectiveness. We’ll have the results in late winter.
Library for Liberia
Did you know that a Calvary team shipped 4584 donated books weighing 3384 lbs (2 pallets) to Virginia to be sent on to Liberia?
For 2008
January weekend series, "The Treasure Principle"
Perspectives course, January 14 - May 5, Monday evenings (more details at the info center)
Financial Peace University begins on Sunday, January 27, at 6 pm
For more information go to www.calvaryonline.org
Dan Schoepf is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church.
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