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 Dan's May 2008 Update
How is your parenting going?
The weekend series on marriage brought many families to the place where they needed to talk—with each other! Hopefully we gave them some terminology to use in addressing the issues. And then our goal was to lead them to the authority of what God has to say. Almost every week we included personal illustrations of marriage struggles. Yes, we are real, and sometimes really in trouble! (I was very glad for Lea’s heart perspective in the "sex talk.") By the way, for those interested in listening to the series, the audio is available through the "Audio Archives" link on the web page (www.calvaryonline.org).
For the next few weeks the subject shifts a bit to the business of parenting—younger children, teens, the roles of in-laws and grandparents. In some way we are all parenting! (And we throw a Mothers’ Day into the middle of that.) We long for this biblically based topic also to be challenging and transforming.
Celebration through Baptism
Last weekend thirty-eight people advertised their faith in the big tank at the front of the church! In the way the Bible describes, they wanted people to know they are followers of Jesus. Every one had a unique story. It is those stories that remind me how much our effort to connect people with God is really worth it. I thank each of you who is a part of someone’s story, especially those whose stories were illustrated in the baptism.
20:24
Our "20:24" giving has just passed $3.1 million dollars! Wow! We have until the end of 2008 to reach our commitment of $4.3 million. As the funds continue to come in we are able to increase the level of "community" here at Calvary. It is most obvious in the completion of "The Hearth". There are some projects yet to go. Behind the scenes we have been able to support staffing and additional missions commitments, all the while paying down our debt. In June we plan to have a KidZone open house to let you see how exciting it is to be a kid—supported by "20:24" funding!
Student Ministries Director Search
The process to fill two positions in our student ministries department is moving ahead full speed! The search team is being led by John Messer and includes Scott Mauck, Laurie Roumfort, Tom Allen, Lorene Lewison, and Dan Schoepf. Pray earnestly that we might find the right persons for these roles. If you have any input or questions, please contact John Messer (john@calvaryonline.org).
Leadership Board Nominations
Calvary’s Leadership Board is a group of lay leaders who meet on a monthly basis to oversee the work of the church from the "30,000 foot level" (the altitude for most commercial flights). Their job is to review and determine why the church exists, to set boundaries for me (Dan) and the staff in accomplishing that mission, and to hold me accountable for that. They also must stay in touch with the Lord, the staff, the congregation, and those not yet connected with God in our community.
The present board is comprised of Tom Allen, Bruce Arentson, Barrie Barlow, Larry Emmert, Dan Martin, Nate Orvis, Dave Schmidt, Rob Solt and Dan Schoepf. Rob and Barrie have come to the end of their terms. The nominating committee will be receiving suggestions for new members. Forms to make such suggestions are available at the information center.
The Firebird
Several have been asking about the restoration of the ’68 Firebird. It is moving ahead well, or so I am being told! Most of the old car went out of the shop in buckets (filled with rust)! I have had many dreams about it, and I’m not sure what that means. But, thanks again! It is like a resurrection!
Dan Schoepf is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church.
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