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 Dan's October 2007 Update
Downpour
When I was a kid we had annual “revivals.” An articulate musician or magician or artist would combine an attention-getting “act” (similar to the signs and wonders of the book of Acts) with a clear message that challenged our personal relationship to God. There were vivid word pictures of hell, heaven, the cross—all of it. Any of you experience something like that? Those week-long events made a difference in my world, for a while.
In that same spirit I thought our fall emphasis on personal spiritual renewal would be refreshing and energizing. But, frankly, I am exhausted, again! You, too? Had enough? I think part of that feeling is related to those weeks focusing on God’s holiness, our brokenness, and the following repentance. Yes, I am exhausted (perhaps from eating too many glazed donuts J) but I am tired with a genuine smile on my face, a new anticipation of what God has around the corner.
Thanks much for joining me on this journey. Don’t drop out! And keep praying for a continual, sustained downpour.
“Spiritual Endurance Training”
Does it ever cross your mind that we spend a lot of time “performing” and very little time “practicing”? If we are ever to be productive in our world, that cannot continue! Next week we start a series that emphasizes activities we can practice during our “work-outs”. They will help us gain power to live life as Jesus taught and modeled it.
Connected?
This coming Sunday, October 7, is the GroupLink event where we are going to help folks find a new small group (at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel). That kind of community is part of our DNA here at Calvary.
Have you picked up a copy of “Point B”? This brand new communication tool celebrates the stories and milestones of Calvary Church. Also, check out the redesigned web page, www.calvaryonline.org. You can download a podcast of the weekend teaching or check out the weekend program.
And I know several guys who secretly read Joanne Arentson’s weekly email to women (I do!). I wonder what crazy part of life will be the object of intrigue and humor next week? Sign up by contacting Joanne at joanne@calvaryonline.org.
Rebuilding Together Muscatine Last call!!
On Saturday, October 6 (this weekend!) we want to come alongside this community effort to remodel four houses! So the team can properly assign jobs, provide adequate food, and order t-shirts, please sign up asap! Call the church office (263.3367) if you have not yet visited the info table. We need 100 willing people of all skill levels to pull this off! What an opportunity!
Membership Class
I will be leading a new format for those interested in joining the team we call Calvary Church That will happen on Sunday, October 14, at 10:30 a, in the former Rent-a-Center space (right next to our main building). Any person who is approaching age 16 or older is invited. The process has been significantly streamlined. We will also be serving lunch for the class and their families after the class—a chance to interact with some of the staff. Please sign up at the Information Center or email Linda Jones at linda@calvaryonline.org.
Some News Briefs
One of the “favorite sons” of Muscatine and Calvary folks, Dr. Warren Webster, went to his heavenly home on August 15, 2007, following a brief battle with cancer and pneumonia. He spent some early years here while his father, Vance, was pastoring. Dr. Webster was a missionary statesman and former General Director of WorldVenture. He gave leadership to what was then CBFMS, now WorldVenture, one of Calvary’s major mission partners, from 1971 to 1993.
And, while thinking internationally, have you heard that Andy and Jody Landers are in the process of adopting two siblings from Sierra Leone? Check out the fascinating details at landersadoption.blogspot.com.
Financial Peace University—last minute!
The next Financial Peace University classes will start October 3 (Wednesday) and October 7 (Sunday). Contact Brad Janowski at brad@calvaryonline.org if you would like to sign up. The cost is $90 per kit (one kit per person or couple).
Broaden your world view?
Perspectives will adjust your vision--a vision to mobilize and equip people of God to live a life of passion and purpose as Jesus did. Calvary Church will be hosting the Perspectives course January 14 - May 5, 2008. A brochure and class application will be available soon.
Dan Schoepf is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church.
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