Calvin Caller May/June 2023
Reflecting God’s Image…
Putting your trust in God can be difficult when we don’t fully understand His plan. We want God to work things out according to our plan (and even ask for it in our prayers sometimes). Have you ever heard the saying, “We plan, God laughs”? We can take heart when we recognize that God is the one who is ultimately in control and His will shall prevail.
~ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
~ If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 15:14
~ Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28
How well do you model obedience even when life does not make sense?
God intends our lives to be filled with joy, peace, goodness, and so much more. Life, as God intended it for his children, is the life of dreams fulfilled, promises kept, and relationships enjoyed. Our heavenly Father, who loves us completely and generously, supplies all that we need. Thank you Lord!
~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
~ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
~ Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
What is your life filled with at this moment?
As we listen for God, we will be more in tune with His leading in our life. God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks through His Word and through the Holy Spirit. He also speaks through wise people in our lives, and through situations we encounter.
~ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
~ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Are you listening attentively for God’s voice? How has He spoken to you recently?
God is in control and has a plan for your life. Sometimes it may feel like we are holding on for dear life and it may be easy to fall away from our faith. These are the times when we especially need to hold on tight to God’s Word and trust in Him. There is so much in this life that we do not understand, but it is comforting to know that one day it will be made clear.
~ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
~ Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Corinthians 16:11
~ The Lord is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on Him in truth. Psalms 145:18
When things are a mess, do you believe that God is still in control?
Let us thank God for His never-failing grace that does not treat us as our sins deserve. Once we have understood the depths of God’s grace, we want others to know it too. We all have opportunities to share how God’s grace has been poured out abundantly in our lives.
~ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
~ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
~ For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Have you shared with others recently the grace you have experienced?
Prayer is an essential part of our Christian life. Jesus modeled for us what it meant to be faithful in prayer. Even if you sometimes don’t have the words to say, just speak from the heart and He will listen. The special relationship between you and God is important and you should take part in it every day. Then watch it grow!
~ Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
~ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you… James 4:8
What/Who do you need to pray for today?
We tend to wander from God’s truth. We need people in our lives who love us enough to confront us and redirect our bad behavior. Also, to guide us beyond our fears to discover how God might want to use us in His kingdom work. Wise friends are truly a gift from God.
~ All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. Isaiah 53:6
~ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
~ Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 19:20
Do you have a “wise” friend? If so, thank them today! How could you be a “wise” friend?
We have all been equipped by God with gifts for service in ministry. Every one of us is on a mission field and prepared by God to face that calling. Whatever gift God has equipped you with is for a purpose. Try new ways to use your gifts to serve God and bless others.
~ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
~ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
What are your gifts? Are you using your gift(s)? Are you neglecting your gift(s)?
We were made to worship. We were created to praise God. “All my attention, affection and all my devotion’s for You. If everybody’s worshipping something, I Choose You” (song by Point of Grace from 2004). Praise brings us in tune with God.
~ He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all my heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
~ It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ Romans 14:11
~ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6
With so much fighting for our attention in this life, who/what are you worshipping?
May we learn to trust and obey, be joyful, listen, believe, be thankful, pray, be wise, use our gifts, and choose God.
Jesus said… “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Keep this close to our heart.
~ Vickie Curtis, Administrative Assistant
P.S. This may sound familiar since I did revamp this article from November 2015. I thought I would help Pastor Mark out as his schedule has been quite full.
Faithful Family Verse of the Month
We use a designated verse(s) in some way during worship on a monthly basis. Our hope is that this verse(s) will go home with you and be in your heart and mind during each month.
You will find our monthly verse in the bulletin, on the website and used in various ways during the month. Let’s keep digging into God’s Word together.
Verse for May: 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Verse for June: Joshua 22:5
“…But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Children & Youth Ministries…
Save the Dates:
Sunday, May 21: Kid’s Church outdoors
Tuesday, June 20: Bonfire Night
Wednesday, June 21: Middle School Cedar Point Trip
Sunday, June 25: Kid’s Church outdoors
Wednesday, June 28: Meet up at Ross Park Playground (10am-12pm)
Watch the weekly bulletin and Facebook for details on these summer events!
Hearts & Hands…
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galations 6:10 (NIV)
We were blessed to have a wonderful group of fifteen women at our April meeting. It was so good to see those who were vacationing in warmer climates returning, and we are grateful to have new members who are continuing to join us.
Thank you to all of you who contributed to our Easter bags for Special Friends and to those who helped us deliver them. They were filled with many goodies and brought much joy to those who received them!
We would like to express a special thank you to Barb Bartkowiak. She has donated many crossword puzzle books which make a great addition to our get well baskets.
Due to the generosity of our pickleball players, we were able to approve the following donations for March and April:
♥ Muskegon Rescue Mission (Easter Meal Program) Program)
♥ Salvation Army (Easter Meal Program)
♥ Supper House (paper supplies and food)
♥ Resonate Global Mission (assisting the work of CRC missionaries)
♥ Calvin Kids Activity Bags (updating and adding additional activities that would stay in the bags for continued use) A big thank you goes out to Bonnie Meengs who has faithfully put together and updated these bags for the last eight years!
Our next meeting will be held on May 8, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. in the Fireside Room. We always welcome new members and would love to have you join us!
~ Antje Waldo, Secretary
Fellowship News…
We have a Mother’s Day Breakfast and a Father’s Day Breakfast planned along with special gifts for both. Mark your calendar and make sure to join us!
Anyone who may want to lend a hand with both or either breakfast, please get ahold of Vern. Maybe you are considering joining the Fellowship team? Please see Vern. Then, be prepared to have a lot of fun in the kitchen!
~ Vern Borgman, Chair
Calvin’s Household Pantry Needs…
Each month Calvin hosts at least one Household Pantry for people who have been homeless and are moving into a new home, have lost everything to a fire, or have to relocate due to domestic violence. There are many reasons a person has been without a home and the items needed for daily living. Love INC interviews the guests, checks a list of items they need, then refers them to us. Each pantry requires 4 volunteers, 2 to greet people and assist with placing items in their vehicle and 2 downstairs to assemble the items needed.
Our pantry is looking for MORE VOLUNTEERS! Several of our volunteers have had to step away recently due to health reasons. The job is pretty simple, very rewarding, easily learned, and only takes a couple hours every couple of months. Could this be you?
If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer, please contact Dee Scott or Anita Hasper.
The pantry is also in need of the following items to stock shelves:
Bath, hand, kitchen towels and dishcloths, potholders
Good condition twin & queen sheets
Good condition twin, full and queen comforters, blankets, blanket throws
Kitchen appliances – crockpots, toasters, electric skillets, coffee makers, etc.
Kitchen flatware for eating, sharp knives
Harder to get items like curtains, floor rugs
You may place your donations downstairs right outside of the elevator. Thank you!
~ Dee Scott, Co-Chair
Among Ourselves…
2023 College Graduates…
Cameron Beisel – Grand Valley State University – Bachelor’s degree in Business
Reece Butrick – West Virginia University – Master’s degree in Sports Management
Lauren Dethloff – Calvin University – Psychology degree
Emily Dirkse – Hope College – Computer Science degree
Katie Dirkse – Hope College – Major in Social Studies
and her Minor in History for Secondary Education
Ashlyn Lane (granddaughter of Mary) – Muskegon
Community College – Nursing degree
2023 High School Graduates…
Jessica Eenigenburg – Western Michigan Christian
Hannah Geoghan – Mona Shores
Mia Geoghan – Mona Shores
Casey Gould – Western Michigan Christian
Bradey Grimm – Western Michigan Christian
Tyler Hewitt (grandson of Ted & Darlene/great-grandson of Betty) – Mona Shores
Directory Info…
• If you have changes (address, phone, email, etc.) during the year, please let Vickie know and updates will be put in this section of the bi-monthly Calvin Caller (but will not be included in the Calvin Caller on the website).
• Have you updated your family photo recently? If your answer is yes, we would like to include it in our Online Directory! Please take a moment to email it to Vickie in the office at info@calvin-crc.org.
• The Online Church Directory is very user friendly! Call, text or send an email right from the app on your smartphone. Download the app and get started today! Call the office or stop in if you need instructions. Updated regularly.