calvarytalkVolume 1, Issue 3

Summer 2015

MissionsStrategic Relationships

Focus on New York City18.

Off Campus Ministry

CRU Military04.

Calvary’s Awana ProgramA Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

20.

A Heritage of the LordCalvary’s Preschool Department

11.

Gentleness & RespectI Peter 3:15

17.

If you would like to contribute, please contact

Alan Smith.706-322-1491alansmith@

calvaryministries.com

New Membersand Baptisms

28.

calv

ary

talk Creative Arts Pastor,

Chief EditorAlan Smith

Art DirectorLaura Atterbury

Graphic EditorBecky Smith

Contributing WritersJune WilhiteVickie Dort

Beth BrittonChris Sharpe

Ashley BrunerDr. Ricky SmithDr. Don Wilhite

Ryan PearseCassie WaltersFred MarshallMichael King

Norman DrummondFrank Bowden

PhotographersKen BrantleyRyan PearseAlan Smith

Dr. Ricky SmithMichael King

Sara Ketcham

If you would like to contribute contact Alan Smith.

706-322-1491

alansmith@calvaryministries.com

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5 Things to doWith Your KidsThis SummerAshley Bruner

Upcoming EventsJune, July, August

29.

Alive Together With HimNorman Drummond

25.

Military WifeMentors MinistryBeth Britton

09.

Happy Independence DayJune Wilhite

07.

Off Campus MinistryRyan Pearse

04.

10. 12.Seeking Soldiersfor Christ and CountryFred Marshall

Columbus Christian Counseling CenterA Ministry of Calvary Baptist

23.

Husbands... Fathers...PastorYour HomeFrank Bowden

17.

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Grilling TipsMichael King

Missions: StrategicRelationship Focus on New York CityChris Sharpe

The Walking DeadBook ReviewDr. Don Wilhite

15. 18. 26.

Calvary’s Awana ProgramA Little Bit of Heaven on Earth20.

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Written byRyan Pearse

The 18-30 year olds are arguably the most forgottenage range in the church today. Unfortunately, mostof the time this age range forgets about the church as the church forgets about them. A lotof the time high schoolers graduate high school,leave the church, and never return. Calvary, however,is committed to ministering to the Young Adults in this church and in the Chattahoochee Valley.Along with being the Young Adults Pastor at CalvaryBaptist Church, I also wear a couple other hats in the ministry world. I am a Chaplain in the Georgia Army National Guard. One weekend a month and two weeks a year I am able to minister to the service members of my battalion as their Chaplain. Additionally, I am the Director for CRU Military on Fort Benning(CRU is formerly Campus Crusade for Christ). In thisrole I am able to minister to soldiers on Fort Benningin a variety of ways. Seventy-five percent of the Army is in the “young adult” age range. Because of this, by ministering to soldiers, we are ministeringto the young adults in the community.

CRU is a Christian, inter-denominational, evangelical ministry that was founded in 1951 by Bill Bright. Originally CRU started out on college campusesbut has since grown exponentially to many otherministries. Currently CRU has 20,000 missionariesworldwide. CRU’s current ministry to Fort Benningis comprised of over 20 volunteers who teachBible studies to nine Basic Training Battalions on Fort Benning every Sunday. There are ten Basic Training Battalions on Fort Benning, and by the summer of 2015, we will be teaching in all ten. In 2014, CRU Military at Fort Benning shared the Gospelwith 9,435 Basic Training soldiers with 725 soldierscoming to faith in Jesus Christ. And all God’s peoplesaid, “Amen!!” Since this ministry is expanding,the current projections have these numbersincreasing by about 50% in 2015. At the beginningof 2014 there were an average of about 100

Off-Campus MinistryCRU Military

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soldiers a week coming to Bible studies. Now there are over 200 soldiers attending Biblestudies weekly. God is truly blessing this ministry.

CRU is commonly known as a “para-church organization.” Because of its uniqueness, CRU Military has unprecedented access to do ministry with soldiers on Fort Benning. Given the current religious climate in the military the local church cannot gain the type of access that a para-church organization can. This is especially true with CRU because of its great reputation among the military. CRU Military is doing ministry with soldiers that the local church and the active duty chaplains cannot do. While chaplains may be busy doing more military-specific tasks, a para-churchorganization can fill the void of ministry that is left. Furthermore, there are chaplains that are endorsed by another religion rather than a Protestant religion.In these cases, chaplains will not be able to evangelicallyminister to Protestant soldiers. This is where a para-church organization comes in. Ultimately CRU

Military has permission to do ministry because the chaplains and their commanders allow us to be there. I ask that you pray that the relationships between CRU and the active duty chaplains and commanders remain strong well into the future.

A couple weeks ago during Sunday School there were at least five of our regular attenders gone. I could not have been happier that they were not in Sunday School. “Why,” you ask? Because we knew exactly where each one was, and we knew they were doing the ministry of the Kingdom away from the church. They happened to be somewhere in Columbus or Fort Benning doing ministry outside the walls of Calvary Baptist Church. There are a varietyof ministries in which a person can get involved right here at Calvary, but there are also a variety of ministries that need laborers throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. One of these ministries is CRU Military.

Of the over twenty volunteers that comprise CRU

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Military, almost two-thirds of them come from CalvaryBaptist Church. I want to take this opportunity to thank those many volunteers from Calvary and from the other churches involved. This ministry could not happen without you. We want to invite you to think and pray about getting involved in a ministry off campus; whether that is CRU Military or some otherministry. Jesus never “set up shop” at one place and expected people to always come to Him. There were times in His ministry that He was inundated by large crowds but there were also many times in His ministry where He needed to make the effort to go to the masses to speak forth His Father’s Word.

We cannot always expect people to come to us. We must be willing to go to them. We are not called to be stagnant and always expect to have people come to the church. The local church is of the utmostimportance but it has ministry limitations in certain situations. One limitation it has is access to Fort Benning. CRU Military bridges the gap from the localchurch to the military. CRU Military is an amazing

resource God has given us to be missionaries right here where we live. Will you join us in gettinginvolved in an off-campus ministry so that we can reach the Chattahoochee Valley for Christ?

In John 4:35, Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” In Luke 10:2, Jesus said,“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Thereforepray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” These words of Jesus have never been more true than in regard to our proximityand relation to Fort Benning. It is not only one of the largest military installations in the United States but in the entire world. Because of this, we believe God has given us an extraordinary ministry field right in our backyard, and we will answer to God one day if we squander this ministry opportunity. This ministry is local, national, and in some cases international. We can carry out The Great Commissionby simply driving down the road to Fort Benning.

There are a variety of ministries in which a person can get involved right here at Calvary, but there are also a variety of ministries that need laborers throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Written byJune Wilhite

July 4th, Independence Day! Fireworks! U.S. flags flying! Picnics and festivals! God Bless America, land that I love! A day off from work! Pledging allegiance – One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all!

It was 1960. I was in the eighth grade. Schools in our country put forth a challenge for students to write an essay on freedom and independence. The final contest winner had entitled her essayFreedom is Not Free. Since then we’ve heard that phrase many times. It’s profoundly true!

Defining the words – independence and freedom – is akin to defining the word love. These two words mean different things to different people and are appliedin various situations. Some synonyms include– individuality, self-sufficiency, self-government,liberation, choice, sovereignty, and lack of restrictions. Of course with every freedom we have responsibilities. For every treasure, there is a price to be paid.

What are we celebrating each year on Independence Day? It’s important to remember the historic event that led to our establishment as a free nation. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen States of America unanimouslydeclared independence from Great Britain and its usurping and absolute despotic king. The foundersformulated the Declaration of Independence by first explaining the declaration’s creed of truths. These include God given rights, such as equalityof mankind and limited rule of government. They also described numerous oppressive events thatled them to this commitment to separation.

With this declaration came a pledge – “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” These were high prices, much of which, indeed, was paid. Through the years there have continuedto be high prices paid for our freedoms.

The prize(s) of freedom (celebrated so minimally in many countries) include: the right to choice of education, career, and business pursuits; the right to own property, to travel, to worship in the church of our choice; the right to govern one’s own family; the right to speak our own opinions via voice, press, and mass media; the right to protect our property and family; and last but not least, the right to vote.

It is a shame to have such wonderful freedoms and not recognize their value to our society.

Happy Independence Day!

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It is a shame not to take advantage of such treasured freedoms. Yet there is a more worthy freedom, one of eternal value, which many people have been offered, yet ignored, rejected, or simply have passively procrastinated taking hold of it. This freedom IS FREE should you choose to accept it. The only requirement is your choice.

“If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” John 8:36

Paul wrote to the Galatian church, “You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14

The Son of God, Jesus Christ the Messiah, set us free from the penalty of sin when He allowed evil men to nail Him to a cross. HE PAID the price of our freedom with His sacrificial blood. He was the only one worthy to be our sacrificial Lamb because He was perfect, withoutsin, unblemished. When we repent of our sin and receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, God adopts us into His eternalfamily. We are saved from the penalty of our sin by God’s grace. Hestands ready to completely forgive whatever we have done.

Once we are His, He wants us to grow to know Him more intimately. He wants us to commune with Him in prayer, and to read His words in the Bible.

“Prayer is our mightiest weapon. When Assyria besieged Jerusalemcausing King Hezekiah to cry out to God on behalf of his people, He sent an angel that slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. Hezekiah’s prayer was twice as explosive as the atomic bomb!!” –Lee E. Thomas.

Are we truly using the God-givenweapon of prayer? Effective prayermust be prayed in His will, coupledwith our love and compassion,plus trust, persistence, and zeal. We must train ourselves to use the weapon of prayer. A soldier for Christ knows Him, studies His word, and uses it

along with prayer as powerfulweapons against the Enemy.

Whatever exciting mental picturesyou see as you think of Independence Day, be sure to remember the countless costs that have been paid for this indepen-dence we celebrate. It is a cost that will never end as long as we cling to the value of our independence.

But a more precious freedom is ours if we choose it. Its price has been paid once and for all by the One and Only who was counted worthy to pay the price. Choose life. Choose Jesus – the Giver of life everlasting!

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Mili

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Sitting in church, surrounded by my children, I'm so thankful that my parents sit on the row with us. My mother, Darlene Warden, graceful-ly helps hold tired toddlers or passes out pens for the big kids to take notes. When my mother was a young mother herself, she didn't have the help that I do. She lived far from family and would have to reach out to other older women to fill the gap. My father was in the Army, and moving was always tough on her. She handled it well, but was grate-ful when it came time to settle down in one place. Her years of experi-ence as a military wife left her sensitive to the needs of the many mili-tary families that she saw coming in and out of the doors of Calvary.

In 2013, she and my father met with Jeff to discuss what they could do for those families. Calvary had just hosted a large conference for mili-tary wives. As a result, Jeff discovered that many of the women really desired mentors, older women who could help them with the prac-tical and spiritual hardships of the military life. From this meeting, the Military Wife Mentors Ministry sprang to life. Not only did it grow, but it blossomed into something that is truly impacting the church.

During the ministry's short existence, the mentors team have formed bonds with many ladies. They have held baby showers, wedding showers, and even farewell parties. This small group of women seem to be a huge force of change in the church, working hard to give the transient militarywives a place to feel connected. Darlene Warden, Re-nee Hernandez, Roisin McConnell, and Joyce Stryker are truly the backbone of this ministry, and deserve much praise.

“Uncle Sam gives and Uncle Sam takes away.” Let's make sure that when UncleSam sends a family to Calvary, they are able to leave this place better than when they arrived.

Written byBeth Britton

“[The Military Wife Mentors Ministry] has given me a place

to connect and belong. A place to share my passions and struggles and receive godly wisdom. It has given me the kind of friends

you hate to leave when the Army calls you away!”

~Cassi Walters

“This group of ladies made me feel so loved

and welcomed! When you move around all the time it is difficult finding the security

in a new church that make it ‘home.’ Because of these ladies I found that ‘home’ security in Calvary

Baptist.” ~Judy Dawson

“From homesick and feeling out of place to a sense of belonging and sisterhood, the Military Wife Mentors group reaffirmed my belief in Christ’s love for me and in the importance of fellowship. I had minimized my loneliness and downplayed my need for time spent with other military wives before I became a part of this group. I was floored by the positive impact this group had on me, and on my

faith. I will forever be thankful for these ladies. They were my home-away-from-home.” ~Danielle Boone

“ T h e group gave me

a home and extended family that you miss living

away from your actual family. It was a place to be yourself and be

loved, accepted and encouraged. And…friends that make it hard to say ‘see ya laters’ to. Benning was our 4th duty station and the only one that was incredibly hard to leave!!

It still stinks to not be there!” ~Meghan Speris

5Things to do With YourKidsThisSummer

Visit Oxbow Meadows (oxbow.columbusstate.edu)

Callaway Gardens (callawaygardens.com)

Auburns Forest Ecology Preserve (wp.auburn.edu/preserve)

The Rock Ranch (therockranch.com)

Ice Skating (columbusicerink.org)

Historic Westville (www.westville.org)

Take advantage of Family Film Fest at the National Infantry Museum’s IMAX theater. Check out the schedule at the Patriot Park IMAX theater where they are showing free movies on certain days and times in June and July. (nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax)

Carmike Theaters also offers discounted movies at their Summer Kids Series on Thursdays. It’s just $4.00 for admission,popcorn and a Coke product. (carmike.com/events)

Make Roads all over the house with painters tape and add matchbox cars.

Playdoh will save the day (make it a game).

Make cookies for neighbors (teach service).

2. Get Adventurous

3. Get Artistic

1. Get Wet

Submitted byAshley Bruner

Visit the super kid friendly Psalmond Road Pool (6550 Psalmond Road)

Take advantage of the splash pads in Uptown Columbus (10th Street & Bay Avenue) and Idle Hour Park (900 Airport Road, Phenix City)

Put swimsuits on the kids and turn them loose in the back-yard/driveway with some paintand paper (sidewalk chalk is great too)!

Worried about the ground? Make clean up easy and put a vinyl tablecloth down and clean the kids up by hosing them off or letting them run through the sprinkler!

Pack a picnic and go play at one of the many parks in the city, and invitefriends to meet you there. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen and bug spray!

The playground behind the Macon Road Library is the BEST!

4. Get Playful

5. Get Out of the Rain

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Psalm 127:3 says “Children are a heritage of the Lord…”(NKJV) We have all heard this scripture multiple times and maybe even chanted it to ourselves when we have a baby crying while trying to get dinner on the table, or a toddler who gets into the markers and makes a new wall painting. Children are an amazing blessing and responsibility. They make us so proud and frustrated all at the same time. They consume so much of our attention, thoughts, time, and love that it is no wonder we want and pray for the best for each of them. The Calvary preschool department understands this andworks hard to provide the best care possible for our children.

The preschool department is directedby Mrs. Elaine Thompson. She has been working as the head of the Calvary preschool ministry for 20 years. Beforethat she worked 18 years in the preschool department and as the church pianist. Clearly she has abundant experience and wisdom in leadershipand with children. If you have been at Calvary for any length of time, you know Mrs. Elaine. She is the one cooing over the new babies, complimentingthe adorable toddlers, and noticing how much your preschooler has grown. Most importantly, she is monitoring all the classrooms to make sure there are enough volunteers to take care of all those “sweet babies!” On any given Sunday we have about 80 children in the preschool department at Calvary, ranging in age from newborn to 5 years old. It takes at least 63 volunteers throughout the morning to provide adequate care for all those kiddos.The job is big, but Mrs. Elaine says she does it because she wants “…very much to serve God by helping each of our children to know that we love them and that God loves them. Each child is a one-of-a-kind original.”

A Heritage of the LordWritten byCassi Walters

If you walk around the preschool department and talk to the volunteers you will hear all sorts of reasons why people started and continue to volunteer. Mrs. Linda Gilmer has been working with Calvary’s preschoolersfor over 34 years because “My children were in preschool and then - as it is now - there was a need for workers. It is a blessing to me to be around these sweet creations of God and to get to know their familiesas well.” Leah Taylor started in the preschool departmentabout 5 years ago because she wanted to serve and she “enjoys just seeing those sweet faces.” Jackie Hopkins, Cindy Hancock and Lisa East work in the 9-18 month classroom during the Sunday School hour. They have

more than 70 years combined service in the Calvary preschool department. Jackie started working in the nursery at the old location when she had children, because at that time all the moms rotated through the nursery. She continues to faithfully and lovingly serve. Cindy and Lisa love children, and you can see the joy on their faces when each child is dropped off to their class. Jennifer Little has worked with the lively 2 year olds for about 2 years. She loves how excited they get when learning about God and watching them grow and change throughout the year.

These are only small samplings of the love and dedication that evident throughout the preschool department. Mrs. Elaine says the primary concern in the classroom,

is of course safety; but, beyond that this is one of the places children begin to learn about Jesus and to start their walk with Him. Our children grow and change fast. It is important they get the love and support they need, not only from us as parents, but also from oth-er Godly men and women. You can rest assured that Calvary strives to provide this for our children everytime they walk into the preschool department!

Mrs. Elaine Thompson. directs the preschool de-partment. She has been working as the head of the Calvary preschool ministry for 20 years.

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Members in the military have a different set of challenges than those in the civilian world, issues which are often unappreciated by those not facing them. In addition to the uncertainty of how long a tour of duty may last and where the next one will take them, there are the family dynamics of moving on a fairly regular basis, adjusting to new surroundings, and adapting to seemingly constant change. Add to those the concerns about global unrest, never-ending wars and the creeping possibility of a sudden de-ployment to the far corners of the world, and you quickly realize that our brothers and sisters in uniform have hurts to be healed and needs to be met as much as anyone else, if not more so.

Our lead pastor, Jeff Struecker, has both expressed and demonstrated a firm commitment to minister to our military families at Fort Benning and in the Chattahoochee Valley. In his and Pastor Ryan Pearse's time so far at Calvary, we have traveled on post to share our love and support for our troops on multipleoccasions. It seems like a small thing to give up the cherished Sundayafternoon nap to go knocking on doors on post to talk to people about what Jesus did at Calvary two thousand years ago, and what He is doing at Calvary today. But imagine having an interac-tion with a soldier, perhaps sharing the Gospel with him, and

Seeking SoldierS

for ChriStand Country

Written byFred Marshall

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inviting him to church and Bible study class the following Sunday. Maybe he makes the most important decision of his life in choosing to followChrist, if not now, in the next week or two. Suppose the Holy Spirit further convicts him to enterthe ministry as a chaplain, where he will potentially influence hundreds of his fellow soldiers for the Lord, possibly around the world. Picture him somedaytaking a stand for the truth that may cost him his career, his life, everything. The world would call this foolhardy. Jesus called it building the kingdom. The role you played in bringing him (and indirectly many others) into the kingdom would be known in sports as an assist. In God's eyes it was planting and watering seeds, so He could grow the harvest. The possibility that this might not be a typical result for your efforts is hardly justification for not making

them. We are to go and make disciples, to sow the seeds of love, spreading the Gospel far and wide.

Meanwhile, the declining morale in the armed serviceswe've seen in the last several years has as much a spiritual component as a political one. No country's spiritual problem has a political solution. The same can be said of its military. We can do something about this.

The cultural war being fought in this countryis even more acute in the military, because the military has long been a Petri dish for social engineering. Christians in particular are beingmarginalized and, to some extent persecuted for living their faith while serving our country.Just as believers should not separate their worldviewfrom their work, neither can those in the military.Because we are challenged in Scripture to work heartily as to the Lord for our earthly masters, Christians, whether military or civilian, should be the absolute best workers among their peers.

If we don't reach out to our military,

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elsewhere, the world is trying to drive God out of the military. We cannot allow that to happen.Ungodly leaders in any country can be kept in check by a military with moral, godly men in command.When that ceases to be the case, history has proventhat those same leaders become more bold in their quests for power. Soldiers with a consciencedo not readily become tools of tyrants.

We have a moral duty to our military families, becausein ministering to them in small ways, we are in a very real way helping them corporately on a grander scale. Those of us who either are or have been in the militarymade the choice to risk dying for our country, actingunder the authority of leaders who sometimes have hidden agendas. Those of us who are Christians made the decision that we are willing to die for Jesus, serving our heavenly Father, whose motives are pure.Christians should think BIG, as we serve a BIG

limitless God. With much prayer, we can conceivablyturn this country around by turning the militararound, keeping it from falling further. Let us love and serve our countrymen, if for no other reason than to obey Jesus' words to love one another as He first loved us, a commandment which has no military exception.

the consequences of such neglect can actually be dire, allowed to reach their conclusion. Imagine our church family, God forbid, emotionally detachingitself from Fort Benning. Over time, lack of outreachwould show a coldness that the body of Christ should never exhibit. The feeling of isolation from those who are supposed to embody love and compassionwould gradually drive a wedge between us. "Those Christians and church-goers say they care, but they sure don't show it," the world has told them.

At some point, when the crisis of decision comes for those being given orders that are unconstitutional, unethical and immoral by their superiors, because we weren't the moral compass and Godly influence in their lives, they will simply carry them out. Our neglect will then come home to roost, as we may very well sufferthe consequences of those orders in some form or another. Will they even know (or act on) the verse in Acts 5:29, "we ought to obey God rather than men"?This may sound far-fetched to some, but high-ranking military officials have been relieved of duty fordisagreeing with the directionthe military is being taken.Christian chaplains are beingthreatened and disciplined because of their faith. As it has done in schools and

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Grilling TipsSubmitted byMichael King

As the pages fall off the calendar, we get closer and closer to that magical time of year we call summer. I don’t know about you, but for me, nothing says summer quite like turning up the stereo, cleaning off the patio, and doingsome good old fashioned grilling.

Nothing, and I mean nothing says summer to me quite like steaks and burgersoff the grill. Now, while I am sure all of you are amazing grill masters in your own right, here are a couple tips to maybe enhance your time with the coals (or gas) and make it even more beneficial.

Clean Your GrillDon't be lazy and think that the sticky remains from the last time you grilled are going to give you some added flavor. Invest in a grill brush. They’re not that expensive. And make sure you clean before you grill not after. Get the grill hot. Scrub and scrape it. It will give the heat betteraccess to your meat and will result in a better grill - guaranteed.

Room Temperature There is a much longer “trip to done-ness” when you slap a piece of meat on the grill right out of the fridge, and remember the longera piece of meat is on the grill the dryer it will be, no exceptions.So take your meat out of the fridge about an hour beforehand tominimize cooking time and maximize juiciness.

SaltSalt is your best friend when grilling, and salting early is way betterthan salting late. While this may be the opposite of what you read on some food blogs or see on cooking shows, try it once and you will see that applying a liberal amount of salt about an hour beforegrilling is going to do wonders. Salt will pull out some importantwater-soluble proteins that will give you a better sear that resultsin that beautiful dark outside that we all want so badly.

Grill DryNow I know it is popular to throw some Dale’s Sauce or what have you on a steak and then throw it on the grill, but lets think about what you’re doing. You are adding a layer of water that is just blockingthe heat from getting to the meat. Like a raincoat, the water, or any otherliquid, is going to prevent your steak or burger or whatever from gettingthe pounding of thermal goodness that it needs to be properly cooked. So think ahead. If you want to use a wet marinade, do it a few hours ahead of time. Then, before you grill, get all the excess liquid off the meat. If you have done your job right, and used the right amount of salt, that marinade will have gotten way down in the meat producinga better tasting steak, and a better cooked steak.

Have FunThis is probably the most important tip I can give you. Grilling and cooking in general is meant to be a community project. It is supposed to be fun. If it feels like work, you’re doing it wrong. So light up the grill, invite over some friends, get some good tunes going and enjoy your time. Nothing brings us togetheras people quite like food, and that is really the way it is meant to be.

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Rub Recipe

Now I'm not going to give you my rub recipe. I think that would be cheat-ing and missing out on half the fun. I am going to give you a rub recipe, and then you can get adventurous and make it your own. You will notice a few things about this recipe:

1. It makes 2 cups of rub. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will keep practically forever. Well, may-be not forever, but a long time, okay?

2. It contains salt. Do not be deceived; this is not the salt we talked about ear-lier. That salt should be long gone by the time we apply this rub, if you took your meat out early and applied salt then, it will have dissolved into the meat and you won’t have to worry about a salty taste.

3. It has the potential to be spicy. Use as little or as much as you want, but be wary, the reason you are eating steak or burgers is because of the meat first. We want that flavor to be prevalent. This rub can get pretty bold if you use too much.

1/2 cup paprika 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper 5 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons garlic powder 3 tablespoons onion powder 6 tablespoons salt 2 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano 2 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme

Shake to combine and you are well on your way to some pretty flavorful steaks.

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Does your life produce the necessaryevidence to be convicted of beinga Christian? This commonly usedapologetics question comes to life in1 Peter 3:15. As the increasing threatof persecution becomes more of a reality, the opportunity for the Christ-follower to live out the Gospelwill increase. The critical starting point,according to 1 Peter 3:15, is the heart!

The heart-felt submission to Christ as King spurs one on toward actions that hold His name in the highest regard. The fear of the Lord and the Lordship of Christ will rule and define one’s actions and intentions. The motivationto share the Gospel, and the enduranceto withstand persecution are rooted in a sincere passion for Christ and His Word. Since it is His love that compels and saves us, we should be driven to share Jesus with love.

Being able to share Jesus calls for preparation. Every believer should be a student of the Word, and be aware of culture. The defense that Peter mentions is similar in verbiageto a legal defense offered to a judge. Our life and words should be so convincing and solid in our positionthat our faith can be defended.

Many extremists damage our name by their conduct in a failure to recognizethe spirit of our defense, as describedin 1 Peter 3:15. Defending withgentleness and respect does not accom-modate physical attacks, abuse, etc.The grace which we can communicateand exhibit is often the keyingredient that religions are missing.It is our grace and love that can compel people of other religionsto be open to the Gospel. Thisdoes not mean that Christians should be defenseless and quiet.This does not mean that Christiansshould be tolerant of all religions and sin to the extent that we do not stand for truth. It does mean that our words and methodsshould be covered with grace.

Written byFrank Bowden

We say at Calvary that men are to be the pastor of their home. So to our men who are husbands and fathers, what does it mean to be the pastor of your family? Relax, we are not saying you have to preach two sermons a week to the family in the living room! What we are talking about though, is your leadership. As you read through passages such as 1 Timothy 3, Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 11, you will see the thread of leadershipinterwoven through the role of the husband. Leadership simplymeans influence; therefore, a biblically based husband and/or father should influence his familyand your model for that influence,is Jesus. He puts it this way in Matthew 20:25-28,

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and

their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a

ransom for many.”

Men, imitate Christ. As the pastor of your family you are the spiritual servant leader of your family. As

Fathers…Husbands…Pastor Your Home

you pastor, be tuned in to your family’s needs; have concern for their spiritual welfare by seeking ways to help each member grow in their relationship with God. Yet also, your influence provides physical support; extends grace and offers encouragement. As the “tender warrior” you are also ready to protect, help and defend those entrusted by God to your care.

Being the pastor of your familyis a very high and holy calling that all of us men should take very seriously. Here are some practical keys to rightly influenceyour family for King Jesus:

- First, have a strong connectionwith your Heavenly Father. Leadingeffectively hinges on maintaining an intimate relationship with Jesus.

- Have balance in your commitments between work andfamily. They should never feel second best.

-Be proactive (not reactive) in spotting and responding to potential challenges that affect the welfare of each family member.

-Be a man of integrity. You should be the safest, most wise, and most respected man your family has ever known.

Gentleness & Respect

Written byDr. Ricky Smith

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15, ESV

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Many of us are familiar with the words of the Great Com-mission. We understand that we are all missionaries,and are directed to spread the message of Christ around the globe. The question is, on a more personal scale, how can I do that?

Our church has strategic locations and strategic relationships to accomplish the task of spreading Christ’s message on a global scale in a very efficient way. Close to home, we have regular mission trips to Ft. Benning, Georgia, which has a significant number of international service members receiving training. But Calvary also does mission trips to New York City. Some of us maybe turned off by the idea of going to New York City with its reputation for rude people literally running in all directions. However, for those that have been there, the reality is far different. New Yorkers do run, but largely because they don’t want to miss their train for work,

Strategic Relationships Focusing on

Written byChris Sharpe

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them

to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always,

to the end of the age’.” Matthew 16:18-20, ESV

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and they are very friendly people in a city that is surprisingly spiritually aware because of its multi-culturalinfluences.

The best example of this multi-culturalism is in the International Gateway of New York, also known as the Number 7 Subway, where each stop represents anothercountry, culture, and language. In fact, three of the biggest and most influential countries (Russia, China, and India) are represented along this stretch of subway.These people have been here for generations, with strong connections to their homelands. They have had children, born and raised here in the U.S. and are looking for ties here. We are using this as our focus in a strategic relationship with New City Church. The mission is simple: go to the children of all of the nationalities and talk about Christ. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

New City Church is a relatively small church that is working to make a big impact. The pastor is partneringwith the only two other English speaking churches in this area to reach as many people as possible. He’s also making sure that his church takes a leadership role in the community by serving on park committees and school boards. He believes in talking AND doing.

Last year, when our members went to work with New City Church, they were given the ability to work in food shelters, participate in prayer walks, and do park evangelism. They found that people were open and respectful when talking about Christ, but some had a “buffet style” religion where they read the Bible, followed the teachings of Buddha, etc. We were able to engage them in the truth of Christ. Just as impactful was being able to reach out to a community college professorthat had recently moved to the city, was a Christian, and was looking for a church. Through evangelism, she was linked up with the church, and now has a conduit to grow and share Christ with her students. This year, New City Church is putting on a fall event. Our goal is to help with this event and continue to help spread the influence of the church in reaching people’s lives forChrist.

For those beginning in the mission field, this is probablyone of the easiest missions on which to go. It is still in the U.S., so visas are not a problem and neither is the language. Also, the hotels and restaurants are familiar and help to alleviate any fears of travelling. The cost? Much cheaper than travelling to other countries.The NYC trip can cost anywhere from $800 - $1,000 depending on where and how much you eat and how many share your hotel room. Compare this to $5,000 to go to China for instance. All in all, it is a relatively inexpensive and exciting way to strategicallyreach a lot of nations and proclaim Christ.

Interested? Contact Ricky Smith to sign up.

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It is a typical Wednesday evening at Calvary. The midweek service is taking place in the Worship Center as hearts are stirred in worship and praise. A time-ly message from God's Word is shared with the Wednesday worshipers. Small groups meet for Bible study and fel-lowship. In the elementary school gym, the scene changes. Dozens of childrenare running, playing and shouting. It is not chaos. It is intentional and organized by caring adults. It is Awana!

What is Awana? The name, itself, is an acronym for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” based on II Timothy 2:15. “Be diligent to present yourself ap-proved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accuratelyhandling the word of truth.” Accordingto the official Awana website (www.

awana.org), “All young people have two things in common: they need God's salvation, and they love to have fun! Game time on the unique Awana Game Square really does build excitement

for learning God's Word.”

Jason and Sara Ketcham are the Commanders for Calvary's Awana program. Their input is a key resourcefor the content of this article. They have worked with Awana for fourteen years. Prior to becoming commanders this school year, they worked in the classroom with third through sixth grade students.

Awana is an organized and rewarding program that teaches children how to hide the Word of God in their hearts through Bible verse memorization. Each clubber receives a book based on their grade level that is divided into sections. The goal is to pass the sectioneach week. As the clubber memorizesthe verses, they recite them to volunteers. When the goals are

Calvary's Awana Program: A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

Written byVicki Dort

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reached, the clubber receives a reward in the form of badges that are worn on their vests or shirts. They are also rewarded with Awana bucks that are used a few times a year to purchase goodies from the Awana store. From week to week, there are theme nights when the clubber can dress up or bring an item. Most themes provide a framework for the game activities for the evening. The age range begins with the Cubbies(three to four years old) and ends with the T and T group (Truth and Training) for third through sixth grade. The kindergarten through second grade group is called Sparks.

The games are an integral part of the Awana program. The lines on the floor represent the four teams: Red, Blue, Green and Yellow. There are also a series of circles and squares that provide guidance for the kids and

enable them to play in a safe, organized manner The game timeleaders are Valerie and Jeffrey Figgins.Valerie grew up in our Awana program and now serves the clubbers of our church with her family. This is only one exampleof the many volunteers that it takes each week to make sure the kids have a great time, learn the Bible, and are equipped to share the Gospel with others.

Speaking of volunteers, Sara was very passionate about that subject. “We are always in need of volunteers. Each week we anticipate a certain number of students. However, we do not turn away visitors or new club members. With that being said, we have weeks where we could use more volun-teers than are available. We also try to place volunteers in areas of their interests and in their comfort

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zones. There are few volunteer positions that require preparationduring the week. Most of our volunteers just show up, listen to clubbers practice, recite their verses and have fun. It is truly the most rewarding hour and a half of the week. For the 2015-16 school year, we will have some volunteerpositions that will still allow for time to worship or attenda Bible study on Wednesday night.” The time slot is from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The Awana year is from August through May and mainly follows the school calendarof Muscogee school districts and Calvary Christian School.

“Then Jesus called for the childrenand said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children’.” (Luke 18:16, NLT) If you want to follow Jesus' example, let the children of Calvary and the Columbus area come to you and come to Jesus as well. Be an Awana volunteer! If the Kingdom of Heaven is anythinglike the atmosphere of Calvary'sAwana program and the childreninvolved, it will be joyful, exuberant and LOUD!

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Columbus Christian Counseling CenterA Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

The purpose of this article is to introduce you, the members of Calvary Baptist Church, to your very own private counselingcenter. The Columbus ChristianCounseling Center has been aministry of Calvary Baptist Churcsince the Center’s inception in 1996. This article will discuss the mission statement and statement of faith that form the theologi-cal framework of the counseling ministry, current staff and unique aspects of the Columbus ChristianCounseling experience.

Our mission is to assist individuals and families who needprofessionalguidance to copewith and overcome challenges which interfere with living a rich and full life. This is accomplished by focusing on the 4 pillars of the human foundation mentioned in the Scriptures: heart (emotional),soul (spiritual), mind (mental),and strength (physical).

We believe in one God, creatorand sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally

co-existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, inerrant and trustworthyWord of God, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of human beings and the final authority for all matters about which it speaks. We believehuman nature derives from two historical persons, male and female, created in God’s image.

physician/psychiatrist as they are not legally credentialed to prescribemedications. They are however welltrained and up to date on what is currently recommended. What you will find at the Columbus Christian Counseling Center is a friendly, highly qualified staff willing to devote time and attention to you in short notice. They purposefully maintain small caseloads which enable them to do this for you. You will find the atmosphere to be safe and comforting. So let’s take a moment to talk about who you will find at the counseling center.

Dr. Michael Martin is the PhD level clinician. He is credentialed through the state of Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselorand through the National Board of Certified Counselors. He is also a Board Certified ProfessionalChristian Counselor. Dr. Martingraduated from our very own Columbus State with an MS in Community Counseling, then attended Logos University for a Doctorate in Christian Psychology.Dr. Martin’s foundational approachis an Evangelical Christian world-view integrated with up-to-date psychological research to assistpeople in making sense of their world. He uses a variety of cognitivebehavioral techniques based on self perception and how world influences actually facilitates our sense of self perception.

Anne German is a redeemed believer in Jesus Christ who has discovered the healing power of God’s Word and His presence within her own life. As a wounded healer, God is using Anne to help others find healing. Now Anne has taken her passion for helpingothers from volunteer work to her career as a counselor and instructor.Anne spent over 30 years as a leader in the corporate world gain-ing knowledge in communicationsand leadership skills. She uses these skills along with her counsel-ing expertise for workshops and counseling offered in a variety of venues.

experience in its location. Thissection of Old Moon Road is not on the beaten path. You just about have to be going here to get here, but this helps to insure a client’s sense of privacy. Some of us are concerned about who sees where our car might be parked on occasion. As a member of CalvaryBaptist Church you will be hard pressed to find more affordable counseling serviceswithin the city limits. Your church membership at Calvary provides you the discountedrate of $50 per session and then you are responsible for only $25 as Calvary pays half the fee for its members. Previously cash or check payments were the only option,but PayPal is now available to those who wish to use their cards. Arrangements can also be made for billing insurance companies.

The Center is also unique in that we currently staff counseling clinicians– meaning we do not have a psychiatrist or psychologist on staff at this time. Some of us are a little concerned about medicationsbeing handed to us when what wereally wanted was to just have the conversation and think thingsthrough from a different perspective. Now this is not tosay that medications are notan important part of one’s health and well being, but it is to say that the clinicians at the CounselingCenter would refer you to a qualified

They were created perfect, but sinned, plunging themselves and all human beings into sin, guilt, suffering and death. We believe the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ and His bodily resurrectionprovide the only ground for justification, for forgiveness and salvation for all who believe, and only those who trust in Him alone are born of the Holy Spirit, are true members of the Church, and will spend eternity with Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration and renewal for believers in Jesus Christ. He makes the presence of Jesus Christ real in believers. He comforts, guides, convicts and enables believers to live in ways that honor Him. We believe ministry to persons acknowledges the complexity of humans as physical, psychological,social and spiritual beings. The ultimate goal of Christian counseling is to help others move to personal wholeness,interpersonal competence, mentalstability, and spiritual maturity.

There are several aspects that make the Columbus Christian Counselingexperience fresh and unique. First and foremost, it was created specifically for you, the Calvarymember. It is located on your church property, funded and housed under your ministerialumbrella.

This is a very unique counseling

Dr. Michael Martin is the PhD level clinician for the Columbus Christian Counseling Center.

Anne German is a counselor and instructor for the Columbus Christian Counseling Center.

“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13

What truths, revelations, or inspirational stuff are you still chewing on from the recent Easter season? The celebration of the resurrection always stirs our hearts and our heads. God the Father offered his Son to die in our place, and then Jesus conquered the grave. He was dead, but in death was able to become alive again. What’s more, while we ourselves were dead in sin, Jesus forgave us our sin, and made us alive with Him. How is that possible? How is any of it possible?

After a lengthy conversation, a friend of mine said he wanted to believe but could not take the step to follow Jesus until he was able to understand. Understand? If you could someday have the mind of God you would then understand. How is Jesus both the Great Shepherd and the Sacrificial Lamb? How is He seated at the right hand of the Father and living in me? A better question is: How can He suffer and die for my sin and my salvation and I not love Him?

Jesus cancelled our debt, took it out of the way and nailed it to the cross. That’s a little like a police officer taking my speeding ticket, ripping it up, then driving across state lines and burying it in the woods where no one can find it. It’s gone! It’s gone! Yes my sins are gone! He cancelled my debt, took it out of the way and nailed it to the cross. There is a lot about what Jesus accomplished that we may not fully understand. What we do understand is because He died for me, my sins are forgiven and I am now alive in Him.

Together with HIM

Written byNorman Drummond

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For the past five years there has been an amazingly populartelevision program called “The Walking Dead.” I only saw a coupleof episodes. It was not anenjoyable experience!

Let me give a disclaimer to this article: I am not a writer! In a conversation, the editor Alan Smith suggested that, because I read so many books, I might considerdoing a book review for the CalvaryTalk summer edition. He suggestedthat it might be an impetus that spurs some to read books more often. A good quote I once read was“the person who does not read is no better off than the person who cannot read.”

If I can encourage just one personto spend more time reading, especially good books, it will be worth this effort. I have said for 20 years that I was going to write a book once I retire. The title will be, The Funniest Thing Happened On The Way To Church. So, as a precursorto my memoir from forty years at Calvary Baptist Church I decided to give this writing thing a shot.

The book I now recommend to you is, Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive.

After 47 years of church ministry,I have come to the conclusion that many churches could be described as the walking dead. Thom S. Rainer’s Autopsy of a Deceased Church clearly declares, describes, and defines this truth! But more than just pointing out a problem, Rainer offers solutions.

Dr. Rainer is the president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. He is also a respected researcherand former pastor. He has writtenmore than 20 books. Like the physician who performs a postmortem autopsy, Rainer looksto see the cause of the corpse’sdemise. The author looks back over his years of assisting churchesand discovers some reasons for the death of a church.

The two parts of the book are:Part 1: The AutopsyIn this section he lists 10 very specific and identifiable symptoms

•Slow Erosion

•The Past is The Hero

•The Church Refuses to Look Like the Community

•The Budget Moved Inwardly

•The Great Commission Becomes the Great Omission

•The Preference-Driven Church

•Pastoral Tenures

•The Church Rarely Prayed

Together

•The Church Had No Clear Purpose•The Church Obsessed Over the Facilities

Part 2: Is There Hope for the Dying Church?In this section the writer categorizeschurches that are dying. More importantly, he gives very specific action steps that each must take in order to recover. The categories are:

•A Sick Church

•A Very Sick Church

•My Church is Dying

The last one is beyond recovery! If this church were a person he would refer her to a Hospice facility where she could die with some dignity and grace. Rainer recommends four helpful but painful responses.

My summary and conclusion: Dr. Rainer states that about 10% of churches are healthy. 40% have symptoms of illness. About 40% of churches are very sick, and 10% are dying and beyond recovery.

If I were to make one criticism of the book, it would be that the author did not spell out specifically what a healthy church would look like. I guess that by inverse reasoningone would just assume that if the church would not do the ten things that lead to sickness and death they would be healthy.

Most churches do not know they are sick or even dying! I recently talked with a man who was diagnosed with lung cancerthat had metastasized to his

Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours AliveThe Walking Dead

Written byDr. Don Wilhite

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brain. He only went to the doctor when he beganto have excruciatingheadaches and nausea.His fear, and the fear of his family, is thathe has discovered his illnesstoo late! As I look at the numbers of plateaued anddeclining churches I see the same thing taking place. Some churches are incomplete denial that theyare sick or dying. I spokewith one pastor who responded, when asked how his church was doing,“Oh we are doing fine.” This church reached its statisticalhigh 40 years ago. I asked him why he thought they were a healthy church. He said, “Because we are a loving church and we are not fussing and fightinglike most Baptists are.”

That is called DENIAL!

My hope in this article is that YOU, whoever you are and wherever you go to church, will read this book and then ask yourself, “What is the health of my congregation?”Perhaps, if you determine that you are a part of anunhealthy church, God willuse you to sound the alarm and pass this book on to the pastor and key leadersto read. It is possible that you might be the ONE personGod uses to save the life of your church.

So Brother Don highly recommends this book to you!

Rhett Davis, son of Daniel & Rebekah Davis

Reagan Walden, daughter of Mark & Katie Walden

Isaak, Matthew, Lydia and Esther Morse, children of Dawson & Judy Morse

Last Quarter Baby Dedications

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Emily Allison RodriguezDaughter of Anthony & Chelsea

Rodriguez

Andrew Dodgen, son of Andrew and

Amber Dodgen

We believe that every member is a minister and every minister

should have a ministry. God has shaped each one of

us for ministry, and for you it may be in the creative arts.

We believe that God created each of us with gifts and talents to be used for His Glory and for His purpose and the creative arts is no exception.

If you are a copy editor, illustrator, artist, writer, designer,photographer, videographer, or anyother creative art form, we want you to use those skills to spread the Gospel, enrich the Church, and minister to others.

We are developing many platforms where your talents can be utilized to help Calvary Baptist Church carry out the Great Commission through healing hurts and meeting needs. Our website, app, magazine and other media platforms need men and women exercising their gifts for the Glory of King Jesus.

If you want to get involved or have questions, please contact Alan Smith at alansmith@calvaryministries.com orthrough the church office at (706) 322-1491.

Want to KnowHow You CanGet Involved?

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calv

ary

talk

JUNE

MarchTrey and Danielle BarfieldMelinda Standefer

AprilT.C. BodifordZachary and Lauren GardnerMichael and Denise MorrisPatrick Smith

MayTrenton Kuntz

Last Quarter New Members

Jevin Starzetski Jillian Starzetski

Last Quarter Baptisms

Jevin Starzetski, Sr. Eli Smith

Molly Marsh

JUNE

7 218-13Mission Trip to Fort BenningWe will leave the church at 2 P.M. andreturn at 5 P.M. We will conduct Spiritual surveys and hand out information about church. Thelocation within Post is TBD.

Godly Women in a Modern WorldJoin us as we enjoy the day at Callaway Gardens with a picnic at the beach and then stay for the King and Country concert that begins at 6:00 P.M. Tickets are $20 per person.

Get Ready to MoveVBS will invite children to look at the lives of people in the Bible who changed directions and moved after encountering Jesus

02 Tuesday 12:00 P.M. Let’s Do Lunch! All students invited to a midday lunch & games at Midtown Coffee House. BYO$ and meet us there.

07 Sunday 2:00 P.M. Fort Benning Mission Trip We will be conducting Spiritual surveys and handing out information about church. The location within Post is TBD. We will leave from the church at 2 P.M. and return at 5 P.M.

08-13 Mon.-Fri. 09:00 A.M.- Get Ready To Move! VBS 12:00 P.M. VBS will invite children to look at the lives of people in the Bible who changed directions and moved after encountering Jesus.

17 Wednesday 4:00 P.M. The Hub at the Braves The Hub Midweek service is going to Turner Field to see the Braves take on the Boston Red Sox. We will leave at 4 P.M. from the HUB; tailgate upon arrival and return after the game around midnight. Cost is $25

19-20 Fri.-Sat. The Main Event Lifeway’s Conference for Men in Nashville, TN

20 Saturday 3:00 P.M. Young Adults at the Braves Meet at Calvary at 3 P.M. The cost is $25.00

21 Sunday 1:00 P.M. Come and Go House-Warming Party Young Adults are invited to a house-warming party at Ryan and Kelly’s from 1:00-3:00 P.M. Drinks and snacks provided.

21 Sunday 6:00 P.M. Godly Women in a Modern World We will enjoy the day at Callaway Gardens with a picnic at the beach and then stay for the King and Country concert at 6:00 P.M. Tickets are $20 per person.

JULY

12Columbus Mission TripOn July 12 from 2:00-5:00 PM PastorJeff will lead a team engaging bicyclists on the River Walk. We will wash their bikes, offer them cold water, and engage them with the gospel.

2722-25Middle School RetreatCalling all middle school students who have completed 6th-8th grade! Don’t miss this beach retreat as we talk about SUPERNATURAL POWER in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida. Pick up a registration packet in The Hub; space is limited so hurry!

Awana Leaders Dinner On Monday, July 27, at 6:00 P.M. there will be an Awana leaders dinner and meeting in Hightower Hall. This meeting is for all current Awana leaders and volunteers. Volun-teers that are interested in learning more about Awana and the serving opportunities are encouraged toattend also.

12 Sunday 2:00 P.M.- Columbus Mission Trip 5:00 P.M. Pastor Jeff will lead a team engaging bicyclists on the River Walk. We will wash their bikes, offer them cold water, and engage them with the gospel. We will leave at 2:00 P.M. from the church and return by 5:00 PM.

18 Saturday 9:00 A.M.- Men’s Event for Fathers and sons 2:00 P.M. Men and teenage sons come enjoy a morning of shooting at the Russell County Sheriff’s Training Annex.

22-25 Wednesday- TBD Middle School Retreat: Ormond Beach Calling all middle school students who have completed 6th-8th grade! Don’t miss this beach retreat as we talk about SUPERNATURAL POWER in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida. Pick up a registration packet in The Hub; space is limited so hurry!

27 Monday 6:00 P.M. Awana Leaders Dinner and Meeting Awana leaders dinner and meeting in Hightower Hall. This meeting is for all current Awana leaders and volunteers. Volunteers that are interested in learning more about Awana and the serving opportunities are encouraged to attend also.

AUGU

ST

AUGU

ST01 Saturday 7:30 P.M. - Young Adults Midtown Coffee House 9:30 P.M. The Wednesday night band is playing

02 Sunday 12:30 P.M. Secret Gal Pals The Calvary Women’s Ministry is partnering with the Calvary Youth Ministry to start a “Secret Gal Pal’s” program. Each participating youth will be assigned a Secret Gal Pal from within the women of Calvary for the 2015-2016 school year. These Pals will pray for and encourage her assigned youth during the school year. At the end of the year we will have a “Big Reveal.” This event is open to all Middle School through High School girls, their parents, and ladies of the church. Join us on August 2 for lunch at the Hub when we will kickoff this program with a meet-and-greet party and provide you with the details.

08 Saturday 3:00 P.M. Young Adults Whitewater Rafting Meet at Calvary at 3:00 P.M. Cost is $45

09 Sunday 11:00 P.M. Phenix City Mission Trip We will lead folks to area coffee shops at 11:00 A.M. to engage them in Gospel conversation. We will meet in the High school lobby at 10:45 A.M. to organize and send out.

15 Saturday 2:00 P.M. Church wide Airsoft event Meet at the new location of Columbus Airsoft. Cost is $25

19 Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Awana Parent/Student Open House All families interested in joining us for the 2015-16 Awana year are invited to the open house to be held in the Cafetorium (Gym). Clubbers will get to register for the year, meet their teachers, see their rooms and purchase their supplies before the first night of Awana. Refreshments will be served.

26 Wednesday 6:30 P.M. First Night of Awana We will officially kick off the 2015-16 Awana year. Clubbers will participate in handbook time, game time and counsel time.

27 Friday 7:00 P.M. - Girls Night Out Games & Ice Cream Social 10.00 P.M. Ladies and teen girls of all ages are invited. Come ready to laugh, play games and enjoy an amazing ice cream buffet! Please bring a friend (or two or three! ) You’re sure to make new friends as well. The event is sponsored by Calvary Women’s Ministry and will be held in Hightower Hall. Contact Renee Hernandez at auntiene@bellsouth.net or 706-594-7175 with questions.

30 Sunday 6:30 P.M. Ordination Service We invite church members to come back to the Worship Center for this special service to ordain men to God’s service.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER to the Columbus Convention And Trade Center

Visit gameplanforlife.com for more details!