Calvary Baptist Church » Uncategorized

It Happened in our Neighborhood

Pastor Charlie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:06:49 +0000

Pastor’s Blog 7-23-10
Last night someone from the church’s neighborhood was killed by a stray bullet fired from a car that was leaving the scene of a fight involving two groups of people. Lisa Marie Melancon, a 40 year old mother and Tacoma city employee, was killed in a tragic act of violence. The family needs our prayers as they grieve their loss.

So what difference does it make to those of us who call Calvary Baptist our church home? How should we respond to such a tragedy – a senseless act of violence just a few blocks from our church building?

Our first response should be to pray. Pray for the family as they walk through the darkness of grief. Grief is exaggerated when a sudden death of a family member is the result of violence. Pray for the peace of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 1:3f). Pray that God in his infinite love will draw family and friends to Christ. And, pray for an end to violence in our neighborhood.

Our second response should be to take our role seriously as a church family who serves and ministers in our immediate neighborhood. Many years ago God placed us in this location for a purpose and He placed the residents of our neighborhood here for the same purpose:

Acts 17:26-27: “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

God has called his chosen people to help transform communities and neighborhoods because of their presence and ministry. Acts 1:8 says that we are to be his witnesses equipped with His power and authority in Jerusalem first (our immediate social and cultural area). Jesus said we are to be salt and light where we are and live, making a difference when turned on and used (Matt. 5:13-16).

Our third response should be to prayerfully discover ways to reconnect our church to its neighbors. We need to discover what needs exist in our neighborhood that we are capable of meeting with God’s help and our hands-on service. We have limited resources and can’t do everything that needs to be done but we can discover what we can do and then do it with God’s help and power.

Fourth, as the people of God, let’s invade our community as soldiers of Christ armed with the power of the Gospel and fully equipped with the love of Jesus. It is our job to invade enemy territory and take it back for the Lord. With God’s help, we can do it!

(For the newspaper article on the shooting, go to http://bit.ly/9ezX7c)

Farewell Video for Pastor Bob

Paul Baker — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:30:52 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Andrew Gilbertson made this video as a farewell to Pastor Bob.

Dinner for Pastor Bob, Gail and Judy

Paul Baker — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:19:28 +0000

Plan on coming this Sunday for a special service and stay for a dinner following the service in honor of Pastor Bob and Gail’s retirement. They will be moving back to Michigan at the end of the month.

Church Picnic Potluck

Paul Baker — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:15:58 +0000

Come join us on July 4th for a picnic potluck following the church service!

All Church Rainier’s Game

Paul Baker — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:14:03 +0000

On Sunday, July 11^th, we will be going to see the Tacoma Rainiers. The cost is $10 and will get you a ticket to the game and lunch (hot dog, drink and chips). Sign up at the church with your name and how many tickets you will want. Sign up soon as space is limited.

National Night Out

Paul Baker — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:11:58 +0000

Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 6 – 9 p.m.

National Neighbors Nigh Out Block Party – Put on by the Pac-Yak Safe Streets, Calvary is helping to host this as a way to get to know you neighbors. We will be serving free hot dogs and the Meyers family will be fiddling. Bring a dish to share!

Paul Baker — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:07:32 +0000

This is the video Pastor Paul used in his sermon for the 30 Hour Famine service on April 25, 2010. Jennifer Baker made the video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Saturday Night Alive

Lorraine — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:38:37 +0000

Join us Saturday, May 1 at 7 PM for a night of rock worship. We will be praising God, enjoying some great music, and hearing a short message from Pastor Paul.

Invite your friends to come and join in. If you would like to help out with, please contact Lorraine or Paul through the Church office.

The Importance of Sunday School

Paul Baker — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:16:34 +0000

Proverbs 4:7 Put wisdom and understanding on the top of your list! It’s free here at CBC each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. There are classes for everyone. Call the church office (474-6411) for more detailed information.