Pursuing Life: Recent Episodes
Calvary Church Pa
Every single person has a unique story. We believe stories are powerful—God has made himself known through the stories of the Bible and continues to share His goodness and faithfulness through the lives and experiences of ordinary people.
Is what you’re feeling guilt—or shame? In this episode, Pastoral Counselors, George May & Chris Torchia, unpack how these emotions shape our lives, relationships, and healing, and share tools for moving from paralyzing shame to growth-driven guilt. We also explore how the gospel not only frees us from guilt but restores our identity and belonging as beloved children of God.
Resources for Further Growth:
The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
Shame Interrupted by Ed Welch
Each of us has likely experienced loss in one way or another. The process of grieving those losses looks different for everyone, but what remains true is that God promises to walk through those valleys of grief with us.
Rebekah is no stranger to grief. When her son, Dagan, passed away suddenly at age 23, Rebekah’s world was flipped upside down. Today, she is so generously sharing her story—one filled with evidence that, while the sting of loss never quite goes away, God still works even in the midst of darkness and tragedy.
Resources for Further Growth:
GriefShare
Loss of Spouse GriefShare
Experiencing Grief by H. Norman Wright
Journeying Through Grief (Four-Book Series by Stephen’s Ministries)
Today, Pastor George May, Chris Torchia, and Greg Schmalhofer are unpacking the struggle with addiction. Whether you or someone you know wrestles with addiction, or you’ve ever found yourself turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the heaviness of life, this episode is for you! We’ll talk about what it’s like for someone experiencing addiction, how different addictions can present themselves, and ultimately how to approach this struggle from a biblical point of view so that we can find hope and support for recovery. No matter how you might find yourself relating to the topic of addiction, you are not alone!
Resources for Further Growth:
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Check out Greg’s Ministry at hoperecovery.us
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Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel by Ed Welch
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Good News for the Chemically Dependent and Those Who Love Them by Jeff VanVonderan
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Calvary’s support group, Grace & Hope, meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm.
Since childhood, Mike has struggled with anxiety and depression. Throughout the years, that struggle has presented itself in different ways, and he has walked through both good seasons and hard seasons. When Mike married Julie, she entered into the battle with him and began to understand struggles of mental health in a new light. Today, Mike and Julie—along with Pastoral Counseling Associate, Chris Torchia—are sharing both their story and insight. But ultimately, they are reminding us that there is hope to be found in the grace of Jesus, even on the hardest days.
Caryl Roper is Calvary’s newest Pastoral Counseling Associate. While she’s new to the team, she has been working in private practice for many years and has been a longtime member of the church. Caryl is typically the person that is genuinely curious and inquisitive of other people’s lives, but today she’s allowing us to turn the tables and hear about her life. Caryl’s testimony and passion for her vocation draw us straight to the heart of God, as she reminds us that we’re created for relationship—both with others and our Creator.
After relocating from Boston to Lancaster in 2024, Jason Smith joined Calvary’s staff as a Worship Associate, primarily focusing on our environments for youth and young adults. Today he’s not only sharing his story of faith, but about the ways he and his family have seen God direct them in ministry over the last several years, what it’s looked like to obediently follow Him, and how he’s learned about slowing down in the process.
Jeremy and Svatia Mueller are Global Partners serving in the Czech Republic. As a young adult, Jeremy went on several short-term trips to Czech, and it was there that he met Svatia, who is a native. After marrying and feeling drawn to missions, they now live in the Czech Republic, where Jeremy works with university students, and Svatia seeks to be a light for the gospel through her everyday relationships. The Muellers’ goal is to be a testimony to the grace of Jesus no matter where He puts them, and their perspective is encouraging to us all, whether we’re called overseas, to another part of the U.S., or to live out our faith within our hometown.
Joel & Rachel Shelley are Calvary Global Partners serving with Word of Life in the Philippines. Their focus is on camp ministry, where they seek to introduce people to Jesus and disciple the next generation of believers, equipping them to make disciples of their own. Today, Joel & Rachel are sharing the story of how God called them into missions, ways they’ve seen Him at work in the Philippines, and the impact that Calvary short-term ministry teams have had over the past several years.
Calvary Elder, Freeman Chakara, was born in Zimbabwe and all but orphaned as a young boy. After committing his life to Christ as an early teen, he faced quite a bit of persecution from his extended family. But the one thing that has been true throughout Freeman’s life is that God is faithful to provide. Today he is sharing the story of how God brought him from a small village in Africa to where he is today—a Doctor of Psychology with his own local practice, where he lives out the Great Commission by caring for people’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Today we have the privilege of hearing from Steve Iseman, who has served on the Elder Board for about 5 ½ years. You may have heard a bit about Steve on Episode 20, when we heard from his wife, Meg, who oversees our ministry to 5th & 6th graders here at Calvary. Like Meg, Steve is also a former teacher, and he loves being able to serve alongside her in C56, because he believes it’s such a formative age where there is so much opportunity for spiritual growth. Today, Steve is sharing about his own faith journey and reflecting on his time as an Elder as his term draws to a close at the end of 2025.
Grif Jack recently rejoined the Elder Board, taking the place of another Elder whose vocation moved him out of the area. While Grif previously served as an Elder, he’s excited about the ways God will use his unique giftings to contribute to the overall leadership of Calvary Church at this specific point in time. If you’re a regular listener of Pursuing Life, you may remember hearing from Grif’s other half, Kim (Calvary’s Librarian), in episode 96. Grif has served in a variety of capacities over the years, but his heart for relationships is the driving force behind his investment both at church and in the workplace.
Our series may be ending, but for us, the resurrection is just the beginning. Today we reflect back on what we've learned and what it looks like to not only behold the King, but to follow Him.
Follow along by reading John 21, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this episode is available here.
We've reached the culmination of our series. Jesus is crucified as a sacrifice for the sins of all, and just when it seems like the battle has been lost, He victoriously conquers death by rising from the dead.
Follow along by reading Matthew 27:27-28:10, Mark 15:16-16:8, Luke 23:26-24:43, and John 19:18-20:23, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this episode is available here.
This week we unpack the trials of Jesus that ultimately lead to His condemnation and death. In the face of injustice, we see Jesus boldly declaring His identity and inviting us to believe that He is who He says He is.
Follow along by reading Matthew 26:57–27:26, Mark 14:53–15:15, Luke 22:54–23:25, and John 18:12–19:15, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this podcast is available here.
This week we see Jesus pray in deep sorry and unwavering submission as He prepares for His coming arrest. Through it all, He remains in complete control, resolute in His mission to drink the cup of suffering for our sake. Follow along by reading Mark 14:32-50; Matthew 26:36-56; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-11, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this episode is available here.
Join us as we discuss what happens as Jesus eats His final meal with His disciples and gives them an example to follow to continuing building His Kingdom. Follow along by reading Matthew 26:17-25, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:14-38, John 13-17, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this episode is available here.
Join us as we discuss what happens during Tuesday of Holy Week. Follow along by reading Mark 11:27-12:44, Matthew 21:23-25:45, and Luke 20-21, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this episode is available here.
Join us as we discuss what happens the day after Jesus' triumphal entry as He enters the temple and displays His authority. Follow along by reading Matthew 21:12-27 and Mark 11:20-12:44, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
A video edition of this episode is available here.
Join us as we discuss Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Follow along by reading John 12:12-50, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week’s message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.
Sharon Lambertson serves as Calvary’s Adult Ministry Assistant. She loves working behind the scenes to support others in helping people take next steps in their faith journey. Sharon is skilled in a variety of administrative areas and helps to bring continuity to Calvary’s processes. But in addition to that, she is also a skilled musician, and she serves as the Concertmaster of Calvary’s orchestra. Today, Sharon is sharing how she came to faith in Christ and how God has used her experience to lead her to her role at Calvary.
Jen Drakopoulos knew from an early age that overseas ministry could be a part of her future. As a teenager, she experienced firsthand the impact that healthcare training could have for the Kingdom of God, so she pursued an education in nursing. God has allowed her to use that training for many years, including a decade in community healthcare. In the last several years, God has transitioned Jen to a new country and subsequently, a new ministry. And while that transition is ongoing, Jen is sharing today about the ways she continues to see God’s faithfulness, even in the midst of unknowns.
Today we’re joined by Matt Holden, who just began a new term on the Elder Board. However, this is not Matt’s first time serving as an Elder, as he previously served two, three-year terms, and he was even the Elder Chairman for part of that time. But after a few years off, Matt is returning to the Elder Board, and he is excited about the ways that God will use his skillset to serve the church. Matt is passionate about helping others in their time of need, and that plays out daily in his career in the insurance industry. Today he is sharing how he’s seen God weave that thread of helping others throughout his life, and why he believes it’s so important to be Kingdom-minded in all that we do.
To kick off the year, we are continuing our tradition of hearing from our newest Elders. Today, we’re joined by Bryan Willoughby, who started attending Calvary after graduating from college and plugging in to C4. Now, in addition to serving as an Elder, Bryan continues to stay involved with young adults by helping to lead our Young Professionals ABF. Today he’s sharing about how he came to know the Lord, some lessons he’s learning right now, and what excites him most about stepping into the role of an Elder.
For this final episode of 2024, Tammy McDaniel is joining us to chat about Advent! As a church, we’ll be intentionally tuning in to the Church calendar over the course of this next year…and that calendar actually begins in December with Advent. In the past, Tammy was skeptical about the liturgical nature of the Church calendar, but over the past few years, she’s leaned into the traditions of Advent and found that they have actually had a profound impact on her spiritual life. So today, she’s sharing with us some of what she’s learned, helping us understand the heart of Advent, and offering some practical tips.
Resources:
Text ADVENT to (717) 925-3248 to receive devotionals every Monday and Wednesday from December 2-25, written by our staff, to help you reflect further on the themes of our sermon series: watch, prepare, rejoice, and behold.
Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent by Tsh Oxenreider
Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren
Global Partners, Brian and Jody Williams, recently transitioned back to the States after serving in Cambodia for 13 years. While in Cambodia, the Williams’ partnered with locals to open an international preschool which, as you’ll hear, God has used in incredible ways to advance His Kingdom. Even though they no longer live in Cambodia full-time, Brian and Jody are still quite active in the ministry that’s taking place there, and they even have a vision for how they can extend that ministry to other parts of the world.
Jonathan Yoder serves as Calvary’s Associate Pastor of Care and Visitation. Before coming to Calvary earlier this year, Jonathan had about 40 years of ministry experience, both as a senior pastor and in a care role, and he has specialized training in hospice and hospital chaplaincy. Jonathan cares deeply about coming alongside people in times of need, and through his time in end-of-life care, he has learned that we all play an important role in the body of Christ, despite our age or even our limitations.
Pastor George May oversees our Pastoral Care Department and, as you’ll hear, he has a variety of responsibilities—from overseeing support groups, visitation, weddings, and funerals, to one-on-one counseling, to teaching, and more! George cares deeply about walking alongside individual people as they experience both the joys and the sorrows of life. Today you’ll hear why George is grateful for his upbringing—right here at Calvary Church—and how God very clearly directed him to the counseling field.
Find out more about Calvary’s care and support ministries.
Johnny Vasquez grew up as a missionary kid, surrounded by the gospel his entire life. And he made a commitment to follow the Lord at a young age. As a young adult, Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and after returning from deployment in Iraq, he struggled to adjust back to civilian life. This led to issues with addiction that plagued Johnny for years. But God, in His loving-kindness, has done an amazing work in Johnny’s life and heart, bringing him from the depths of addiction, to the depths of grace.
In the late 1940s, two missionaries from Calvary Church visited Don Isely’s one-room school in Wisconsin, shared the gospel, and offered a Scripture memory program, which ultimately laid the foundation for Don to trust in Jesus. Eventually, Don himself went on to serve as a missionary, and then retired as a pastor here in the U.S. Today, he is sharing how the impact of these two missionaries reached far beyond his own life, to his family, and to others in ways that we can’t even see this side of heaven.
Angie Glick is Calvary’s Receptionist, and she also helps to schedule all of the major events that take place in our building. So, chances are, if you’ve called the church recently, or stopped in during the week for a meeting, Angie is the first person you’ve talked to! Today, Angie is sharing her story of coming to know the Lord, her heart for serving, and why she’s passionate about adoption, foster, and respite care.
Interested in learning more about Care Communities? Click here or call the church office at (717) 560-2341 for more info!
When Matt Bachman was 11 years old, he thought he was saved. He went to church, and he had a desire to go to heaven, but his basis for faith didn’t go beyond good works. For nearly 30 years, Matt believed he was saved, until one day, he realized he wasn’t. And once he found true faith in Jesus Christ, his entire perspective changed. Now, Matt is passionate about sharing the gospel, and he serves on Calvary’s baptism team because he is passionate about helping others to share their stories of being brought from death to life in Christ. But today, we’re flipping the script, and Matt is sharing his story.
As a teenager, Jeff Batzer was very focused on finding his value in his athletic abilities—in particular, climbing. By the time he graduated from high school, Jeff had teamed up with world class climbers and was tackling difficult peaks. But, in January of 1982, everything changed when a climb on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington went very wrong. Today, Jeff is sharing how God used that experience on Mount Washington to both reignite his faith and call him to a ministry of caring for those who are suffering.
Today we’re joined by Calvary Graphic Designer, Andrew Herr. If you’ve ever engaged with Calvary Church, you’ve seen Andrew’s work. You may not recognize him walking around the lobby on a Sunday morning, but chances are, his designs are somewhere in your house—on a bulletin cover, prayer guide, or even a sticker! Today Andrew is sharing about the highs and lows of his faith journey, how his passion for art led him to a career in graphic design, and the importance of daily intentionality in growing our faith in Jesus.
Delanie Ouk grew up warring with her identity. Born into a multicultural family, her parents’ differing beliefs felt synonymous with their cultural identities, and to Delanie, choosing one felt like rejecting the other. So eventually, she rejected both. Even as Delanie embraced agnosticism in her teenage years, God was using people in her life to plant gospel seeds. By early college, Delanie could no longer reject the truth: she needed Jesus, and more than that, she wanted Him. And once she surrendered her life to the Lord, everything changed.
When Barry Shumaker found himself in church in his late 30s for the first time in years, he had no idea how God would use the people there to disciple him towards saving faith in Jesus Christ. One of those people was a woman named Cherrie, who walked with Barry as he wrestled with his questions about faith and prayed fervently for his salvation. Little did Barry know, Cherrie would not only play a significant role in his salvation story, but she would also become his wife. Fast forward over 30 years, and in June 2022, the Lord unexpectedly called Cherrie home. Now, Barry is in a new chapter of his life, leaning on the Lord to guide him wherever it is He pleases.
AN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO EDITION OF THIS EPISODE IS AVAILABLE! Click here to watch.
Since the birth of Pursuing Life in December 2021, we have told 99 stories about the ways God is at work in, around, and through ordinary, everyday people, just like us! Today, host, Monica Kirsch, and Calvary Church Senior Pastor, Beau Eckert, take time to reflect on the importance of telling stories, the impact stories have had on their lives, and how they’ve seen God at work in and through their own stories.
Thank you to all those who have shared their stories on Pursuing Life, and to you—the listener—for tuning in! We are so thankful to God for His faithfulness, and we look forward to telling even more stories about His work in our lives.
Check out Mercy Like Morning by Jane Johnson.
Don and Tabitha Nguyen have been Global Partners with Calvary Church for nearly 17 years. For the first 10 years, they served in Cambodia with Vietnamese refugees until God called them back to the States in 2017 to care for various family needs. While they only expected to be Stateside for about two years, God had other plans. Now, nearly seven years later, they are preparing to relaunch to Cambodia to continue their ministry among the unreached. Today, Don and Tabitha are sharing about their heart for Cambodia, how God has used them in unexpected ways during their time in the U.S., and their hopes and prayers for their return to ministry this summer.
Dave Ross has served as the Pastor of Worship Ministries at Calvary Church for the last seven years. If you’re a regular attender of Calvary, you see Dave on stage most Sundays, but chances are, you probably don’t know his story! Today, Dave is sharing about his church background, his history with Calvary Church, how God very clearly drew him into ministry, and why he loves leading worship at Calvary Church.
Tammy McDaniel is no stranger to struggles with mental health. What started with a dark season of battling postpartum depression has turned into over 20 years of Tammy learning how to manage and care for her mental health through many different seasons of life. In the last few years especially, Tammy has taken intentional steps towards being mentally healthy, and she has learned about the interplay between spiritual and mental health – as well as emotional and physical health – that have helped her to understand how depression and faith can coexist, and how she can partner with God in seeking to be healthy in all areas of life.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast with Adam Young, LCSW, DMiv
Kim Jack is the Calvary Church librarian, and for the last ten years, she has been intentional about making sure that we have all kinds of resources available to help us grow in our pursuit of Christ. Kim loves books, but more than that, she loves stories. Today, she’s sharing with us her story of coming to know Christ, and how God directed her path to bring her to the Calvary staff.
To wrap up our series on everyday habits and rhythms, we’re joined by Adam Derus, Calvary’s Director of Young Adults, who is here to give us a few practical ways to take a personal inventory of our relationship with technology. Adam has sought to take ownership of his time and set healthy boundaries with technology, and today he is sharing with us some of what he’s learned as we seek to do the same for ourselves.
Disclaimer: There are some topics discussed in this episode that may not be appropriate for little ears. Parents, we advise you to listen through this episode before sharing it with your children.
Listen to Adam's C4 message about technology here.
Resources shared in this episode (and more!):
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Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Early
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Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
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Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
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Digital Liturgies by Samuel James
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Tech-Wise family by Andy Crouch
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12 Ways your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke
June is graduation season! Every year, we prayerfully send off dozens of high school seniors as they enter into a new season of life. It is our hope and prayer that each of them would go forward with Jesus as their foundation, looking to Him as their source of direction, wherever they go in life. This week on Pursuing Life, we talk with a few of our seniors about how God has been at work in their lives, where they sense Him leading in the future, and how they want to continue to grow in their pursuit of life in Him.
Beth Weaver’s journey with Scripture memory began when she was just a young girl. When she was in middle school, she began attending bible memory camps, and by high school she had memorized an entire book of the Bible. We know that as we get older, our brains process differently, but that hasn’t stopped Beth from finding new ways memorize. In fact, she’s memorizing more in retirement than she ever has before! Today, Beth is sharing with us the practical ways that she continues to incorporate the habit of Scripture memory into her everyday life, and how we, too, can use our unique learning styles to do the same.
Resources shared in today’s episode:
- Warriors of the Word: The Bible Memorization Battle Guide for Winning Spiritual Victories (Aaron & Emily House)
- Seeds Kids Worship
- Dwell Differently
- VerseLocker
Read the story of Beth’s mother, Marjorie Isobel Harrison Jackson.
Read stories from Beth’s time in Ukraine.
Contact Beth at beth.weaver@worldteam.org
About two years ago, Josiah and Olivia Huss began hosting a monthly “hobby night” at their home. What started as a way for friends to get together and play games turned into a regular time where the Huss’s open their home for anyone to come spend time together over shared hobbies. Essentially, they have created a habit of hospitality. Today, they are sharing with us their heart behind regularly inviting people into their home, barriers they’ve had to overcome, and what they have learned in the midst of it all.
Kevin Gushiken is a college and seminary professor, former pastor, husband, dad, and Calvary Church member. A few years ago, the Lord prompted Kevin to begin researching how play intersects with the Christian life. His research impacted not only his view of God, but encouraged him to cultivate not just a habit, but a lifestyle of play. Kevin has become so passionate about this topic, and today he is here to share with us why he believes play so important and how it’s impacted his own life.
Be sure to pre-order your copy of Kevin’s upcoming book, A Theology of Play: Learning to Enjoy Life as God Intended, available on June 25!
Tune in starting Monday, May 6, for our new series, Every Day! These stories will go hand in hand with our next sermon series, as we dig into what it looks like to cultivate healthy habits and rhythms for spiritual growth. Make sure you’re following Pursuing Life so you are notified when new episodes release!
Bethany Zipprick is our newest Global Ministries staff member! Over the last few months, she has come on board to assist with a variety of different tasks – from email communication to event planning! As a young adult seeking to pursue God’s calling for her life, Bethany is actively considering the part that she plays in going into God’s world. Today, she is sharing how God brought her here, and what her role has been teaching her about His heart for the nations.
When Kyle Matteson was a kid, he really didn’t want anything to do with the church. While he was raised in a home that knew Jesus, circumstances early in life caused him to become angry towards faith. As a teenager, God got a hold of Kyle’s heart, and it started to soften. As he graduated from high school and has navigated his early 20s, Kyle has started learning that following Jesus means trusting with open hands, and allowing Him to lead in every decision.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18
This fall on Pursuing Life will be all about stories of life-change, focusing on the ways that Jesus transforms the lives of people who decide to follow Him. We hope you’ll tune in starting next Monday, September 11, and find encouragement in the stories of others, as you consider your own pursuit of Jesus.
Cheyanne Seber serves as the disability coordinator for Calvary Kids, as well as the inclusion specialist for Calvary Preschool. Cheyanne always knew that she wanted to work with kids, but it wasn’t until college that God really gave her a specific passion for kids with special needs. Now, through her role at Calvary, Cheyanne has the opportunity to work with kids and families to help meet their specific needs in a way that also points them to the love of Jesus. Today, Cheyanne is not only sharing with us the ways that God is at work in Disability Ministry, but also how He’s working in her own life.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Chris and Ashley Kresic join us today to talk about navigating discipleship with young children. The Kresics are busy parents, with four children under the age of eight and one more on the way. But, despite the busyness, they seek to live missionally-minded lives that intentionally point their kids, and others, to what it looks like to follow Jesus. Today’s episode is a very real conversation about being obedient to God in every season, even when we don’t quite know what we’re doing, or when things don’t quite go as we expected.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Twins, Becky and Lizzie, are entering their senior year of high school. Not only have they been intentional to be discipled through their involvement with Calvary Student Ministries, but they have also taken seriously the call to make disciples, both actively sharing their faith with their friends, and serving the next generation of kids in grades 1-4. Becky and Lizzie are examples to us all that no one is too young or too old to live out the Great Commission.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Cross Training candidates, Melea, Hadassah, and Allyson, each have a unique story about how God has bent their hearts towards the nations. They also have a unique story about how He brought them together in their pursuit of overseas work – through prayer. All three of these young ladies are actively involved in Calvary’s Young Adult ministry, and have had a front row seat to the ways that God is at work in this community. Together, they are leaning in to what it means to living sent, right now, as they seek to one day be sent to the nations.
Read more about the ‘S’ Project here!
Listen to our interview with Meagan Landis Here!
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in, around, or through you? Share your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Ray Huber serves on Calvary’s Facilities Team, and his main responsibility is to work on building projects and construction-related repairs. As a part-time employee, this is Ray’s retirement job – or, as he calls it, his “repurposing.” Today he is sharing about his many years of serving God in church planting and missions, what he’s learned about being an initiator, and how to effectively pass off what’s been started to someone who can better maintain it.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Karl & Eileen Fisher have been leading a group here at Calvary called Essentials for almost four years. Through this study of the Old & New Testaments, and how they weave together into one story, the Fishers have become connected with many individuals in all different parts of their journey towards Christ. Through these connections, they have seen people come to Christ for the first time, strengthened in their faith, and equipped to go and disciple others as they themselves were discipled.
To learn more about the next Essentials group that begins on September 10, visit calvarychurch.org/essentials
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Michelle Kirby and Lydia Swarr both serve in Calvary Student Ministries – Lydia as a student group leader, and Michelle as a coach – and were connected with one another through a unique opportunity that arose for female leaders to be individually mentored by women in the church. Michelle had a burden to walk alongside younger women, while Lydia desired to be intentionally growing in her faith as she also walked alongside her group of high school girls. While some leaders only met with their mentors for a season, Michelle and Lydia chose to continue intentionally meeting together, and have both grown in their pursuit of life in Christ because of it. Today they are sharing with us why they feel that one-one-one discipleship is so important, and why it’s not as intimidating as they thought.
Check out Growing Together by Melissa Kruger (Gospel Coalition)
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Over the last year, AJ & Lindsey Lafferty have been actively seeking to follow God’s call to make disciples. It hadn’t been a previously foreign concept to them, but after sitting through Calvary’s Ripple Effect sermon series, and attending the disciple-makers workshop that followed it, they really began to ask themselves if disciple-making was truly a reality in their lives. As they’ve processed together, God has taken them on a journey, both individually and as a couple, to be intentional in seeking out others for the purpose of gospel-centered growth.
Check out Warriors of the Word by Aaron & Emily House (founders of our partner organization, Piercing Word).
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
This summer is all about disciple-making on the Pursuing Life podcast. Tune in, starting June 26, to hear stories of people at Calvary who are taking seriously Jesus’ call to make disciples, and how it’s changing hearts and lives.
Ginny Rehnberg has held many different roles at Calvary over the years, but currently serves as a ministry assistant, working mainly with our benevolence ministry. Ginny came to know Jesus as a young girl living in foster care, and today she is sharing with us how knowing Him has changed her life, and how she sees her role at Calvary as a way to share the love of Christ with those in need.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
June is graduation season! Every year, we prayerfully send off dozens of high school seniors as they enter into a new season of life. It is our hope and prayer that each of them would go forward with Jesus as their foundation, looking to Him as their source of direction, wherever they go in life. This week on Pursuing Life, we talk with a few of our seniors about how God has been at work in their lives, where they sense Him leading in the future, and how they want to continue to grow in their pursuit of life in Him.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Mike Smucker serves as the president of Smucker’s Meats, which is a business that has been in his family for three generations. Mike and his family desire to share the love and character of Christ through their actions and use biblical principles to lead their employees. Today, Mike is sharing the ways in which he has seen God’s faithfulness in his work, how he has learned to trust God’s leading, and why he continues to be faithful to his calling, even when it’s hard.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Beth Gregory is one of the counselors on staff at Calvary Church. While she has not always worked in the counseling field, it has always been something that piqued her interest. After some circumstances later in life prompted Beth to seek out counseling for herself, she decided to go back to school to get her Master’s degree so that she could help others in their journeys as well. Today, she’s sharing how God not only used her experiences to lead her to the work she now does, but also how He has used it to impact her own walk with Him.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Cliff Hurter worked at Calvary Homes for over 40 years. For the majority of those years, he served as the Executive Director and, at the end of 2022, he stepped into retirement. Cliff really viewed his role at Calvary Homes as a ministry, and he sought to be intentional with the relationships he made with both the residents and staff that he worked with. Today, he is reflecting on his tenure at Calvary Homes, and speaking to what it looks like to transition well through life’s changes.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
For the last five years, James and Nica Yates have been preparing to go, and they hope that, by early 2024, they will be overseas in Cambodia. Today, they’re sharing about the ins and outs of Cross Training, what it’s looked like to follow God’s call to the unreached, and how He directed them to Cambodia.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in, around, or through you? Share your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
We are so excited for you to meet Juan and Rose, Calvary’s newest Global Partners! While they are new to Calvary Church, they are not new to global work, nor are they new to working with refugees, which is exactly what they do now in Lancaster City! Today, they are sharing how God has faithfully brought them full circle with the work that they are doing, and how He is actively at work among those who have sought refuge in our community.
Do you want to partner with Juan and Rose, and the work that is happening at The Haven? Email thehavenlancaster@yahoo.com, or contact Terri Sherman on our Global Ministry team at tsherman@calvarychurch.org.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in, around, or through you? Share your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Global Partners, Bobby and Michele Law, serve in Taiwan, engaging working-class people in least-reached communities and emerging generations who are interested in missions. They have been church planting for nearly 30 years, and it’s their desire to see leaders raised up within the churches they plant, and that eventually those churches would also fulfill the Great Commission by sending out their own missionaries.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in, around, or through you? Share your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Every year, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week which starts with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and culminates with his death and resurrection. As we look at these events through the lens of Matthew’s Gospel, we see that Jesus predicts His death and resurrection on numerous occasions. His disciples had many questions, and only understood the significance of why Jesus had to die after He rose again. For us today, we may have similar questions: “Why did Jesus have to die? What did it accomplish? Why is His resurrection so significant? What difference does it make for me?”
For some of us, Easter can tend to feel like “just another Sunday,” but Holy Week gives us the opportunity to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection and why it has the power to change our lives. This episode features a discussion between Mark Farnham, Peggy Huber, and Steve Kilgore, surrounding the parallel passages in Matthew where Jesus predicts His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:17-19, and 26:2). It’s our hope that, as you listen, you’ll encounter joy, hope, and wonder as you consider the significance of Easter for yourself.
Joshua Brussel serves as Calvary’s Middle School Director, working with 7th and 8th grade students. Joshua grew up overseas, and his experience as a missionary kid really paved the way for the work that he does today. Joshua brings a lot of fun and energy to our staff, and we are so grateful for the heart he has to walk alongside teens as they wrestle with what it looks like to follow Jesus in an ever-changing world.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Laura Leigh Kinley serves as Calvary’s Communications Manager, and she is one of the people responsible for the many visual media elements that you’ll find around Calvary Church. Laura Leigh exudes creativity, possessing talents across a broad spectrum, and, as she’ll share today, that made it difficult for her when it came time to choose a college major and, eventually, a career. She has gained so much wisdom as to discerning the right path and about the importance of hobbies. So, if you are – or know someone who is – a creative type, or a student looking towards or navigating through college, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Mike Derus was living a life far from the Lord when he found himself in a desperate situation and in need of a place to live. At the time, he was dating his now-wife, Tami, whose parents agreed to take Mike into their home until he got back on his feet. Tami’s parents, Jere & Judy Brubaker, were committed followers of Jesus, and it was ultimately their love and kindness towards Mike that eventually brought him to a saving relationship with Jesus. Today, Mike and Jere are both here to tell us the whole story of how God has been at work in their family for the last 30+ years.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Having been adopted as a baby, Julianna Gerlach struggled in her adolescent years with feelings of being abandoned. This led to many years of looking for love in all the wrong places. Eventually, this pursuit of love led her across the country, where she found herself pregnant, twice, and facing circumstances that left her feeling devastated and hopeless. Eventually, God led Jul home, and through the love of her family and others, she discovered the love that she had been looking for all along, in Christ.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
John Noel has been serving on the Worship Ministries staff at Calvary for over a decade. You may see him most often playing piano or keyboard on a Sunday morning, but he also does valuable work behind the scenes helping to plan for worship services, leading the worship choir, scheduling musicians, creating music charts, transcribing and arranging music, serving with our live production team, and so much more. Not only does John love serving the Lord through music, but he also loves his family, who have an amazing legacy of following Jesus. Today we have the opportunity to get to know John, and hear how family has played such a vital role in his life, faith, and ministry.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Emily Bechtel longed to be a mom since she was a little girl. But her expectations fell short when she and her husband learned that having biological children would be difficult. After a four-year journey with infertility, God answered Emily’s prayer and gave her a son. Emily joins us to reflect on God’s faithfulness to her in the waiting, and, ultimately how He showed her what it means that He is good.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
In 2019, Melinda Smith and her husband, Nate, became certified for foster care, and quickly found themselves matched with a newborn baby girl. In the years that followed, God worked in the Smith family to teach them what it looks like to extend love to the world around them, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Today Melinda shares how the love of God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, changed and grew their family in a way they never could have imagined.
If you attend Calvary Church and this conversation hit close to home, Calvary has a pastoral counseling ministry that might be a great resource for you! To learn more or set up a time to meet with one of our counselors, you can send an email to care@calvarychurch.org. Our team would love to walk alongside you.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
We all have family, yet no two families are alike. For some of us, family brings to mind the people who are, or were, most directly related to us – our parents, siblings, children. For others, family is untraditional; it’s the people who extended love when we most needed it. And yet, for some, we acknowledge that family is a reminder of brokenness – that on this side of heaven, things are just not the way they’re supposed to be. The Bible has a lot to say about family. It’s filled with genealogies and stories of generations who followed God – albeit not always perfectly – who were used to advance His story and Kingdom. And it’s ultimately a reminder that, in Christ, we always belong in God’s family, adopted as His sons and daughters.
In this series, we’ll hear stories of how God is working in families of all kinds. Join us starting on February 13 as we are encouraged and challenged to deepen our love for Christ and those around us.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Monica Kirsch has been hosting Pursuing Life since it launched in December 2021. Today we flip the script to hear directly from her as she reflects on the last year of the podcast, shares her hopes for what’s to come in 2023, and tells us part of her own story of following Jesus. Guest hosted by Liz Rodriguez.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Mike Fueyo is a physician who is passionate about serving individuals who have special needs, and he runs a program locally for those with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Mike has been attending Calvary Church for more than 15 years, and he also serves as a buddy in our Disability Ministry. Today he is sharing how he came to faith in Jesus, how he ended up in his vocational field, and why he is so passionate about serving the lost and the broken.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Scott Powell and his wife, Leslie, (who was featured on the podcast in August of 2022) are Global Partners who served in Asia for more than twenty years. Today Scott is sharing with us how God led them overseas, then back to the states, how they ended up in Lancaster, and how God located them strategically for the work that they now do locally with refugees.
If you are interested in getting involved with a welcome team, or other ways to serve refugees in Lancaster County, email Terri Sherman at tsherman@calvarychurch.org for more information!
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Today we kick off our Meet Our New Elders series with Brad Mullen. Brad was on staff at Calvary Church for several years, and has also served terms as an elder in the past. Before coming to Calvary, Brad dedicated many years to teaching students about the Word of God. God has taken Brad far and wide on his journey, and we are so thankful that he is a part of our church body and leadership.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Abby Reiner has had a passion for working with children who have special needs since she was a child herself. Now, as a Special Education teacher, Abby gets to use that passion to share the love of Jesus with kids both inside and outside of the classroom. Today she joins us to share how she has seen God at work in the world of education.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Meagan Landis joined Calvary’s staff in July 2022 as a part of the Global Ministries team. In the Spring of 2020, Meagan was getting ready to be commissioned as a Global Partner. But, over the next 18 months, her journey took many unexpected turns, which ultimately led her to role she’s in now. Today, Meagan is here to share that story with us - a story of how sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but God always knows what’s best.
In today’s episode, Meagan referenced the book, “I’m Praying for You,” by Nancy Guthrie. You can learn more about this book here.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Joel Sims joins us today to share how God has been at work through his role as an architect and, more recently, as a property owner. After many years in his field, Joel started praying for ways to be used in more impactful ways for the gospel. In the years that followed, God began to answer that prayer in ways that only He could, which is the story that Joel is here to share with us today. This is not just a conversation about work; it’s a conversation about discipleship, and stewardship, and what it means to trust God with our lives and our resources in all of the different seasons of our life. Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Anna Fillgrove serves as Calvary’s Director of Nursery Ministries and the Calvary Kids Communication Coordinator. Anna came to saving faith in Jesus as a young adult as a result of the ministry of Calvary Church! Before coming on staff, she and her husband, Kevin, were involved in an Adult Bible Fellowship and served in various areas, and their kids grew up and served at Calvary as well. Now, as a staff member, Anna has the opportunity to come alongside children and volunteers, encouraging them in their faith journeys, in the same way that others did for her.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Like many people, Amanda Rock didn’t know what she wanted to do after she graduated from high school! But, over several years, God directed Amanda’s steps, and she discovered a passion for financial planning. As a certified financial planner, Amanda works for a company that uses God-honoring principles to assist people in stewarding their finances. She sees her work as a way to come alongside others to help them prioritize their lives in a way that allows them to pursue life in Christ. Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
We all have a job to do. Whether we’re clocking in and out every morning, or raising up little ones in our home, God calls us to do that job as service unto Him. When we view our work as worship, we’re ultimately redirecting the glory back to Him, and, hopefully, in turn, inspiring others to do the same. Starting next Monday, October 24th, we’ll hear stories from individuals who are actively viewing their work as a means of serving God and advancing His Kingdom.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Olivia Huss came to Calvary as a 10th grader, and, having just moved to the area, she didn’t know any other kids her age. But she took a step of faith and got plugged into a student group, which ended up impacting her so greatly that she went on to become a leader, which she’s been faithfully committed to for the last 8 years. Olivia is an example of how God uses even the seemingly trivial parts of our stories to shape the ways He calls us to take part in building His Kingdom.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Bill Schmidt was on staff at Calvary Church from 1965-1970, and in the 1990s, he and his wife, Eunice, became global partners. After they retired from the mission field, they settled back in Lancaster and got plugged back in at Calvary Church. Today, Bill joins us to share how God has been faithful to him through Calvary Church. And, as he shares, we’ll also see how God was faithful to Calvary Church through Bill. Join us today as we continue to celebrate God’s faithfulness through our 85-year history!
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Kaylee Glessner started attending Calvary when she was a senior in high school, after her family decided it was time to transition to a new church home. Not only was Kaylee uprooted from the church she’d attended her entire life, but she was about to enter another season of transition as she would graduate from high school and navigate through the unknowns of post-graduate life. During this time, Kaylee has seen God work through the local church in unexpected ways to bring healing and encouragement to both her and her family, and today she’s here to share that story with us, as we focus on the ways that God is being faithful right here in the present.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Curt & Diane Bitterman have faithfully served at Calvary Church for over four decades. Diane’s primary role has been serving with children, where she’s been involved since the beginning of Wednesday night programming, and Curt has faithfully served with Global Ministries, where he helped start the short-term missions program, and now assists with missionary housing. Curt & Diane have so faithfully lived out what it means to invest in God’s work, but they will be the first to tell you that they truly are the ones who have been impacted. Today they are here to share with us how they have seen God’s faithfulness through serving. Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Pastor Beau Eckert has been Senior Pastor at Calvary Church for the last 11 years, but prior to stepping into his current role, he served primarily with youth and young adults. Today we’ll get to hear about his history with Calvary Church, how he came to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and the ways that God faithfully guided his path to lead him to where he is today.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
This year, Calvary Church is celebrating it's 85th anniversary! We'll be joining in on the festivities on Pursuing Life as we reflect on God's faithfulness and hear stories of His goodness. Join us as we kick off our new series, Celebrate Faithfulness, on Monday, September 12th.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the faithfulness of God in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Last week we had the privilege of hearing from Peter & Sarah Hoang about their passion for discipleship, and today, Sarah joins us again, along with her mentor, Leslie Powell, and mentee, Megan Grant. These three ladies are sharing with us how their relationships with one another have contributed to growth in their relationships with Christ.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
This week’s episode is all about discipleship! As a church, one of our current vision initiatives is for everyone to be and make disciples. Peter and Sarah Hoang have been investing their lives in discipleship for the last two decades. Today we get to hear how God has ignited this passion for discipleship within them, and how walking alongside others has been a catalyst for growth as they pursue life in Christ.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Jon & Beth Wolfe join us today to celebrate the ways God has worked in their lives through parenthood. Through this conversation, they will share with us the importance of leading by example, teaching their daughters what it means to live from a biblical worldview, and how to foster the unique gifts and talents that the Lord has given to each of their children so that they can use them for His glory as they pursue their own relationships with Christ.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Steve Yates, Pastor of Connection Ministries at Calvary Church, primarily works with systems – from our database, to the library, to human resources, his job is all about learning how to improve processes so that we can have a clear path to pursuing life in Christ. Steve has always enjoyed systems and learning how things work, and today we get to hear the story of how God has woven that into his life and used it as an avenue for sharing the gospel.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Rick & Kim Grunden are teachers in our Marriage Builders Adult Bible Fellowship, and they have been attending Calvary with their 6 children for the last 6 years. Today they are telling their story of God’s faithfulness in their marriage, and how He has worked in their lives amidst unexpected challenges and even unmet expectations.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Naomi Long, Director of Young Women’s Ministry at Calvary Church, joins us today to share her story and explain how she ended up in her role on staff! Naomi’s primary focus on our Student Ministry team is working with 7th-12th grade girls and their leaders. Her work aims to come alongside, encourage and equip these young women as they take steps to pursue life in Christ.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Will & Marisol Kassis join us today to share how God has worked redemptively throughout their relationship to draw them to Himself and into community with others. As they share honestly about their challenges and victories, we’ll ultimately see how God has been faithful to them both individually and as a couple.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
In today’s episode we are getting to know Jason Martin, who serves on our facilities staff. Jason is someone who quietly works behind the scenes to help Calvary Church steward our space well for both our congregation and our community! While you don’t hear much from him, you would definitely notice if he wasn’t around, because his work keeps our space functioning and maintained. We are so thankful that he took a few minutes out of his day to introduce himself as we continue to meet the staff of Calvary Church!
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Today, Karis Derus is chatting with us about how friendship has become an important part of her story. During her childhood, Karis moved around a lot, and didn’t have many opportunities to plant roots or experience lasting relationships. It wasn’t until she finished high school that God started to plant seeds of true friendship in her life, and as she made Lancaster a long-term home, she began to understand the importance of friendship and community in new ways. Her insight on what it means to live in friendship ultimately stems from what God has taught Karis about Himself through the story He has written for her life.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Today, we are joined by Kari Sangrey & Liz Rodriguez, who are here to talk to us about singleness. This can be a tricky topic to cover, because it can sometimes come with a stigma and cultural connotations that can be difficult to unpack. But as people pursuing life in Christ, we know that this is true: we are all called to community and to do life with one another. So, Liz and Kari are here to talk about how God has used singleness in their lives, and what He has taught them about what it means to relate well to the people He’s placed around them. This is a conversation for all of us, regardless of our marital status. Because, as you’ll hear these ladies share, God is still the same, good God, no matter our season or circumstances.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory
Today we are joined by Andy & Deanna Schall, who are helping us kick off our Can You Relate? series by sharing their marriage story! As they’ve grown together, the Schalls have sought to use what God has taught them to pour into the lives of other couples through various marriage ministries. Their story will help us lay a foundation as we seek to celebrate God’s work in all relationships, especially marriage.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
This Summer on Pursuing Life, we'll be launching into a series called, "Can You Relate?" Join us starting June 6th as we celebrate the work that God is doing in and through relationships!
Meg Iseman is part of the Calvary Kids team, and works directly with the Calvary 56 Ministry, which serves our 5th and 6th grade students. Today, Meg shares with us how her experiences as a student, and her love for adventure and the outdoors, have impacted the way that she shares the truth of the gospel with elementary students.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory
After tragically losing his father at age 13, Mark Nicolas’ view of God was dramatically altered, and he found himself on a path of asking existential questions about what life was really about. After exploring various avenues and opportunities, he eventually found himself unfulfilled, divorced, and hopeless. But that’s when Jesus changed everything. Mark’s story is a reminder that none of us are too far out of reach of redemption, and that God is in the business of making things new.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Born and raised in China, Shelly Malloy didn’t know about Jesus until she was introduced to Him by not one, but two roommates during her time at university. Over the next several years, God worked in her life to reveal His heart to her and draw her into a saving relationship with Him.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at: calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
After 30 years of being a lead pastor, Stan Maughan joined the Calvary Church staff in the role of Pastor of Care & Visitation. Today he’s giving us a glimpse into his world, and sharing with us how he came to know Jesus and how he ended up in pastoral ministry.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Chris Torchia recently joined the Calvary Church staff in the role of Pastoral Counseling Associate. He comes to us with over 8 years of counseling experience, as well as some other pretty unique areas of ministry background! Today, Chris is sharing his story of how he was introduced to Jesus as a high school student, after skipping school to skateboard behind a church building. During such a formative time, the Lord captivated Chris’ heart in ways that would shape the rest of his life.
To schedule an appointment with Chris, contact Judi Brady at 717-560-2341 x278 or jmbrady@calvarychurch.org.
Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory.
Growing up in a single-parent home without a father, Zach Rodgers marks most of his early life as being defined by fatherlessness. He believed God was non-existent until a friend invited him to attend a local youth group, and as a teenager he was introduced to Jesus for the first time. In the years to follow, it was the work of God through others that brought Zach to a saving faith in Christ, which led to growth that has brought him to where he is today.
Studying Scripture has deeply impacted the way Bethany Jensen lives her life. After coming to saving faith in Just as a young adult, her hunger for the Word of God increased, and she started digging deeper into Scripture. Her story is full of wisdom about why to study the Bible, how to study the Bible, and why the importance of community and accountability is so important.
As a young boy growing up in a dysfunctional home, Jim Lines knew nothing about Jesus. It wasn’t until he met a loving, middle-aged couple, who were compassionate enough to take him under their wings and take him to church, that Jim truly understood the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Today, Jim shares with us his testimony and invites us to ask ourselves how Christ’s love compels us to live intentionally in pursuit of Him.
To read more of Jim’s testimony, his book, Compelled By Love: A Story of Grace and Love, can be purchased here.
John Frye, Calvary’s Pastor of Worship & Care, is joining us today to tell his story of how Jesus brought him from death to life, and how his journey into music ministry began! Over the last 30 years, John’s role at Calvary has shifted, but his influence remains significant as he continues to pour into the lives of people and seeks to make music for the glory of God.
Dennis Lien began attending Calvary Church as a middle school student, and now, as a college student, he serves both in facilities and in Student Ministries. God pursued Dennis' heart as a child, and worked in his life through the intentionality of others to guide him to a saving faith in Jesus. What an encouragement for us to catch a glimpse of the work that God is doing in the lives of students and young adults!
Michael & Nicole Gilchrist join us today to tell their story of how God led them to pursue church planting in New Hampshire. Michael has been on staff at Calvary for the last 13 years, and currently serves as Pastor of Community Impact, and we are excited that we get to be a part of his transition from Global Ministries staff to Global Partner. God has worked in big ways to bring Michael & Nicole to this point in their lives and in their family, and He continues to open doors for them as they seek to live out the Great Commission.
The fingerprints of our staff are all over the ministry of Calvary Church – and some you may recognize more than others! But whether their work is front and center or behind the scenes, our hope for this series is that you’ll get to know our staff and hear stories of God at work that you may not have the opportunity to hear otherwise! Today we are introducing you to our video content creator, Justin Gathright. Justin is one of our newer staff members, but his work has already made such an impact in the life and ministry of Calvary Church. We think you’re going to enjoy getting to know him!
Valerie Stoltzfus has been a faithful attender of Calvary Church for over 40 years! She has learned the value of prayer through many years of serious health complications, and though the road has not been easy, God has always been faithful. Today she is sharing her story with us of how she came to believe every chapter is a gift and why it’s so important to pray in community.
When in Doubt, Week 1
Adoption is a thread that has been woven all throughout Debbie & John Roche’s story. As they prayed for a family, God answered by taking them on a journey not once, but three times, to adopt from China. That journey was not always smooth sailing, but God continued to impress upon their hearts a burden to care for orphans, and they continued to seek His leading. Today, Debbie and John share just part of their story, and give us a glimpse into the ways that God continued to show up and answer their prayers in ways they could have never imagined!
Welcome our new Pastor of Global Ministries, David Harrop! David joined our staff in December 2021, and he and his wife, Mary, come to us with years of missions and ministry experience both overseas and stateside. Today we have the opportunity to get to know David and hear a snippet of how prayer has impacted his life! Tune in on Sunday morning, February 13, at 9:30 or 11 am at calvarychurch.org to hear David preach on the topic of prayer as a part of our current sermon series, Come to Me.
Books Referenced:
Western Christians in Global Mission: What’s the Role of the North American Church? by Paul Borthwick
World Christianity and the Unfinished Task: A Very Short Introduction Task by F. Lionel Young III
In our first episode of 2022, Phil Morrison joins us to talk about his journey with Lament. Phil and his wife, Jan, are Global Partners with Calvary Church, and after serving overseas for several years, they have moved back stateside where Phil now works in the area of child safety. When he started working in this position, the weight of all he was learning in the area of child safety was a lot for Phil to bear. This led him to a process of learning about the biblical practice of lament. Today, Phil is here to share with us what it really means to lament and how this practice can deepen our spiritual lives as we seek to pursue life in Jesus!
Books Referenced:
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop
Psalms of Lament by Ann Weems
Every Moment Holy, Vol. II: Death, Grief & Hope by Douglas McKelvey
Read more about the steps of Lament in Phil’s Book: Staying On Course: Self-Care for Child Safety Workers
Today we are wrapping up our Advent series with the theme of peace. When we think of peace, we often think about the absence of conflict. But the peace we are going to talk about has less to do with conflict and more to do with completeness. When Jesus came to earth, he came to restore us, to make our relationship with God complete. That’s the reason why we call Him our Prince of Peace!
Sandy Robinson (Director of Disability Ministry at Calvary Church) joins us today to talk about the unexpected roadblocks she and her husband experienced in starting her family, how the Lord led them to the journey of foster care - and ultimately adoption, and how their heart for individuals living with disability has been woven throughout their story. All throughout Sandy’s journey, God has taught her that pursuing a life of peace isn’t always easy, but that his peace is always available to us when we make the choice to trust his perfect plan for our lives.
The Bible Project: Peace - https://bibleproject.com/church-at-home/shalom/
Today, we are shifting our focus to the theme of joy, and as we continue our series on the four themes of Advent, we are going to start to see some connections being made. Biblical joy is based on hope - the same hope we looked at during the first week of Advent! Joy comes when we find our hope in the living, eternal hope of Jesus.
Before joining the staff at Calvary, Alex Vocature (High School Director) was involved in an accident that nearly left him paralyzed. As he laid in a hospital bed, he suddenly found himself re-evaluating his life, his priorities and where he was finding joy. Today he’s joining us to talk about how this experience has changed his life, why he believes he’s living on “bonus time,” and what he has learned is the true, lasting source of joy.
The Bible Project: Joy - https://bibleproject.com/church-at-home/joy/
This week we shift our focus to the second theme of Advent: love. When most of us think of love, we think of a feeling. But the kind of love that we set our eyes on as followers of Jesus is one of action and sacrifice. We know that Jesus demonstrated his love for us by laying down his life (1 John 3:16). In turn, the way that we love others should reflect this same kind of selflessness and sacrifice.
Today, Kiki Moyer (Director of Small Groups at Calvary Church) is here to tell us about how her encounter with the sacrificial, unconditional love of Jesus changed her life. Growing up, Kiki believed that doing good work and being a good person would be enough to save her. But when she went to college and started experiencing the love and kindness of her peers, she began to know, understand and accept that true salvation comes only through the good work of Christ. Kiki’s testimony is a reminder that having a personal relationship with Jesus truly changes our perspective on what it means to pursue a life of love.
The Bible Project: Love - https://bibleproject.com/church-at-home/love/
What is hope? Where does it come from, and how do we find it? During the first week of Advent, we focus in on hope to remind ourselves that is a person and His name is Jesus. When we find our hope in the person of Christ, who came as Emmanuel - God with us - we find something to cling to that will never disappear, and will never fail.
Today, Tyler Noel (Worship Associate at Calvary Church) and his wife, Shyanne, join us to share about what it meant for them to cling to hope after loss. When it would have been easy to ask, “Why, God?” they intentionally leaned in a little closer to seek out what God was doing in the midst of their grief. Tune in to hear their perspective on what it means to pursue a life of hope.
Yes I Will: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrTv39-lG4M
Stand in Your Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHLEZzyAZrI
Be Still My Soul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM
The Timing of God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uCrDoJf9_0
The Bible Project, Hope: https://bibleproject.com/church-at-home/hope/
All throughout the month of December, I’m sitting down with some of our staff to hear stories surrounding the four themes of Advent – Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Advent literally means, “the coming or arrival of something or someone that is important or worthy of note.” At Christmastime, we remember the “advent” or “arrival” of Christ, the Son of God, born human, who came to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. We also look forward to the second “advent” of Christ – His promise to return once again to make all things new and reign as the one true King.