This Sunday, Nov 14, we will be launching “SECOND SUNDAY” @6:30pm at Calvary Chapel Ojai Valley – a monthly night of WORSHIP & PRAYER. We will immerse ourselves in our Lord’s presence, in our Lord’s promises, and in prayerful petitions on behalf of others and ourselves. This will also be a time where we are open to the movement of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Spirit as described in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, & Ephesians 4. I expect spiritual refreshment, powerful revelation, and physical & emotional healing to take place, as God desires and directs. I hope you can join us.
CALLING ALL MEN:
Next Wednesday Nov 17, the Calvary Ojai Men’s Ministry will reignite with the Men’s Life Group Bible Study at 7pm, in the sanctuary at the chapel. We will be studying the book of Romans. Got questions? See Royal Roberts for details.
CALLING ALL WOMEN:
The Women’s Life Group Bible Study on Wednesday mornings has been very successful and they are now adding a second group on Wednesday evenings, at 7pm, in The Upper Room at the chapel. It is a very engaging look at The Chosen, with discussion & insights. Got questions? See Lynda Kellerman or Sue Poland for details.
THANKSGIVING IN THE PARK
This year we will be hosting the 22nd annual Thanksgiving in the Park and Christmas in the Park. Since 1999, this has become a tradition for many who donate or volunteer, or connect with our community on the holiday by sharing the meal and sharing their hearts. For many, tangibly bringing the love of God to people in a practical way is what makes the holiday a true Holy Day. Whether housed or homeless, we are one community – and this is an opportunity to share delicious food and friendship enriching all of our lives. For some, it is desperately needed during a time of acute loneliness and depression. Some have testified that this event has carried them through, even saving their lives from suicide. We will bring a message of hope in the love of Jesus, and enjoy inspirational music as well. There is always a time to pray for those that desire it.
Please help us get the word out to our community. The events are held on Thanksgiving Day from 11am to 1pm, and Christmas Day from 1pm to 3pm.
Would you like to be part of this in 2021 by volunteering, preparing food, setting up, or taking down? We have set up a webpage to help coordinate individual volunteers and donations. https://calvaryojai.org/thanksgiving-christmas/
Due to COVID-19, there will be special protocols in place again this year.
Please feel free to pass that on to anybody interested.
Thanks. Together for Jesus, Dan
P.S.: Here is a link to a video that was just sent to me from 2018 that should give you a sense of the event.
I have been sharing with you the faithfulness of God for Calvary Ojai. I believe that God has been pleased with our continued outreach and witness throughout COVID. Thank you for your stewardship. The interesting times have also brought increased needs throughout the week, which means added operational expenses, despite lower in-person attendance at most gatherings. Some of our most faithful givers attend services remotely.
Separately, everybody is feeling the pinch of higher food prices, and supply chain shortages, especially the most vulnerable. Since we started our Community Action Partnership Program at the beginning of last year, we have been busy and stretched, while also seeking outside collaborations with grants or partnerships to support common interests that better our community. If you want to know more about that, please look at our Community Action Tab on our website. If you have a relationship with a company that gives back to the community that might partner with us, please let us know. Also, we are looking for a couple of gifted volunteers to help us coordinate with partnerships and funding sources for programs like our food pantry, what we do with the homeless, and others in need.
Finally, the chapel mortgage payoff remains a prayer priority. I can’t wait for our next progress update. if you need help with planned giving such as putting your church in your will, as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or investment portfolio, our elder Richard Petropulos can probably help. Please get with him if you have questions about that.
THANK YOU
Thank you for everything you do to honor Christ – to bring with light to people in practical ways – for learning and living God’s Word!!
Together for Jesus, Dan
P.S. The Kitchen Remodel is in the final phase (woohoo!) – but counter tops will be a significant expense. We are looking for a partner on this. Also, we will soon be putting the Daily Bread Food Pantry dry goods & cans storage container into operation after we have completed some important upgrades. This will be big deal when complete. I look forward to updating you with more details next time. Please add your prayers to this in the meantime.
