Calvary AGM will take place on Sunday, Feb 26th.
Our time of celebrating God's goodness in 2022 and dreaming for what's ahead will be part of our (shortrened) worship service.
We will transition immediately/ flow into the other pieces of our AGM right out of worship.
Lighthouse will happen during the worship and then transition into a time of childcare/movie for the second part.
You do not have to be a formal member to be part of the AGM. Visitors are welcome to join us and if you call Calvary your family please participate and engage. (And formally speaking, adherents who contribute regularly to the support of the congregation may vote on motions brought forward at this meeting)
The service and AGM will be streamed/broadcasted but, according to UCC guidelines for voting, votes must be made in person. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to send questions in advance to Lorie.
We hope you can join us to worship, celebrate, learn, and engage with God's doing here at Calvary.
Together
Links to Sections of the 2022 Annual Report
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Click on the button below to download the .pdf of the annual report
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Message from the Minister
Looking back at Calvary’s 2022 is a bit like one of those family dinners. You know the kind, where people have come with different parts of the meal, and extra chairs are drawn up to the table. Plates are piled high. Conversation buzzes in various corners from murmurs to guffaws. So much life. So much on offer to eat, to enjoy. And, while you may not remember what you ate, you remember the time spent together and how those moments impacted you.
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As you think back on your year with Calvary - what moments stand out?
Here’s some for me:
Together
Jesus said, “where two or more are gathered in my name, I am right there with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
We have a renewed sense of the importance of finding ways to be together. Partly because the challenge being together these last few years highlighted our need for each other. And because, as we looked at scripture together, it struck us over and over again: Jesus plan for discipleship was always together. Reading scripture, learning to pray, learning to hear God’s leading, growing in ministering to others: discipleship all happened in two, in groups, with Jesus - together.
As you look through the reports, so much of our growing in our relationship with Jesus happens in and as a result of our gatherings, our worship, our family events: celebrations and sorrows, our groups Online, in person. The impromptu conversations, the chance to unload our burdens, receive prayer, be inspired by what God is teaching someone else, the spark that spurs us to seek to grow in some area all happen because we made room to be together.
The People
Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. ... And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Heb 10:24
At those big family dinners, you can’t just reach for the food. The serving plates get passed around and often someone beside you holds the plate so you can load up. In the same way, I’m amazed at the people who God has used to fill us up, passing on to us what God has given them.
Who comes to mind as you think about the leaders who have served you and helped you grow?
Our Amazing Staff who have rich deep relationships with Jesus and passion to see us grow in so many different ways. Rhonda, who loves our youth and families but uses her organizational gifts to enable ministries and ideas to make things happen. And how she helps people identify their gifts and find ways to step into leadership and ministry. Kelly who loves our families and kids and creates, with her team, amazing environments for our children to grow in their intimacy with Jesus and begin using their gifts to serve him. And how she gathers teams to spur reaching out to our community in kids programs in the park, Downtown Kitchener Ministries and Disciple a City. Dave who not only leads teams and spurs us to worship, but teaches and mentors with wisdom and insight into God’s words. Wendy who gently and prayerfully connects with people and seeks to keep information and connection flowing.
Our incredible leadership teams and committees. When I think of the board, I think of how they spur each other on to grow in love with Jesus and lead out of his heart. How they personally seek to model what they are seeking to ignite in us. I especially think of the board retreat where they gave up an entire weekend, to worship, seek God’s wisdom and discern how we can spur each of us to hunger for God and for our people to encounter God, find spiritual restoration and get empowered to serve others. Amazing!
I think of our teams who plan worship, events, gatherings. And those who call and visit our members to ensure they are cared for. And those behind the scenes who work on the property, the gardens and grounds, the cemetery to create an environment for God to move.
And of course, I think of us as a whole, our family who gather in all these ways to worship and follow Jesus together. What a feast of celebrations.
As you read through the report, or even right now, take a moment to give thanks for those who “held a plate for you” so you could be filled up. Think of what they offered; who comes to mind. And would you reach out to them and thank them?
Jesus
Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, our champion who initiates and perfects our faith Heb 12:2a
Finally, to stick with the metaphor, I find myself looking to the head of the table where Jesus sits at the centre of it all. I’m so grateful for how Jesus is at work amidst all that we do. How he takes messages and conversations over coffee and helps us know his comfort, his leading, his love and purpose. I’m so grateful that we, as a church, seek first to keep our eyes on Jesus and learn to follow his leading.
As I write this, our Chilli cook off is a few weeks away and our annual meeting a few weeks later. But, already, I’m feasting on all that Jesus has done in our midst and giving thanks for how many people are passing full plates of all he has done for them for others to share. I can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Submitted by Rev. Drew Maxwell
Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals
Weddings
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Carlee Nosworthy and Andrew Maguire
Baptisms
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Tobyn Milo Theodore Hron
Luke William Grilli
Gavin Evander McQuillen
In Loving Memory of…
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Elizabeth (Betty) Mary Wolfe
Thelma Eileen Zlateff
Audrey Marie Nikiforos
Muriel Adell Martin
Official Board Report
What a pleasure it is to be part of a board that seeks Jesus and gives glory to God for all we have, all we are and all we do. When our board gathers together, God is not an afterthought – He is at the centre of it all. Our time together is life-giving, even when we are grappling with tough topics. Over this past year, we have celebrated together, shared together, visioned together, and we are learning to trust in God’s timing.
In March, as an act of testimony and devotion to God, we began sharing our personal faith stories at our board meetings (and some of us on Sunday mornings). This has drawn us together and drawn us closer to God (pass the tissues please). When you listen to God and write your own faith story, all the good that God has done in your life shines through. You recognize that, despite your circumstances, God is with you, He is for you, and He loves you! When you share your testimony, it inspires others and impacts them in ways you likely don’t realize. We’ve been learning together – tell your God story! And if you have been impacted by someone’s God story, tell them!
In October, the board and staff gathered at Conestoga Bible Camp for the weekend to set aside time to listen to God, to seek his leading for Calvary, and to do life together. Think of a spa weekend away with comfortable beds and great food…no wait…we slept in camp bunk beds! We did do some soaking, but that was with living water flowing through us. The food was great though – thanks to the efforts of dedicated camp staff! We are thankful to the board for their investment in Calvary, as witnessed in the gift of time spent away from family and for paying not just their own way, but for the staff as well. It was a powerful and energized time spent discerning God’s will for Calvary and capturing tangible steps to move forward - with emerging themes of training, discipleship, Go-ing together, and prayer. And those plans haven’t sat on a shelf – we revisit them regularly and have made some great progress already.
Over the past year, we have also learned to navigate changing circumstances. What a joy it has been to see a sense of community reignite at Calvary! And we are delighted to see engagement in community beyond Sunday mornings. We welcome new and returning attendees and enjoy the chance to connect at coffee hour or other times when we rub shoulders. There is a sense of re-awakening at Calvary – we are not simply returning to the way things were pre-covid. We are yearning for more - for more encounters with the Holy Spirit, for more community, and for more of God’s outpouring of love! We are digging into The Word like never before. As we lean in, God is transforming us to be more like Jesus.
Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. Ephesians 3:17 (TPT)
We have a vision that Calvary will be a beacon that shines like a light on a hill. It is a place where Jesus leads, upholds, sustains, and guides us. We are actively moving toward building a community that loves God first, and the outpouring of His love to us is felt both inside and outside our walls, strengthening our relationships with Him and one another. Our board seeks God’s will and wisdom in moving us forward toward this vision.
It is likely mentioned elsewhere in the annual report but we can’t say it enough – we are SO blessed by our staff!! As a member of the board, Drew’s wisdom and leadership is key. He listens well to God. He gives us food for thought, encourages us, and supports our decision-making. Rhonda is also often working behind the scenes to support the board and was integral in planning our time at the retreat. Each of the staff with their different five-fold anointings blend together to make something greater. Thanks to each of you!
We also want to thank our board members. Here too, we lean on the gifts and strengths of each other to make something greater. Your commitment to Calvary goes well beyond board meetings.
We value your input! Please reach out to your board with any questions and suggestions.
Janine Armstrong, Bill Dunbar, Jean Healy-Martin, Jane Herlick, Cathy Linseman, Anita Pugh, Debbie Martin, Drew Maxwell, Lorie Silverthorne, Terry Smith, Amanda Wood-Atkinson
Submitted by Lorie Silverthorne and Amanda Wood-Atkinson
on behalf of Calvary’s 2022 Board
Worship Ministry
Worship Leader and Worship Planning Team Report
“Worship the Lord with gladness, come before Him
with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God…
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name!
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever,
His faithfulness continues through all generations”
Psalm 100:2-5
Worshiping Jesus. Together. In 2022 we shifted seasons again, as our Sunday worship rhythm shifted into largely in-person worship alongside our online community, as we ran after all that God has for us. We celebrated as the sanctuary filled and the lobby buzzed before and especially after the services with a new coffee format and intentional connection. How good it is to worship together!
God’s word moved our minds and hearts forward through Drew’s bedrock of inspired and faithful preaching, supported by many sharers and teachers in our midst. Our worship teams led us in singing and worship to the glory of God. “More” weeknight worship and Encounter services helped us deepen our connection with God and pray with each other.
As seasons shifted in 2022, our worship planning team and staff kept us focused on the truth of who Jesus is and how important it is to grow in Him together.just survive but Thrive. We held how God sees us, not our circumstances.
Calvary family, thank you for being Jesus’ hands and feet as we worship together.
Thank you:
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To our Hospitality team - Brian & Angie, Bill & Cindy, Jean & Quentin, George & Kathryn, Wayne & Sheila, Anita & Terry, Rod & Tracy, Wendy, Cathy, Dorothy & Ray - for supporting our community and visitors with welcome and encouragement (and coffee!) Special thanks to Liz Guest for coordinating our new community “coffee” model after the service.
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To our Hosts - Amanda, Janine, Cathy, Terry, and Angie - for communicating what’s coming up, setting a beautiful welcoming tone and hosting God’s presence as we start our worship each Sunday.
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To our Tech team - Steve, Matt, Trent, Ian, Andrew, and Tucker - for combining the creative and technology beautifully, ensuring we could see and hear well online and in-person, and flexing to the max as the Spirit moved in our services.
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To our Worship leaders - Joel, Ken, Darlene, Marilyn, Drew, Jane, Cathy, Jordan, Aidan, Gavin, Esanju, Dan and Liz - thank you for pointing us to Jesus with your hearts for worship and musical skill.
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To our Prayer Team - Lorie, Amy, Deb, Jane, Gerry, Angie, Cathy, Sharon, Wendy, Janine, Kathryn and Grace - thank you for how you continue to respond to the Spirit as you share words of encouragement and blessing, and are such a powerful God-filled presence as you come alongside our community in celebration and need.
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To our Teachers, Speakers and Preachers - thank you for moving us forward and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
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To our Sharers - thank you for stepping up and sharing in truth and power from your heart and experience. These views into what God is doing continue to be such a beautiful Kingdom picture!
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Finally to our worship planning team - thank you for how well you listen to God and pour out creatively in support of our worship. Jesus is so evidently moving in you all.
On a personal note, I am so grateful to God for his goodness and the worship of our church family in 2022. His love never changes, even as our seasons do - both individually and as a community. Thank you church family for running after Jesus together with such passion and love for each other. God thank you for so vastly exceeding all we could ask or imagine this year, and for your promises of so much more ahead!
The 2022 Worship Planning team consisted of: Ian McHardy, Rhonda Elgersma, Kelly Beitz, Drew Maxwell, Amy Gayman, Jane Herlick, Cathy Linseman and Dave Small.
Submitted on behalf of the Worship Planning Team
Dave Small, Director, Music Ministry
Family, Children & Youth Ministries
Lighthouse Family and Children's Ministry
Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Sunday Morning LIGHTHOUSE Ministry
Our Kids Ministry is called “Lighthouse” here at Calvary because we know that Jesus is the “Light of the World”and when we follow him we reflect that “Light” (his love) into the parts of our world that remain in darkness. This is our calling;
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To know God, Jesus and Holy Spirit
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Receive the love he has for each of us
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Share that love with others
This is our goal in Lighthouse and we seek to meet this goal by:
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Teaching our kids through the curriculum that we write and develop here at Calvary
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Giving our kids space to meet with, talk to and hear God each time they come to Lighthouse (we call this time our 11 O'clock STOP)
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Creating a community of learners and believers that models family where we recognize we are growing and maturing as followers of Jesus together
This year was a year of transitioning back into in person kids ministry on Sunday mornings. From January until June we had small group opportunities for 4 age groups (JK-SK, Gr 1-3, Gr 3-5, Gr 6-8. Through hallway board games, object lessons, science experiments and other fun we explored the following themes:
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Jesus is the Light of the world and he calls us to be the light
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the Easter story
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God is a good creator
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God calls us to be on mission with him
In the summer we transitioned into one large group open to kids from JK- Grade 8. We met in our outdoor classroom space and did a BLAST THRU THE BIBLE where we literally took the kids chronologically through the Bible to highlight that it is one big story that points to Jesus.
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In September we renamed and restructured our age groups to better accommodate the groups’ size. SonSeekers ( JK-Grade 1) meet in the newly decorated “SonRoom”, TrailBlazers (Grade 2-5) meet in the Kingdom Room, and Jr Youth meet in the Jr Youth lounge . The fall of 2022 we felt able to return to Big Group Worship once a month which has included worship and a drama with some hilarious pirates who are on a journey to find the world’s “greatest treasure”. We loved our Blast thru the Bible in the summer and decided to use this idea for our 2022-23 Lighthouse year. We are moving chronologically through the stories and characters of the Bible asking ourselves these questions:
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What does this story reveal about God?
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What does this story reveal about us?
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We have an amazing Kid’s Ministry team here at Calvary! In speaking with kids ministry pastors in the region I know other churches have seen a sharp decline in their kids ministry volunteers as a result of covid. We have not. Our team is as large and as strong as ever. Thank you to our worship and drama teams as well as all of our Lighthouse leaders and mentors who consistently show up and pour themselves into loving and discipling our kids.
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Gerry Arcand
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Jade Beitz
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Amy Gayman
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Kate Gayman -
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Tori Gayman +
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Doug Gielen
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Emmaline Henry +
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Sarah Jacobs
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Jean Martin
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Maria Martin (Drama)
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Olivia Martin
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Trisha McLaughlin
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Mariella Oliverio +
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Lisa Price
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Crystal Schnarr
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Joel Shantz
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Braedan Smith -
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Megan Stickney
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Dani Thomas -
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Angie Tuffnail
- left in June
+ joined in Sept
Worship Team: Gavin Atkinson, Josie Atkinson and Gavin Beitz - lead by Rhonda Elgersma
Drama Team: Gerry Arcand, Tori Gayman, Maria Martin
Other Family Ministry Opportunities
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An afternoon of tobogganing was a big hit in February as the snow hills were high in the Calvary parking lot.
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Calvary families were invited to participate in an Easter themed “Light in the Park” at the Valleyview park in St Jacobs. The event was a huge success and our Calvary families were able to have some Easter themed fun while also connecting with our local community
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September 2022 marked the reopening of our nursery on Sunday mornings since it’s closing in March of 2020. A huge thank you to Shannon Robinson who cared for this space and scheduled the nursery caregivers for a number of years. Thank you to Jean Martin who has stepped into the coordinating and leadership of the nursery and a big thanks to all our nursery volunteers who help to make this space available for our young families on Sunday mornings
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December marked the return of the Jesus Birthday Party. Many of our Calvary kids and families invited friends and neighbours to join them for this fun filled Sunday!
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Submitted by Kelly Beitz
Director of Family and Children’s Ministries
Junior Youth
The youth in grades 6, 7, 8 (‘jr youth’) are such an important part of our church family! We have loved seeing this group of youth grow on Sundays as they engage in our Lighthouse Ministry. The Jr Youth have a special format designed to pour into them as growing followers of Jesus and leaders. Each week they engage as a small group together in the youth room or they step into serving roles throughout the church. From connecting with kids in Lighthouse, to changing the sign at the road, to helping in the tech booth (and much more!), we love watching the Jr.Youth serve and shine!
We were happy to be able to return to our Jr. Youth room as well this fall! It’s been fun for them to be able to enjoy their own space with couches, treats, and even foosball!
Once a month we gather to grow as a community and have some fun together! We were able to make a number of great memories together including playing games at the church, pizza parties, outings to skyzone, and tobogganing!
This group of youth have enjoyed being able to learn and grow together again. They are keen to invite friends and are always so welcoming to new faces. We have seen this group grow over this last season and are so excited to see so many of them stepping into leadership roles. A huge thanks to Angie Tuffnail, Doug Gielen and Sarah Jacobs who pour their time and attention into this amazing group of youth!
Submitted by
Rhonda Elgersma (Director of Youth Ministries)
Kelly Beitz (Director of Family and Children’s Ministries)
Senior Youth
We call our regular sr.youth gatherings “HOME”. We call ourselves HOME with the goal that our community would be a space that felt like a family. A place of belonging; a place where you are known.
HOME’s vision continues to seek to be a safe passageway for youth to meet with and encounter the love and transforming freedom of Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit through community, memorable experiences, worship, growing, and serving.
We continued to navigate the impact of covid restrictions throughout the year. We spent a short time online - in our virtual youth room. But were happy to have been able to come together to our space in the loft, together again. Because of our size and space available, we could safely meet and enjoy time together! This was so needed and valuable! We so loved being back up in the youth room, playing and worshiping together in the ‘living room’. Even when we had to mask and distance, it was simply good to be able to pursue God together again and be together in the same space!
This year’s crew has been small but faithful - to each other, to the community & church, and to their journey with God. This fall we gained some new youth from grade 9 and it’s brought some fun new energy and faces to our youth family!
Some special highlights this year included:
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Fun Highlights & Adventures including campfires, movie nights, Skyzone, Activate (a new fav!), rock climbing, ice skating, Christmas cookie decorating, pumpkin carving, and of course our classic run around the church games!
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The Chosen - we enjoyed watching and discussing Season 2 of The Chosen throughout the year.
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Outreach Opportunities - we had fun making some meals and treats for our church’s meals ministry.
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Leadership Development Camp & Camp Ministry - one of our sr.youth was able to participate in the LDC summer program and four sr.youth served on staff at Silver Lake Camp and others volunteered on camp staffs. What a joy it was to see them shine in those spaces, grow in their faith and leadership - and how that strengthens our youth ministry is a bonus fruit!
Backfieldfest - after a few summers' pause, we were able to bring back the return of this epic outdoor worship event in September. Youth from various places (alot connected to our camp communities) gathered together in our back parking lot where they played lawn games, raced through an inflatable obstacle course, reconnected with one another, ate snacks and smores, and worshiped God! We were blessed by two worship sets led by some of our young adults and camp friends. The Holy Spirit moved as we praised and prayed together under the open stars! Thank you to those who help make this event possible from donations and lending us trailer beds (Quentin Martin!) and celebrating with us in this vision continuing for our young people.
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A special thank you to our awesome volunteer team (Jamie Connelly, Kaylie Wolfe, Simon MccKenzie, Emily Eybergen and Grace Deter) along with the partnership & support of Kelly Beitz and other members in our church family. And a special thank you to our youth who have committed to this community and their pursuit of Jesus - regardless of where they find themselves in their faith journey. It’s so inspiring to watch you grow individually and together as a family! And of course thanks for the memorable ways we got to laugh and play together has been so good for the soul!
God has amazing things in store for all our amazing youth and we celebrate them!
Submitted by Rhonda Elgersma
Director of Youth Ministries
Small Group &
Discipleship
Opportunities
God highlighted the word TOGETHER this past year - especially in light of the continued challenges of being able to gather together, and as we rebuilt what community could look like again. We are so grateful for the ways we saw community, connection, and family remain strong and valued this year!
Furthermore, we felt God calling us to step into a deeper understanding of what DISCIPLESHIP means. We not only want to provide opportunities to simply be together but to help walk alongside one another and become a growing disciple and follower of Jesus. The following groups sought to create opportunities for deeper maturity and Christ centered community. We are so grateful for the variety of groups, leaders, and ways that happened throughout the year.
In addition to groups and studies, we saw discipleship and community happening in informal ways as well - from 2by2 (prayer partners), small bible study groups, phone calls, visits, mentoring, and much more!
Submitted by Rhonda Elgersma
Women's Group
Three sessions/studies took place over this year. Using different teachers and study resources, the women would spend time sharing goodness, either watching a video study or digging into scripture, and then into breakout groups for discussion & prayer. The studies included:Common Ground - Loving Others Despite Our Differences by Amberly Neese (online) ; a study of Ephesians (outdoors in the new prayer garden space); and a study in Hebrews (in person). Thank you to Lorie Silverthorne & Cathy Linseman for their leadership and shepherding of this beautiful ministry!
Digging Deeper Group
This group provided an opportunity for people to explore their faith and connect together. Using Sunday sermons as the launching point, this group had the chance to dig deeper into a variety of topics, as well as foster some great community! Thank you to Andrew & Amanda Atkinson for their leadership in this group again this year.
Walking Through the Psalms
This group got to enjoy the warmer weather of spring, outdoor spaces, community connections, and reflections out of the Psalms. Each Wednesday, the group walked and shared goodnesses of God, intentional conversation, and paused to reflect on a Psalm together. Thanks to Andrew & Amanda for this idea and opportunity!
Men's Group
This year had wonderful growth for our men’s ministry at Calvary. Most Tuesday evenings, you’d find a group of guys connecting, learning, and growing together. This year they used studies including Crazy Love (by Francis Chan) as well as digging into scripture (the book of James) using some simple bible study tools. Thank you to the leadership of Terry Smith, Steve Gayman, Brian Tuffnail, and Drew Maxwell.
Mental Health Webinar
This specialized opportunity led by Ann-Marie Covert from MyMindJoy to provide space to learn and talk through tools to respond to anxiety and depression. Ann-Marie brings both practical and professional tools with a Christian lens and we appreciate her partnership!
Online Advent Group
This online drop-in group gathered over lunch on zoom for a time of fellowship and prayer and scripture together. They looked at the concept of HOPE by focusing on various characters and aspects of the Christmas story. Thank you to Madelaine Hron & Kathryn Stickeny for providing this space for people during Advent.
Running After Group
One of the words over our church is that it is a place that ‘raises up big people’. We each have powerful giftings, purposes, and callings on our life and God wants us to step into them. This group gathers for 3 sessions (and follow up meetings) to help people build up their confidence in their IDENTITY and DESTINY through simple tools, reflections, and encouragement. We are excited for these opportunities to help people run after who and what God has called them to! Thanks to Janine Armstrong, Amanda Atkinson, and Rhonda Elgersma for facilitating this journey for people.
Minto Group
In the fall, God began to highlight the increase of folks who were living in the Palmerston, Harriston, Listowel area and so a bible study opportunity for the “Minto area” folks was formed. Now a group of 6-10 people gather bi-weekly on Tuesdays to connect and study scripture together. This fall they studied Philippians. Thank you to Dave Small & Anita Pugh for leading this new group!
50+ Group
Members of the 50+ group were happy to be able to meet in person once again! We gathered for a brown bag lunch in the Memory Garden on a gorgeous June Day! We took this opportunity to discuss our plans for the fall followed by various outdoor games (bocci ball, ladder golf, corn hole, washer toss). It was wonderful to once again visit in person! Dorothy and Ray organized a brown bag lunch at the church followed by Euchre in September. In October, Elaine and Carole convened a pot luck lunch followed by Shuffleboard at the church. November found us enjoying Nicole Guse’s production, The Sounds of Christmas, a fundraiser for Kids Ability. Thanks to Sheila and Wayne for organizing. December found us enjoying the Twin City Harmonizers at Calvary. We returned to the Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley for our Christmas Dinner. Thanks to Nancy and Barry for organizing the day. Rev Drew played his guitar to lead us in carol singing and Nancy tested our skills with Christmas themed games. Hopefully the upcoming year will see the return of monthly activities. Members are notified by email or telephone as well as Calvary Connects and Sunday reminders. All members of our Calvary family are most welcome to join this informal group as we enjoy fellowship and community together!
Submitted by Dora Robertson
GO! Outreach
& Equipping
Jesus said “Go and make disciples of all nations”. We are called to be a “Light on a hill” and the “Salt of the earth” and we know we do this by following Jesus ourselves and then by reflecting and sharing his love with others. At Calvary, the heart of missions is to both partner with agencies that embody this call and also to come alongside, encourage and empower individuals who have a heart and a call to GO! Partnering and coming alongside agencies and people might include financial support, prayer support and/or volunteer support. Some of our partnerships include Adventure for Change, Disciple A City, Every Disciple Sent, Kenyan Kids, Mennonite Central Committee, Pregnancy Centre, Ray of Hope, Refugee Sponsorship, United Church of Canada Camping Ministries, Woolwich Community Services and World Renew. In addition Calvary supports the United Church’s Mission and Outreach ministries which meet local and global needs.
Below is a glance back on some of Calvary’s 2022 Go! initiatives.
GO! Local
DTK - Downtown Kitchener Ministry
Calvary has continued to serve the marginalized people in Kitchener every other Tuesday night from 8-9pm. We were excited to see construction complete at City Hall allowing us to return to using that location as our home base. While the team offers a bite to eat, a warm beverage, and a few essential items, the real heart is to build relationships, demonstrate the love of God and offer the hope of Jesus to whoever stops by. Our team typically consists of 4-6 people to serve food and hand out hygiene and personal items and 3 people to walk the streets with hot chocolate and a willingness to connect with people wherever they are - offering a warm drink, prayer and words of truth, hope and encouragement.
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In November of 2022 we started gathering at 7PM to offer “Simple Church” to any interested guests. We have had a growing number of people join us for connection, bible reading and prayer. Each week we hear testimonies from guests who have found community and receive hope through the DTK ministry!
A crucial part of this ministry is the ongoing support of you - our Calvary family. Thanks to LDC and our Jr Youth who baked and packaged cookies to give out over the Christmas season! We need both team members and the donations of practical resources to support and sustain this ministry. Please connect with Kelly Beitz to get more information, to volunteer with this ministry opportunity or support it with a donation.
Some ongoing donation requests include:
• mens sized hats & gloves • scarves • razors • toothbrush • travel-sized (hotel sized) hygiene items including • shampoo • shower gel • soap • toothpaste • deodorant • hot chocolate • peanut free granola bars • chicken weiners
Every Disciple Sent
June 7-11 Calvary was host to an equipping and training school run by Every Disciple Sent. This ministry is an initiative started by our friends and partners at Disciple a City with the heart of training and equipping believers to fulfill the great commission of sharing the gospel. Kelly and Rhonda both use some of their time to specifically support EDS events happening across Canada and help them develop the coaching initiative within this ministry. The school in June trained over 30 participants in tools like the 3 circles, 15 second testimony, prayer and simple church. Many of our own Calvary helped host and participated in this week long school. We look forward to continuing to partner with this ministry as they launch events and schools across the country!
Jakobstettel House
In June of 2022 a community group came together to transform the previous Jakobstettel Inn into a 10-room transitional home called “Woolwich Guest House'' for Ukrainian Refugees in transition. The task was great and many Calvary hands pitched in with their time and giftings to help meet the goal. The home now provides supportive transitional housing for Ukrainians displaced from their homeland due to the war. In August of 2022 Calvary was approached by the Woolwich House and asked to support the food needs of the families by donating $25 gift cards to Walmart and Food Basics. Thanks to the generous support of our Calvary family we were able to drop off $1225 worth of cards to the home to be used by families as they transition through the home! What a tangible way of meeting the needs of others right in our own community!
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Light in the Park
This “Drop In” style GO! Ministry started in 2021 and continued in both the summer and fall of 2022. Light in the Park takes some simple truths about God (He is good, You are loved, Jesus is the way and Nothing is impossible) and uses games and activities in a local park to share the gospel and build relationships with our local community.
The Light in the Park initiative received a grant for $3000 from United Possibility Funds which allowed us to hire a team of youth to grow the ministry and use it as an opportunity to disciple our youth! Kelly Beitz and Amy Gayman welcomed Gavin Beitz, Victoria
Gayman and Maria Martin to the team in the summer and they ministered to families out of Valley View Park in the new subdivision of St Jacobs. Then in September we welcomed Emmaline Henry to the team and they ministered to families out of Riverside Park. Just before Thanksgiving the team set up downtown St Jacobs to give away free pumpkins, share a message of God’s goodness and offer prayer to people. This structure for building relationships and sharing the gospel was widely successful and many connections were made with both local families and visitors to the area. We were able to share the truth of God’s love to many and were able to pray with a number of individuals and families.
Ray of Hope
Calvary served three meals in March, June and September at Ray of Hope during the 2022 year with the financial support of this church family. Every time we served, the protocols changed but now we know that this can easily happen and we “go with the flow”. We have found that with all the changes and protocols it has become easier to collect monetary donations instead of actual food items, and then we purchase the items needed. We are always amazed and delighted when the grocery bill and the donations are within a few dollars of each other. Our good good God is a generous provider and you, our church family are His vehicle!
We have committed to three meals again in 2023. We have been so grateful for the support from the Calvary family. This team truly enjoys preparing and working together to serve the Ray of Hope community.
The team: Barb King, Marg Scheid, Wendy Krieck, Jean Martin, Lorie Silverthorne, Brenda Tithecott and Cathy Linseman
Ukrainian Backpacks
Thanks to the leadership and coordination of Brenda Tithecott, Calvary had the opportunity to help support a local Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis team. In April, 25 backpacks filled with elementary level school supplies (lunch bags, pencil cases, markers and more) were purchased and donated to the team to provide to families when they arrived in the region. A huge thank you to our generous Calvary family and to Brenda for coordinating this effort!
United Church Camping Ministries
We were thrilled in 2022 to see Ryerson and Silver Lake reopen and resume overnight camping ministry this past summer! We were excited to both encourage Calvary families to attend these “partner camps” and to see many of our Calvary youth go to be on staff as part of the ministering teams. In the spring, a Calvary team went up to Silver Lake to finish the project of building new tent bases for the wilderness program on site 2. We also saw many of our congregation spend time this spring and summer at Silver Lake helping with various projects to keep the site at Silver Lake looking good and functioning well.
In the fall of 2021, Calvary was approached by Silver Lake to consider formally partnering with their ministry by committing to a more consistent financial contribution. The board approved this and has committed to a monthly line donation to Silver Lake Camp. These consistent contributions will assist with the ongoing needs of operating a camp ministry but will also support the build of a much needed dining hall. Calvary is continuing to consider ways to bless, encourage and strengthen the camp ministries that so many of our own youth and families enjoy and benefit from.
In addition, Leadership Development Camp - LDC (co-directed by Rhonda Elgersma) was able to operate as a full camp again this past summer. We had the honour of hosting them for a few days as they designed and ran a youth service out of Calvary. In addition to providing a great space for this sized camp, our Calvary family also came together to provide the food for their stay here. This very tangible gift of shelter and food is such a blessing to this small traveling camp.
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GO! International
Missionary Couple
Calvary continues to financially and spiritually support a young missionary couple (names withheld for safety reasons) from our region that have a heart to serve the muslim people. For the last few years this couple has served in Jordan and have recently moved back to Canada to access services for their daughter. As leadership, we have had the privilege of meeting with this couple to share testimonies, pray for and encourage them. They have also come to Calvary this past summer to speak and share about their learnings, their passion for Jesus and the muslim people as well as their passion for sharing the gospel. Our leadership team has recently been asked to sit on a discernment team as this couple comes before God to ask what is next for them as a family. Please pray for their team in Jordan, their work with Muslim believers in Jordan and in KW, and for their daughter’s health and development. Feel free to contact the church office to receive more information on this couple or to inquire about financially assisting and supporting them in their ministry!!
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Submitted by Kelly Beitz
Director of Outreach
Refugee Settlement Committee
(Jean-Healey Martin, Lorie Silverthorne, Highview Community Church)
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We are so thankful for the support of Calvary (and others!) in our fundraising efforts to resettle refugees in Canada! It is a big financial commitment and we couldn’t do it without you! God has greatly blessed us with His provision for this passion of ours. Did you know we have been sponsoring refugees continually since 2015 when we sponsored Alia, Diyaa, and Ibrahim? Thank you for sharing our heart for refugees as we follow Jesus. With your help, we have impacted the lives of 35 people!
We facilitated the paperwork for 2 more of Alia’s children – Maysa arrived in September 2022 and Mohammad in January 2023. Maysa is single and she lives with Alia and other family members. Mohammad, his wife Amal, and boys Yazan and Abdel Rahman are living in Kitchener near their other family members.
The application to bring Venus & Aphrodite’s family to Canada from Lebanon is being processed overseas but that could take another 2 years or more. Please join us in praying for a speedy resolution so this family can be reunited and come to safety in Canada.
In partnership with a Waterloo family, we are sponsoring their extended family from Somalia. This sponsorship is a real God story – ask us about it! Weli and his seven children have been living as refugees in Uganda since 2009. They are oppressed and discriminated against which makes it difficult to work. Their application is currently being processed in Canada prior to being sent overseas.
Because of the changing nature of refugee sponsorship, we are also focusing on being financially prepared for our next sponsorship. In previous years, sponsors were able to submit an application and raise funds while waiting for the sponsored family to arrive. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now requires sponsors to have the funds upfront before application is made. Being financially prepared will allow us to act quickly when we’re presented with our next sponsorship opportunity.
Please pray for wisdom as we move forward with this work.
And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. James 1:5 (TPT)
Submitted by Lorie Silverthorne
Refugee Settlement Committee chair
Pastoral Care
Ministries
Life is filled with God’s goodness amidst our sorrows, joys and the unexpected. We have been given the honour and privilege of entering into those moments in people’s lives to see the grace of God at work.
Our gratitude goes to our Pastoral Care Team as well as our newly formed Care Team. This new team is available to walk alongside those individuals in the Calvary family who need some extra support for a season – whether that is long or short term. We are also aware that pastoral care is happening in the small groups that have formed over the last year and are ongoing. As they meet together, community happens and out of that comes the caring for one another when a need arises. These are wonderful opportunities for deeper connections within our church family. We are celebrating how God is using these connections to show His love and care for each of us.
Thank you Sharon, for your continued encouragement through Calvary’s prayer chain. We have seen the strength and hope that blesses people when we collectively lift up and pray over people and situations. And to Shannon – coordinator of the Meals Ministry – our gratitude for your servant heart and amazing organizational skills as a very practical way to care for our Calvary family.
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Romans 8:28 AMP (Amplified Bible)
Submitted with gratitude,
Mary Jane Schenkel, Cathy Linseman, Rev. Drew Maxwell
Prayer
Ministries
For many years now, Calvary has pursued one of God’s callings for the church: to be a house of prayer. We celebrate the various opportunities for people to both receive prayer and also give the gift of prayer. We know our prayers are powerful and effective and love seeing how God has used our various prayer ministry teams and tools to provide vision, direction, healing, unity, encouragement, and comfort.
We’re so grateful for those who set aside time to listen and to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven.
Thursday Morning Prayer. Through many rich prayer times, this dedicated group of intercessors prayed for our church family and for God’s heart for our town, our region and the world.
Sunday Morning Prayer Ministry continues to be an important part of our worship times. We know the opportunity to receive a blessing, impartation, or simply have our petitions and praises released alongside someone else is powerful and important as a body. Thank you to our extensive prayer ministry team and a special shout out to Lorie Silverthorne for administering this team so that each Sunday prayer was able to be offered in person and online each Sunday.
MORE Worship & Prayer on Facebook twice a week provides a space for not only music and worship but also for people to share petitions, words of encouragement, prophetic declarations, and scriptures to the others joining! It has been beautiful to see people minister to one another in prayer in that space!
Prophetic Prayer - This was a new ministry that was launched this year out a vision to provide an opportunity for more people to hear God’s heart for them, their identity, and their calling! People from our church community and beyond can sign up for a short (10 min) prophetic prayer session. Over the past year we were able to minister to 18 people with encouragement and prayer. Many of these folks have been finding us online from around the world - we have gotten to minister to people from England, Malaysia, USA, other provinces, and more! Thank you to Debbie, Jane, Amy, Esanju, Gerry, and Drew for your leadership and involvement in this ministry!
Sozo Ministry - The Greek word ‘sozo’ means to save, deliver, make whole or restore, heal, be whole. To describe SOZO in just a few words, we could say that it is a ministry of healing, freedom and restoration. The team of prayers listen to God’s prompting as to how to pray and use tools that the attendee then can use themselves to listen to God’s voice. We have seen the power of forgiveness and the joy of freedom. Hearing the shepherd’s voice
will lead you out of whatever has penned you in. Sessions can be booked through sozo@calvaryunited.com. We were able to facilitate a few sozos this year, primarily online. We are grateful the power and love of the Holy Spirit can move over zoom! We were also able to host a sozo training time in the spring led by Bethel Canada Sozo leaders to equip our prayer team with more tools and to train up some new members to the team. Thanks to our sozo team over the years including some new members: Drew, Ian, Dave, Phil, Donna, Sharon, Karen, Janine, Kelly, & Rhonda
Submitted by Rhonda Elgersma
Calvary Prayer Chain
We continue to be amazed and thankful at God's attention to our prayers.
Again this year we have had people join our prayer chain to pray for others and we have had lots of prayer requests for both Calvary church family and others from our community. There have been approx. 95 prayer requests sent out this year. Please contact myself or Wendy in the office if you wish to be on our email list of pray-ers.
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"No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than pray for me. Who will you be kind to today?"
- Charles Spurgeon
Here's a thank you from Jack for our prayers this past year ...
Hello Calvary!
As some of you know, I was hospitalized last March for what was suppose to be a relatively routine surgery with a 4 week recovery. Unfortunately, things did not go to plan and I developed sepsis. The sepsis caused multiple organs to shut down
in the space of a week. Multiple infections kept me in ICU for 2 1/2 months and in hospital for 6 1/2 months. In total I had 9 surgical procedures.
As you can imagine this was an extremely stressful time for myself and my family. Several families from Calvary supplied meals to my wife and kids which was greatly appreciated and I am told, very delicious. During this time I was added to the prayer chain at Calvary and several other churches and organizations. The infectious diseases specialist told me that I almost died 4 or 5 times. He called me a ‘walking miracle’. My family and I know that it is only through the prayers of people like you that I survived.
We are so grateful for your concern and for praying for me through all of this. I still have some challenges but am thankful for a gracious God who has allowed me to meet my newest grandchild born this January. We serve an awesome God!
Jack Kalenderian
Submitted by Sharon McKay
Prayer Chain Co-ordinator
Community &
Special Events
In addition to small group opportunities, we also were able to celebrate times of community, fellowship and fun together! Especially after a numbers of years where these larger group gatherings were unable to happen, it was wonderful to have some spaces and opportunities to be together in community.
Some gatherings and community highlights this year included:
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Bowling - a fun afternoon of bowling for all ages was enjoyed at Frederick Bowl in April!
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Outdoor Food Trucks - Following a worship service in June, three local food trucks came to serve up some yummy lunch and treats! A great time of reconnecting with one another over food - something we love to do at Calvary!
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Outdoor Worship Service
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Service Day at Silver Lake Camp - a group of Calvary folks spent the day at SLC finishing the new tent bases at the wilderness site.
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Tobogganing - A family friendly afternoon of tobogganing in our church parking lot!
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Coffee Hour after church on Sundays returned! We are so grateful for the return of this simple way to connect with one another after worship. A special thank you to our hospitality team and Liz Guest for her leadership and coordination in this ministry! We also have enjoyed shifting this to the foyer with some new layout and design! Such a welcoming space to connect together!
Submitted by Rhonda Elgersma
Special Events Committee: It was great to once again have the Twin City Harmonizers perform to a large audience at an “A Cappella Christmas” show in December Special guest was Chuckee Zehr, a pianist, vocalist and songstress.
Special thanks to Wendy in the office for compiling the program, to the businesses who sponsored program ads, to sound technician Mathew Kuntz, and to any others who helped in any way to make the show a success. Profit raised was $1,626.48.
Our Committee consists of: Dorothy McMillan, Bev and Barb Bowman, Bruce and Donna Dammeier, and Ray Clement. I would like to thank Donna Taylor for her many years serving on the committee.
Submitted by Dorothy McMillan,
Special Events Chair.
Ministry &
Personnel
The Ministry & Personnel (M & P) committee works on behalf of the congregation to support Calvary’s staff. This is through contracts, salaries, job descriptions, working with the board on staff recruitment/mediation and providing pastoral care to each staff person. Our main focus continues to be caring for our staff. We have an M & P point person for each staff member to connect with and check in to see if we can support them in any way. We want to foster and maintain healthy relationships within our staff and congregation. We are the consultative and supportive role for the staff. This past year, long time member Steve VanBruwaene stepped away from our committee. We want to thank Steve for his many years of dedication and service to this committee and we wish him well. We were fortunate to have Andrew Atkinson join our committee! Welcome Andrew.
This past year, the Board decided to put a hold on the Search Committee and hiring of a Director of Community Connections and Pastoral Care. Our committee has worked with the staff to assess their workloads, and identify any gaps created without this position. We will continue to support our staff and their wellbeing.
I know I say this every year but, we have an AMAZING staff!! We are beyond blessed by each one of them and their gifts that they bring and share with us. Our staff consists of:
Wendy Stirbet as our Office Administrator. Wendy’s kindness, gentleness and smile is a welcomed greeting when entering our building. Thank you, Wendy for your continued support of our Calvary family and our staff. Thank you for managing the office and all you do behind the scenes.
Dave Small as our Director of Music Ministries. Dave is so talented and wonderful in leading us in worship. Not only is Dave an amazing musician, but he also brings great leadership to his Worship teams. Thank you, Dave, for leading us in worship, for helping us to open our hearts and minds to invite the Holy Spirit in and for sharing your Joy of music, worship and praise with us.
Kelly Beitz as Director of Family & Children Ministries and Director of Outreach. We are so blessed to have Kelly leading our Lighthouse. She is an amazing mentor to the leaders and makes such special connections with all the kids. What you may not know about Kelly is that she writes the curriculum for Lighthouse!! Instead of purchasing a curriculum, Kelly uses her gifts and talents and develops curriculum just for our Calvary family. This is a true blessing to all of us at Calvary and what makes our Lighthouse so special!
As Director of Outreach, Kelly seeks ways and organizations to spread the word of God and love of Jesus beyond our doors of Calvary. One way this happens is at DTK (Downtown Kitchener) Ministry. Kelly wonderfully leads/mentors the team to serve our guests and gently share who Jesus is. Kelly is also involved with Disciple A City and Every Disciple Sent organizations. Thank you, Kelly, for sharing all of you gifts with humility, joy and faithfulness.
Rhonda Elgersma as our Director of Youth Ministries and Director of Ministries. Rhonda has amazing gifts and talents to connect with youth. If you have had a chance to witness Rhonda with the youth you will see that special connection as well as seeing how she spurs them to know who they are, grow in their faith and step into leadership opportunities.
As Director of Ministries, Rhonda uses her organizational and administrative gifts to keep us running smoothly not just on Sunday mornings but also helping with communications, visioning, strategic planning and connecting people to opportunities. Rhonda can see clearly what others may miss about themselves or a situation!! Thank you, Rhonda, for using your gifts to support each of us and for your creativity and faithfulness.
Drew Maxwell as our lead pastor. We are so blessed by Drew’s leadership and faithfulness! Drew has continued to take on more workload/responsibilities as we move forward with only one pastor. This can be challenging during times of increased Calvary family pastoral care needs. Thank you Drew for your gentle, caring, faithful leadership. We are so blessed by you. Thank you for continuing to lead by example. Thank you for encouraging all of us to grow, to press into more, to experience God’s presence, encounter the Holy Spirit and to share testimonies. Thank you for sharing all of your gifts during worship, teaching, preaching, praying, small groups, encounters and your presence. Calvary is AMAZING under your leadership!!
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13
Members: Angie Tuffnail, Mary Jane Schenkel, Esanju Bonga, Andrew Atkinson
Submitted by Angie Tuffnail
Chairperson, Ministry and Personnel Committee
Committees
Coordinators & Nominations for 2023
We are grateful for the many names and volunteers who have served our church family in so many ways. Many have been celebrated in the previous reports and there are many more! We want to thank all our teams and volunteers!
We honour the work of the various leaders in all aspects of our church family. Here’s a look at some of the committee teams & coordinators for the coming season. Use this as a helpful list to reach out to the appropriate point persons and lift them up in prayer! If one of these areas jumps out to you, please contact a church staff member.
*denotes chairperson
Official Board
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Amanda Atkinson-Wood, Bill Dunbar, Jean Healey-Martin, Cathy Linseman, Drew Maxwell, Anita Pugh, Lorie Silverthorne, Terry Smith, Jane Herlick (outgoing), Debbie Martin (outgoing)
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Nominations: tbd
Ministry & Personnel
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*Angie Tuffnail, Andrew Atkinson, Esanju Bonga and Mary Jane Schenkel
Finance
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Treasurer: Terry Smith
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Committee: *Terry Smith, Wendy Krieck, Wendy Stirbet
Pastoral Care 

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Coordinators: Cathy Linseman, Mary Jane Schenkel, Drew Maxwell
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Meals Ministry: Shannon Robinson
Prayer Ministry
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Prayer Team Co-ordinator: Lorie Silverthorne
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Prayer Chain Co-ordinator: Sharon McKay
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Sozo Co-ordinator: Rhonda Elgersma
Property & Facilities
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Team: *Dale Schieck, Gary Melitzer, Rod Straus
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Trustees: *Mark Beitz, Paul Herlick, Drew Maxwell, Murray Martin, Geoff Williams
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Cemetery Committee: Sharon McKay*, Gary Melitzer, David McKay, Rod Straus, Terry Smith
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Garden Care Co-ordinator: Bill Dunbar
Special Events Committee
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*Dorothy McMillan, Bruce & Donna Dammeier, Bev & Barb Bowman, Ray Clement
Library Committee
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*Donna McHardy, Ian McHardy
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Worship
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Director: Dave Small
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Planning team: Kelly Beitz, Rhonda Elgersma, Amy Gayman, Jane Herlick, Cathy Linseman, Drew Maxwell, Ian McHardy, Dave Small
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Media/Tech Ministry Coordinator: Steve Morris
Children & Families Ministry
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Director: Kelly Beitz
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Nursery Coordinator: Jean Healey-Martin

Youth Ministry
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Director - Rhonda Elgersma
Outreach
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Director: Kelly Beitz
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Refugee Settlement: Lorie Silverthorne
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DTK: Katinka Gielen / Kelly Beitz
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Ray of Hope: Barb King
Calvary
Property & Facilities
Trustees Report
The trustees are responsible for ensuring the building and property, the trust, are cared for and managed well.
We're grateful to have a strong property team who oversee the day to day needs of the property and building including the lighting, heating, cooling, plumbing and cemetery care.
Further thanks goes out to our volunteers who care for the Church gardens planting and caring for them throughout the year.
Trustees: Mark Beitz, Paul Herlick, Murray Martin, Drew Maxwell & Geoff Williams.
Submitted by Mark Beitz
Property Committee
The current members for 2023 are Dale Schieck, Gary Melitzer, and Rod Straus. We are always looking for volunteers to join the property team.
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You do not require a particular skill set to be part of property. The church family includes those with specific skill sets that I call on from time to time and are always willing to help. Those individuals include Brian Tuffnail, Quentin Martin, Jeff Martin and Dave McKay. Volunteers only require the urge to serve and the ability to take and give direction.
We have 8 furnaces in total, 5 outdoor rooftop and 3 indoors. With 1 replaced, the other 7 are 23 years old. We need to keep this in mind and plan for future replacement.
We continue to look at the lighting issues for the church and how this can be addressed.
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We were approached last spring by a local soccer academy about renting our soccer field from June till September. For the most part, it was a good relationship for the church and the soccer academy.
Lorne Andrews is our church custodian. Lorne continues to go above and beyond his initial job responsibilities with quiet enthusiasm and pride. If you have the opportunity, please stop Lorne in his travels around the church and thank him for a job well done.
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Submitted by Dale Schieck
Property Chair
Cemetery
Committee
Cemetery Committee: Gary Melitzer, David McKay, Rod Straus, Terry Smith, Sharon McKay.
The cost of time mowing, gas, and lawn mower maintenance is shared with Calvary Church. This year we are thankful for the hands-on helpers who worked (and donated) many hours to mow and maintain the church and cemetery property as well as Hillside Cemetery on Boomer Line near Heidelberg. That cemetery is no longer “open” for burials but is part of our upkeep.......to clean up leaves and top up grave sites as needed. Thanks to John McKay for his hours of mowing grass to help Grandpa Dave.
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We considered some plans for a columbarium in the future, but nothing in our current plans. This year 4 graves were purchased by both Calvary members and St. Jacobs community. The current price for graves is $900. This price needs to be reviewed as other cemeteries are charging more. There is a current need in our community for burial plots.
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We appreciate any donations to the cemetery fund to help keep up with lawn mower maintenance, topsoil, cleaning stones etc. Please specify “CEMETERY’ on any donations.
Submitted By Sharon McKay
2022 Financial
Statement
Submitted by Terry Smith
Treasurer
AGM Minutes
Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting/Celebration
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Meeting commenced at 11:00 am, in person and on zoom
Meeting was chaired by Lorie Silverthorne
Attendance: 55 participants (approximate) including 11 Board members ( Drew Maxwell, Lorie Silverthorne, Jean Healey-Martin, Janine Armstrong, Terry Smith, Steve Gayman, Jane Herlick, Bill Dunbar, Geoff Williams, Debbie Martin Cathy Linseman) and 4 staff in person
12 participants on zoom including 1 Board member (Amanda Wood-Atkinson)
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Welcome (Janine Armstrong):
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A reminder that we are all family and although there are details and business to cover, we should not lose sight that this is an act of worship offering our lives to service for God.
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Prayer: Thankful to be in this space and asking for God’s provision of wisdom and guidance throughout our meeting.
2. Motion (Lorie Silverthorne): Vote #1:
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That adherents who contribute regularly to the support of the congregation may vote on motions brought forward at this meeting.
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Motion: George Stickney, Seconded: Cathy Linseman, Carried
3. Goodness of God/Dreams:
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Cathy Linseman and Steve Gayman introduced the Goodness of God video put together with music by Wendy Stirbet from the submissions of the congregation.
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Headlines included: Healing, Calvary Staff, Drew’s Sabbatical, Staying Connected, Technology, Caring, Prayer, Sunday Services, Worship, Lighthouse, Youth, Outreach, Covid Protection, Spiritual Growth, Communication,
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Steve honoured and thanked Wendy Stirbet for the effort put into organizing the slides and adding the music to produce the video
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All these goodnesses are dreams coming true.
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A reminder that what we dream today will be our goodnesses over the coming year
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Dreams: What are your dreams for Calvary’s:
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Building and property
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Congregation and connection
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Community Outreach
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Global Outreach
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Congregation discussed dreams in 3 groups with a Board member recording notes in each group.
4. Staffing Update (Lorie):
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At the 2021 Annual meeting it was decided we would begin the process to hire a second pastor.
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A search committee was formed and a job description posted.
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There were a few applicants but none that seemed right for our Church
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At our December Board meeting we sensed we needed to pause on this action as we couldn’t seem to move forward
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Listening to God for next steps
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No questions or discussion from the congregation, in person or on zoom
5. Motion (Lorie): Vote #2:
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To adopt the February 2021 AGM minutes as published.
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Motion to accept the minutes: Jeff Martin, Seconded by Quentin Martin, Carried
6. Motion (Lorie): Vote #3:
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To adopt reports as submitted in the 2021 annual report.
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Motion to accept: Sheila Donald, Seconded by Brian Tuffnail, Carried
7. Motion (Lorie): Vote #4:
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To accept committee nominations for 2022 as included in the annual report, as well as 2 additions:
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Quentin Martin to the cemetery committee
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Anita Pugh on to the Board
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Motion to accept: Wendy Krieck, Seconded by Kathryn Stickney, Carried
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Recognition that each person’s gifts make us stronger as a “whole”
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Let us know if you feel called to serve on one of the committees
8. Words from Minister (Drew Maxwell):
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Acknowledged that as he read through the report it prompted a feeling of “Thanksgiving”
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Drew thanks the congregation, those who seek God’s desires for us, those who care for others and are willing to serve
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Thankful to those who have served on past committees, and continue to serve, those on the Board, all the teams, including the youth
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Drew shared the staff is thankful for the vision of people seeking after God’s heart, to love God and one another
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Prayer (Drew): Thankful to God for being with us at all times, honouring those who have passed on including Walter Steven Basco, Marian Marline Stephens, Beatrice Tiffin, and Betty Wolfe
9. Financial Update (Terry Smith):
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Presented his report by video
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Referenced the scripture: Proverbs 3:56
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.
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2021 surplus: $15,914
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Operating fund’s balance as of Dec. 31st was $5,753.
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Noted that 22% of our donations come in December
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There has been a shift in the method of receiving with 49% now contributing through PAR
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CEBA (Canada Emergency Business Account) provided us with $60,000 at 0% interest,
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If paid back by Dec. 31st, 2023, they will forgive up to one third of the loan which would be up to $20,000
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The operating budget for 2022 has decreased by 0.4%
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No questions
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Terry thanked Donna McHardy for her years of service on the Finance Committee
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He welcomed Wendy Krieck to that role, as Treasurer’s Assistant
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Wendy Stirbet continues to accept any donations
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Cathy Linseman thanked Terry and expressed appreciation for his gifting at preparing and presenting the Financial Report
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Motion: Vote #5:
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Motion to accept the Financial Statement for 2021 as presented in the annual report: Gerry Arcand, Seconded by Steve Van Bruwaene, Carried
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Motion: Vote #6:
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Motion to approve the 2022 Budget: Brian Tuffnail, Seconded by Steve Van Bruwaene, Carried
10. Honouring and Thanks (Jane Herlick and Bill Dunbar):
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Bill referred to the power of “moving” and how the annual report enforces that idea, showing the movement in the past year and what is coming in the future
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The biggest recognition is from God in honouring others for their service
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Jane referred to Romans 12:10:
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Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
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Thanks and honour to Geoff Williams for his years on the Board and service as Chair.
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When she thinks of Geoff, she sees him as “open” to what God calls him to
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Bill thanked Frank Kleinknecht, Larry Hellerman, and Sharon McKay for their years of service on the Committee of Trustees
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Bill thanked Bill Schenkel and Keith Martin for their years of service on the Cemetery Committee
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Thankful to Wayne Donald for his years as caretaker of the Church gardens
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Jane thanked and honoured Donna McHardy for her patience and attention to detail during her time of working with Terry on the Finance committee
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Jane thanked all those who helped us move forward, were bold, took the first steps and opened doorways
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Thank you to Steve Morris and his team for the tech support and allowing us to grow in these abilities.
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Bill thanked the many leaders of small groups: Lorie, Cathy, Steve Gayman, Brian and Angie, Orville, Drew, Rhonda, Kelly, Amanda and Andrew, and Terry, as well as all the participants
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Jane thanked all those who served while Drew was on Sabbatical, including Orville James who stepped in as the “pastor on call” and gave the message for a few services.
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She also thanked Cathy Linseman and Mary Jane Shenkel for their service in Pastoral Care
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Prayer (Jane):
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Thankful for the privilege of being here at Calvary
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Thankful for giving us so much to celebrate today
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May the Lord be gracious to us and continue to guide us in this coming year
11. Honouring (Lorie):
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Thanked Steve Gayman for his years of service on the Board as he decides to step off to pursue other areas as he listens to where God leads him.
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Thanked Jean for acting as Secretary at Board meetings
12. Motion: Vote#7:
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Motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:05: Brian Tuffnail, seconded by Dorothy McMillan, Carried
Lorie Silverthorne, Acting Chairperson
Jean Healey-Martin, Secretary