Pursuing Life

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.