fifth week
Showing posts with label fifth week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fifth week. Show all posts

Calvary Car Show by John Parker

Johnny Parker has been attending Calvary Baptist Church since he was an infant and his wife, Tammy, since she was 16 years old. When the Parkers aren’t organizing the annual Calvary Car Show, Johnny serves as department leader for the school-age Sunday school classes as well ushering and deacon committee.  Tammy has spent over 20 years serving in the nursery department and continues to serve in other areas of Kid City.  In their spare time, Johnny & Tammy prioritize family time with their children and grandchildren for family Sunday dinners and games.

The Annual Calvary Car Show


When I was on the trustee board, the topic of Kids Camp came up.  One of the issues was a lack of fund raising being done for the little kids to help those who could not afford to go to camp. Some kids wanted to go but could not do so because of a lack of funds. This information was very troubling to me because I was saved at Minnetonka Youth Camp and the thought of a young boy or girl possibly missing out on something that was as dear to my heart and important as camp because of money was a problem.  I asked the Lord to use us to help, if it was the Lords will.

Tammy and I asked the Lord to lead us and show us what our part would be "if any" in making sure that any child who wanted to go to camp would be able to do so without it being a burden on their family finances. The ball started rolling fast and I knew whatever the Lord had in store needed to be a big one time event and not the usual cookie, cake, twenty dollar bag of fundraiser popcorn type effort. There were no car shows in town except the city "cruise in" which was only drawing 20-30 cars, it wasn’t really a car show. We figured if the church put on a car show and did it professionally, it would attract lots of spectators as well as classic car enthusiasts.   Especially if 98% of them would otherwise never step foot on our church campus.

The thought was to raise money to send every kid to camp who wanted to go as well as attracting lots of folks who would come to the car show.  Folks would come only expecting the car show but find more than that through the love of Christ manifested by our members who would one after the other introduce themselves and love on these folks.  Letting them know that they go to church here and invite them to visit us sometime.

My prayer is that when one goes to the Calvary Car Show they are swallowed up by the love of our Savior and when they leave they say to themselves “Wow I'm not sure what this feeling is that I'm feeling but those were the most loving, nicest, and warmest folks I've ever been around" We as born again Christians would know that the feeling they experienced was not from our kindness or even our love, but the love of the Savior of the world Jesus Christ himself.  He was tugging at their heart and placing in their heart that they HAVE TO get back to that place, the place where they thought they were going to a CAR SHOW but as it turns out it was not about classic cars at ALL!  It was about the joy in those people at that church, it was about the pressing down upon our very existence that there is something bigger than ME, and whatever it is, it is calling ME, and I MUST answer that call.
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Q&A with Dwana McGowen, Secretary

Dwana McGowen has been a life-long member of Calvary Baptist Church and serves the staff and congregation as secretary.  She resides in Grand Prairie, TX and enjoys working in Dave’s Shirt and Trophy, the shop her late husband David started years ago, engraving an award or making a shirt for someone.  The shop is actually located in their home and Dwana likes that she can easily work there in the evenings. 

Dwana also enjoys short trips out of town with good friends just to get away.  She loves spending time with her two sons, their wives and her grand kids!  Dwana says her bucket list includes a trip to New York to visit The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir on a Sunday and for their Tuesday night prayer service.  She loves teaching & studying God’s word especially developing object lessons to use with the kids.  

What role does the church secretary officially play?

I consider myself extremely blessed to do what I do.  I love Calvary Baptist Church and it has been my life.  I love the people, the history, the strong teaching of the word of God, the staff and the many friends I have here at Calvary.   I only drive about 10 minutes to work, and don’t even face the sun coming or going.  I work with people who love the Lord and care about me. 

My official job description includes everything from answering phones to assuring accurate church membership data, ordering church curriculum, to gathering supplies needed by the ministry staff and Sunday School teachers.  I help with church dinners and care for church linens.  I do whatever is needed whenever to ensure our members and staff have what they need to serve the Lord.

One of the most important things I do is to make sure Preacher is updated on any illness or injury a member of our church family is having. Provide him and the Ministry Staff with addresses, phone numbers, what hospital someone is in and basically keep them connected with any need I am aware of in our church family. 

Now, what role does the church secretary unofficially have?

Anything and Everything – I jokingly call myself a jack of all trades and master of none.   Some of the areas of Ministry I get to work in are, “Young At Heart”, our ministry to Adults 50 years and “Younger” and the Refinery Sunday School where I teach the kids the “old songs” and have the privilege of teaching 3rd-5th Grade Girls in Sunday School.  At times I help when there is a need in Kid City.

It is my joy to do whatever Preacher and the Staff need that will help them minister to our people.

 How do you believe that helps Calvary’s staff and people See-Share-Serve-Stay?

A church is a group of baptized believers that when it is working correctly is much like a family.  Bro. Loveless does an excellent job of preaching and giving our people the chance to See God and know Him better.  We share each other’s lives when we care about one another and share both trials and victories.

As secretary I get to serve our people in some of the best and worst times of life.   As for serving I believe every member of the Calvary Baptist Church should be serving somewhere. I think everyone should have some “skin in the game”.   From setting up and cleaning up church events to teaching and participating in the music ministry we should all use our talents to serve the Lord somewhere at Calvary Baptist Church.  When we all do this we show we care about Calvary and we serve the Lord together.  I want our people to know that we as a staff care about them and I want our people to care for each other.  When you care about something you stay with it.  When you work in it you take ownership of it.

What is the No. 1 thing you love most about being our church Secretary? 

Calvary Baptist Church – the whole thing.  I grew up at Calvary Baptist Church and it truly is my life.  My parents joined here before I was born and I have been a member here all but 5 years of my life.   I love telling our younger families about the faithfulness of those who taught me as a child and it is just as big a joy to share with our older generation what our younger families are doing to teach future generations about the Lord.  I love being a part and watching God unfold the future of Calvary Baptist Church.

What is the one question you are asked most? 

There are several…….
  • Where is …? Usually I know and can & will happily get it for you. (I’ve been accused of having a kitchen sink in my storage room – lol.)  However, and this is one of my pet peeves - Please clean it up and put it back where you got it.  It belongs to the Lord and you may just need it again one day soon
  • Can I or When will…?  Usually for that question I point people to the person on staff in charge of a particular event if I don’t know the answer.  By the way, most of the time details were in the bulletin.
  • Why are we…?  Because that is what God has led the leadership of Calvary to do.  It is our job to follow the man God has placed in charge.  That is what I was taught as a child here at Calvary and I believe to the very core of my being that God raises up and takes down leaders as He chooses.   Our job is to follow the man God has put in charge.  For this time that man is Brian Loveless – and I’m not saying that because I’m on staff – it’s biblical.  Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

What encourages you?     

There are a several things that encourage me.  First, Bro. Loveless - When I’m in a difficult situation, I talk with him and gain his wisdom and Biblical view.  He is a man of great spiritual insight. Second, Seeing God work my life and in the lives of our people. Watching CBC children grow in the Lord.  Seeing the look on someone’s face as they realize through a lesson or experience how great God really is.

What do you want to help people understand?

First - God is Sovereign ! Whatever He does and allows is right!   I have a sign on my desk that says, “It is not mine – It is the LORD’S and whatever He does with it is right.  Since I grew up here it has been difficult at times as secretary to see changes come about.  However, with every change, (sometimes after I have worried a bit,) I have prayed, “ Lord, You do what you want with this.”  When I didn’t think it would work – I watched as it worked.  When it wasn’t a smooth transition – I trusted God and He has brought about great things through it.

Second – Absolutely NOTHING touches my life that God doesn’t open his mighty hand and allow it to touch me!  He is using it to make me more and better and stronger for Him.  My sweet hubby of 39 years had Multiple Sclerosis and through over 30 years of dealing with that and his death in April of 2014 I have learned to trust God more and more.  Many times the people of Calvary were there to help as we faced difficulties.  This has given me a special empathy when there is a death or difficult circumstance in the lives of people here at Calvary.  Totaled together David spent about a year of our marriage in the hospital or physical rehab and as I stood by him we over and over saw God bless in our physical, financial and spiritual lives.   God is Sovereign and I can trust Him and He is making me into someone more and stronger and better for His service.

Third – God will bless if we honor Him with our money and time!   I learned to tithe as a child and have always honored God in this way. He has never failed to take care of me.   It is all His anyway – He just allows me to use it as I serve and honor Him.  Come and talk with me and I’ll be happy to share my tithing experiences.
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Q&A with John Daugherty, Administrator

In 2016, John joined the Calvary Baptist team to diligently support the staff and operational needs of the church as Administrator. John resides in Fort Worth, TX with his wife, Janice.

John and Janice enjoy walking and spending time outdoors together. They love having family and friends over to eat and hang out. Some the best times are spent doing “whatever” with the grandkids. When John gets a chance to relax it is almost always outdoors; hiking, biking, golfing, or fishing.

What does the Administrator do exactly?

What I try and do as an Administrator is help. My goal is to help eliminate obstacles from Pastor Brian’s path so that he is free to be the most effective minister he can be. I want to provide the resources and encouragement the staff (paid and volunteer) needs to help them be productive and joyous in their respective ministries. Of course finances are a big part of the responsibilities of an Administrator. In that regard I want to assure all financial activities are managed with the utmost care and provide helpful insight for the Pastor and other church leaders as they prayerfully plan for the future of the church. By paying attention to details, removing obstacles, and empowering individuals the hoped for results would be that we as a congregation are better able to help make the Pastor’s vision a reality.

What is the #1 thing you love most about being Administrator?

What is most appealing about this position is the opportunity to help someone be more effective in their ministry and in some small way hopefully that helps spread the gospel of Christ and encourages Christian discipleship basis.

What is the one question you are asked most?

"What does the future look like for CBCGP?"

My answer would be - very promising! It is no accident that God has all of us here at this place at this time. Obviously we have obstacles to overcome: an aging facility, changing neighborhood demographics, ongoing financial constraints, etc. – but we also have a godly Pastor, a dedicated staff, faithful members, and a Great God who can take our heartfelt efforts of service and work miracles.

What encourages you?

I have been blessed with a disposition that is easily encouraged. A beautiful sunrise, a song on the radio, a child laughing, an ice cream cone; any number of the hundreds of blessings I enjoy each day. I believe the foundation for that disposition is waking up each day realizing that God loves me, He accepts me, He has a plan for me, and that He is in control of everything.

What is one thing you wish you could help people understand?

God is sovereign. Nothing in your life or mine, or the life of this local church, is out of control. My hope for all of us is that we stride boldly forward each day… doing what we know to do, doing it to the best of our abilities, and resting joyfully in our God’s loving and all powerful hands.
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Q&A with Ron Adams, Facilities/Outreach Pastor

Ron Adams has been the Facilities/Outreach Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church since June 2006 and is a vital part of Calvary Baptist Church’s ministries.  Ron resides in Grand Prairie, TX with his wife, Crystil, and their two girls.

The Adams enjoy board games, going to movies and just being silly with one another, but their favorite thing to do together is visit Disney World. When Ron isn't serving as a husband, father, or pastor he enjoys camping, sporting events, game nights, and movies.

What does a Facilities/Outreach Pastor do exactly?

I work at keeping the Church campus looking as nice and clean as possible each week so people enjoy getting involved and serving within everything taking place at Calvary. Ultimately we want people to become a fixture within our church.

I also do the planning and running of events that will reach into our community and bring people to church. Outreach events allow the people to see our church family and get to know them on a more personal level - sharing life together and serving together. Some of our outreach activities include:
  • Judgment House
  • Softball for men and coed
  • Volleyball during the summer
  • Bowling during the off years of Judgment House
For softball, volleyball and bowling we welcome and want visitors to sign up and get involved with these activities. What better way to get to know the members of our church than to get involved in the activities that are established.

What is the #1 thing you love most about being Facilities/Outreach Pastor?

Creating an atmosphere that is conducive to learning more about our Savior Jesus Christ! Plus, being able to meet and interact with the people of Calvary on a daily basis.

What is the one question you are asked most?

"Why is it so hot/cold in the sanctuary?"

What many people may not know is we have done diligent study and research, and are teaming with an energy company, to help us set temperature based on the outside temperature and humidity. By doing this, we can minimize energy costs each month. Keeping in mind some people are hot natured and some are cold natured, I do try to find a middle ground to keep everyone as comfortable as possible.

What encourages you?

First and foremost my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Secondly my family! There are times I just don't know what I would do if I didn't have my family right there encouraging me along the way!

What is one thing you wish you could help people understand?

God is sovereign! There is nothing that happens in our lives that HE doesn't allow. We could be on the highest of high mountain tops or lowest of low valleys. Whatever is going on in our lives, God put it there for a reason.

I have found in my own life that some of the most valuable lessons I've learned have come while I was in deepest of valleys. I didn't understand at the time but when God brought me through it, I could see perfectly that it was for my good and I'm a better person today because of it!
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