Pursuing Life

Our series may be ending, but for us, the resurrection is just the beginning. Today we reflect back on what we've learned and what it looks like to not only behold the King, but to follow Him. Follow along by reading John 21, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. We've reached the culmination of our series. Jesus is crucified as a sacrifice for the sins of all, and just when it seems like the battle has been lost, He victoriously conquers death by rising from the dead. Follow along by reading Matthew 27:27-28:10, Mark 15:16-16:8, Luke 23:26-24:43, and John 19:18-20:23, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available here. This week we unpack the trials of Jesus that ultimately lead to His condemnation and death. In the face of injustice, we see Jesus boldly declaring His identity and inviting us to believe that He is who He says He is. Follow along by reading Matthew 26:57–27:26, Mark 14:53–15:15, Luke 22:54–23:25, and John 18:12–19:15, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit ⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠.

A video edition of this podcast is available here. This week we see Jesus pray in deep sorry and unwavering submission as He prepares for His coming arrest. Through it all, He remains in complete control, resolute in His mission to drink the cup of suffering for our sake. Follow along by reading Mark 14:32-50; Matthew 26:36-56; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-11, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit ⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠here⁠.Join us as we discuss what happens as Jesus eats His final meal with His disciples and gives them an example to follow to continuing building His Kingdom. Follow along by reading Matthew 26:17-25, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:14-38, John 13-17, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit ⁠⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Join us as we discuss what happens during Tuesday of Holy Week. Follow along by reading Mark 11:27-12:44, Matthew 21:23-25:45, and Luke 20-21, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit ⁠calvarychurch.org/messages⁠.

A video edition of this episode is available ⁠here⁠.Join us as we discuss what happens the day after Jesus' triumphal entry as He enters the temple and displays His authority. Follow along by reading Matthew 21:12-27 and Mark 11:20-12:44, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.

A video edition of this episode is available here.Join us as we discuss Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Follow along by reading John 12:12-50, or use this episode as a companion to our current sermon series, Behold the King. If you missed this week's message, visit calvarychurch.org/messages.

Sharon Lambertson serves as Calvary's Adult Ministry Assistant. She loves working behind the scenes to support others in helping people take next steps in their faith journey. Sharon is skilled in a variety of administrative areas and helps to bring continuity to Calvary's processes. But in addition to that, she is also a skilled musician, and she serves as the Concertmaster of Calvary's orchestra. Today, Sharon is sharing how she came to faith in Christ and how God has used her experience to lead her to her role at Calvary.

Jen Drakopoulos knew from an early age that overseas ministry could be a part of her future. As a teenager, she experienced firsthand the impact that healthcare training could have for the Kingdom of God, so she pursued an education in nursing. God has allowed her to use that training for many years, including a decade in community healthcare. In the last several years, God has transitioned Jen to a new country and subsequently, a new ministry. And while that transition is ongoing, Jen is sharing today about the ways she continues to see God's faithfulness, even in the midst of unknowns.

Today we're joined by Matt Holden, who just began a new term on the Elder Board. However, this is not Matt's first time serving as an Elder, as he previously served two, three-year terms, and he was even the Elder Chairman for part of that time. But after a few years off, Matt is returning to the Elder Board, and he is excited about the ways that God will use his skillset to serve the church. Matt is passionate about helping others in their time of need, and that plays out daily in his career in the insurance industry. Today he is sharing how he's seen God weave that thread of helping others throughout his life, and why he believes it's so important to be Kingdom-minded in all that we do.

To kick off the year, we are continuing our tradition of hearing from our newest Elders. Today, we're joined by Bryan Willoughby, who started attending Calvary after graduating from college and plugging in to C4. Now, in addition to serving as an Elder, Bryan continues to stay involved with young adults by helping to lead our Young Professionals ABF. Today he's sharing about how he came to know the Lord, some lessons he's learning right now, and what excites him most about stepping into the role of an Elder.

For this final episode of 2024, Tammy McDaniel is joining us to chat about Advent! As a church, we'll be intentionally tuning in to the Church calendar over the course of this next year…and that calendar actually begins in December with Advent. In the past, Tammy was skeptical about the liturgical nature of the Church calendar, but over the past few years, she's leaned into the traditions of Advent and found that they have actually had a profound impact on her spiritual life. So today, she's sharing with us some of what she's learned, helping us understand the heart of Advent, and offering some practical tips. Resources: Text ADVENT to (717) 925-3248 to receive devotionals every Monday and Wednesday from December 2-25, written by our staff, to help you reflect further on the themes of our sermon series: watch, prepare, rejoice, and behold. Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent by Tsh Oxenreider Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren

Global Partners, Brian and Jody Williams, recently transitioned back to the States after serving in Cambodia for 13 years. While in Cambodia, the Williams' partnered with locals to open an international preschool which, as you'll hear, God has used in incredible ways to advance His Kingdom. Even though they no longer live in Cambodia full-time, Brian and Jody are still quite active in the ministry that's taking place there, and they even have a vision for how they can extend that ministry to other parts of the world.

Jonathan Yoder serves as Calvary's Associate Pastor of Care and Visitation. Before coming to Calvary earlier this year, Jonathan had about 40 years of ministry experience, both as a senior pastor and in a care role, and he has specialized training in hospice and hospital chaplaincy. Jonathan cares deeply about coming alongside people in times of need, and through his time in end-of-life care, he has learned that we all play an important role in the body of Christ, despite our age or even our limitations.

Pastor George May oversees our Pastoral Care Department and, as you'll hear, he has a variety of responsibilities—from overseeing support groups, visitation, weddings, and funerals, to one-on-one counseling, to teaching, and more! George cares deeply about walking alongside individual people as they experience both the joys and the sorrows of life. Today you'll hear why George is grateful for his upbringing—right here at Calvary Church—and how God very clearly directed him to the counseling field. Find out more about Calvary's care and support ministries.

Johnny Vasquez grew up as a missionary kid, surrounded by the gospel his entire life. And he made a commitment to follow the Lord at a young age. As a young adult, Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and after returning from deployment in Iraq, he struggled to adjust back to civilian life. This led to issues with addiction that plagued Johnny for years. But God, in His loving-kindness, has done an amazing work in Johnny's life and heart, bringing him from the depths of addiction, to the depths of grace.

In the late 1940s, two missionaries from Calvary Church visited Don Isely's one-room school in Wisconsin, shared the gospel, and offered a Scripture memory program, which ultimately laid the foundation for Don to trust in Jesus. Eventually, Don himself went on to serve as a missionary, and then retired as a pastor here in the U.S. Today, he is sharing how the impact of these two missionaries reached far beyond his own life, to his family, and to others in ways that we can't even see this side of heaven.

Angie Glick is Calvary's Receptionist, and she also helps to schedule all of the major events that take place in our building. So, chances are, if you've called the church recently, or stopped in during the week for a meeting, Angie is the first person you've talked to! Today, Angie is sharing her story of coming to know the Lord, her heart for serving, and why she's passionate about adoption, foster, and respite care. Interested in learning more about Care Communities? Click here or call the church office at (717) 560-2341 for more info!

When Matt Bachman was 11 years old, he thought he was saved. He went to church, and he had a desire to go to heaven, but his basis for faith didn't go beyond good works. For nearly 30 years, Matt believed he was saved, until one day, he realized he wasn't. And once he found true faith in Jesus Christ, his entire perspective changed. Now, Matt is passionate about sharing the gospel, and he serves on Calvary's baptism team because he is passionate about helping others to share their stories of being brought from death to life in Christ. But today, we're flipping the script, and Matt is sharing his story.

As a teenager, Jeff Batzer was very focused on finding his value in his athletic abilities—in particular, climbing. By the time he graduated from high school, Jeff had teamed up with world class climbers and was tackling difficult peaks. But, in January of 1982, everything changed when a climb on New Hampshire's Mount Washington went very wrong. Today, Jeff is sharing how God used that experience on Mount Washington to both reignite his faith and call him to a ministry of caring for those who are suffering.

Today we're joined by Calvary Graphic Designer, Andrew Herr. If you've ever engaged with Calvary Church, you've seen Andrew's work. You may not recognize him walking around the lobby on a Sunday morning, but chances are, his designs are somewhere in your house—on a bulletin cover, prayer guide, or even a sticker! Today Andrew is sharing about the highs and lows of his faith journey, how his passion for art led him to a career in graphic design, and the importance of daily intentionality in growing our faith in Jesus.

Delanie Ouk grew up warring with her identity. Born into a multicultural family, her parents' differing beliefs felt synonymous with their cultural identities, and to Delanie, choosing one felt like rejecting the other. So eventually, she rejected both. Even as Delanie embraced agnosticism in her teenage years, God was using people in her life to plant gospel seeds. By early college, Delanie could no longer reject the truth: she needed Jesus, and more than that, she wanted Him. And once she surrendered her life to the Lord, everything changed.

When Barry Shumaker found himself in church in his late 30s for the first time in years, he had no idea how God would use the people there to disciple him towards saving faith in Jesus Christ. One of those people was a woman named Cherrie, who walked with Barry as he wrestled with his questions about faith and prayed fervently for his salvation. Little did Barry know, Cherrie would not only play a significant role in his salvation story, but she would also become his wife. Fast forward over 30 years, and in June 2022, the Lord unexpectedly called Cherrie home. Now, Barry is in a new chapter of his life, leaning on the Lord to guide him wherever it is He pleases.

Join us starting Monday, August 5, as we begin a new series, Made New.

AN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO EDITION OF THIS EPISODE IS AVAILABLE! Click here to watch. Since the birth of Pursuing Life in December 2021, we have told 99 stories about the ways God is at work in, around, and through ordinary, everyday people, just like us! Today, host, Monica Kirsch, and Calvary Church Senior Pastor, Beau Eckert, take time to reflect on the importance of telling stories, the impact stories have had on their lives, and how they've seen God at work in and through their own stories. Thank you to all those who have shared their stories on Pursuing Life, and to you—the listener—for tuning in! We are so thankful to God for His faithfulness, and we look forward to telling even more stories about His work in our lives. Check out Mercy Like Morning by Jane Johnson.

Don and Tabitha Nguyen have been Global Partners with Calvary Church for nearly 17 years. For the first 10 years, they served in Cambodia with Vietnamese refugees until God called them back to the States in 2017 to care for various family needs. While they only expected to be Stateside for about two years, God had other plans. Now, nearly seven years later, they are preparing to relaunch to Cambodia to continue their ministry among the unreached. Today, Don and Tabitha are sharing about their heart for Cambodia, how God has used them in unexpected ways during their time in the U.S., and their hopes and prayers for their return to ministry this summer.

Dave Ross has served as the Pastor of Worship Ministries at Calvary Church for the last seven years. If you're a regular attender of Calvary, you see Dave on stage most Sundays, but chances are, you probably don't know his story! Today, Dave is sharing about his church background, his history with Calvary Church, how God very clearly drew him into ministry, and why he loves leading worship at Calvary Church.

Tammy McDaniel is no stranger to struggles with mental health. What started with a dark season of battling postpartum depression has turned into over 20 years of Tammy learning how to manage and care for her mental health through many different seasons of life. In the last few years especially, Tammy has taken intentional steps towards being mentally healthy, and she has learned about the interplay between spiritual and mental health – as well as emotional and physical health – that have helped her to understand how depression and faith can coexist, and how she can partner with God in seeking to be healthy in all areas of life. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber Try Softer by Aundi Kolber The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast with Adam Young, LCSW, DMiv

Kim Jack is the Calvary Church librarian, and for the last ten years, she has been intentional about making sure that we have all kinds of resources available to help us grow in our pursuit of Christ. Kim loves books, but more than that, she loves stories. Today, she's sharing with us her story of coming to know Christ, and how God directed her path to bring her to the Calvary staff.

To wrap up our series on everyday habits and rhythms, we're joined by Adam Derus, Calvary's Director of Young Adults, who is here to give us a few practical ways to take a personal inventory of our relationship with technology. Adam has sought to take ownership of his time and set healthy boundaries with technology, and today he is sharing with us some of what he's learned as we seek to do the same for ourselves. Disclaimer: There are some topics discussed in this episode that may not be appropriate for little ears. Parents, we advise you to listen through this episode before sharing it with your children. Resources shared in this episode (and more!): - Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Early - Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend - Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer - Digital Liturgies by Samuel James - Tech-Wise family by Andy Crouch - 12 Ways your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke

June is graduation season! Every year, we prayerfully send off dozens of high school seniors as they enter into a new season of life. It is our hope and prayer that each of them would go forward with Jesus as their foundation, looking to Him as their source of direction, wherever they go in life. This week on Pursuing Life, we talk with a few of our seniors about how God has been at work in their lives, where they sense Him leading in the future, and how they want to continue to grow in their pursuit of life in Him.

Beth Weaver's journey with Scripture memory began when she was just a young girl. When she was in middle school, she began attending bible memory camps, and by high school she had memorized an entire book of the Bible. We know that as we get older, our brains process differently, but that hasn't stopped Beth from finding new ways memorize. In fact, she's memorizing more in retirement than she ever has before! Today, Beth is sharing with us the practical ways that she continues to incorporate the habit of Scripture memory into her everyday life, and how we, too, can use our unique learning styles to do the same. Resources shared in today's episode: Warriors of the Word: The Bible Memorization Battle Guide for Winning Spiritual Victories (Aaron & Emily House) Seeds Kids Worship Dwell Differently VerseLocker Read the story of Beth's mother, Marjorie Isobel Harrison Jackson. Read stories from Beth's time in Ukraine. Contact Beth at beth.weaver@worldteam.org

About two years ago, Josiah and Olivia Huss began hosting a monthly “hobby night” at their home. What started as a way for friends to get together and play games turned into a regular time where the Huss's open their home for anyone to come spend time together over shared hobbies. Essentially, they have created a habit of hospitality. Today, they are sharing with us their heart behind regularly inviting people into their home, barriers they've had to overcome, and what they have learned in the midst of it all.

Kevin Gushiken is a college and seminary professor, former pastor, husband, dad, and Calvary Church member. A few years ago, the Lord prompted Kevin to begin researching how play intersects with the Christian life. His research impacted not only his view of God, but encouraged him to cultivate not just a habit, but a lifestyle of play. Kevin has become so passionate about this topic, and today he is here to share with us why he believes play so important and how it's impacted his own life. Be sure to pre-order your copy of Kevin's upcoming book, A Theology of Play: Learning to Enjoy Life as God Intended, available on June 25!

Tune in starting Monday, May 6, for our new series, Every Day! These stories will go hand in hand with our next sermon series, as we dig into what it looks like to cultivate healthy habits and rhythms for spiritual growth. Make sure you're following Pursuing Life so you are notified when new episodes release!

Bethany Zipprick is our newest Global Ministries staff member! Over the last few months, she has come on board to assist with a variety of different tasks – from email communication to event planning! As a young adult seeking to pursue God's calling for her life, Bethany is actively considering the part that she plays in going into God's world. Today, she is sharing how God brought her here, and what her role has been teaching her about His heart for the nations.

The third track of Cross Training is called Engage. This is where a candidate determines a mission agency, people group, and ministry focus. Noah Anderton is one of the candidates currently in Engage. He grew up as a missionary kid in Cameroon, where his parents sought to integrate into the Baka community, meeting needs and showing people the love of Jesus. Now, as an adult, Noah is obediently following God's prompting that he, too, can engage with the unreached in practical ways, just like his parents did. Today, Noah is sharing about the ways God has worked in his life to bring him to this point in the Cross Training program.

As we enter our spring Global Focus, we'll be joined on Pursuing Life by a few of our Cross Training candidates. Cross Training is a program with four sequential tracks, designed to prepare individuals to take the gospel globally across cultures. The first track of Cross Training is called Explore, and its purpose is exactly as you might guess! It's a chance for those who sense God might be calling them to cross-cultural missions to explore their interest through intentional, foundational activities. Today's guest, Sam, is in the beginning of his Cross Training journey, and has been working his way through the Explore track for about a year, though he's really been exploring God's call for his life since he became a believer in college. Since then, he has had various opportunities to develop a large array of skills that culminated into his decision to apply for Cross Training. While it took many years, many careers, and many location changes for Sam to arrive here, he is confident that no part of his journey has been wasted. Hear from other Cross Training candidates featured on Pursuing Life: Ep. 76 with Katina Ep. 70 with Kyle Matteson Ep. 66 with Allyson, Hadassah, Melea

Global Partners, Philip and Lynn Jackson, have been living and doing ministry in Macedonia for nearly 30 years. About fifteen years ago, they were on home assignment, when the college-aged son of another Global Partner couple asked Philip to help him with a class assignment on solitude. This discussion on solitude was door that would open both Philip and Lynn to the regular rhythm of Sabbath, which they have been practicing ever since! This past summer, they also had the chance to take a Sabbatical, where they intentionally took extended time to rest, worship, and refresh themselves for the next season of ministry. Today they are sharing how this practice of Sabbath combats burnout, how they work it into their personal weekly rhythms, and what they learned from their summer Sabbatical.

Pastor Stan Maughan began observing Sabbath on Sundays when he was in seminary. Prior to this, Stan's understanding of Sabbath didn't go far beyond attending a church service. But, by intentionally taking time every week to stop working and rest, Stan found that one day was actually sustaining him through his seminary education. Over the years, Stan's Sabbath day has looked different, and he has wrestled through his convictions based on what the Bible says and what Jesus taught in the gospels. Today, Stan is sharing with us what Sabbath looks like for him currently, why it's important, and how it has been shaped theologically.

Laura Leigh Kinley serves as Calvary's Communications Manager, and you may remember her from Episode 51, where she shared her testimony and about her work at Calvary. Today, Laura Leigh is back to share with us how Sabbath has become an important practice in her life. After reading John Mark Comer's book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, she was deeply impacted and encouraged with some practical steps to regularly stop, rest, and worship. To learn more about The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, click here. Click here to listen to John Mark Comer & Jefferson Bethke's podcast, Fight Hustle, End Hurry.

Today we are kicking off our REST series with a special introductory episode to help us lay a foundation for our understanding of Sabbath. Pastor Scott Messner is here to help us unpack what Scripture says about Sabbath, how our understanding of it shifts between the Old and New Testaments, and how we can apply its practices to our lives today. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Embracing the Rhythms of Work and Rest (Ruth Haley Barton) The Rest of God (Mark Buchanan) Sabbath: The Ancient Practices (Dr. Dan B. Allender, PLLC) Perspectives on the Sabbath: The Four Views (Donato, Arand, Blomberg, MacCarty, and Pipa)

Tune in to REST, a new series focusing in on the concept of biblical rest, also known as Sabbath. We'll hear stories from people who have put Sabbath concepts into practice, and how those practices have impacted their lives. While none of these individuals are experts, our hope is that their stories will spark ideas and conversation as you consider what it truly means to rest.

John and Janet Soden are Calvary's newest Global Partners! On February 4, they were commissioned for service according to our church constitution and, in March, they will be moving to Minneapolis, where John will be working with Training Leaders International – an organization that focuses on training pastors and leaders around the world, providing desperately needed theological training. John and Janet have been a part of Calvary Church for over two decades, where they have served in many capacities, and we are excited to see what God has for them in this next season of ministry. Today, the Sodens are sharing about their hopes for ministry and how God has prepared them for this transition.

Calvary Preschool has been serving countless families in our community for 50 years! This is such a huge milestone, and while CPS has already begun celebrating, we thought that there would be such value in publicly celebrating God's faithfulness to this important ministry. So today, Calvary Preschool's current Director, Susan Hixon, and one of the former Directors, Jody Williams – who is also one of Calvary's Global Partners – are here to welcome us in to the celebration. While they will unpack some of the history and purpose of the preschool, they will, more importantly, share stories of how God has worked mightily in using CPS to extend the gospel within our local community.

Between 2020 and 2022, Justin & Laura Houghton walked through an incredibly difficult season where they lost three pregnancies in less than a year. During this time, they were deeply impacted by a worship song called, “Another in the Fire.” This song, which comes directly from Daniel chapter 3, speaks the truth that Jesus is with us in the midst of life's biggest fires...and that is the thread that weaves itself all through Justin & Laura's testimony. Warning: This episode deals with sensitive details surrounding the topic of miscarriage. We know this may be triggering for some, so we wanted to advise you in advance. Listen to "Another in the Fire" here Click here to read Daniel 3 Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory

Sam Harbin has been attending Calvary for the last ten years. During that time, he has also been serving as the Chair of the Bible and Theology Department at Lancaster Bible College, where he works with undergrad, graduate, and PhD students. God has blessed Sam with experience both in local churches and in higher education, and that experience has had ripple effects that have allowed ministry to take place, even beyond what Sam has been able to witness. To hear the stories of our two newest elders, be sure to check out episodes 57 and 59 of Pursuing Life! Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory

In addition to being an elder, Jay Weaver is also one of Calvary's Global Partners, based stateside in Lancaster County. Jay has a deep, historical connection to Calvary Church, and his knack for analytics makes him a valuable asset to our Elder Board. Jay's story is a reminder to all of us just how important it is to take the time to remember God's faithfulness in our lives. To hear the stories of our two newest elders, be sure to check out episodes 57 and 59 of Pursuing Life! Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory

In this final episode of 2023, we get to hear from Steve and Jemi Rohrer, who are Calvary Global Partners serving in Japan. Currently on their first extended furlough in 35 years, God perfectly orchestrated this time for the Rohrer's to be Stateside. God is doing amazing work in Japan, and because Steve and Jemi have been serving there for many decades, they have had the opportunity to see some of the fruit of their labor come full circle. Be sure to subscribe to Pursuing Life so you don't miss new episodes when they release in 2024! Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in, around, or through you? Share your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory

Terri Sherman serves as Calvary's Global Ministries Coordinator, which is a role that she's held for 20 years! While staffing and processes have changed over time, what has remained true is that Terri has been faithful to come alongside both the Global Ministries team and our Global Partners in order to help Calvary Church carry out our value of going into God's world. In many ways, Terri has a front row seat to hear stories of how God is at work all over the globe, and she loves bringing attention to those stories so that others can pray and praise God for His faithfulness. But today, Terri is sharing how God has been at work in her life as she has sought to follow Him. Do you want to publicly celebrate the work that God is doing in your life? Submit your story at calvarychurch.org/shareastory