December 2017

For in Him all the fullness of Deity (the Godhead) dwells in bodily form (completely expressing the divine essence of God).

Colossians 2:9 AMP

Emmanuel ~ God With Us

PAGE 2 CGC NEWS

It’s hard not to love CGC’s resi-

dent childhood sweethearts, Josh and

Jenni Mannes. For those of you who

don’t know, they met at summer

camp at the age of 9 but didn’t offi-

cially start dating until seven years

later, when they turned 16. From

their love of the outdoors to their

Badger dedication (Bucky was guest

of honor at their wedding), it’s appar-

ent they were meant to be together.

In addition to their shared love for

Bucky, both happen to be middle

children. While the middle child

struggles are real, sometimes God

places you in the middle for a reason.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that

their ministry is right in the middle

of youth and Hyphen. While the

Transition team is not a widely

known ministry, they play a critical

part in assisting those aging out of

youth and into Hyphen by providing

assistance with college applications

and ministry placement.

Jenni, a UW-Madison alum, and

Josh, a UW-Whitewater alum, cur-

rently live on the north side of Madi-

son with their adorable dog, Shiva,

but are working towards building a

home closer to church. While they

(Continued on page 3)

GETTING TO

KNOW YOU

Josh and Jenni Mannes

Little Jack Saindon was welcomed on November 21 by Peter and Kasey

Saindon and his very excited sisters: Sofie (5), Evelyn “Evie” (3), and

Milayna “Mila” (2). With lots of black hair, he is so cute!

Congratulations to the Saindon family!

--Ellen Haupt

It’s a for the Saindons

Recent special speakers, Rev.

Jonathan Maki and Rev. Steve and

Teri Spears, brought to the congre-

gation specific teachings on the im-

portance of doctrine (Maki) and the

power of God in miracles and heal-

ing (Spears). As we wrap up the

calendar year, the theme of 2017,

“Empower, Equip, and Engage,”

brought vital Bible teaching to

“engage” our faith and see God

move in a mighty way.

As has become our custom in

the past few years, we will again

begin 2018 with an all church fast.

The dates are January 8 through 28.

We will enter the new year equip-

ped and empowered by God’s Spirit

and with faith to believe for the

miraculous!

--Ellen Haupt

Special Speakers; Important Teachings

CGC NEWS PAGE 3

at Calvary Gospel

Church?

Available in the rack at the main entrance.

Duty, Honor, and Country!

On Sunday, November 12,

Calvary Gospel Church (CGC) was

privileged to honor all veterans for

their service to our country. The

Marshall VFW Post 6614 Color

Guard was once again able to be an

important part of our service.

A representation of several dif-

ferent people who were important

in the history of the flag “spoke” to

us as members of CGC impersonat-

ed them. From Betsy Ross to Francis

Scott Key to today, they gave us a

sense of how our flag came to be

and what it means to us. The main

speaker was Scott Relitz, a member

of the Marshall VFW Post 6614 and

active duty Air National Guard who

has been our contact for the Color

Guard. He spoke on what the flag

means to him. His words were

heartfelt and moving.

At the conclusion

of the service, as the

choir sang "The Na-

tional Anthem," a

Perkins-sized flag

dropped from the

ceiling along with

red, white and blue

streamers–an emo-

tional and stunning

climax. All veterans were then

asked to come to the front of the

church where we, as grateful Amer-

icans, could express our sincere

thanks for their sacrifice to protect

and defend us.

Veterans, we greatly appreciate

you! THANK YOU!

—Carolyn Thorpe

2017 Veterans Day Service

Scott Relitz (left) of VFW Post 6614 and Bro. Ben Thompson, event organizer, pose in front of the flag.

At right, “our own” Jamin Powell, home on leave from the Marines, stands as his branch’s theme song is played.

have many things in common,

Jenni assures me that the old adage

of “opposites attract” still holds

true. Josh, who is currently work-

ing as a Business Analyst at SSM

Health, is more social while Jenni,

who teaches Art at Sun Prairie

High School, prefers to work be-

hind the scenes.

While Jenni is now a Mannes,

you can see her Knaup traits shin-

ing through in her actions and

love for others. Of course, I could

not end our interview without

asking her what the best part

about growing up a Knaup is. Her

response, “seeing the fruits of my

parents’ labor and knowing that

the investments they have made in

others were well worth it.”

There’s something to be said for

having a heritage in the church.

--Julie Puckett

Getting to Know You (Continued from page 2)

PAGE 4 CGC NEWS

Bro. Mark Nakielski reports, “We had an amazing

meal, fellowship, and service for this year’s Thanks-

giving celebration. There were over 200 people pre-

sent, an all-time high attendance. We had just enough

food to make sure all had a plate. It was a great time

to meet new people, catch up with old friends who

help us serve each year, and really enjoy the day giv-

ing thanks to God for all who showed up and joined

together.

“Thank you to all who contributed in every way.

This means financially, in prayer, in cooking, and in

volunteering.

“In the service prior to the meal there was a pow-

erful presence of God, and one gentleman was filled

with the Holy Ghost while others were left weeping

before the Lord. It was an all-around BLESSED

Thanksgiving.”

Thank you, too, Mark and Christina, for your lead-

ership and faithfulness in organizing this meal each

year.

--Ellen Haupt

Thanksgiving Meal at CGC Serves Record Number

CGC NEWS

Members of the Sisters Lovin’ Sisters ministry

served a free Thanksgiving meal on November 16

in the community room of the Karabis Apartments

on Park Street. About a dozen people enjoyed a

delicious dinner prepared by Darlene Burrell, Bet-

ty Burrell, and Marie Flemings. They also gave

away hats, gloves, scarves, and earmuffs to those

in need. They played games and gave out prizes

and candy packs.

Some of the ladies who came are blind, and

some are in wheelchairs. The dinner gave the

community a chance to meet and greet their

neighbors.

Sis. Darlene preached the gospel, and seven

ladies repented of their sins. Sis. Darlene will con-

tinue to meet with them on a weekly basis. The

ladies of Sisters Lovin’ Sisters are praising God for

this opportunity and for His amazing grace.

Sisters Lovin’ Sisters reaches out to the commu-

nity to meet the needs of the less fortunate in spir-

itual and material ways, particularly in the Park

Street area. Thank you, ladies, for your big hearts!

--Ellen Haupt

SISTERS LOVIN’ SISTERS COMMUNITY

THANKSGIVING MEAL

Thanks to Hubbard Avenue Diner for donating pies.

PAGE 6 CGC NEWS

After six months of extensive

remodeling, the United Pentecostal

Church of Stoughton is ready to

open its doors and start having ser-

vices. The former restaurant needed

to be transformed into a church, so a

bar area was removed, walls were

put up to create a sanctuary that

seats 90, a fellowship area with

kitchenette, a classroom, a nursery,

and a pastor’s office. New carpet

was laid, several lights installed,

sound panels were built, and donat-

ed pews were modified and in-

stalled. Financial donations and

several volunteers that worked

many nights and weekends have

offset some of the cost for this mon-

umental project.

Since the building sign was in-

stalled about a month ago, several

people have expressed an interest in

attending the “new” church in

town. Some final touches were

made recently including building a

cross and installing it on the roof.

The grand opening service will

be Sunday, December 10, at 9 a.m.

Pastor Roy Grant will open the ser-

vice with prayer and greeting the

guests, and Pastor Rich Thomas will

be preaching the Word of God.

UPC of Stoughton will have a Sun-

day morning service and a Bible

study every Thursday at 7 p.m. Mu-

sic will be provided by our CGC

music ministry.

This new extension of CGC is a

result of Pastor Thomas receiving a

call from God to begin an outreach

in Stoughton. We are expecting an

outpouring of His spirit in Stough-

ton.

--Peggy Thomas

CGC’s Stoughton Extension Will Have First Service on December 10

PAGE 7 CGC NEWS

Our holiday craft sale is usually held on the second Saturday in

November. This year was no exception, and we saw an increase of

vendors displaying their crafts and specialty products that included

homemade salsa and baked goods, children’s books, handbags, essential

oils, popular clothing items, handmade doll clothes, stenciled artwork,

and roasted coffee just to name a few. Chair massages were also availa-

ble for those ladies who shopped 'til they dropped. Approximately 150

people came to shop at the sale this year.

The Great Awakening Coffee Shop provided

Frito boats for lunch, and our guests could enjoy

free coffee and muffins while they shopped.

The vendors were charged $15 per table, which

included free lunch. The money earned from the

40 tables went to the Thanksgiving Day meal, the

Great Awakening, Youth Ministry, and Ladies

Ministry. A food drive was also part of this event,

and all food items went to veterans in need.

Sarah George originated and has been in charge

of our craft sale for the past five years. She has

decided to step down. Next year, Britt Topp and

Lindsey Osborne will be coordinating this event.

Peggy Thomas

Talented Madison Solberg sold pet treats she and her sister made.

At the baby dedication held on November 12, Gabriella Skaife (above) dedicated her son, King Royal Skaife to the Lord. Gabriella is part of our CIP group. Also on that date, two grandchildren of Jeff and Linda Neesam were dedicated by their parents (at left). Stephanie Neesam dedicated her daughter, Iris. Nathan and Lauren Neesam dedicated their son, Wesley. The two children’s births were very close together.

PAGE 8 CGC NEWS

Left: A bigger and more comfortable

room for nursing mothers has been

provided next to the ladies’ bath-

room near the south entrance.

Below: Thanks to Rick Solberg,

Jamin Powell, and Brittney and

Kirby Waters for the Ladies rest-

room remodel!

Christian Intervention

Program (CIP) Graduates Honored

Jacob Graper and David Lance have

completed the CIP classes and re-

ceived their certificates at a recent

service. Both men took the classes

in order to work in this ministry.

Rev. Jeff and Ashley Contreras Honored For Their Work With Boys & Girls Club in Delavan

Ashley Contreras worked hard to establish a Boys &

Girls Club in Delavan where she and her husband, Jeff,

pastor the Rock of Jesus United Pentecostal Church. Now,

Bro. Jeff is the full-time coordinator there.

God directed Ashley’s heart to this work while she was

still in Madison. She worked with the Boys & Girls Club

in the Allied Drive area.

Governor and Mrs. Scott Walker recently honored

them for their work.

Ashley is the daughter of Pastor Rich and Peggy

Thomas of CGC.

—Ellen Haupt

PAGE 9 CGC NEWS

On November 19, the Voces Unidas con-

gregation came together to honor their pas-

toral staff and celebrate Thanksgiving.

Claudia Parkes , Lacey Blanchar, Jeanine

Calhoun and many other ladies of the

church planned a wonderful dinner to cele-

brate and give honor to the pastoral staff

and leaders of the Voces Unidas congrega-

tion. The event featured wonderful decora-

tions and scrumptious food. If you have

never had the pleasure of tasting a piece of

Claudia's ham, then you have missed out!

In addition to honoring Pastor John and

Terry Seidl and Bro. and Sis. John Russell,

Pastor Seidl used this day and this time,

with great intention, to honor and recog-

nize the many other hands and hearts at

work in the Voces Unidas congregation,

including the addition of an Assistant Pas-

tor for Voces Unidas. As Pastor John and

Terry Seidl officially introduced them as

Assistant Pastor, Bro. Fabian and Sis. Eu-

genia Martinez were anointed with oil and

prayed for. This day, this time was truly a

time for "commissioning the ministry of the

family of God," which was exactly

what Pastor Seidl preached on.

There is so much love, honor, and

appreciation among this group of lead-

ers. The pictures cannot come close to

conveying the love and move of the

Holy Spirit in these moments.

The Voces Unidas congregation is a

very special family. It is a blessing to

have the opportunity to attend one of

their services. May the Lord continue

to bless all of the Voces Unidas leader-

ship and their wonderful congrega-

tion.

--Laura Moore

Thankful for Pastors and Leaders - Commissioning of New Assistant Pastor

Bro. Fabian and Sis. Eugenia Martinez

CGC NEWS

The Sedras in Egypt

You may give through Calvary Gospel Church. Simply designate the project number and “Next Steps Project” on your check or envelope.

PAGE 11 CGC NEWS

Signing for the Deaf available Nursery provided for all services.

Purpose Statement

Calvary Gospel Church exists to

“REACH UP” in Worship “REACH IN” in Discipleship

“REACH OUT” in Evangelism

CGC News Editorial Staff:

Ellen Haupt, Editor (erh2@centurytel.net)

Peggy Thomas

Jodi Armstrong

Carolyn Thorpe Julie Puckett Renee Strand

“Discover the Difference”

Calvary Gospel Church Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. African International Ministry

Sunday: 1 p.m. - Friday: 6:30 p.m.

Voces Unidas Servicios en Espanol

Domingos: 1:00 p.m. Martes: 7:30 p.m.

* Deaf Ministry contact: VP# (608) 234-4635

E-mail: Michell.pena33@gmail.com

MINISTRIES DIRECTORY

Senior Pastor Rev. Roy Grant Ext. 317 249-6445

Bishop Rev. John Grant Ext. 301 249-6445

Exec. Pastor/Dean-Purpose Inst. Rev. John Seidl Ext. 309 249-6445

Assoc. Pastor Rev. Richard Thomas Ext 304 249-6445

Pastor-Voces Unidas. Rev. John Seidl Ext. 309 249-6445

Asst. Pastor-Student Min. & Media Rev. Phil Demos Ext. 316 249-6445

Asst. Pastor-First Impressions Shane Maki 573-0635

Administrator Jessica Rivest Ext. 301 249-6445

Admin. Assistant Brittney Waters Ext. 315 249-6445

Admin. Assistant Lois Grant Ext. 314 249-6445

Bible Quizzing Justin Wall 445-8628

CGC Bus Route Information (Transportation avail. In designated areas) Mark/Christina 228-8750

Campus Ministry Michael Tesch 262 894-6084

Care Ministry John & Melissa Brunker 608 577-6174

Christian Intervention Program Noah and Renee Strand 206-3110

Deaf Ministry Michell Pena & Aimee Thompson *

Kids Depot Child Care Nancy Karns 249-6448

Ladies’ Ministry Linda Brown

Maintenance Rick Solberg Ext. 344 249-6445

Men’s Ministry Jeff Merkes 206-5772

Music Scott & Vicki Leonardson 513-0959

New Life Classes John & Terry Seidl Ext. 309 249-6445

Prayer Minister Blake George 825-6793

Prayer—Urgent Care Prayer Peggy Moran 445-6458

Sound Shane Maki 573-0635

Sunday School Ministry Rick & Nicole Solberg 770-4708

Youth Pastors James and Rachel Novak

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Dec. 8 - All Church Prayer

Dec. 9 – hyphen Christmas Party

Dec. 9 – Children’s Ministry staff Christmas Party

Dec. 10 - Christmas Program “How the Grinch Found Christmas),

10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 – Youth Christmas Party

Dec. 23 -Red Cross Blood Drive 8 a.m.

Dec. 24 - No a.m. service. One service only at 5 p.m. (A.I.M. & Voces

Unidas will have their normally scheduled services)

Dec. 25 - Christmas Day!

Dec. 28-30 - Winter Youth Convention ( Marriott West, Madison)

Jan. 6 – Secret Pal Banquet

Jan. 8-28 – All Church Fast

A Look Ahead at Calvary Gospel Church

Calvary Gospel Church 5301 Commercial Avenue Madison, Wisconsin 53704

PAGE 12 CGC NEWS