SkateChurch

Before heading into the gameroom for SkateChurch on January 17, skaters hit the park to polish up their skills; others played pool, foosball, and video games. As service began, kids with hungry hearts settled in to their seats to meet the Lamar family and watch a video about their ministry in the Philippines: the Faith, Hope, and Love Kids Ranch. Catherine, Micah, and DJ Lamar shared their music and encouraged the youth to be grateful for their parents. After SkateChurch, students were treated to delicious macaroni and cheese, served up by leaders Jim and Annette.

View Slideshow

Kelli O'Hea Missionary Reception

Global Adventures and Pastor Neil Ortiz welcomed supporters of Kelli O'Hea to a missionary reception on January 22. Friends and family enjoyed tasty treats including chipatis (a Ugandan staple) and spiced tea. Kelli talked about her ministry to students in Jinja, Uganda, where her main focus is Bible literacy and discipleship. Care team leader Vivian Padilla shared some practical ways to join Kelli in ministry, including prayer and financial support. Friends and family also contributed funds to the Lord's work in Uganda by taking part in a silent auction.

View Slideshow

Challenge Men's Monthly Fellowship

Dozens of men gathered in the HUB as Challenge Men's Ministry launched their series, "The Elements of Man," at their monthly fellowship on Saturday, January 21. After an opening prayer, men lifted their voices and hands in a time of worship led by Pastor Kenny Riley. In addition, Pastor Justin Marbury presented a short devotional and the men split up into small groups for discussion and prayer.

View Slideshow

she Ministries Open House

Ladies made their way to the she Ministries offices for their Spring Open House on January 21-22. The leadership team welcomed women to enjoy cake, pastries, and coffee, while learning about the spring Bible study, Live Deliciously: Dining with the Savior, Part 2. It was a great time of fellowship, and she Ministries enjoyed the opportunity to welcome new faces and discuss what's in store for 2012.

View Slideshow

"A Night in Gotham" Static Radio Winter Ball

High school students dressed to the nines—or donned in their favorite superhero costumes—descended on the HUB at Calvary of Albuquerque for Static Radio's "A Night in Gotham," on January 20. Dance tunes blasted the party, as Nacho Libre (aka Moses Botello) mixed up the music for the event, which drew nearly 200 listeners to the station's first Winter Ball. Though there were plenty of dynamic duos, sidekicks, and damsels in distress, the evening's highlight was the presentation of the gospel. Many people responded to the invitation to receive the real superhero—Jesus.

View Slideshow

Renovate with Aaron Gillespie

Renovate honored the Lord with an evening of worship led by guest musician Aaron Gillespie on January 19. Known as one of the most dynamic and outspoken artists in Christian music, Aaron exhorted the college-age youth to worship God unabashedly and to boldly proclaim the gospel message. He was joined by guest speaker Bryant Underwood, who passionately presented the gospel. Lives were changed as a result—some entering into a relationship with Christ for the first time, and others challenged to live in a way that makes Jesus famous.

View Slideshow

Guest Musician Aaron Gillespie

Loudly proclaiming God's holiness, guest musician Aaron Gillespie led the congregation in high-energy praise during the expound Bible study on January 18. His desire to make Jesus famous was evidenced through his worship and his exhortations to boldly proclaim our devotion to the Lord. Following a time of praise and worship, Aaron sat down in the expound chat room with Matt Gentry and Stevo Jeter of Static Radio's The Old Man and the Steve show, to discuss his music career and God's call on his life to full-time ministry.

View Slideshow

Revive

Youth from Velocity, Vertical, and Renovate gathered for a time of passionate worship at Revive on January 14. Donned in blindfolds to reduce distractions, students brought whole-hearted praise before the Lord—some humbly bowing, others raising their hands in adoration. Intense worship music led by special guests The Anthem band and powerful Bible readings inspired students to wholly focus on the Lord and receive spiritual refreshment and renewal.

View Slideshow

Life After Fifty Fellowship (LAFF)

Dozens of seniors got together in the PLEX on January 13 for the Life After Fifty Fellowship (LAFF). Following a time of worship and a delicious potluck dinner, they welcomed special guests the Lamar family. Lorraine Lamar discussed the family's ministry at the Faith, Hope, and Love Kids Ranch in the Philippines. Her children, Catherine, Micah, and DJ, shared some of their original music. It was a wonderful and encouraging evening to learn of what the Lord is doing in the lives of abused and orphaned children through the Lamars' mission work.

View Slideshow

Crossfade Turntable Ministry

After a short break over the holidays, Crossfade Turntable Ministry met at the Taylor Ranch Community on Friday, January 13. Before kicking up the music, they spent some time in 1 John 4:20, discussing what the Bible says about forgiving one another. It was exciting time as the turntable artists made a joyful noise and talked about what the Lord may have in store for the coming year.

View Slideshow

Renovate Guest Speaker Nick Crespo

College-age youth enjoyed an evening of high-energy praise and powerful preaching at Renovate on January 12. With heartfelt lyrics and loud refrains of worship, special guests The Anthem band did not disappoint. Nick Crespo presented a study entitled "Radical, Impossible, Unforgettable" from Philippians 2:25-30, which challenged us to take risks for the advancement of the gospel. After the teaching, we were treated to an extended time of music from the band.

View Slideshow

Midweek Service with Neil Ortiz and the Lamar Family

The congregation was treated to an inspiring evening of worship and God's Word on Wednesday, January 11. Pastor Neil Ortiz introduced us to the Lamar family, who operate the Faith, Hope, and Love Kid's Ranch in the Philippines. The presented a video about life at the Ranch and performed two original songs, which were both touching and convicting. Pastor Neil followed their presentation with a timely message from James 4:13-17 he titled "Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It."

View Slideshow

Kids' Calling Story Time

Donned in paper pirate's hats, young children were in for an exciting time at Kids' Calling Story Time on Saturday, January 7, in Solomon's Porch. Parchments Bookstore welcomed narrator Ken Kestell for a thrilling reading of Will God's Mighty Warrior: The Mystery of Magillicuddy's Gold, by Sheila Walsh. They learned there is a treasure that's far more valuable than silver, rubies, and diamonds: God's Word. Following the story, the children enjoyed visiting with their friends, while coloring.

View Slideshow

OUTLOUD Christmas Party

Members of the OUTLOUD Worship Community celebrated Christmas with dinner and fellowship on Friday, January 6. Musicians took time to relax after a very busy holiday season, in which they provided music for worship services and special events across campus. After a delicious dinner of salad, breadsticks, lasagna, and spaghetti, they dove in to a delicious array of potluck desserts. They also enjoyed a light-hearted white-elephant gift exchange.

View Slideshow