The fresh air and praise songs provided the perfect setting for our May baptism. As worship music played, friends and family gathered under the beautiful blue sky to warmly welcome and pray for those new to the faith. Believers took the opportunity to make an outward demonstration of the inward change Jesus has made in their lives. It was a joyous occasion as men, women, and children gathered in the amphitheater on Sunday, May 19, to publicly identify themselves with Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection.

This weekend we celebrate Mother's Day by welcoming K. P. Yohannan as our guest speaker for the message titled "A Mother's Influence." He shared specifically how his own mother was a godly influence to her family and how she lived out her belief in Jesus by loving people. He challenged the church to impact their generation by helping to provide for the children of India through child sponsorship.

On Wednesday, May 8, guest speaker Terry Gray delivered the message "Church in the Storm" from our text in Matthew 14:22-33. Following a time of worship and celebration to the Lord, Terry encouraged us to find that perfect blend of truth and love—to tell people about Jesus and not be afraid to take a stand on issues. He explained that like the disciples rowing on a stormy sea, the church in America must face exhausting and frustrating circumstances with courage, strength, and perseverance, knowing that Jesus prays for us.

At all weekend services on May 4-5, we came together in remembrance of our Lord's sacrifice for us. Skip presented the message "The World's Most Important Comma" from Isaiah 61:2, where we learned about a 2,000 year old comma—the age of grace. Pastor Skip encouraged us to examine our hearts, and extended the invitation to receive Christ as Savior. We then shared in Communion as a church family, and reflected on Jesus' final meal with His disciples, remembering Christ's sacrificial love.

Hearts and minds turned heavenward on Friday, May 3, at Selah: a Night of Worship. Young men and women from the Calvary Dance Ministry/Life Movement Productions performed diverse dances including ballet, highland, flamenco, freestyle, and hip-hop. The OUTLOUD Worship Team and Crossfade Turntable Ministry made a joyful noise to the Lord in accompaniment to the dance. Following the presentation, families and friends gathered in the HUB to enjoy dessert and coffee while visiting with the performers.

With the encouragement of family and friends, approximately 100 believers lined up to identify with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at the April 28 baptism service. The sounds of worship music filled the amphitheater as Pastor Kenny Riley led the group in worship of our Lord. Pastor Justin Marbury explained what baptism means and, one-by-one, men, women, and children shared their testimonies with Calvary pastors and were baptized, marking a significant step of obedience in their walk with Christ.

Nearly 300 students brought their groove to Static Radio's Retro Prom on Friday, April 26. Neon, disco balls, and music made this year's prom a glitzy success! Most high school students dressed in formal wear, while some chose retro garb from previous eras. Of course it wouldn't be prom without music and dancing; kids enjoyed kicking their feet up to music with a message, spun by Surge Intern 2.0, Kayla Kellogg. The dance floor was packed throughout the evening, especially during funky beats like the Cupid Shuffle and Thriller. In the words of Stevo, "It was awesome!"

On Tuesday, April 23, the Calvary staff enjoyed an afternoon of fun as a thank you from Pastor Skip to everyone who works hard to keep the campuses and ministries running smoothly. At high noon, staff members gathered in the amphitheater for Frito pies and ice cream bars before heading out to Silva Lanes for some friendly, yet fierce, bowling competition. Everyone had a blast. Thanks, Pastor Skip, for providing such a fun place to work.

Challenge Men's Ministry gathered for their monthly fellowship on Saturday, April 20, in the HUB. Men enjoyed coffee, breakfast burritos, manfins (muffins made with bacon) and fellowship. Following a time of worship led by Ken Riley and the Challenge Men's Ministry Band, Pastor Neil Ortiz taught "Words From a Spiritual Father to a Spiritual Son" from 2 Timothy 2:1-7.

You can imagine the fun that over 100 ladies gathered for the purpose of seeking and hearing from God could have on a weekend retreat. The 2013 she Ministries Retreat "I AM: 7 Statements of Jesus" was held April 19-21 at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe. Special music guest Poema shared their amazing gift of music throughout the weekend—leading ladies into the throne room of our Lord and King through worship. Keynote speaker Debbi Bryson led teaching sessions throughout the weekend.

Calvary Albuquerque opened its doors to thousands of excited people on Sunday evening, April 14, for Skull Church with pastor and evangelist Levi Lusko. Levi delivered a powerful message of salvation and invited anyone and everyone to accept God's gift of salvation. Over 100 people came forward in response to Christ!

Over 200 middle school and high school students came together on April 12-14 to take over the Calvary campus for Reboot 2013. Vertical High School Ministry and Velocity Middle School Ministry welcomed students for their weekend venture. Guest speaker Levi Lusko challenged students to refresh their relationship with the Lord. Worship was led by the Skull Church Band. During Reboot 2013, there were over 35 professions of faith and 30 students were baptized! Young people headed home on Sunday with a fresh sense of revival in their lives.

SkateMinistry was awesome on Tuesday, April 9, as many young believers gathered in The MIX Gameroom. Despite the rain and a little cold weather, the kids showed up—SkateMinistry goes on rain or shine. They enjoyed a time of worship followed by a study in God's Word led by Chris Walker of UNRVLD. Chris taught from Ephesians 4:29 on the importance of our speech—how words and the language we use should be edifying.

Mark Hitchcock, the well-known proponent of Bible prophecy and popular author taught at each of Calvary Albuquerque's four weekend services, April 6-7. From the Scriptures 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, Mark delivered the message "Your Final Exam" and dared us to Live Today in Light of That Day!

The New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas made Calvary Albuquerque the last stop on his book-signing tour. On Friday, April 5, more than 400 people enjoyed an informative talk as Eric shared the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's extraordinary faith and the tortured fate of the nation he sought to deliver from the curse of Nazism.

Calvary Albuquerque hosted New Mexico's largest church service on Sunday, March 31, under clear blue skies at University Stadium. As the sun rose over the Sandia Mountains, about 20,000 gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Nate Heitzig opened the service and Tamra Salmon led us in the National Anthem. The praises of God's people filled the fresh morning air as guest musician Lincoln Brewster led worship. Pastor Skip Heitzig then presented the message "I Dare You to Live!"

It was a joyful sight to see the faithful come together to worship the King. On March 29, thousands of believers gathered for the Good Friday Communion Service in the amphitheater at Calvary Albuquerque during the noon hour to honor Christ's great sacrifice for all of us.

At the Live Awesomely Bible study on March 26, the women of she Ministries gathered together for a time of worship with Ryan and Natalie Wylie, a devotional: “Searching for Shalom” by Maria Guy, and a time for crafts and fellowship. Creative leaders Misty Foster, Nichol Naranjo, Natalie Wylie, and Janaé Heitzig taught the ladies how to make three different felt flowers and they displayed several other examples of projects and how to use them. With colorful felt, scissors, glue, buttons, and ribbons, the ladies created felt-flower lapel pins to take home.

Joyful worship and encouraging words filled the HUB as Challenge Men's Ministry gathered Saturday morning, March 16, for their monthly fellowship. Worship was led by Pastor Kenny Riley followed by the message "Be a Jethro" from Pastor Neil Ortiz. Neil encouraged men to become a Jethro to the Moses around them. Also, they heard from Dave Slade and Daniel Galliour regarding the Bible study they are leading on Thursday mornings, Man in the Mirror. The men broke out into huddles with one another and their QBs.

Pastor Skip shared our ministry vision and called the church to commit it to memory. Through the message titled "Living With Vision," he explained our calling to upreach, inreach, and outreach—we are the church and we should radiate the glory of God, reveal the truth of God, and rescue the enemies of God. We pursue the God who is passionately pursuing a lost world; we do this with one another, through worship, by the Word, to the world. Let's commit this vision to our hearts and live it out with one another.

The MIX Gameroom and Skatepark hosted the SkateMinistry Lock-in on March 12-13. Over 30 kids and youth leaders gathered to pull an all-nighter of skating, fellowship, and ministry.

The weekly expound service features inspiring worship and interactive verse-by-verse study to expand our knowledge of God's Word. With melodic and soothing arrangements, singer/songwriter Grayson Kessenich ushered us in to intimate worship of the Lord.

At the Live Awesomely Bible study on February 26, the women of she Ministries gathered together for a time of worship with Ryan and Natalie Wylie, a devotional on learning how to avoid bitterness by Maria Guy, and a time of crafting and fellowship led by Lenya Heitzig, Nichol Naranjo, Paula Riley and Janaé Heitzig. The ladies were provided craft supplies including foam rings, yarn, and embellishments to make wreaths to give as a gift or hang in their homes.

Bright and early on Saturday, February 16, men gathered for the Challenge Men’s Ministry monthly fellowship. Over coffee and delicious burritos, Justin shared how the Lord has called him to New Hampshire and how he has stepped out in faith, fully trusting in God to tie up all the details. How amazing it is to see God at work in not only Pastor Justin's life, providing all that is needed, but also in Pastor Neil's life, preparing him as he steps in to oversee Challenge Men's Ministry.

For all those who love skateboarding and everything about it, The MIX Gameroom & Skatepark held their annual For the Love of Skateboarding Valentine's Day Party on Thursday, February 14. Everyone was invited to this fun skating event. Kids enjoyed the party in the MIX Gameroom and Skatepark with ministry leader Caleb Chavez and ministry volunteers grilling burgers and hot dogs, delicious s'mores roasted on the bonfire, and DJ Ken Sal jammin' the tunes.

Static Radio welcomed The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Rest, and Spoken for a great show to a packed house at Calvary Nob Hill in the Lobo Theater on Tuesday, February 12. Each of these bands put demonstrated their awesome musical talent and heart for the Lord. We were also joined by Pastor Jarrett Petero, who shared the gospel and gave an invitation to receive Jesus Christ as Savior.

The PLEX was decked out in red and white in honor of Valentine's day at the February Life After Fifty Fellowship. After a scrumptious potluck dinner, and a time of fellowship and laughter, they sang praises to the Lord as led by John and Debra Sorrell. With tummies full of cherry pie and hearts full of praise their spiritual appetites were fed as ministry leader Dave Hilland taught from Isaiah 55:10-11 on science in the Bible.

We remembered Christ's sacrifice for us by observing Communion at our mid-week expound service. Pastor Skip's message from our text in Leviticus 17:10-16 was perfectly timed. God forbids His people to eat blood because the life is in the blood. Our study revealed the stark contrast of endless sacrifices with the one sacrifice that made all the difference— the blood of the Savior poured out once for all.

Ladies longing to learn about the character and awesome attributes that our God IS gathered in the HUB on Tuesday, February 5, as she Ministries kicked off their spring Bible study, Live Awesomely: Exalting the Names of God, Part 2.

Dozens of men gathered for the Challenge Men's Monthly Fellowship on Saturday, January 19. With loud voices and raised hands, the men humbled themselves before the Lord in a time of worship. Pastor Justin Marbury taught from Philippians 3:12-16 with a focus on new year's resolutions. He encouraged men to be resolved by having an accurate view of themselves, a correct understanding of their journey, and a realistic expectation of success. After the study, the men gathered in small groups to discuss the lesson and pray for one another.

Crossfade Street Ministry and LifeQuest USA hosted a free night of praise through hip-hop, DJ rooms, and a variety of MCs on Friday, January 18, at Calvary Nob Hill in the Lobo Theater. The lineup included Relikis, Illusent, Elan Brio, DOCC, Relate, and special guests DJ Eklectic and Graffiti Art. The crowd enjoyed singing Him a new song and making a loud Noyze for the Lord; many received the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts.

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays at an end, the OUTLOUD worship community was able to come together for their annual Christmas party on Friday, January 18. Members of the many cross-campus worship teams, along with their families, were welcomed by ministry leader Ryan Wylie as they gathered to enjoy a tasty barbecue dinner from Heavenly BBQ and Catering. For those who diligently serve in the worship community, it was a fun time of relaxation and fellowship—some much-appreciated downtime after their busy Christmas season schedule.

We stand with voices in unison praising our God! The music and voices of the OUTLOUD Worship Band were joined by the rising voices of worshipers at the midweek service on January 16. We gathered in the sanctuary for a special night of worship as we gave our whole selves—our voices and minds—over to the worship of our one true and living God. The beautiful melodies and heartfelt praise moved through the building as we reflected on the wonder, peace, mercy, grace, revival, redemption, and healing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Life After Fifty Fellowship gathered in the PLEX on January 11 for their first monthly meeting of 2013. After a delicious potluck dinner and time for fellowship, ministry leader Dave Hilland led the group in a time of worship.

Global Adventures and missionary Kendall Brown welcomed supporters to a reception on Sunday, January 6. The Lord was exalted through worship in both English and Spanish led by Kendall's wife, Virginia. Kendall offered a presentation of the work the Lord has done through their ministry in Panama, city of David, Chiriquí province at Luz y Esperanza, a local church there. The Browns, including their three children David, Hannah, and Joshua, were delighted to spend time with the body of Christ here at Calvary.

With heartfelt worship, a fresh look, and a dare to live differently in the coming year, Calvary launched the new Bible study, I Dare You, on January 5-6.

At Student Ministries Night on January 2, Calvary Albuquerque got a taste of what it's like to attend Velocity Mid High Ministry, Vertical High School Ministry, and Skate Ministry. The leaders of these ministries shared a little bit about how God is impacting the lives of teens through the teaching, fellowship, and worship in each of these ministries. Then Pastor Jesse Lusko delivered our message for the evening titled "Night Call" from our text in Psalm 4.