Download 2009 teachings

The teachings from the CCS Conference 2009 are now available for download at calvarychapel.dk (click on the conference banner to access download menu).

Buckle up and join teachers Daniel Jacobsen, Joel Wickström, Bob Pecoraro, Cartie Carpenter, Paul Lange, Nate Holdridge, and Stefan Höfer as they take you on a speedy but meaty tour through one of the most powerful epistles in the New Testament, Paul's Epistle to the Romans, in just 11 sessions.

You can also download two extra workshops on Sexual Purity (for men only) and The Reliability of the Bible.

Meatball Matadors rise to the top in Viking Games II

This year's Viking Games II ended with a narrow victory to the Meatball Matadors, led by team captain Brenten Powers. He salutes his team mates Aaron & Sara, Yuri & Lidia, Ralph & Robin, and Per Jacobsen in the moment of victory.

"I'm proud of how our team worked together using our various strengths to gain the lead. We couldn't have done it without Ralph Wood's Bible knowledge, Sara Pratt's knowledge of Sweden, Aaron Pratt's goal keeping and gaining the extra points by blocking a balloon with his head. Good job team!," Brenten says.

In the other end of the standings, there was no contest. It wasn't even close. Led by captain Kyle Bentz, the ABBA All-stars owned the last place from start to finish.

"If I could sum up our team's losses in several semi-encouraging constructive words, they would have to be 'destruction', 'complete annihilation', and 'utter failure'. I was told if we answered all the Bible questions with the answer "Sweden is the best" we would be a sure winner to this year's games. Apparently I was lied too. Nonetheless in what we lossed in points we gained in fun and friendships as a team. ABBA ALLSTARS FOREVER!!!," says the defeated captain, who assures his team's fans that he will fully recover just in time for next years conference.

Whichever team you were rooting for, don't miss this short video re-cap of the 2009 Viking Games II:

20090814_confvikings from Theisbro on Vimeo.

Guest speakers reflect on conference blessings

Unlike previous years, the list of guest speakers this year consisted only of pastors making their debut appearance at the Scandinavian conference. They left just as blessed as the people they ministered to.

Through his ministry as assistant director at Calvary Chapel (CC) Bible College Europe in Hungary, Pastor Paul Lange has played an important part in sending off workers to the Scandinavian ministry field. This year, he and his wife Jeanette came to the conference to serve and to see for themselves what God is doing up north.

"The conference was such a refreshing time for me and Jeanette. We felt so welcomed and loved. It was apparent that God is moving and laying a firm foundation in Scandinavia in which He can build upon. I was especially blessed to see the quality of the pastors and leaders the Lord is raising up," says Paul Lange. His wife adds:

"I was blessed beyond my imagination. I loved everything about it. It was a thrill seeing so many of our old Bible school students out on the mission field, and also seeing the new faces that are serving in Scandinavia. There was a honest transparency amongst the believers and we all really received from each other. I truly hope that I get to see more of the fruit in the coming months," says Jeanette Lange, who taught the women's workshop this year.

As pastor of CC Macedon in New York state, Cartie Carpenter was the pastor who sent out Bob Pecoraro to Finland several years ago and later ordained Bob as pastor. Thus, it was with great anticipation that Cartie finally arrived at his first Scandinavian conference this year along with his wife Pat.

"Pat and I were exceedingly blessed. We felt very welcomed by our dear brothers and sisters in Scandinavia. The warmth of the people and the great fellowship touched our hearts. We have made some great friends in just a few days. Isn't it amazing how the Holy Spirit can knit us together in such a short time? Our love to you all. We're already looking forward to next year, should the Lord open that door," says Cartie Carpenter.

Through his previous connection to the ministries in Denmark, Pastor Nate Holdridge from Calvary Monterey in Central California had already visited Scandinavia twice prior to this year's conference. However, this was his first time in Sweden and his first encounter with the ministries in the rest of the region.

"To me this year's conference was a wonderful snapshot of the fresh work God is doing in Scandinavia. The hunger for the Word and the passion for fellowship demonstrated there caused me to believe that God is going to do a wonderful work in these decidedly post-Christian nations. I only hope and pray that Calvary Monterey can be a part of it! The saints in Scandinavia are certainly in my prayers," says Nate Holdridge.

When one of the usual speakers had to cancel his participation in this year's conference, Pastor Stefan Höfer from CC Freier Grund in Neunkirchen, Germany was called upon to be a worthy replacement. Much to the blessing of both him and the conference participants.

"When I got the email to come and speak at the conference in Stockholm on a short notice I wasn´t so sure what to expect at first, but the Lord has his ways with us and so I went. And it turned out to be a great joy and blessing for me and hopefully for those who attended. What a great conference with a bunch of great people who have a vision to reach Scandinavia with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! God is doing an awesome work up there. Keep up the good work. May the Lord bless you richly!," says Stefan Höfer.

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For more info about this year's guest speakers, check out these links:

Paul & Jeanette Lange - CCBCE.com

Cartie Carpenter - ccmacedon.com

Nate Holdridge - calvary.com, Twitter, Facebook

Stefan Höfer - CCFG.de + Family Blog

CC Scandinavia worships God

The 2009 CCS Conference gave the attendees yet another opportunity to come together to worship the Living God with a united, fervent voice.

The worship was once again led by Aaron Pratt from CC Finland, and he was pleased to see the growing amount of musically gifted believers step up to join him on the worship team.

"As in years past, we had many sweet times of worship at this year's conference. It is great to see God unite so many people from different countries and different ministries together in one voice to worship Him in His goodness and mercy; since this is the very purpose and goal of worship as seen in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14. Thanks to all who joined in to participate in leading us to the throne room of grace! I can't wait till next year!," says Aaron.

The following video gives a small glimpse of the worshipful atmosphere that was present at this year's conference:

20090813_confworship from Theisbro on Vimeo.

The 2009 Conference Video

The following is a video from this year's Calvary Chapel Scandinavia conference. Enjoy:

20090810_CCS Conference 2009 from Theisbro on Vimeo.

Ground-breaking conference in Scandinavia

Set in beautiful Swedish surroundings, this year's Calvary Chapel Scandinavia (CCS) conference ended yesterday after five days that will go over in CCS history as the most ground-breaking gathering so far.

God's Spirit provided fresh frontline fellowship among the 125+ people who attended this year, and as always the study through God's Word contributed richly to the atmosphere of Christ-centered unity. There was a clear sense of God working in and through all the ministries that were represented at the conference, and a strong feeling that this unprecedented work has only just begun.

Guest speakers Paul Lange, Cartie Carpenter, Nate Holdridge, and Stefan Höfer joined with leaders of local Scandinavian ministries to lead the congregation through Paul's Epistle to the Romans - in just 11 sessions. A packed, but powerful journey through some of the meatiest parts of Scripture.

Aaron Pratt from CC Finland led worship throughout the conference along with John Marsh, Brenten Powers, and a broad selection of talented musicians from various Scandinavian ministries.

Most of this year's attendees came from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and USA, although several people came up from mainland Europe.

The location was Ekebyholm Castle about 45 minutes outside Stockholm, providing scenic surroundings for the most attended conference in Scandinavian CC history.

The 2009 Conference is over

...full coverage to come. Meanwhile, here is the official group photo of this year's attendees. Click on the photo to enlarge (and right-click to save/download).