Midweek Meditation: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Dear Calvary family,
What began your journey to Jesus? What was that moment, that person, that event, that song you heard, that story you heard, that tragedy that occurred that turned you toward Christ? Some of you might just have grown up in church and in faith. But I hope you have met Jesus personally, heard Him, seen Him and accepted Him to be Your Savior.
For some of us Christ just surprises us one day… like shepherds. They were just living their lives and then they were interrupted. And there are those who start a journey that may take years to finish. They are the kind of people the Magi represent. These people are not just hoping to get through the night; they can’t wait for the night, because when the night comes, they look at the stars. They’re minding their business, indeed, but their business is finding out if there is some truth out there worth living for and dying for, because they want to find it.
Would you join us as we worship and praise the King? You might meet the Magi… Jesus is alive and worth your time, your travel, your life. He is the Life Giver. What a dangerous place it is to be when you know the truth but that truth doesn’t lead you to HIM.
On the journey,
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
**NOTES REGARDING THIS WEEKEND’S WEATHER:
In anticipation of the significant amount of forecasted snow happening Sunday afternoon into Monday, our First Monday of the month prayer time and our Monday morning Bible study will be postponed until next Monday, January 13.
YOUTH GROUP
Youth Group will not meet this Sunday, January 5. Our next meeting will be January 12. See you then!
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Sunday School classes will resume this Sunday, January 5, following the service.
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Our first Bible Study of the new year will now begin NEXT Monday, January 13 at 10:00am. Please note the change due to the forecasted inclement weather. This eight-week study with Pastor Michelle is called “Invitation to the Old Testament” and includes a workbook and cool videos with archaeologists and more. It gives a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament and connects prayer practice and scripture. If you’re interested, please let the office know (office@calvaryunited.org).
FIRST SECOND! MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Join us Monday, January 13, at 6:30am for our monthly prayer time. Please note the change due to the forecasted inclement weather. Bring your morning drink and what’s on your heart and meet us in the sanctuary.
KINDNESS KITCHEN
In the past year, we have started a mission that meets the first Sunday of the month making food for various groups or people. As 2025 begins, we would like to spark more interest and have you join us in this! This Sunday, January 5, following the service, we will do “Soup for Our Shut-Ins”. Plan now to bring your favorite soup (with the recipe) to church where we will package it, pray over it, and deliver it along with communion. If you have any questions about this, please contact KarenStriegel5@gmail.com. We would love to know if we can expect you: a sign-up sheet is on the Mission table across from the office.
EPIPHANY LABYRINTH WALK AT MESSIAH LUTHERAN
Messiah Lutheran (801 S. Green St) will be hosting a labyrinth walk to quietly and prayerfully consider Epiphany and the coming year at 7:00pm Monday, January 6. No RSVP required.
JANUARY 12 OR 19 TOWN HALL IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join CUMC leaders in a Question & Answer session for updates on a variety of items such as land sale, 2025 missional goals, policy updates, financial information, 2024 celebrations, and appreciation! Both sessions at 11:11 will cover identical material. Information will be sent via email and handouts will be available in the office the week of January 6, 2025.
MISSION FOCUS FOR JANUARY
This month’s Missions giving will go to the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund. This fund is used to help when unforeseen needs arise.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A FANTASTIC SERVICE FEBRUARY 16!
The Youth and Children of our church will be leading worship on this date. Plan now to be here to support them in their faith examples. We will also be distributing 3rd grade Bibles. Following the service will be a “Pancake Brunch” also hosted by our youth as a fundraiser for their annual mission trip to Mountain T.O.P. Tennessee. The youth and their leaders will be making and serving pancakes and other breakfast items for a freewill donation.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, January 5, 10:00am Epiphany Sunday and Service of Holy Communion
“Meet a king who leads to the King” Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSVue) Rev. Jolita Erbele and Emma Erbele
-Sunday, January 12, 10:00am Series: Reaching, Jesus Style
“Know Jesus as Good News” John 3:16-17 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Kindness Kitchen – Sunday, January 5, 11:30am-12:30pm in the Kitchen
–First Second Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, January 13, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Town Hall Q&A – Sunday, January 12 or 19, 11:11am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, January 18, 6:00pm-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Youth and Children’s Service and Pancake Brunch – Sunday, February 16, 10:00am-1:00pm