Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Dear Calvary Family,
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1Cor 16:13)
I can see Paul looking at the crowd, women and men are there, but he is making eye contact with men and telling them specifically: Act like mature Christians. There is time to act as grown up Christians and the time is now. These are commands for all who want to live by what God says. Not a feeling to follow or option to choose. There are so many voices, so many opinions, so many ways we shape and live our lives… How do I listen to what God says?
Strength without love becomes pride. Love without strength becomes compromise. But together, strength and love reflect Christ Himself — bold in truth, gentle in heart, unshakable in conviction, and overflowing in grace.
Isaiah 7:9, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” He has made clear that their faith in Christ will face opposition from the culture around them. They must remain in their faith with strength and courage.
Carl Sandburg, when addressing the United States Congress, said that Abraham Lincoln was a man of “velvet steel”. That is a good image for Christians to borrow: Strong in what you believe but showing your belief with kindness, always loving.
Hope to see you all this Sunday in person (if you can, and no snow) to worship in the body of Christ. The struggle is real, but so is our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us what we need to have victory in HIM, through Him and with Him.
In Him,
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Bring your warm morning drink and what’s on your heart and join us at 6:30am in the Sanctuary on Monday, February 2.
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Due to the weather, the Classics Luncheon for yesterday has been postponed to this coming Tuesday, February 3. We’re celebrating “Game Day” from Noon til 2:00 in Fellowship Hall. Bring a friend and your favorite game day or tailgate food! RSVP by contacting the office or signing up at the Mission table.
WOMEN’S MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
Women’s Monday Night Bible Study will resume this coming Monday, February 2, at 6:30pm.
SUPER BOWL BAKE SALE
The church’s Women’s group is organizing a bake sale to take place on February 8 to help you celebrate the Super Bowl and to benefit the Lucille Raines Residence. If you’d like to contribute your favorite baked goods to this cause, please sign up at the Mission Table. And bring your pocket change on the 8th to take home some amazing snacks for the game!
YOUTH SUPER BOWL PARTY
Plan now to hangout at the Striegels’ house for a fun evening and the annual Super Bowl party at 6:00 on Sunday, February 8. Bring your appetite and a friend and we’ll see you there!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH GAS GIFT CARDS
The Mission & Outreach team is collecting $20 “Fuel Only” gas cards from the Speedway gas stations. These will be used for needy families at our community meals and when the church office gets special requests. We are trying to meet a need that became apparent at our first community meal a couple of weeks ago. They are used for families to get to the food pantries, work, and/or keep their cars warm if they are homeless. Turn in the “fuel only” gas cards to the front office or Anne Inman. Or, if you would like to make a financial donation, please note “Family Promise gas cards” in the memo portion of your check. Please plan on attending our next community meal Saturday, February 14th 12-2pm! See the paragraph below for more information. Thank you!
SPEAKING OF COMMUNITY LUNCH – A NEW OUTREACH FOR EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE IN
We are starting a new mission on the second Saturday of each month and we need you to be here for this! Spaghetti is on the menu for Saturday, February 14, from Noon until 2:00, and we will be hosting lunch for members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through the local food pantries. We would love to have you volunteer by helping and socializing! Sign up at the Mission table or by contacting the office. If you have any questions, please contact the office. And also mark your calendar for Saturday, March 14’s chili lunch!
LEARNING ACADEMY REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is about to begin! Registration for church members as well as current and former Calvary Learning Academy families begins on February 2. Community registration begins on February 9. More information about the new school year is available at https://calvaryunited.org/academy/. Tell all your friends and neighbors to join us for fun and learning!
IT’S TIME FOR LEGOS!
Registration for LEGO Camp 2026 will also begin the week of February 2. Have your 4-11 year-old students join us July 20-22 and sign up here: https://calvaryunited.org/summer-camp/. Volunteer sign up will begin in the next few weeks.
SERMON SERIES: MAKING GODLY MEN
We are wrapping up the sermon series that ties into the launch of a new Men’s Ministry group. The themes in the sermons will reflect leadership, courage, valor, action, compassion, strength, and truth as we pay attention to Biblical men who deepened their relationship with God.
NEW MEN’S MINISTRY GROUP
There is a survey available regarding the start-up of a new men’s ministry group and opportunities. Men are welcome to consider this and fill it in this Sunday, or bring it home with you and turn it in the following week. Survey forms can be found on the usher stand or the mission table. Completed surveys can be dropped in the offering box or left on the office desk.
STUDENT TUTORING
High school student Nick Phelps is offering tutoring services this semester. If you are interested in having your student meet with him, please contact Melissa Phelps at msn5868@yahoo.com.
SPRING BLOOD DRIVE
Our semi-annual blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Share this with your friends around town as we want to have the schedule filled! Sign up today at https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11620262
SUPPORTING FAMILY PROMISE
Please consider supporting Family Promise in 2026 by attending the Valentine Royale Casino Night Saturday, February 14th, 6pm- 9:30pm. All proceeds go to families struggling with housing and affordability of basic needs in our community. Sponsorships and individual tickets are now being sold @ https://familypromisehc.home.qtego.us/. The event is taking place at the CRG (Cunningham Restaurant Group) Event Center in Plainfield. Rafael Sanchez will be the host.
FEBRUARY’S MONTHLY MISSION
The Mission focus for this coming month is our Youth’s mission work. Like in years past, they have gone on Mission trips to places like Mountain T.O.P. to do service projects and share the Word. Your gifts will support their work for this year.
LENTEN BREAKFAST SERIES
Each year, area Methodist church members meet for breakfast and move through the Lenten season together. Saturday, February 21, at 8:30am, join them at Plainfield UMC, 600 Simmons St, Plainfield, for this event. The following Saturday, February 28, will be at Avon UMC, 6850 E US Hwy, Avon.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
When the Brownsburg School Corporation closes school for the day due to severe winter weather, all meetings and activities at Calvary will be cancelled as well. Should severe winter weather occur on a Saturday or Sunday please check local television stations for cancellation information. Our church will be identified with “Brownsburg” in the name. Additionally, the website itself will have an information banner added regarding any closings.
“NIGHT TO SHINE”
Pittsboro United Methodist Church is excited to partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host their 3rd “Night to Shine” on Friday, February 13, 2026! A few members of our church have helped with this in the past and had a lot of fun doing it! 2026 Registration for Volunteers and Honored Guests is open now. Join the team to offer another year of Night to Shine to the sons and daughters of the King in our area! Go to https://PittsboroUMC.org/night-to-shine-2025/ to find out more and register.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, February 1, 10:00am (Traditional) Service of Holy Communion
“Making of Godly Men: Living in a Spiritual Victory” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, 13:11 Rev. Jolita Erbele
-Sunday, February 8, 10:00am Mission Sunday and Boy Scout Sunday (Contemporary)
“Faith Like a Mustard Seed” Matthew 17:14-20 Anne Inman
SAVE THE DATE:
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, February 2, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, February 3, Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Super Bowl Bake Sale – Sunday, February 8, before and after the church service
-Mission Sunday and Boy Scout Sunday – Sunday, February 8
-Community Spaghetti Luncheon – Saturday, February 14, Noon-2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Youth Sunday Service – Sunday, February 15
-Infant & Toddler Young Family Get-Together – Monday, February 16, 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
-Ash Wednesday – Wednesday, February 18; Shared service at Pittsboro UMC, 227 E Main St, at 7:00pm
-Euchre – Saturday, February 21, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Blood Drive – Sunday, March 15, 8:30am-12:30pm in the BloodMobile
-Easter Egg Hunt – Following the worship service on Palm Sunday, March 29