Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
I have lost track of how many times I have played the children’s game, Follow the Leader. It was a standard game at church camps, band camps, vacation bible schools, grade school, church youth group, and Girl Scouts! Moreover, my mother was an early childhood educator while I was in middle school. Often my after school time was spent in her classrooms playing with preschoolers. And we often played a rousing game of Follow the Leader.
Looking back on all that play, I consider all of that a large part of my spiritual development. It was more than play. It was actually practice in how to be a disciple.
Jesus asks us, “Come and follow me.”
Your choice. My choice. Our choice to follow or not.
I choose to follow. As a disciple of Jesus, we are to live like Him and imitate Him. That means I need to keep my eyes on Him. Pay attention to where and how He is moving. What He is doing. Listening to His words in scripture and so forth.
Join us in our second conversation about “Follow Me” as we dig in further about Christian discipleship. Join us in person at 10am or online.
With the eyes of our hearts enlightened by the Hope of God in Jesus,
Pastor Michelle
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
APRIL GIVING: THE LEBANON INDIANA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Our giving for April is very meaningful and we’d like to share a very special testimony from a couple of our members, Lois and Daryl Hoffman, who have devoted much of their time there:
“Serving at the Lebanon United Methodist Children’s Home has been one of the most meaningful parts of our lives. This is a place where children who have faced abuse, neglect, and deep trauma are given something many have never known before: safety, care, and the chance to heal. While many arrive behind in school and unsure of their future, we have seen firsthand how the Home surrounds them with support and steady encouragement.
Our journey began with a simple desire to help students believe in what comes next. Through our scholarship program, we’ve been honored to support graduates as they pursue college, vocational training, or certification programs. Watching former residents walk across graduation stages, cheering with pride, reminds us why this work matters. One student recently went on to graduate from the IU School of Nursing and now serves her community as a nurse at Community Hospital.
Sharing our love of pottery has given us another way to connect. During summer classes in the Home’s ceramic studio, we work alongside students as they shape clay into something lasting. In those moments, we see creativity, trust, and genuine care grow. This mission is not just about giving. It’s about relationships, hope restored, and the quiet joy of walking with young people as they discover their worth and their future.
We thank Calvary for your generous donations over the years to support the Home.”
NEW SERMON SERIES
This past Sunday, we started our six-week series on “Discipleship” called “Follow Me”. During this time, we will also celebrate our youth’s commitment to following Jesus during Confirmation Sunday. The series will take us up to Pentecost.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Our new men’s group is enjoying breakfast together this Saturday morning! Stop by Fellowship Hall at 9:00am for sausage, biscuits, gravy, danishes, coffee, and good conversation!
YOUNG FAMILY DINNER
Families with infants and toddlers are welcome to join us for social time, dinner, and crafts together this coming Monday, April 20, at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall. We’d love to know if we can expect you, so please RSVP to the office (office@calvaryunited.org). See you then!
MINISTRY UPDATE AND Q&A SESSION
Join us on Sunday, April 26, 11:00am in Fellowship Hall. Bring your coffee and donut!
CLASSICS LUNCHEON – “RUN FOR THE ROSES”
Tuesday, April 28 at noon, we’ll meet in Fellowship Hall for the celebration of Kentucky Derby Day! Wear your hats and join us for hot browns, BBQ and mint julep mocktails! Let the church office know you’re coming or sign up at the Mission table.
FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Bring what’s on your heart and come for morning prayer in the sanctuary! See you Monday, May 4, 6:30am.
COMMUNITY LUNCH – BURGERS AND ‘DOGS
On the second Saturday of each month, we host our Community Lunch and we need you to be here for it! Our next one is Saturday, May 9, from 11:00am until 1:00pm. We will have hamburgers and hotdogs for members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through our local food pantries. We would love to have you volunteer by donating, helping, and/or socializing! Sign up at the Mission Table in the hallway at church. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
IT’S TIME FOR LEGOS!
Registration for LEGO Camp 2026 has begun. Have your 4-11 year-old students join us July 20-22. Sign up here: https://calvaryunited.org/summer-camp/.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR LEGO CAMP!
In order for LEGO Camp to be a success, we need LOTS of volunteers! Those interested must be high school age or older. A recent background check will be required for those 18 and older. Sign-up sheets are available at the Mission Table or in the office. Volunteer registration deadline is June 15, 2026. Let’s make this the best LEGO Camp yet!
A TEA PARTY
Avon UMC Women’s Council is having a tea party on Saturday, May 2nd, 1:00-3:00pm in their Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite teacup and enjoy refreshments and a guest speaker. Tickets are $5.00 available through Sunday, April 26th. Text Anne Inman, 317-504-9268, if you are interested in a ticket.
UPDATED DIRECTORY
If you would like an updated directory, stop by the office.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, April 19, 10:00am (Traditional) Sermon Series: Follow Me
“Jesus Asks You, ‘Follow Me’” Matthew 4:18-22 Rev. Michelle Knight
-Sunday, April 26, 10:00am (Contemporary) Sermon Series: Follow Me
“Disciple through Worship and Hospitality” Ephesians 5:16-20, Titus 1:8 Rev. Jolita Erbele
SAVE THE DATE:
-Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, April 18, 9:00am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, April 18, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Infant & Toddler Young Family Dinner – Monday, April 20, 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
-Ministry Update and Q&A Session – Sunday, April 26, at 11:00am in Fellowship Hall
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, April 28, Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, May 4, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 7
-Community Lunch – Saturday, May 9, 11:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Graduation Celebration – Sunday, May 17, following the service in Fellowship Hall
-Office closed for Memorial Day – Monday, May 25