Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
Pursuit of Happiness is not just a movie by Will Smith or a beautiful line in the Declaration of Independence. It is hardwired deep into the psyche of homo sapiens. Genesis 2 shows the extent to which our first parents (Adam and Eve) went to seek more, only to lose whatever they had. According to John, Jesus came to reset us back to factory settings, a fulfilled life of peace and lasting joy. That was the state of His disciples until he troubled their hearts greatly by saying he was about to go back home. When he tells them, “you know the way there”, Thomas protested. “Have you left us with no zip code?” Jesus’ response, “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life” was as complex as it was profound. Our sermon this Sunday peels a layer from this onion for examination and consumption.
You are all a blessing!
Pastor Kamau Nyota
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY
We would love for you to share this with someone who might be interested in this! We are seeking a part-time Director of Youth Ministry to lead and grow ministries for middle school and high school students and their families. More information can be found at https://calvaryunited.org/careers/.
This is a part-time position averaging 10–15 hours per week. A continuing-education allowance is included!
The ideal candidate will:
• Have a growing Christian faith and a passion for working with youth
• Be an energetic, creative, and dependable leader
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, volunteers, and church staff
• Create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment
• Have a bachelor’s degree or one to three years of relevant experience
• Be available for flexible hours
NO YOUTH GROUP THIS COMING SUNDAY
Because of the Labor Day weekend, Youth Group will not meet on Sunday night. We will resume on Sunday, September 13.
FIRST “MONDAY” MORNING PRAYER
Because the first Monday in September is Labor Day, we will have our Morning Prayer day the next day, Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30am in the Sanctuary. Bring your morning drink and join us in the sanctuary at 6:30am for a special time of prayer to start the day, the week, and the month.
A BLESSING BOX FOR FAMILY PROMISE
Like the Blessing Box we have along the driveway here at church, Keane Zemke has chosen to build one for Family Promise for his Eagle Scout project. If you would like to help him by donating non-perishable food items for it, there will be a collection bin next to the Mission table in the hallway here at church. He will need them by Friday, September 11. Thank you!
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Children and Youth Sunday School Classes have resumed. We need volunteers! If you are interested in helping as a Sunday School teacher with either the elementary-age group or the middle and high school group, please contact the office today. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
WOMEN’S MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
This group, led by Beth Wright, started back last Monday with a new 7-week study by Lisa Harper. It’s not too late to join us! Plan to meet in the Conference Room on September 14 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Contact Beth Wright or the church office if you plan to attend and if you need a study guide ($15).
NEW START DATE FOR MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Pastor Michelle’s Monday morning Bible study start date has been moved to September 14th. Please pick up your study guide in the church office. Cost is $20. If paying by check, please include “Monday morning Bible study book” in the memo.
CHOIR AND HANDBELLS BEGIN AGAIN
Looking ahead, Handbells and Praise Choir will resume rehearsals next Wednesday, September 9th. Handbells begins at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary and Choir begins at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room. We’re seeking new members in all voice sections! And your ability to read music is a plus, but not required, in order to participate in Bell Choir. Interested? See Mark Herris or email him at mherris@CalvaryUnited.org for more information. Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
INTRODUCING A NEW CONCERT SERIES AT CALVARY!
We’re excited to launch a new concert series as an outreach ministry of Calvary, bringing in outstanding groups and soloists to share their music with us and the greater community. Watch for details about upcoming concerts and mark your calendars for 4:00pm on October 4 for Brothers of a Chord and November 15 for Josh Kaufman.
COMMUNITY LUNCH – PANCAKE BRUNCH
On the second Saturday of each month, we host our Community Lunch for members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through our local food pantries. We’d love to have you volunteer by donating, helping, and/or socializing at our next one on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00am til 1:00pm! Check out the Missions table for details. Hope to see you there!
COMMUNITY LUNCH – SNACK BAG ITEMS NEEDED
At the Community Lunch, we like to send everyone home with a snack bag. We are in need of granola bars, beef sticks, and trail mix for that. We’re also in need of new travel size toiletries. If you are able to help out in this way, please drop them off in the church office, the Mission table or in the church kitchen. Thank you for your generosity!
TOWN HALL QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Join us for a Q&A Session on Sunday, September 20 at 11:15am, following worship, in Fellowship Hall. Various updates will be shared.
FALL CHURCH GROUNDS CLEAN-UP: COME WHEN YOU CAN, LEAVE WHEN YOU HAVE TO
We’re having a workday on Saturday, September 26 from 8:00am until noon, to clean up around the church. We will have a few different chores to check off the list and would love your help in getting them done. Many hands make light work, even if you can only share an hour! Chores include things like spreading mulch, weeding and trimming, and applying cold patch to holes in the drive. For those who prefer to be indoors, there will be some inside tasks as well. Check out the sign-up sheet on the Mission table across from the office.
BLOODMOBILE
Make a note: The Versiti BloodMobile will be back on site Sunday, September 27 from 8:30am until 12:30pm. You can sign up here today https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11620261 Thank you for giving in this special way!
CANS OF SODA AND BOTTLES OF WATER
The Craft Fair may seem like a long way off, but hopefully you’ve got it on your calendar already! (October 10!) We are once again planning to sell donated 12oz cans of only Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. If you would like to donate, why not take advantage of the sales that happen around Labor Day? We will collect and store your donations here. Please note that we also need lots of tall (16.9 oz) bottles of water. Thank you for helping in this way!
DISASTER EARLY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING EVENTS
Indiana Disaster Response Team of UMCOR is offering training for ERTs, Early Response Teams, who provide a caring presence in the aftermath of disasters. They also offer helping hands and hope to those in need. ERTs must complete a one-day training that focuses on working with those in such situations. Two opportunities for that training are coming up with lunch, snacks, and all materials provided:
-Saturday, September 12, 8:30am – 5:00pm at St. Luke’s UMC (100 W 86th St, Indianapolis), with a deadline to register by September 5
-Saturday, October 17, 8:30am – 5:00pm at Old North UMC (4201 Stringtown Rd, Evansville) with a deadline to register by October 10
For more information, contact Ron Heustis at rlheustis@gmail.com
OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER: CALLED, GIFTED, SENT
Bishop Tracy S. Malone is hosting a special event for laity at Avon UMC Saturday, October 17, 9:30am to 4:30pm. This free event will include worship, food, a time of structured discernment, prayer, and conversation with the bishop. While this is a free event, registration is required. To register or for more information, visit https://inumc.swoogo.com/laityday or contact Joel Troxell at joel.troxell@inumc.org.
PLAN NOW TO BE “REKINDLED”
Our next Women’s Retreat is set for Saturday, November 7, 9:00am-3:00pm in the Sanctuary. Its focus is “Rekindled: Rediscovering What Matters Most”. Our guest speaker is Cindy Bultema, seasoned Christian speaker and author. Registration is now open! Cost is $50. This fee includes materials, all beverages and snacks, and lunch provided by McAlister’s. You may register on line at https://calvaryunited.org/womens-retreat/ Or you may pick up a registration form at the Missions table. If paying by check, please include “Women’s Retreat 2026” in the memo. Mark your calendar for this time of Biblical teaching, worship, encouragement and spiritual renewal as we discover what matters most. Invite a friend!
FAMILY PROMISE COMEDY FUNDRAISER NOVEMBER 7, 6:00PM
Family Promise of Hendricks County is hosting a Comedy Night fundraiser featuring America’s Got Talent finalist, Ryan Niemiller, along with local country artist, Tarron Lawson. Pre-sale tickets are $35.00 and available now at Comedy Night Fundraiser, along with opportunities for individuals and businesses to sponsor the evening. This lively event will be held at the Plainfield Eagles Aerie, 5556 E. US 40, Plainfield. It promises to be a fun-filled evening!
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, September 6, 10:00am (Traditional) Service of Holy Communion
I AM: Portraits of Jesus “I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life” John 14:1-6 Rev. Kamau Nyota
-Sunday, September 13, 10:00am (Contemporary)
I AM: Portraits of Jesus “I AM the True Vine” John 15:1-8 Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Office Closed – Monday, September 7
-First “Monday” of the Month Prayer Time – Tuesday, September 8, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Bell Choir Rehearsals resume – Wednesday, September 9, 6:00pm, in the Sanctuary
-Praise Choir Rehearsals resume – Wednesday, September 9, 7:00pm in the Choir Room
-Community Lunch – Saturday, September 12, 11:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Men’s Ministry Breakfast – Saturday, September 19, 8:30am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, September 19, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Town Hall Meeting – Sunday September 20, 11:11am (after worship) in Fellowship Hall.
-Church Workday – Saturday, September 26, 8:00am until Noon throughout the building and grounds
-BloodMobile – Sunday, September 27, 8:30am-12:30pm in the parking lot
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, September 29, Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Craft Fair – Saturday, October 10, 9:00am-3:00pm throughout the building
-Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 7, 9:00am-3:00pm in the Sanctuary