Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
On my first drive to visit Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina back in 1993, I recall being puzzled by these long drooping vines which were draping themselves over the Piedmont forests. I had no idea at the time that those vines were kudzu.
If you are unfamiliar with it, let me share that kudzu is a fast growing, climbing Asian vine from the pea family. It was imported to the USA, but alas, has become a destructive invasive weed in the southeastern portion of our nation. Forests have been lost to it.
I mention kudzu because this kind of vine is not what Jesus has in mind in his final (seventh out of seven) “I am” portrait: “I am the true vine…”(John 15:1). No, Jesus who is Truth seeks to bring life, organic connection, sustenance, and productivity (but not in our secular world’s definition of it) to us as we are His branches.
Imagine a grape vine instead of kudzu and the portrait of who Jesus is will become more clear. For those of us who have spent more time in the New Testament than the Old Testament, we need to be reminded that this self-declaration about Jesus is a theological metaphor which is very “old school”.
I encourage you before we worship this Sunday to go re-read Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:8-16, Jeremiah 2:21, and Hoseas 10:1. Be ready to learn and listen more about the One who is our Vine so that we will know how to be His branches.
With the eyes of our hearts enlightened by the hope who is Jesus the Christ,
Pastor Michelle Knight
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
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 this Friday, September 11. Thank you!
SCAM WARNING!
We’ve been made aware that some people have received emails from someone pretending to be our pastor or church staff to extract funds from them. Your pastors or church staff would never email you asking for money via gift cards or Apple cards, etc. If you receive a suspicious email requesting funds this way from someone pretending to be one of your pastors or church staff, delete and block it! If it sounds weird and you are uncertain, call the church office.
CHOIR AND HANDBELLS BEGIN AGAIN
Handbells and Praise Choir will resume rehearsals today, 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 both groups! 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!
FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL
Friendship Sunday School will not be meeting this Sunday after church.
SEPTEMBER MISSION FOCUS – GENERAL MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
This September, Calvary is focusing on General Missions and Outreach, intentionally going beyond our church walls to build relationships with people, meet practical and spiritual needs, and to share the love of Jesus Christ with people God has placed around us. Through building relationships with our Calvary Learning Academy families and with the Clermont trailer park families, providing community meals, and sharing practical assistance when needs arise, we want to demonstrate the love of Christ and create pathways for people to know Jesus and become connected to Calvary. With outreach we are asking 4 questions: Who is God placing around us? What are their needs? How can Calvary serve them? And, how can we build genuine relationships?
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 this Saturday, September 12, from 11:00am til 1:00pm! Hope to see you there! *As a note, we will not be having a lunch in October.
MEN’S BREAKFAST SATURDAY
Our next men’s group breakfast will be held in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, September19th. Coffee will be on at 8:30am, breakfast starts at 9:00am. Devotions and fellowship to follow. If you would like to lead the opening prayer and/or devotional, please contact Dave at MensMinistry@CalvaryUnited.org or text him at 317-374-0439. Bring a friend! All are welcome!
TOWN HALL QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Join us for a Q&A Sessions 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!
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Come celebrate OKTOBERFEST with us on Tuesday, September 29 from Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall! Bring a friend! RSVP at the Mission Table on Sunday or by contacting the church office! We’ll see you then! Bis Dann!
WOMEN’S MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
This group, led by Beth Wright, started on Monday, August 31st, with a new 7-week study by Lisa Harper. It’s not too late to join us! Plan to meet in the Conference Room this Monday, September 14, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Contact Beth (317-340-6447) 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.
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.
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 13, 10:00am (Contemporary)
I AM: Portraits of Jesus “I AM the True Vine” John 15:1-8 Rev. Michelle Knight
-Sunday, September 20, 10:00am (Traditional) New Series begins: On the Move
“The Reluctant Messenger” Jonah 4:1-11 Rev. Kamau Nyota
SAVE THE DATE:
Bell Choir Rehearsals resume – Tonight, September 9, 6:00pm, in the Sanctuary
Praise Choir Rehearsals resume – Tonight, 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
Concert Series Kick-off – Sunday, October 4, 4:00pm-6:00pm in the Sanctuary
First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, October 5, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
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