Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
…On The Move
Jonah 4 – the reluctant messenger
The narrative of how Indiana people came to be known as Hoosiers is fascinating. I know there are many versions, but I am talking of the one where every new arrival would go around their plot asking ‘who is there’ = Hoosier? The story of Jonah speaks of a God who invites us to take stock regularly as a church and ask, “who is not here?”. That is the purpose of “…On the Move” sermon series for the next 6 weeks. Focusing on how we can live up to our core values as Calvary. The book is a metaphor: Jonah is the Hebrew word for dove, and his father’s name, Amittai, means truth. The dove (Jonah), who ought to bring truth and peace, was not living up to his name. He was passionate for a God whose compassion was exclusive to the Jews. God goes to work to change Jonah’s perception. He asks him to go warn the Ninevites, archenemy of the Jews, of an impending disaster unless they repent. “Not unless a fish vomits me there”, Jonah replied to God. That can be arranged!
God gave Jonah a free ride in the guts of a whale and Jonah’s mean single sentence message was enough to get the entire city to repent and be spared. That sent Jonah on a death-wish anger spin which God mocks with a chide, exposing human tendency to major on minor comforts and trivialize the expansive compassion of all of God’s creation. The reason the story ends abruptly is, according to many theologians, the metaphor is for all of us: there’s a ‘Jonah’ in everyone, the difference is the size. When have we found ourselves struggling with a God whose compassion goes beyond our passion, showing mercy toward those we consider undeserving? Are we on the move towards where God is calling us or we acting clever? Are there times when we have received God’s grace which we are unwilling to extend it to others? What sorts of people are in Brownsburg and are missing at Calvary?
Moving with you towards God and His will,
Pastor Kamau Nyota
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
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?
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.
MEN’S BREAKFAST SATURDAY
Our next men’s group breakfast will be held in Fellowship Hall this Saturday, the 19th. Coffee will be on at 8:30am, breakfast starts at 9:00am. TJ Kackowski will be providing perogies! Juice and fruit will also be on the menu. Devotions and fellowship to follow. Contact Dave Ferguson at MensMinistry@CalvaryUnited.org or text him at 317-374-0439 if you have questions. Bring a friend! All are welcome!
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.
CHOIR AND HANDBELLS BEGIN AGAIN
Handbells and Praise Choir rehearsals have resumed on Wednesdays. Handbells rehearsal is 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! Come join us! 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!
READ ME A STORY!
Our Calvary Learning Academy (CLA) has sent us a special invitation. They are asking for volunteers to read to the children of various age groups throughout their academic year. (September through May). Please consider participating in this wonderful opportunity. You will be blessed! Sign up sheets are on the Missions table.
COMMUNITY LUNCH – OFF FOR OCTOBER
Because our annual Craft Fair is happening on the second Saturday of October, our Community Lunch will not be happening. Plan now though to join us again on November 14 for the next one! We’d love to have you volunteer by donating, helping, and/or socializing there with members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through our local food pantries, from 11:00am til 1:00pm! Hope to see you there!
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 Missions 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 Missions Table on Sunday or by contacting the church office! We’ll see you then! Bis Dann!
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.
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. There are several ways to register: On line at https://calvaryunited.org/womens-retreat/ You may also download and print a registration form from our website. Or you may pick up a registration form at the Missions table, complete it, then turn it in to the church office. 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!
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
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, September 20, 10:00am (Traditional) New Series begins: On the Move
“The Reluctant Messenger” Jonah 4:1-11 Rev. Kamau Nyota
-Sunday, September 27, 10:00am (Contemporary)
On the Move: “God Sparks Movement” Acts 10:1-8 Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-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
-Community Lunch – Saturday, November 14, 11:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall