Midweek Message

March 13, 2024

Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Dear Calvary family,


We read in sacred scripture that our God is just. "A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he."(Deuteronomy 32:4). “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14). Indeed, God is just. 


Together we sing in worship of God being just. "There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea; there’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty." UMH #121


But what does that characteristic of God really say about our God in Jesus? And what difference does that make in our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with others? These are great questions for us to consider as we move further into our season of Lent, exploring how we are to be shaped like Jesus. Join us this Sunday for our opportunity to pause, reflect, pray, listen, and learn. 


See you in person or online!


On Mission Possible with you,

Pastor Michelle

 

Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved: 


BLOOD DRIVE – PLEASE SHARE AND INVITE FRIENDS TO DONATE!

We have a blood drive scheduled for this Sunday, March 17, from 8:30am until 12:50pm. The demand for blood is always high so they are hoping for every spot to be filled. Please use this link to sign up and share it with others you know in the area who might be willing to give! https://donate.indiana.versiti.org/CalvaryUnitedMethodistChurch/BloodDrive 


PRAYER AND ANOINTING OF BUILDING AND MINISTRY

Please join us this Sunday evening, March 17, at 6:00 for a time of prayer and blessing of our building and ministries. All ages are welcome as we come together to offer our work here at church and in our community to our heavenly Father and ask His blessing upon it. 


EASTER BREAKFAST

On Easter Sunday, we will be celebrating together with a Sunrise service at 7:30am and our traditional service at 10:00am. Between the two services, at 8:30 we will share breakfast together. If you would like to donate something for the breakfast or volunteer to help in some way, please sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F45ABAC2AA3F85-48542244-easter


CHILDREN’S CHOIR OPPORTUNITY

We are inviting the children to help the congregation worship, celebrate God, and praise Jesus on Palm Sunday, March 24. We would love to have your children or grandchildren join us for this. To prepare, the children will meet in the choir loft area on stage and stay for about fifteen minutes after Sunday worship this Sunday, the 17th, to practice with Dr. Mark Herris. We look forward to the children leading us in this way! 


CLASSICS LUNCHEON

Wear your favorite college team apparel and join us March 26, from noon until 2:00pm for our “March Madness”-themed luncheon! We’ll enjoy chili and cornbread, BINGO, and other surprises. Bring a friend and a favorite side or dessert to share. A $5 donation is also welcome to help defray costs.


GREAT SUMMER MISSION OPPORTUNITY

Our next mission trip to Mountain T.O. P. in Tennessee for youth in 7th grade and up as well as any adults is June 16-22. The service projects to choose from include painting, building, yardwork, or day camp (like VBS) with younger area kids. If you missed last Sunday’s informational meeting, but are interested in this, please contact the office.


SEND A CARD OR NOTE

One of our lovely and active senior members, Bonnie Storen, hasn’t been at church in a couple of weeks. If you know Bonnie at all, you know she loves to write and receive cards, notes, and letters. Would you please take a moment in the next day or two to send her one? Her address is 1176 Kingwood Dr #222, Avon IN 46123-5505. Thank you!


UMCOR SUNDAY AND OUR MARCH MISSION FOCUS

The United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters, like famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events, to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable. UMCOR provides relief, response, and long-term recovery grants when events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on their own. On UMCOR Sunday, Methodist churches are asked to receive a special offering. These donations cover UMCOR’s operation costs so that 100% of donations received in response to emergency appeals go directly to communities in need. UMCOR is Calvary’s March Mission and all mission gifts received this month, unless otherwise noted, will be given to UMCOR.


LENTEN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

For the six Sundays of Lent, join Diane Brown and Karen Rigsbee in a small group discussion on “A Jesus-Shaped Life: Forty Days Toward Christ-Likeness” during the 11:11 Sunday School time in Fellowship Hall. Don’t worry if you’ve missed any of the weeks! You can join anytime and there’s no need to have read the book! 


LENTEN BREAKFASTS

Connect with other UMC members at Lenten Breakfasts around Hendricks County on Saturdays at 8:00am. March 16 will be at Mount Olive UMC, 1449 S High School Rd, Indianapolis 46241. 


WE NEED LEGO BRICKS!

We are excited to try something new this summer for our children and youth in the form of a LEGO camp: “LEGO & Let God…Building your Faith Brick by Brick”! The camp will take place July 15, 16 & 17, 9:00am until noon and students from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited. Each day we will have a prayer, a devotional, music, daily LEGO thematic challenges, outdoor games, and snacks. Mark your calendar to volunteer those three days! But we also need your help right now! Gather up old LEGO elements you or your family might have at home. (We will not be able to return them to you.) Bargain shoppers be alert online, at garage sales, and at Goodwill. Collection bins are in the narthex. We are also accepting financial donations to purchase LEGO sets as well. Please note “LEGO Camp” on your check. If you have any questions, please contact Anne at anneinman1@hotmail.com. 


LUCILLE RAINES RESIDENCE EASTER MONDAY DINNER

On Monday, April 1st, our Missions Team is hosting a traditional Easter dinner for the residents there. We are in need of sides, desserts, drinks, and paper products. If you are able to share in this way, please contact Anne at anneinman1@hotmail.com. Thank you!

 

WORSHIP:                

Sunday, March 17, 10:00am             Fifth Sunday of Lent             Rev. Michelle Knight

 “The Justice of Jesus”                     Matthew 12:15-21 (NRSV) 

Sunday, March 24, 10:00am             Palm Sunday                         Rev. Jolita Erbele

“The Mission of Jesus”                      John 12:12-19 (NIV)

                   

SAVE THE DATE:

Euchre – Saturday, March 16 at 6:00pm in Fellowship Hall

Versiti Blood Drive – Sunday, March 17, 8:30am-12:50pm

Lunch Bunch – Wednesday, March 20, Noon at Green Street Pub and Eatery

Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, March 26 at Noon in Fellowship Hall

Maundy Thursday Service – Thursday, March 28, 7:00pm in the Sanctuary

Good Friday Service – Friday, March 29, 7:00pm in the Sanctuary

Easter Sunrise Service – Sunday, March 31, 7:30am in the Shelter area

Easter Breakfast – Sunday, March 31, 8:30-9:30am in Fellowship Hall

Easter Service – Sunday, March 31, 10:00am in the Sanctuary

First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, April 1 at 6:30am in the Sanctuary