Dear Calvary family, What is an idol? The dictionary definition: a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.
When I want to examine my heart, I ask these questions: What are my thoughts most about? Before I go to sleep, what do I think about? We have to be cautious because it can be hard to recognize that good things can become idols. Things that are very important we need to love and definitely take care of them. But are they more important than God? Are they taking away from worshipping God? Taking away from putting God first? Do we skip time for God because of them?
“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols” Acts 17:16. What I am learning from Paul is that when he arrived at the great city of Athens, he was not admiring the beauty of the architecture, the landscape, or the intellectual beauty… His way of seeing had changed. He saw what God would see. His spirit was provoked because God’s Spirit was living in him. When we accept Christ as our Savior, our way of seeing things and people should be changed. Has my way of seeing changed? When was the last time my spirit was troubled because I saw how many idols are in my life?
Seeking to see,
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
THE MOUNTAIN T.O.P. MISSIONARIES
We would like to thank those of you who gave generously or supported the fundraisers to cover the cost of this trip! Please keep our team in your prayers this week as they continue to serve in various ways. There is a Facebook page they are updating during their trip and they would love to have you follow them. Search for “CUMC Mountain Top 2024” to get updates while they’re there through this Saturday, June 22.
JOIN SUMMER CHOIR!
No rehearsals during the week and no robes during the service! Meet us instead every other Sunday morning at 9:00am to learn the music for that day’s worship. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of choir, this is a great way to try it out! See you at 9:00 in the choir room Sunday, June 30!
THE UNRUH FAMILY CELEBRATION
You are welcome to the open house in Fellowship Hall this Saturday, June 22, from 1:00-3:00, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Bill and Frances!
MEMORIAL GARDEN WATERING HELP NEEDED
Our newly planted flowers and trees around the Columbarium will be in need of some watering throughout the summer. If you are able to help with this occasionally, please contact the church office or add your name to the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex. Thank you for helping keep the garden healthy and beautiful!
YOUTH GROUP UPDATES
Youth Group will meet this Sunday, June 23, at the Erbele’s home at 4:30 for a Lithuanian Celebration. For more information, please contact Pastor Jolita or the church office.
NEW MEMBER CONVERSATIONS
The pastors will be hosting a conversation with those who might be interested in joining Calvary this Sunday, June 23 in the Youth Room in the office area. All sorts of information will be shared. If you’d like to RSVP or have any questions, please contact the church office: office@calvaryunited.org.
UPCOMING TOWN HALL
Calvary leaders invite you to a Town Hall Meeting on the General Conference of the UMC tomorrow, Thursday, June 20 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Sanctuary. All materials will be emailed to members after the gathering.
FLAG RETIREMENT
The Boy Scouts that meet here will be properly retiring American flags this summer. If you have tattered, soiled, or old flags, please bring them to the church office by tomorrow, Thursday, June 20.
NURSERY ATTENDANTS NEEDED
If you are willing to share the occasional Sunday morning caring for the youngest among us, please contact the church office. We are in need of more volunteers to help in this way.
FEELING CREATIVE OR HELPFUL? LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO “LEGO… & LET GOD”! Volunteers are still needed to decorate Sunday, July 14 and/or help with the camp Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday! Please call or email the office, or pick up a form from the table in the narthex. Thank you!
“PENCIL” IN THE DEADLINE OF JULY 21!
We’re just over halfway to our goal of the 10,000 pencils we signed up for! The Brownsburg School Corporation hosts FastTrack every year for students who are on reduced or free lunch. At the event, students pick up their necessary school supplies which have been donated by various organizations and people in the community. The pencils will be bundled in sets of 10 and delivered to the corporation office in July. We ask that you keep pencils on your shopping list for the next few weeks! There will be a box on the mission table across from the church office to collect your donations. Or, you may also order them and have them delivered to church. Thank you!
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Mark your calendar for a Fried Chicken Picnic next Tuesday, June 25 from noon until 2:00pm! We’ll have potato salad, coleslaw, biscuits, lemonade and sweet tea. If you’d like, bring a friend and bring your favorite fruit or vegetable or dessert to share. A donation of $5 per person is appreciated to help offset the cost. Entertainment and an opportunity for dancing will follow. You may RSVP on the sheet on the table outside the sanctuary or by contacting the office.
STUDY OF THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS
Pastor Michelle will be leading a discussion of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis on Thursdays in August. Plan now to join us at either 10:00am or 6:30pm in the Youth Room. August 1 will cover the Introduction and Letters 1-7; August 8 Letters 8-15; August 15 Letters 16-23; and August 22 Letters 24-31. A study guide is on the counter in the office.
NEVER TO SOON FOR CHRISTMAS PLANS!
Tickets go on sale in August for the always popular “Purdue Christmas Show” for which Lew and Cathi White have organized a bus trip for this event and have considered every detail! The show takes place Saturday, December 7, and the cost will be $109 which includes the admission price and cost of the motorcoach. If you would like to go, please RSVP to the office by Friday, August 16 and include a $50 non-refundable deposit. An information sheet with all the important details is available on the table outside of the sanctuary or attached here.
JUNE MISSION FOCUS – HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Indy area has helped to provide the opportunity of homeownership to more than 645 families since 1987. “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. We envision a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Help us partner with them this month!
WORSHIP:
Sunday, June 23, 10:00am – Rev. Jolita Erbele
A Vibrant Church! “From Many Idols to One Living God” – Acts 17:16, 22-34 (ESV)
Sunday, June 30, 10:00am – Rev. Jolita Erbele
“Learning from Naaman” – Healing Service – 2 Kings 5:1-15 (ESV)
SAVE THE DATE:
- Town Hall Question & Answer – Tomorrow, June 20 at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary
- New Member Conversations –Sunday, June 23 following the service in the Youth Room
- Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, June 25 at Noon in Fellowship Hall
- First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, July 1, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
- Office closed – Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 for the holiday
- LEGO Camp Set-up – Sunday, July 14 at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary and around the building
- Lunch Bunch – Wednesday, July 17 at Noon at Green Street Pub & Eatery
- Service Project at Gleaners (Great for Families!) – Monday, July 22, 12:30-2:30 work time there; meet at church at 11:30 and arrive at Gleaners by 12:15. RSVP to the office by July 14.