Midweek Meditation: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Dear Calvary Family,
Advent is most precious to those who know their need for it. Need of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in the midst of real life. In the midst of chaos, business, disappointment, illness, loneliness, emptiness…
Light came to shine in the dark places. How do we live in this time of Advent? Waiting? Preparing? For what? How do we not get overwhelmed with all that is on our calendar?
We know that Jesus came to the world so that we will not be overwhelmed, but instead turn to Him who is Hope.
Jesus didn’t come just so we add another thing on our calendar to do. We know and believe that Jesus is coming back. How does this shape our lives during Advent? How do we prepare for His coming?
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in great power and glory. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:26; 36-37).
Before we get cozy at the manger, let’s prepare ourselves for the King who is coming back. I am taking this time to look in my heart, my thoughts, and actions, in the midst of shopping, (no baking for me), cleaning, many activities for kids. May we all keep watching for Christ who is coming back as the King and Judge.
Watching and waiting for Him,
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
STEWARDSHIP LETTER AND OFFERING ENVELOPES
This past Sunday, we shared our pledges for the coming year. Thank you so much for that! If you were unable to turn in your pledge card then, you are still welcome to turn it in when convenient for you.
Related to this, we are able to provide offering envelopes for 2026. If you would like to have a set of envelopes, you may mark that on your pledge card or you may contact the office (Office@CalvaryUnited.org or 317-852-2541) and indicate whether you would like monthly or weekly envelopes.
NOVEMBER’S MONTHLY MISSION
November monetary gifts will go to “Brownsburg food insecurity”. The mission team will decide how best to divide the donations between the Blessing Box, Cornerstone Christian & Messiah Lutheran food pantries, and a Calvary Community dinner for Blessing Box families.
In addition to monetary gifts, we will also be collecting food items for the Blessing Box and the Family Promise Food Pantry, like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cheese or peanut butter crackers, granola bars, and canned meats. Can openers, dish soap, body wash, and toilet paper are also welcome! Look for the collection bin in the narthex. We thank you in advance for your kind donations!
NURSERY NEED ASAP
We have a need for two adults to help in nursery, once a month, starting in January. In addition to that, we need someone willing to cover nursery on Christmas Eve at the 7:00pm service. We would love to hear from you today! Please contact the office (office@CalvaryUnited.org or 317-852-2541).
ANGEL TREE
We have received our angels and there are a few left on our tree in the narthex. We invite you to pick an angel or two and buy gifts for the children. Gifts with the angels attached will need to be returned by December 5. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
YOUTH GROUP-CONGREGATION GET-TOGETHER
The youth would like to invite the congregation to a great opportunity to get to know them and spend time together making a Christmas ornament. Sunday, December 7th at 3:00pm, Jenay Chalkley from the Craft Fair will instruct us on how to make Christmas tree decorations. The cost is $5 for the materials per ornament. Sign up at the mission table or RSVP to the office.
YOUTH UPDATES
-This Sunday, on the 30th, we will not have Youth Sunday School or Bells or Youth Group as the Youth are heading to the “Faith & Football” Colts game immediately following the service.
-Next Sunday, December 7, Youth Sunday School will resume, but Youth Group will not meet at the usual time. Instead, Youth Group is having its get-together with the congregation at 3:00, followed by Bells at 4:30.
CHRISTMAS TEA
Come join the ladies on Saturday, December 6, from 1:00-3:00pm, for a relaxing time of tea, refreshments, carols, and fellowship as we take a breath before the Christmas rush. Just bring yourself, a friend, a special teacup for your tea, a Christmas memory to share at your table, and an item to donate to the food pantry. No reservation needed.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 6:00-8:00pm
-Mark your calendar to visit or to help at our Live Nativity and Jesus’ Birthday Celebration happening that evening! There will be animals to see and activities for the whole family. Watch for more information to come and consider signing up as a volunteer on the sign-up sheet at the Mission table.
-Because of the event that night, Euchre will not be taking place, but if you typically come on the 3rd Saturday for that, consider volunteering at the party instead!
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Please plan on joining us for the “Polar Express” December 30 at Noon. You may RSVP at the Mission Table or by contacting the office.
CLA CELEBRATION
The Calvary Leaning Academy raised over $1000 for Family Promise of Hendricks County in November through a “Penny War” between the classrooms. The winning classrooms will receive an ice cream party. Anne Inman, Missions Chair here and Board Secretary for Family Promise, spoke with the classes about homelessness in our community. Thank you to all the families that participated!
SIGN UP TO READ TO THE CLA KIDS
This past school year, we started a new reading time in the Learning Academy, and it was so much fun! We’re going to do it again this year! Sign up at the Mission Table in the hallway the next time you’re at church!
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, November 30, 10:00am (Contemporary) First Sunday of Advent and Healing Service
“Simple Advent, Abundant Life: Living a Life of Hope”
Mark 13:24-37; Psalm 31:24 (NRSVue) Rev. Jolita Erbele
-Sunday, December 7, 10:00am (Traditional) Second Sunday of Advent and Service of Holy Communion
“Simple Advent, Abundant Life: Living a Life of Love”
Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Church Office Closed – Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28
-Advent begins – Sunday, November 30
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, December 1, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Christmas Tea – Saturday, December 6, 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Kindness Kitchen – Sunday, December 7, 11:20am in the Kitchen
-Youth-Congregation Time – Sunday, December 7, 3:00pm
-Living Nativity and Celebrating Jesus’ Birthday – Saturday, December 20, 6:00pm
-Euchre Canceled – Saturday, December 20
-Christmas Eve Services – Wednesday, December 24, 5:00pm for young families, 7:00pm and 9:00pm traditional candlelight