Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Dear Calvary Family,
At a pivotal moment in the plot of each STAR WARS film, one key character says to another, “May the force be with you.” This encouraging phrase connects to a spiritual theme which reminds us that we can accomplish difficult things with supernatural help and support from one another. But for those of Jesus’ followers who have worshipped in formal liturgical congregations, there is almost the automatic antiphonal response of responding with, “And also with you.”
With that light-hearted play on words, May the Fourth is a creative opportunity to consider STAR WARS and our faith. Or our faith and STAR WARS. (May 4th falls on a Sunday every five or six years. The next Sunday May 4th will be in 2031.) So, iron your STAR WARS costume to wear it on Sunday. We will consider hints we find in the STAR WARS series which point to the truth of our Christian faith while we also highlight their shortcomings in order that we truly show one another and others the distinctiveness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In this way, our faith will be made clear: “The Lord be with you.” (Now you say…) “And also with you.”
Serving with you as Hearer and Doer,
Pastor Michelle
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Tomorrow is the 74th annual National Day of Prayer. Join others in Hendricks County at IU West Hospital in the main dining area near the main entrance at 7:30am until 8:15am for prayer representing the various areas of the county. If you’d like to share in breakfast as well ahead of the prayer time, the cost is $11 and begins at 7:00am. Reserve seating is available: email NDP.HendricksCounty1@gmail.com.
FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Speaking of prayer, bring your morning drink and what’s on your heart and meet us in the Sanctuary, this coming Monday at 6:30am to pray together.
YOUTH GROUP UPDATES
Youth Group will meet this Sunday, May 4, but then will not meet on Sunday, May 11. On the following two Sundays, May 18 and 25, leadership training will take place for all of our teens.
MONDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY UPDATE
Starting this Monday, May 5, the group will begin a new six-week study about the book of Philippians. Contact Beth Wright (317-340-6447) or Sue Moritz (847-902-6070) if you’d like to reserve a study guide book. The cost of the book is $14, unless that is a hardship. Meet in the Conference Room at 6:30pm!
MAY MISSIONS FOCUS
Our monthly mission focus for this next month is the Mountain T.O.P. Mission team which will be heading to rural Tennessee June 22-28. We currently have 12 youth and 3 adults going! We would like to support them with our prayers and gifts as they prepare for this trip!
LEARNING ACADEMY OPENINGS
Calvary Learning Academy has a few openings in the Toddler Room (walking age), the Pre-K class, and the Kinderskills class for the 2025-2026 school year. We would love to have your families and friends join in the learning fun. Please share the word with others looking for a Christian learning environment! Reach out to us with any questions at (317) 852-2594. The registration form is online at https://calvaryunited.org/registration/. We look forward to hearing from you!
KINDNESS KITCHEN
Our church often shares food in various ways, and one way is the monthly “Kindness Kitchen”. Our next “kitchen time” is this Sunday, May 4, at 11:20. Join us to find out more!
FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
The Friendship Class invites you to join them this Sunday as they begin a multi-month discussion of Rev. Bill Schwein’s most recent book, “WHY DO I ALWAYS GET THE GREEN ONE: And other questions I ask myself.” The book is about life questions, prayer, hope, fulfillment, repentance, forgiveness, being kind, what matters, and other topics about Christian faith. This class meets each week in the choir room at 11:11 a.m. following Sunday worship. All are welcome to attend. The cost of the book is $10 and will be available during class. The book is also available at Amazon.
LEGO CAMP REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS
LEGO Camp is happening Monday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 23 from 8:00am until 1:00pm. We need many people to volunteer as we expect approximately 150 campers this year. Registration forms for both volunteers and campers are available on the Mission Table in the hallway across from the office. A registration form for campers is also available here: https://calvaryunited.org/summer-camp/.
INFANT & TODDLER FAMILY TIME
Saturday, May 10, from 3:00-5:00pm is our next get-together. We will have time for the infants in the nursery, the toddlers in fellowship hall, and the parents in the youth room, wrapping up with family activities together. Spread the word for this quality time!
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, May 4, 10:00am (Contemporary) Service of Holy Communion
“Star Wars” Matthew 6:22-24, Galatians 3:13-14 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
-Sunday, May 11, 10:00am (Traditional) Part 1 of a 4-Part Series: Fight for Your Family
“Family Time in a Busy World” Nehemiah 4:13-14 (NRSVue) Rev. Jolita Erbele
SAVE THE DATE:
-National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 1
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, May 5, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Infant-Toddler Family Fellowship – Saturday, May 10, 3:00-5:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, May 17, 6:00-8:00pm
-Office Closed – Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, May 27, Noon in Fellowship Hall
-Ministry Update and Q&A Session – Sunday, June 8 (Pentecost!), 11:15am in Fellowship Hall