Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
Our sermon this Sunday is a feast on another favorite ergo eimi portrait of Jesus, the good shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 refers to God as the shepherd who “tends his flock”. Sheep are meek, fragile and visually handicapped, hence dependent on the shepherd for pasture, protection, direction and shearing to remove excess wool.
The rogue shepherds (wolves in sheeps’ clothing) in Ezekiel 13 who exploited the fragile flock of Israel were unmasked by Jesus’ decree, “I will protect the sheep with my life. I am the only voice they will recognize and follow toward abundance and contentment”.
In a world inundated by noisy shepherds (humans, media, inner doubts) whose voice are we following? Is wanderlust leading us to follow fake voices whose destination is cul-de-sacs of dry springs? Are we aware that the good shepherd is “the Lamb of God who never gives up on us?” How ready are we to partner with this good shepherd in gathering in his “other sheep” into the fold so that all of us may have life in all its fullness (John 10:16, 10:10)?
You are all a blessing!
Pastor Kamau Nyota
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Children and Youth Sunday School Classes have resumed. We could still use more 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.
YOUTH GROUP THIS SUNDAY
Youth Group will be meeting at the Piercefield’s home on Sunday night at 6pm for a swim party. Bring your swimsuit and towel. Dinner will be provided. Please contact Jill Robertson or Anne Inman for more information.
SUMMER CHOIR FINALE
Summer Choir is a wonderful, low-commitment opportunity to sing together during the summer months. Our final Summer Choir is scheduled to sing this Sunday, August 23rd. We will meet at 9:00 am that morning to learn an anthem that we will sing during the 10:00 am worship service. We will resume our regular Wednesday evening rehearsals on September 9 at 7:00pm in the Choir Room. Join us, and feel free to bring a friend.
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Take a little gastronomical vacation abroad without leaving the ‘Burg and enjoy some Italian food together this coming Tuesday, August 25, at noon in Fellowship Hall. Bring a friend and your favorite Italian side or dessert! We’d love to know if you’re coming, so RSVP with the office or at the Mission table the next time you’re at church.
WOMEN’S MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
This group will start back with a new study by Lisa Harper on Monday, August 31. “A Jesus Shaped Life” is a seven-week study of how Biblically sound doctrine deepens our relationship with God and each other. With video teaching and workbooks, we explore topics as “Why Theology Matters?”, “The Trinity”, “The Authority and Accessibility of King Jesus”, “Holy Spirit”, “Imago Dei”, and more. We will meet August 31 through October 19 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the Church Conference Room. Contact Beth Wright or the church office if you plan to attend. Let us know if you need a study guide ($15).
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED
The study guide for Pastor Michelle’s Monday Morning Bible study has arrived. You may pick up your copy in the church office. Cost is $20. If paying by check, please include “Monday morning Bible study book” in the memo.
AUGUST MISSION FOCUS – FAMILY PROMISE OF HENDRICKS COUNTY
Our mission focus for August is Family Promise, an organization that is very important to us and to Hendricks County. Every month, more than 350 families contact Family Promise of Hendricks County seeking help with housing and other basic needs. Family Promise is Calvary’s go to resource when we receive crisis calls. Thanks to your generosity, Calvary has made a real difference through financial support, food deliveries, furniture donations, gas cards, bicycles, Christmas gifts, volunteer service, fundraising events, and countless acts of kindness and prayer. The need continues to grow. During the month of August, we invite you to make a special mission gift to Family Promise. Your generosity will help families move from crisis to stability and from homelessness to hope. If you would like to receive the bimonthly Family Promise newsletter, contact Anne Inman at anneinman1@hotmail.com Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ.
Find out more at https://familypromisehendrickscounty.org/
FIRST “MONDAY” MORNING PRAYER
Because the first Monday in September is Labor Day, we will have our Morning Prayer day the next day, Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30am in the Sanctuary. Bring your morning drink and join us in the sanctuary at 6:30am for a special time of prayer to start the day, the week, and the month.
CHOIR AND HANDBELLS BEGIN AGAIN
Looking ahead, Handbells and Praise Choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 9th. Handbells begins at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary and Choir begins at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room. We’re seeking new members in all voice sections! And 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!
INTRODUCING A NEW CONCERT SERIES AT CALVARY!
We are 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 more details about upcoming concerts.
COMMUNITY LUNCH – PANCAKE BRUNCH
On the second Saturday of each month, we host our Community Lunch for members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through our local food pantries. We’d love to have you volunteer by donating, helping, and/or socializing at our next one on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00am til 1:00pm! Check out the Missions table for details. Hope to see you there!
COMMUNITY LUNCH – SNACK BAG NEEDS
At the Community Lunch, we like to send everyone home with a snack bag. We are in need of granola bars, beef sticks, and trail mix for that. We’re also in need of new travel size toiletries. If you are able to help out in this way, please drop them off in the church office, the Mission table or in the church kitchen. Thank you for your generosity!
BLOOD MOBILE
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!
CANS OF SODA AND BOTTLES OF WATER
The Craft Fair may seem like a long way off, but hopefully you’ve got it on your calendar already! (October 10!) We are once again planning to sell donated 12oz cans of (only) Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. If you would like to donate, why not take advantage of the sales that happen around Labor Day? We will collect and store your donations here. Please note that we also need lots of tall (16.9 oz) bottles of water. Thank you for helping in this way!
DISASTER EARLY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING EVENTS
Indiana Disaster Response Team of UMCOR is offering training for ERTs, Early Response Teams, who provide a caring presence in the aftermath of disasters. They also offer helping hands and hope to those in need. ERTs must complete a one-day training that focuses on working with those in such situations. Two opportunities for that training are coming up with lunch, snacks, and all materials provided:
-Saturday, September 12, 8:30am – 5:00pm at St. Luke’s UMC (100 W 86th St, Indianapolis), with a deadline to register by September 5
-Saturday, October 17, 8:30am – 5:00pm at Old North UMC (4201 Stringtown Rd, Evansville) with a deadline to register by October 10
For more information, contact Ron Heustis at rlheustis@gmail.com
OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER: CALLED, GIFTED, SENT
Bishop Tracy S. Malone is hosting a special event for laity at Avon UMC Saturday, October 17, 9:30am to 4:30pm. This free event will include worship, food, a time of structured discernment, prayer, and conversation with the bishop. While this is a free event, registration is required. To register or for more information, visit https://inumc.swoogo.com/laityday or contact Joel Troxell at joel.troxell@inumc.org
PLAN NOW TO BE “REKINDLED”
Our next Women’s Retreat is set for Saturday, November 7, and its focus is “Rediscovering What Matters Most”. Mark your calendar for this time of Biblical teaching, worship, encouragement and spiritual renewal as we discover what matters most. Details to follow. Invite a friend.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, August 23, 10:00am (Traditional) I AM: Portraits of Jesus “I AM the Good Shepherd”
John 10:11-18 Rev. John Kamau Nyota
-Sunday, August 30, 10:00am (Contemporary) Service of Healing
I AM: Portraits of Jesus “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” John 11:17-27 Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, August 25, Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Office Closed – Monday, September 7
-First “Monday” of the Month Prayer Time – Tuesday, September 8, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Bell Choir Rehearsals resume – Wednesday, September 9, 6:00pm, in the Sanctuary
-Praise Choir Rehearsals resume – Wednesday, September 9, 7:00pm in the Choir Room
-Community Lunch – Saturday, September 12, 11:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Men’s Ministry Breakfast – Saturday, September 19, 8:30am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, September 19, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Church Work Day – Saturday, September 26, 8:00am until Noon throughout the building and grounds
-BloodMobile – Sunday, September 27, 8:30am-12:30pm in the parking lot
-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