Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Dear Calvary family,
Often I hear Christians say that the book of Job in the Old Testament is “one the books I just don’t understand.” I agree that this book is not light reading. Book of Job contains intense grief, suffering, trauma, friends who aren’t much help, and questions around the significance of God’s providence as the role of the accuser, Satan, is highlighted in the opening chapter.
And yet, the longer I live the more I grieve. And therefore, the more I am grateful that we have this little book in our Bible. I find comfort, strength, and the hope of God within this age old story. Grieving is part of the human condition. Every one of us will grieve because each of us will experience some kind of loss. In a sense, grieving teaches us to “run into our limits”. We grow spiritually as our sense of self is humbled.
Join us again this Sunday in person or online as we continue our series, Is It Well With Your Soul?
On Mission Possible with you,
Pastor Michelle
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
YOUTH GROUP UPDATE
The Youth Group will meet at Church at 6:00pm on Sunday night for fun and fellowship.
Q&A SESSIONS
There will be Question and Answer Sessions this Sunday, August 25 and Sunday, September 15 at 11:15am in Fellowship Hall. Various ministry updates will be shared such as HVAC, land sale, finance and mortgage.
BLOOD DRIVE
We are again hosting the BloodMobile on Sunday, September 15 from 8:30am until 12:45pm to help with the very low supply. Please visit https://donate.indiana.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/164753 to schedule.
FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL
The Missions Team is hosting a Fall Family Festival on Saturday, October 5 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. There will be various crafts and things to do, along with snacks and drinks, but we will need volunteers and a few donations to make it all happen. Please sign up at the Mission Table across from the office. Thank you!
OUTDOOR WORSHIP & CHURCH PICNIC
Our Sunday service on September 8 will be outside in the shelter at 10:00am with picnic and fellowship time following at 11:00. Plan now to join us for the special time together! Church will provide chicken and water; bring plates, utensils, and sides for your family.
SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATES
Following the school calendar, there will be no Children’s or Youth Sunday School on September 1 due to the Labor Day weekend. Additionally, all Sunday School classes for all ages will not meet on September 8 because of the church picnic and fellowship time at the Shelter. (All Sunday School classes will still meet this Sunday, August 25.)
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A regular Children’s Choir for kids ages 4 through 5th grade is starting up on Sunday, September 8 at 5:00pm! Rehearsals will be in the choir room every Sunday from 5:00-5:30 for younger children and 5:15-6:00 for older children. No prior experience needed, just a love for singing and a joyful spirit! The hope is to sing not only in worship but to travel beyond our walls to local assisted living centers as well. For more information or to sign up, please contact Mark at mherris@calvaryunited.org
FALL HANDBELLS
The handbell choir’s first fall practice is only a month away! We’re thrilled to ring in the new season and welcome both new and returning members!
Rehearsals will start with a “handbell camp” on Saturday, September 7 from 10:00 am – noon. This will be a great opportunity to introduce the bells to new members and for returning members to freshen up on their skills. Please invite anyone who may be interested in being part of our ensemble! No prior experience is necessary – just a love for music and a willingness to try something new!
Wednesday evening rehearsals return on September 11 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. A fall calendar will be available at that time: likely the bells will be playing in worship on October 13, November 17, and sometime in December (possibly Christmas Eve depending on availability). Please check those dates, and we’ll discuss the schedule more during rehearsal. If you have any questions, please contact Mark at mherris@calvaryunited.org. Let’s make this season unforgettable!
AUGUST CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Bring your friends along with your favorite side or dessert and “Meet Us at the Fair” this coming Tuesday, August 27 at noon for a “Blue Ribbon Lunch”! Lunch will be pulled pork and corn dogs, coffee and lemonade. Dining and activities are from Noon to 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall, followed by line and social dancing from 2:00-4:00 with Myrna and friends. A donation to help cover the cost of food and supplies is always welcome. If you have questions, please contact the church office.
SPEEDWAY UMC’S WOMEN’S RETREAT
A member of the Speedway UMC’s Women’s Group stopped by church to invite us to their Women’s Retreat happening Saturday, August 24 from 9:00am until 3:30pm at their church at 5065 W. 16th Street in Speedway. They will have a simulcast with Priscilla Shirer called “Going Beyond” and worship with Anthony Evans. More information can be found at GoingBeyondatSUMC.eventbrite.com. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/going-beyond-simulcast-tickets-929793887547?aff=oddtdtcreator
CALVARY WOMEN’S RETREAT
This year’s retreat is on November 2, 2024, and Asheritah Ciuciu, an author and speaker known for her dynamic online ministry, will be presenting her message entitled “Delighting in Jesus.” This message encourages us to embrace God’s profound invitation to a life filled with joy and delight by encountering Jesus in the daily rhythms of life. Remember to mark your calendars and extend an invitation to your family and friends! Register online at calvaryunited.org/womens-retreat/ or download a registration form. Forms are also available in the Calvary office.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY RESUMES SEPTEMBER 9
The Monday night Women’s Bible Study will start up again on September 9 at 6:30pm with a video-based study by Jen Wilkins called “God of Deliverance” about Exodus 1-18. The study book is $9. Contact Beth Wright (317-340-6447) or Sue Moritz (847-902-6070) with questions.
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Also starting on September 9 is a study of Ephesians with Pastor Michelle. The class will run approximately ten weeks. Cost of the book is $15. Sign up in the office or email the office if you’d like to participate!
MONTHLY MISSIONS
Our August Mission giving will support Family Promise of Hendricks County. More information regarding this organization is on the Missions table across from the office.
LUNCH BUNCH AND EUCHRE CANCELED FOR AUGUST
Due to low attendance during the summer, both Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, August 21 and Euchre on Saturday, August 17 are canceled. Both will resume in September.
LISTENING ASSIST
If you find it difficult to hear things on Sunday morning, we have installed a new system that can help with that. You can use your own phone and headset or borrow a unit from the sound booth. Please stop by the sound booth as you come in and we will assist you.
ALTAR GUILD COORDINATOR WANTED
After several years of service, and with our heartfelt appreciation, Laura Portish is stepping down from this position. If you would like to find out more about stepping into this role, please contact the office today!
COLUMBARIUM COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED
The Columbarium Committee is also looking for new members. Meetings are usually once a month on Tuesdays. If you’d like more information, please contact the office or note your contact information on the table in the narthex on Sunday.
CONGREGATION WORKDAY
Saturday, September 28, from 8:00am until noon will be a workday around the building and grounds for our church family. A wide variety of chores will be listed on a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Remember many hands will make light work! Thank you in advance!
WORSHIP:
Sunday, August 25, 10:00am Rev. Michelle Knight
“Is It Well with Your Soul? Surrender to Your Limits” Job 1:13-2:10 (NRSV)
Sunday, September 1, 10:00am Rev. Jolita Erbele Service of Holy Communion
“Is It Well with Your Soul? Working from Our Rest” Exodus 20:8-11 (ESV)
SAVE THE DATE:
-Question & Answer Session – Sunday, August 25 at 11:15am
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, August 27 at Noon in Fellowship Hall
-Office Closed – Labor Day, September 2
-Adult Choir first practice – Wednesday, September 4, 7:00pm in the Choir Room
-Handbell Camp and first practice – Saturday, September 7 at 10:00am in the Sanctuary
-Outdoor Worship and Church Picnic – Sunday, September 8, 10:00am in the Shelter
–First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, September 9, 6:30am in the Sanctuary; –Please note that this is happening the second Monday instead due to the Labor Day holiday.
-Versiti Blood Mobile – Sunday, September 15, 8:30am to 12:45pm in the parking lot
-Lunch Bunch – Wednesday, September 18 at Noon at Green Street Pub & Eatery
-Euchre – Saturday, September 21 at 6:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Entire Church Family Building and Grounds Workday – Saturday, September 28, 8:00am-Noon
-Fall Family Festival – Saturday, October 5, 1:00pm to 3:00pm throughout and around Church
-Craft Fair – Saturday, October 12, 9:00am to 3:00pm throughout and around Church
-Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 2, 9:00am-3:00pm throughout Church