Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Dear Calvary family,
Do you steal? Do you cheat? How about murder? How about keeping your Sabbath holy? Do you choose to keep some commandments and not others? Do you and I believe we can choose which ones to keep?
The fourth of the ten commandments is “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, ESV). Does this apply to our very busy lives? What does it mean to keep it holy? Which day should I keep it holy? How long?
The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word that means “to cease”, “to stop working”. Keeping the command to Sabbath is both radical and extremely difficult in our everyday lives. It cuts to the core of our spirituality, the core of our convictions, the core of our faith, the core of our lifestyles.
So many times, I think this is optional and not absolutely essential to discipleship. But again and again I come back to the truth: Who is in charge in this life? Who is in charge of time? Who is the boss? If I think I can keep on working because I need to work, I am missing the truth that I am not working to rest, but I am resting to work. I am created in the image of God who rested. As humans we started our lives the very first day with the God who rested.
Come to worship, to rest, to praise Him. May God renew you as you give this time for Him. See you on Sunday.
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
“FIRST” MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Because Monday, September 2 is Labor Day, our First Monday of the Month Prayer Time is being moved to Monday, September 9 at 6:30am in the Sanctuary.
YOUTH GROUP UPDATE
The Youth Group will not meet this Sunday, September 1, due to the Labor Day weekend.
SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATES
Following the school calendar, there will be no Children’s or Youth or Crew Sunday School this Sunday, September 1 due to the Labor Day weekend. However, the Friendship and Horizons Sunday School Classes will still be meeting as usual after the service.
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.
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! (Please note that the service will not be available online due to being outside. A video recording of worship will be posted later.) The church will provide chicken and water; bring plates, utensils, and sides for you and your family. The plan is that we worship together, and after the worship, move around into various groups. You might not end up sitting with the rest of your family as we make up these groups for lunch! We’re looking forward to a beautiful morning together as a church family!
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. We are hoping for at least 20 donors this day! The need is urgent. Blood is needed every few seconds and only 3% of the population donates. If you’ve never donated, please consider trying here!
MONTHLY MISSIONS
Our September Mission giving will support the Lucille Raines Residence. Lucille Raines Residence is a facility located in downtown Indianapolis, owned and operated by The United Women in Faith of Indiana (formerly The United Methodist Women of Indiana) since 1977. Those living at LRR, up to 49 individuals, are actively engaged in rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. They all share in learning to function independently in day-to-day life. Many are finding Christ to be the source of successful recovery. You can find out more at https://lucillerainesresidence.org/.
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!
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 less than 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!
Q&A SESSION
There will be another Question and Answer Session Sunday, September 15 at 11:15am in Fellowship Hall. Various ministry updates will be shared such as HVAC, land sale, finance and mortgage.
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!
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 activity stations including: alpaca education outside, a balloon twister, two face painters, mini pumpkin decorating, Photo Booth with frame decorating, cookie decorating, and make your own candy apples, along with snacks and drinks. 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!
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.
LUNCH BUNCH AND EUCHRE RESUME IN SEPTEMBER
The Lunch Bunch meets for conversations and good food on Wednesday, September 18 at Green Street Pub & Eatery at noon. We’d love to see you there!
Euchre will meet on Saturday, September 21 at 6:00pm. Expert or Novice? All are welcome! We’d love to teach you if you don’t know how. Hang out with us in Fellowship Hall for a little bit of friendly competition!
WORSHIP:
-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)
-Sunday, September 8, 10:00am Rev. Michelle Knight Outdoor Service and Picnic
“Is It Well with Your Soul? New Skills to Love Well” Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV)
SAVE THE DATE:
-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
-Question & Answer Session – Sunday, September 15 at 11:15am
-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