Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Calvary Family,
Did you see our beautiful manger is built and is waiting for guests to arrive? I am so grateful for the promise of God’s presence with us. Grateful for His arrival. Plan to come: bring your family and friends to share the true JOY of Christmas with us at the Live Nativity on December 20th, 6-8:00 PM.
This week is the Third Sunday of Advent. As we light our third candle of Advent, we will be reminded what this week is about when we sing praises of joy. What is the first song that comes to mind when I say the word “joy”? Can I hear you sing it?
It is one thing to sing a song of praise when something very good happens to us. I can sing a song of praise when good things are on my lap. But to sing a song of praise and thanksgiving for the things that are still to come is a different kind of praise. Can you think of a time when you praised God for things that were to come? You do not have it, but believe God will provide it? Mary praises God for this child, who is not born yet, but she already praises Him for what this child will do!
This Advent season, I pray that we all will start to have joy, not because awesome things are happening to us, but in the midst of challenges, to see what God will do and to praise Him like He already did it! Join us this Sunday as we praise God together for what He promises to do.
In His time through His promise,
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
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 one more person 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 GIFT DISTRIBUTION
Thank you to all of you who have purchased gifts! Your generosity is beautiful and appreciated! If you would like to help in another very important way, consider driving over to Avon UMC this Saturday morning, December 13. Starting at 8:00am, volunteers will load your car up with gifts and food to go to a particular family in an area that you can choose. You get to play Santa and drop the items off at that address! If your Saturday morning is open, your help in this way would be welcomed!
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. 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!
CHRISTMAS EVE VOLUNTEERS
We will be having three services on Christmas Eve: a 5:00 young family-oriented service, and 7:00 and 9:00 traditional candlelight services. If you are able to greet, usher, or help with Communion that evening, please sign-up at the Mission table in the hallway across from the office or contact the office.
In addition to that, we need someone at 3:30 to help set up the luminaria that line the drive. If you are willing to do that, please contact the office today.
STEWARDSHIP LETTER AND OFFERING ENVELOPES
On November 23, 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, contact the office (Office@CalvaryUnited.org or 317-852-2541) and indicate whether you would like monthly or weekly envelopes.
DECEMBER’S MONTHLY MISSION
December’s Mission giving is for Habitat for Humanity and SAWs. SAWs is a nonprofit, volunteer organization founded in 2003, specializing in building wooden wheelchair ramps for low-income, permanently disabled individuals. With the support of our donors and volunteers, lives are changed one ramp at a time and in less than six hours. Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity provides the access, education, construction, and mortgage for low-to-moderate income buyers to purchase a home without being cost burdened.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
When the Brownsburg School Corporation closes school for the day due to severe winter weather, all meetings and activities at Calvary will be cancelled as well. Should severe winter weather occur on a Saturday or Sunday please check local television stations for cancellation information. Our church will be identified with “Brownsburg” in the name. Additionally, the website itself will have an information banner added regarding any closings.
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
Please plan on joining us for the “Polar Express” December 30 at Noon. Bring a friend and your favorite side or dessert to share. You may RSVP at the Mission Table or by contacting the office.
POINSETTIA ORDERS
This Sunday, December 14, is the last day to submit a poinsettia order. Please use the insert in the bulletin and drop it in the offering box or leave it on the desk in the office. Extra forms are also available on the counter or you may call or email the office.
YOUTH-CONGREGATION GET-TOGETHER
We had a great time this past Sunday afternoon at the get-together making pretty individual ornaments. Thanks to J3Jubilee for leading us in the craft and thank you to the youth for hosting. Check out our group picture that’s attached!
END-OF-YEAR GIVING
If you would like to contribute to the church for the 2025 calendar year, please make sure your gift is postmarked/dated by December 31.
“NIGHT TO SHINE”
Pittsboro United Methodist Church is excited to partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host their 3rd “Night to Shine” on Friday, February 13, 2026! A few members of our church have helped with this in the past and had a lot of fun doing it! 2026 Registration for Volunteers and Honored Guests is open now. Join the team to offer another year of Night to Shine to the sons and daughters of the King in our area! Go to https://PittsboroUMC.org/night-to-shine-2025/ to find out more and register.
SIGN UP TO READ TO THE CLA KIDS
There are still openings for second semester! Sign up at the Mission Table in the hallway the next time you’re at church!
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, December 14, 10:00am (Contemporary) Third Sunday of Advent
“Simple Advent, Abundant Life: Living a Life of Joy”
Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSVue) Rev. Jolita Erbele
-Sunday, December 21, 10:00am (Traditional) Fourth Sunday of Advent
“Simple Advent, Abundant Life: Living a Life of Peace”
Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Living Nativity and Celebrating Jesus’ Birthday – Saturday, December 20, 6:00pm
-Euchre Canceled – Saturday, December 20
-No Youth or Children Sunday School – Sunday, December 21 and December 28
-Christmas Eve Services – Wednesday, December 24, 5:00pm for young families, 7:00pm and 9:00pm traditional candlelight
-Church Office closed – Wednesday, December 24-Friday, December 26 and Wednesday, December 31-Friday, January 2
-Community Soup Luncheon – Saturday, January 10, Noon-2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, January 17, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall