Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Dear Calvary family,
Reaching is the third action verb which fulfills our three-fold vision statement: “Seeking God, Loving One Another, Reaching Out”. But what does a reach look like today?
Who first reached out to you about Jesus? How did that happen? What did he or she say or do to help you encounter Jesus?
Are those ways to share Jesus still meaningful and valid today? Will they work with various subcultures in our community or among young persons who are perhaps more secular than they are ‘religious’? Perhaps it is time to update our old previous evangelism models with a different “HOW” in our reach toward others with/for/because of Jesus.
This Sunday we begin a four week teaching about “Reaching, Jesus Style” as we consider how to Know, Share, Declare, and Show Jesus as Good News to friends, neighbors, colleagues, loved ones, and our community! Afterall you and I have met the Good News and now we need to reach out to offer Him to others. He is our best teacher in how to reach out, HIS WAY!
See you in person or online!
Serving as a HEARER and DOER with you,
Pastor Michelle
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
NEW SERIES: REACHING, JESUS STYLE
Reaching is the third action verb which completes our three-fold vision statement, “Seeking God, Loving One Another, Reaching Out”. Join us starting this Sunday for a four-week teaching about “Reaching, Jesus Style” as we consider how to Know, Share, Declare, and Show Jesus as Good News to our friends, neighbors, colleagues, loved ones, and our community! We have met the Good News and now we need to reach out and offer Him to others.
YOUTH GROUP AND HANDBELLS
Youth will meet at 5:00 for Handbells this Sunday followed by Youth Group at 6:00pm. See you then!
MONDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Our first Bible Study of the new year will begin Monday, January 13 at 10:00am. This eight-week study with Pastor Michelle is called “Invitation to the Old Testament” and includes a workbook and cool videos with archaeologists and more. It gives a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament and connects prayer practice and scripture. If you’re interested, please let the office know (office@calvaryunited.org).
FIRST SECOND! MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Join us Monday, January 13, at 6:30am for our monthly prayer time. Bring your morning drink and what’s on your heart and meet us in the sanctuary.
THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, OR NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, TOWN HALL IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join CUMC leaders in a Question & Answer session for updates on a variety of items such as land sale, 2025 missional goals, policy updates, financial information, 2024 celebrations, and appreciation! Both sessions at 11:11 will cover identical material. Information will be sent via email and handouts will be available in the office the week of January 6, 2025.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Our next study will be a 6-week video-based study called “Lose Control” by Mary Shannon Hoffpauir, which explores the book of 1st Samuel. We will be encouraged to grow in our faith and depend on God to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Study guide books cost $13 (unless cost is a hardship) and will be distributed at our first meeting on Monday, January 20 at 6:30pm in the Conference room. Please notify Beth Wright (317-340-6447) or Sue Moritz (847-902-6070) if you can join us, so we make sure we have enough books.
MISSION FOCUS FOR JANUARY
This month’s Missions giving will go to the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund. This fund is used to help when unforeseen needs arise.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A FANTASTIC SERVICE FEBRUARY 16!
The Youth and Children of our church will be leading worship on this date. Plan now to be here to support them in their faith examples. We will also be distributing 3rd grade Bibles. Following the service at 11:15 will be a “Pancake Brunch” also hosted by our youth as a fundraiser for their annual mission trip to Mountain T.O.P. Tennessee. The youth and their leaders will be making and serving pancakes and other breakfast items for a freewill donation.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, January 12, 10:00am Series: Reaching, Jesus Style
“Know Jesus as Good News” John 3:16-17 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
-Sunday, January 5, 10:00am Series: Reaching, Jesus Style
“Share Jesus as Good News” John 4:10-15 (NRSVue) Rev. Jolita Erbele
SAVE THE DATE:
-First Second Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, January 13, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Town Hall Q&A – Sunday, January 12 or 19, 11:11am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, January 18, 6:00pm-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Youth and Children’s Service and Pancake Brunch – Sunday, February 16, 10:00am-1:00pm
-New Member Conversations – Sunday, February 23 or Sunday, March 2, 11:11am in Fellowship Hall
-Indianapolis Brass Choir Performance – Sunday, March 2, 4:00pm in the Sanctuary