Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Dear Calvary Family,
The most famous line from “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” spoken by Charlie Brown is “I can’t cook a Thanksgiving dinner. All I can make is cold cereal and maybe toast.” This honest kid tries to help his friends and then everything turns out wrong. Poor thing. We can relate to Charlie’s predicament.
And yet, as people of faith, we can also relate to how even the simplest of things: being together with friends to eat toast and cold cereal, is a moment of sweet gratitude and an expression of generosity.
Have you heard it said, “Generosity is the joyous overflow of a grateful heart!”? So, true.
This Sunday, as we anticipate our national holiday of thankful remembrance, and as we commit our time, talent, and tithe (financial gifts) to God’s work through Calvary, let us do so from the overflow of our grateful hearts.
See you in person or online. We will bring our completed pledges forward following the morning message and consecrate (bless) them for God’s work through us in 2026!
With eyes of our hearts enlightened by our God’s hope,
Pastor Michelle
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
THANK YOU!
SPRC and Congregation, thank you for a lovely staff and pastor’s appreciation month plus! The drinks, lunch, prayers, gifts, cards and reception were wonderful! You are a gift to serve Jesus and His church with! God bless you, from Calvary’s Staff.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
The Monday evening Women’s Bible Study class will resume on Monday, November 24, with a 4-week Advent study to prepare our hearts for Christmas. “The Case for Christmas” by Lee Strobel is with a participant guide accompanied by video lessons. Notify Beth Wright or the church office in interested in joining.
STEWARDSHIP LETTER AND OFFERING ENVELOPES
This year’s stewardship update and pledge cards were mailed last week and we will share our pledges for the coming year this Sunday, November 23.
Also, we are able to provide offering envelopes for 2026. If you would like to have a set of envelopes, you may mark that on your pledge card or you may contact the office (Office@CalvaryUnited.org or 317-852-2541) and indicate whether you would like monthly or weekly envelopes.
“CONCRETE FOR A CAUSE”
Brownsburg Culver’s is supporting the Messiah Lutheran Food Pantry with “Concretes for a Cause” through Friday: NO flyer needed and all day long today, tomorrow, and Friday! The Food Pantry will receive $1 for every concrete sold.
SPEAKING OF THE FOOD PANTRY… NOVEMBER’S MONTHLY MISSION
November monetary gifts will go to “Brownsburg food insecurity”. The mission team will decide how best to divide the donations between the Blessing Box, Cornerstone Christian & Messiah Lutheran food pantries, and a Calvary Community dinner for Blessing Box families.
In addition to monetary gifts, we will also be collecting food items for the Blessing Box and the Family Promise Food Pantry, like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cheese or peanut butter crackers, granola bars, and canned meats. Can openers, dish soap, body wash, and toilet paper are also welcome! Look for the collection bin in the narthex. We thank you in advance for your kind donations!
NURSERY NEED ASAP
We have a need for two adults to help in nursery, once a month. In addition to that, we need someone 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
We have received our angels and there are a few left on our tree in the narthex. We invite you to pick an angel or two and buy gifts for the children. Gifts with the angels attached will need to be returned by December 5. If you have any questions, please contact the office.
A GREAT SERVICE PROJECT, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
The Brownsburg Older Adult Alliance is hosting its annual Fall Raking (no bagging!) this Saturday, the 22nd. There are two sessions: The first one starts at 9:00am; the second starts at 1:00pm. We will meet here at church by the garage. A sack lunch will be provided. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the time you signed up for. Bring a rake and garden clippers if you have them and dress for the weather. Rain date will be Sunday at Noon. Visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4AACAE28A6F94-59245969-fall/170167945#/ to sign up today! (If you are a student in need of volunteer hours, this is a great opportunity for that!)
YOUTH GROUP-CONGREGATION GET-TOGETHER
The youth would like to invite the congregation to a great opportunity to get to know them and spend time together making a Christmas ornament. Sunday, December 7th at 3:00pm, Jenay Chalkley from the Craft Fair will instruct us on how to make Christmas tree decorations. The cost is $5 for the materials per ornament. Sign up at the mission table or RSVP to the office.
YOUTH UPDATES
-This Sunday, Youth Sunday School will meet as usual following the service. Youth Group will also meet: Bring a friend and come at 5:00 for bells, followed by Youth Group at 6:00.
-On the 30th, we will not have Youth Sunday School or Bells or Youth Group as the Youth are heading to the “Faith & Football” Colts game immediately following the service.
-Sunday, December 7, Youth Sunday School will resume, but Youth Group will not meet at the usual time. Instead, Youth Group is having its get-together with the congregation at 3:00, followed by Bells at 4:30.
CHRISTMAS TEA
Come join the ladies on Saturday, December 6, from 1:00-3:00pm, for a relaxing time of tea, refreshments, carols, and fellowship as we take a breath before the Christmas rush. Just bring yourself, a friend, a special teacup for your tea, a Christmas memory to share at your table, and an item to donate to the food pantry. No reservation needed.
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. Watch for more information to come and 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!
GUEST SPEAKER AT AVON UMC
This Sunday, November 23, at 7:00pm, Avon UMC Stephen Ministry group will be hosting local TV anchor and author Scott Swan to speak on “Hope, Healing, & Joy”. All are welcome to attend. The church is located at 6850 W US 36 in Avon.
CLASSICS LUNCHEON
The Classics Luncheon for November is cancelled. Please plan on joining us for the “Polar Express” December 30 at Noon.
SIGN UP TO READ TO THE CLA KIDS
This past school year, we started a new reading time in the Learning Academy, and it was so much fun! We’re going to do it again this year! Sign up at the Mission Table in the hallway the next time you’re at church!
UMCOR
The UMC Disaster Response is already working in Jamaica and the other islands following Hurricane Melissa. In addition to your prayers, if you would like to donate to the efforts, you may donate through our church, noting “Hurricane Relief” on your check or envelope. You may also visit the UMC website: umcmission.org/disaster-responses/hurricane-melissa.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, November 23, 10:00am (Traditional) Pledge & Commitment Sunday
“Whole-Life Generosity: Hearing God’s Voice: Release All WE are to God for the Blessing of Others”
2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:7, 9:11 and Ephesians 1:18 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
-Sunday, November 30, 10:00am (Contemporary) First Sunday of Advent and Healing Service
“Simple Advent, Abundant Life: Living a Life of Hope”
Mark 13:24-37; Psalm 31:24 (NRSVue) Rev. Jolita Erbele
SAVE THE DATE:
-Church Office Closed – Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28
-Advent begins – Sunday, November 30
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, December 1, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Christmas Tea – Saturday, December 6, 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Kindness Kitchen – Sunday, December 7, 11:20am in the Kitchen
-Youth-Congregation Time – Sunday, December 7, 3:00pm
-Living Nativity and Celebrating Jesus’ Birthday – Saturday, December 20, 6:00pm
-Euchre Canceled – Saturday, December 20
-Christmas Eve Services – Wednesday, December 24, 5:00pm for young families, 7:00pm and 9:00pm traditional candlelight