Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Dear Calvary family,
Thank you so much for joining and worshiping with us outside last Sunday! Pastor Michelle preached with power! Praying we will let the words shape our lives.
Are there rules in life? How about the Rule of life?
John Wesley’s Rule of life:
- an intention to yield one’s life to God completely, for God’s glory, and become like Jesus Christ
- rising at 4 or 5 a.m. to pray
- fasting two days a week until 3 p.m.
- meeting regularly to discuss Scripture and other Christian texts
- accountability at those regular meetings
- weekly reception of the Eucharist
- reading and meditating on Scripture daily
- acting in compassion for the poor, prisoners, and the elderly
- pursuing simple living
What can you and I learn from John Wesley?
In the book of Acts, we are given a window into the life of the first community of believers. Soon after Pentecost when three thousand people came to faith in Christ, they devoted themselves to several routines and habits: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking the bread, and prayer. They “devoted”, meaning “to be steadfastly attentive unto something, to give unremitting care to a thing”. What things are you devoted to? Are they the right ones, according to what we know as followers of Christ?
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
FALL HANDBELLS
Whether you’re new to handbells or getting ready to ring after the summer break, it’s going to be a great time of making music together again! Wednesday evening rehearsals start tonight from 6:00 to 7:00pm in the sanctuary.
ADULT CHOIR
Please join us tonight for Choir practice in the choir room at 7:00. Beginners are welcome! Come give it a try!
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
A regular Children’s Choir for kids ages 4 through 5th grade is practicing this Sunday, September 15, at 5:00pm! Rehearsals will be in the choir room every Sunday. 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
BLOOD DRIVE
We are again hosting the BloodMobile this 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 so we need at least five more! 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!
CASSEROLE CLUB NEEDS
We keep casseroles in our freezer for the pastors and ministers of visitation to take to those who might not be able to make a meal due to illness, recovery, or mourning. Our team is putting together a fresh batch of casseroles this next week and we could use some ingredients for the recipes. Items needed:
7 boxes Ben’s Original Long Grain Wild Rice 2 32-ounce Mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip)
5 10-ounce packages of frozen Broccoli 80-ounces of shredded Cheddar cheese
5 18-ounce packages of Italian Breadcrumbs 18 sticks of Butter
4 pounds Confectioner’s (powdered) Sugar 1 bottle of Vanilla
5 pounds of Flour 2 packages butter-flavored Crisco
If you can contribute something, please let the office know (office@calvaryunited.org) or sign up in the narthex this Sunday. All items needed to the church office by Tuesday, September 17.
CRAFT FAIR
Our 3rd Annual Craft Fair is now only a month away so it’s time to start getting things lined up! The Craft Fair is Saturday, October 12. Many volunteers are needed the day of, but also in the days leading up to this! This is a major fundraiser for our church… and we need your help! Please click on this link to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F45ABAC2AA3F85-50481635-craft#/ Please click on this link to donate baked goods for the Bake Sale: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F45ABAC2AA3F85-50481828-craft#/
READING IN THE LEARNING ACADEMY
There are only a few dates left! Share your love of reading with the students and sign up for one of the following dates: Friday, October 11 at 12:30 to 3-year olds; Monday, October 28 at 9:30 to 4 and 5-year olds; Wednesday, November 12 at 9:30 to 4-year olds; Wednesday, January 15 at 9:30 to 3-year olds; Thursday, January 23 at 9:15 to 4-year olds; Friday, January 31 at 9:30 to 3-year olds; and Thursday, February 20 at 12:30 to 4 and 5-year olds. Contact the office or add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
Q&A SESSION
There will be a repeat Question and Answer Session this Sunday, September 15 at 11:15am in Fellowship Hall. If you didn’t make it to the meeting on August 25, this is another opportunity to hear various ministry updates concerning 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 to 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 THIS MONTH
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!
YOUTH GROUP UPDATE
The Youth Group will meet this Sunday, September 15, in the Youth Room from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
CLASSICS FIESTA
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our next luncheon theme is “Taco about a Party!” and starts at noon on Tuesday, September 24. All the fixings to build your own tacos will be provided along with coffee and bottled water. Bring friends and your favorite Hispanic/Latino side or dessert! Following lunch, we’ll have dance demonstrations including a variety of latin dances, and from 2:00-4:00, group lessons.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
We will be joining more than 70 other organizations and businesses at Brownsburg’s Night Out on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Arbuckle Park. Come by and say “hi” at this major community event! Note: in the event of rain, the event will happen October 2 instead.
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/.
CONCERT AT AVON UMC
Avon UMC is hosting Carrie Newcomer with pianist Gary Walters in their sanctuary on Saturday, November 16. Doors open at 6:30 and the cost is $20 per person. If you’re interested, visit this page https://onrealm.org/AvonUMC/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MjliZDc3YTAtYmQ3MS00Njk1LTg1YTAtYjFkYTAxMDNjMTU1 or contact Avon UMC at 317-272-4068.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, September 15, 10:00am Rev. Jolita Erbele
“Is It Well with Your Soul? Rule of Life” Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
-Sunday, September 22, 10:00am Rev. Michelle Knight
“Pray This Way: Our Abba’s Name is very Holy” Matthew 6:9 (NRSV)
SAVE THE DATE:
-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
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, September 24 at Noon in Fellowship Hall
-Entire Church Family Building and Grounds Workday – Saturday, September 28, 8:00am-Noon
-National Night Out Against Crime: Visit our booth! – Tuesday, October 1, 5:30-7:30pm at Arbuckle Park
-Fall Family Festival – Saturday, October 5, 1:00pm to 3:00pm throughout and around Church
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, October 7, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-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