Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Dear Calvary Family,
Meet Simon.
No, this is not the famous Simon, the one we know as Simon Peter. This is the OTHER disciple of Jesus named Simon. Every time this Simon is mentioned in Scripture (only four times), he is called Simon (the Zealot). Other Bible translations describe him this way:
-Simon, who was known as the eager one (CEV);
-Simon, who was called the patriot (GNT);
-Simon, a member of the Zealots, a subversive political party (TLB);
-Simon, who was called “the hothead” (NTE);
-Simon, who was know as a fiery political zealot (TPT);
-Simon, the freedom fighter (WE).
Whoa! What colorful, provocative, and unusual descriptions of a follower of Jesus! How curious that this guy was one of the chosen ones. How curious that each of us are chosen as well, as we are each unusual and colorful in our own ways.
I wonder what might turn someone from political aspirations toward a zeal for faith? That is the question I invite us to ponder as we prepare to meet Simon. Yes, the other disciples/apostle Simon. (There are actually a dozen Simons in Scripture.)
While we conclude this short series on the less familiar disciples, we will never finish our discipleship conversation!
See you Sunday in person for worship, coffee and donuts, and our learning hour!
We are hearers and doers together,
Pastor Michelle
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL – “GOD NEVER LEAVES ME”
We need volunteers and youth leaders to serve these young families. If you have some time to share, we would appreciate your help! We would ask you to be at church by 2:30 and the event wraps up at 5:00 on Saturday.
If you are a young family, or know of one to invite, the event starts at 3:00. We will begin in the sanctuary with a children’s message and singing followed by activity stations (all indoors) that include: face painters, balloon twisters, mini pumpkin decorating, a “God Never Leaves Me” craft, cookie decorating, coffee bar, and pumpkin spice treats. The playground will be open.
FALL CHURCH GROUNDS CLEAN-UP: COME WHEN YOU CAN, LEAVE WHEN YOU HAVE TO
We’re having a workday this Saturday, September 27 from 8:00am until noon, cleaning up around the church. We will have a few different chores to check off the list and would love your help in getting them done. Many hands make light work, even if you can only share an hour! Check out the sign-up sheet on the Mission table across from the office. Chores include things like, spreading mulch, weeding and trimming, and applying cold patch to holes in the drive.
CRAFT FAIR & BAKE SALE
Our 4th Annual Craft Fair is just around the corner and it’s time to get ready! We need volunteers for various types of things, including baking items for the bake sale! Please skim through the list included here, consider how you can help, and let us know at office@CalvaryUnited.org or on the sign-up sheets on the Mission Table in the hallway.
Sunday, October 5 after church: Friday, October 10, 3:00pm:
-Spray paint outdoor booth lines -Put up rented tables in booths
-Tape booth lines inside on floor -Bring booth direction signs from garage and place
-Move chairs in sanctuary for non-profit tables -Bake Sale prep (Noon to 8:00pm in 2-hour shifts)
-Move picnic tables to grassy area outside fellowship hall
-Remove various items from hallway Saturday, October 11:
-Parking attendants at 7:00am-2:00pm
During the week: -Door attendants at 8:30am-3:00pm
-Bakers to create items for the Bake Sale -Café order takers and servers at 8:30-3:00pm
-Bake Sale restockers and cashiers 8:00-4:00pm
**For the Bake Sale, please go to the Sign-Up Genius site and pick your favorites! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F45ABAC2AA3F85-58943929-craft
YOUTH GROUP
October 11 is our Craft Fair. We would love to have you volunteer! If you do and would like to count this as volunteer time for NHS, NJHS, or any other group, you are welcome to stop in the office that day and Lisa will sign your form or type up a statement for that.
We’ve started a series this month dedicated to empowering our group with strategies for anxiety, depression, coping, and identity. Bring friends and meet us at 6:00 this Sunday evening in Fellowship Hall for friendship, fun, and discussions. The meeting will wrap up at 7:30. As a side note, we will not be meeting October 12 and 19 because of Fall Break.
“A SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER”
Classics Luncheon is this Tuesday, September 30 at noon in Fellowship Hall. We’ll be taking a stroll down memory lane for this one! Besides bringing a friend, of course, bring an antique, a story to share, and a favorite dish from “back when”. You may RSVP by contacting the office (office@CalvaryUnited.org or 317-852-2541) or by signing up at the Mission table in the church hallway.
INFANT & TODDLER FAMILY TIME
For our October get-together on Saturday, October 4, we will meet at Arbuckle Park Playground at 3:00pm for some fresh air and fellowship. Hope to see you there!
NURSERY HELP NEEDED OCTOBER 5
The pastors are hosting a meeting for young families following the worship service, during the Sunday School time, on Sunday, October 5, but we are in need of an adult to work with one of our teens to watch the young children in the nursery during that time. If you are able to help with that, please contact the office today!
GUEST CHOIR ON OCTOBER 5
We are delighted to welcome the Columbus Alternative High School Choir from Columbus, Ohio, under the direction of Dr. Collin Richardson. The choir will be singing during our 10am worship service as part of their visit to Indiana for ChoralFest at DePauw University the day before. Come and experience the joy and inspiration of this talented group of young singers. Invite a friend and join us for this special morning of music and worship!
OCTOBER KINDNESS KITCHEN
Kindness Kitchen will meet on Sunday, October 5 at 11:20 but not for cooking! We will be prepping and setting up for the Bake Sale and Café part of the Craft Fair and we can use all the help we can get for this! Please consider helping and mark the time on your calendar. Later in October, we will have the opportunity to restock our casserole supply.
BLOOD DRIVE RECAP
Thank you to those who signed up to give blood! We had a goal of obtaining 14 units and ended up with 15 as a couple people were able to give a donation of “double red” cells. The need for blood is great and Versiti appreciates being able to hold a drive here.
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
November 8 may seem a long way off right now, but it’s not too far out to start planning for a beautifully fulfilling day! Registration for the 9:00am-3:00pm event is now open. Invite your friends and family and head to https://calvaryunited.org/womens-retreat/ to sign up today.
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!
OCTOBER MONTHLY MISSION
Lucille Raines Residence is a facility owned and operated by The United Women in Faith of Indiana (formerly The United Methodist Women of Indiana) since 1977. It houses up to 49 individuals who 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. Find out more at https://lucillerainesresidence.org/.
CALVARY COOKBOOK IS HERE!
The Kindness Kitchen Cookbook has arrived! The cost is $15. See Karen Striegel in the hallway on Sunday! The extras will be sold at the Craft Fair.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, September 28, 10:00am (Traditional)
“The Story of Jesus’ Disciples and Us: Simon the Zealot”
Luke 6:12-15 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
-Sunday, October 5, 10:00am (Contemporary) World Communion Sunday
“Hearing God’s Voice: Listening through Noise”
Exodus 19:9b-25 (NRSV) Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Church Grounds Clean-Up #1 – Saturday, September 27, 8:00am until Noon
-Fall Family Festival – Saturday, September 27, 3:00pm
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, September 30, at noon in Fellowship Hall
-Infant and Toddler Family Fellowship – Saturday, October 4, 3:00pm, at Arbuckle Park Playground
-Kindness Kitchen – Sunday, October 5, 11:20 in the Kitchen
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, October 6, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Calvary Craft Fair – Saturday, October 11, 9:00am-3:00pm
-Euchre – Saturday, October 18, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Church Grounds Clean-Up #2 – Saturday, October 25, 8:00am until Noon
-Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 8, 9:00am-3:00pm, Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall