Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
That first date! The Prom! Whoa! Do you remember the butterflies? The prep? The dress, suit, haircut, manicure, pedicure, cologne? The place? The risks? Vivid memories, Huh? Why all the fuss? To find “the one” and “live with them happy ever after”. It does happen to a few, but it is rare. As Jonah was flog-marched to preach repentance to Nineveh, Jesus is sped by his Father to a date.
John tells us that on his way from Judaea to Galilee, he had to pass through Samaria. Samaritans were a product of forbidden intermarriage between Jews and Assyrians, hence the need to avoid the routes passing through each other’s territories. The woman is a quintessential, aka replica, of the Samaritan condition: five failed marriages and the sixth is an open-ended relationship, aka situationship. She is a metaphor for her people: drinking daily from the legendary water of Jacob’s well and worshipping a multitude of pagan gods on Mount Gerizim temple, yet forever thirsty, both physically and spiritually.
Who else could see such a résumé and still pull all the stops, take all the risks to come for a date in her condemned backyard? Jesus alone! When their heated chat leads to her begging for the living water, Jesus’ rebuttal delves into her best-kept secret, “What about your other cisterns – husbands?” Eventually, she abandons her water jar and sprints for her fellow villagers shouting, “Hurry up! I think I have met The One! His diagnosis and prescription for my chronic dehydration might just work for y’all.”
Here are the two biggies that this sermon invites us to wrestle with: As Jesus stops for a date here at the Calvary UMC well this morning, what are our secret cisterns that have left us dehydrated all these years that we are being invited to abandon and to guzzle the living water? Who else might we need to call in to receive this curative H2O and how fast will we sprint for them?
On the Move,
Pastor Kamau
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
CRAFT FAIR IS COMING!
Our 5th annual ever-popular Craft Fair is right around the corner next Saturday, October 10! We need lots of helping hands for this major fundraiser! You can shop and volunteer all in one place! We also need some help this Sunday already as we start to move things and tape off booth-boundaries in the hallway. Sign up at the Mission Table this week, or here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F45ABAC2AA3F85-66069453-craft. And, please, when you come to shop, be sure to thank the vendors for participating!
Additionally, we also need items for the bake sale! Bake big batches of your favorite items and bring them into the church kitchen on Friday, October 9, between Noon and 6:00pm. This is an extremely popular part of the fair and a great way to raise more money!
INTRODUCING A NEW CONCERT SERIES AT CALVARY!
We’re excited to launch a new concert series as an outreach ministry of Calvary, bringing in outstanding groups and soloists to share their music with us and the greater community. This coming Sunday, October 4, at 4:00pm, come to the Sanctuary for Brothers of a Chord, a fantastic barbershop quartet. Watch for details about other upcoming concerts and mark your calendars for 4:00pm on November 15 for Josh Kaufman!
FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
The first Monday of the month is this coming Monday, October 5. Come to the sanctuary at 6:30am with your morning drink and what’s on your heart for this quiet, reflective time of prayer.
NEW MEMBER DISCIPLESHIP CLASS BEGINS OCTOBER 11
Perhaps you would like to know more about Calvary, our ministries, our staff team, our lay leaders, or ways in which we connect to our community. If so, we have an opportunity for you to learn more, ask questions, and meet others who are considering connection at Calvary. Classes will begin at 11:11am in the Sacristy (near the main restrooms) on Sunday, October 11, and will run each Sunday through November 15th. Childcare (children under 4) will be provided. Sunday school is available for kids 5-years old to 5th grade as well as a youth class for 6th through 12th grade. If you’re interested, please contact the church office by October 9th so we can reserve a space for YOU!
OCTOBER MISSION FOCUS
Our October Missions giving will be dedicated to our upcoming December event of the Live Nativity and Jesus’ Birthday Party taking place Saturday, December 19. This major event draws many families from the Learning Academy and the Community. Thank you for helping with this Outreach!
COMMUNITY LUNCH – OFF FOR OCTOBER
Because our annual Craft Fair is happening on the second Saturday of October, our Community Lunch will not be happening. Plan now though to join us again on November 14 for the next one! We’d love to have you volunteer by donating, helping, and/or socializing there with members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through our local food pantries, from 11:00am til 1:00pm! Hope to see you there!
NEIGHBORHOOD CONVERSATION REGARDING THE LAND SALE
Fischer Homes, our potential buyer, and members of our board will host a meeting in the Sanctuary at 6:30pm on Thursday, October 15, ahead of the Advisory Plan Commission meeting Monday, October 26 and the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, November 11.
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Children and Youth Sunday School Classes have resumed. We need volunteers! If you are interested in helping as a Sunday School teacher with either the elementary-age group or the middle and high school group, please contact the office today. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Also, there will be no Children’s or Youth Sunday School on Sunday, October 11 and Sunday, October 18, due to Fall Break.
PLAN NOW TO BE “REKINDLED”
Our next Women’s Retreat is set for Saturday, November 7, 9:00am-3:00pm in the Sanctuary. Its focus is “Rekindled: Rediscovering What Matters Most”. Our guest speaker is Cindy Bultema, seasoned Christian speaker and author. Registration is now open! Cost is $50. This fee includes materials, all beverages and snacks, and lunch provided by McAlister’s. There are several ways to register: On line at https://calvaryunited.org/womens-retreat/ You may also download and print a registration form from our website. Or you may pick up a registration form at the Missions table, complete it, then turn it in to the church office. If paying by check, please include “Women’s Retreat 2026” in the memo. Mark your calendar for this time of Biblical teaching, worship, encouragement and spiritual renewal as we discover what matters most. Invite a friend!
FAMILY PROMISE COMEDY FUNDRAISER NOVEMBER 7, 6:00PM
Family Promise of Hendricks County is hosting a Comedy Night fundraiser featuring America’s Got Talent finalist, Ryan Niemiller, along with local country artist, Tarron Lawson. Pre-sale tickets are $35.00 and available now at Comedy Night Fundraiser, along with opportunities for individuals and businesses to sponsor the evening. This lively event will be held at the Plainfield Eagles Aerie, 5556 E. US 40, Plainfield. It promises to be a fun-filled evening!
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY
We would love for you to share this with someone who might be interested in this! We are seeking a part-time Director of Youth Ministry to lead and grow ministries for middle school and high school students and their families. More information can be found at https://calvaryunited.org/careers/.
This is a part-time position averaging 10–15 hours per week. A continuing-education allowance is included!
The ideal candidate will:
• Have a growing Christian faith and a passion for working with youth
• Be an energetic, creative, and dependable leader
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, volunteers, and church staff
• Create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment
• Have a bachelor’s degree or one to three years of relevant experience
• Be available for flexible hours
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, October 4, 10:00am (Traditional) Service of Holy Communion on World Communion Sunday
On the Move: “Going through Samaria” John 4:4-16 Rev. Kamau Nyota
-Sunday, October 11, 10:00am (Contemporary)
On the Move: “Seeking God and Loving One Another” Matthew 6:33-34, John 13:33-35 Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Concert Series Kick-off – Sunday, October 4, 4:00pm-6:00pm in the Sanctuary
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, October 5, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-Craft Fair – Saturday, October 10, 9:00am-3:00pm throughout the building
-No Children or Youth Sunday School – Sundays, October 11 and October 18, due to fall break
-New Member Discipleship Class begins – Sunday, October 11, 11:11am in Sacristy (6 weeks class)
-Men’s Ministry Breakfast – Saturday, October 17, 8:30am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, October 17, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, October 27, Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-All Saints Sunday – Sunday, November 1, at the 10:00am worship service in the Sanctuary
-Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 7, 9:00am-3:00pm in the Sanctuary
-Community Lunch – Saturday, November 14, 11:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall