December 21, 2009
Greetings!
Randy Perry 
Christmas Eve is huge at Calvary.  Our staff and many volunteers plan, prepare and provide this great evening.  This year it comes as the culmination of some remarkable Advent activities.  So many have shared God's wonderful gifts of hope, peace, joy and love in unique and meaningful ways.  Some of you have stepped well beyond your comfort zones to share these gifts with others.  Now we are ready for Christmas.
 
Because my father managed a retail business I remember how tired he would be by Christmas Eve.  I fear my own children have such memories of their own father.  By the time the fourth service is concluded I am definitely ready for that long winters nap.  As exciting as Christmas Eve is to me, I have come to love and cherish Christmas Day.  Kandi has done a wonderful job making it a warm, relaxing and comfortable day for the family.  It is a special gift that seems to affirm the same hope, peace, joy and love that Calvary has shared this Advent.
 
I pray that one of our Christmas Eve services will be a special time for you and your family.  I also hope it leads you to the true gift of Christmas Day.   Although our gatherings, settings and activities will differ, may it be a day that truly embodies the love God has for every one of us! 
 
Merry Christmas,  
 
Rev. Dr. Randall K. Perry (bio)
Directing Pastor
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24/7 Prayer Room Coming in January
The annual 27/7 Prayer Room will be held at Calvary January 3-10 in the Youth Room. Sign up for one hour slots to spend time with God in this powerful way.
 
Christmas Eve with Calvary
Celebrate Christmas Eve with Calvary this year! We will offer services at 4, 6, 8 and11 pm. Don't forget to invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to join you.
 
For your convenience Calvary is once again offering online pledging for your 2010 stewardship commitment. This quick, secure method of pledging ensures delivery of your commitment directly to our church accountant.
News Nuggets
News
 
  • The Stewardship Committee is announcing $1.3 million in pledges has been received for the 2010 budget. Currently $1.5 million in pledges will be needed to avoid cuts in programming, ministries and staff. If you have not yet turned in a pledge card for 2010 please prayfully consider doing so.
  • All preschool through third graders join us for a tour of Schlotzsky's, January 6, 6:30-7:30 pm.  We will tour the kitchen and make our own special pizza to enjoy.  The cost for the evening is $1.99 and will include a pizza dinner, drink and cookie. We will not meet for our regular KidVenture@Night gathering at the church and will not offer 6pm Play-time on this evening.  Parents, should drop-off and pick-up your child at Schlotzsky's.
  • The Church Office will special hours over the holidays. It will be open from 8 am - 12 pm tomorrow (Christmas Eve). It will be open from 9 am to 1 pm the week of December 27 and will be closed on New Year's Day. It will reopen at 8 am on Monday, January 4. 
  • Linda Sue Unger, United Methodist Missionary to Nairobi, Kenya will be sharing her story at Calvary on Sunday, January 17 in the Parlor at 11 am.  Our congregation provides financial support to Linda and we are fortunate to have her with us during her short visit in the U.S.
  • There will be no KidVenture or Calvary Student Ministries activities the next two Wednesdays. All activities will resume on Wednesday, January 6.
This Weekend in Worship 
 GIft
Our sermon series Gift concludes with Dr Randy Perry's message Light.
 
At all three morning worship services a special announcement will be made about how Calvary is sharing the gift of light during this season of Advent. Don't miss this chance to learn how you are helping to shine the light of Christ in our community.
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Official NORAD Santa Tracker
NORAD is partnering with Google to track Santa on his flight around the world! Follow along on your computer at home at good 'ol Saint Nick delivers his toys around to all the good boy and girls.
 
Please note, these articles represent a sampling of news and events happening in Christianity and the world today and do not necessarily reflect the doctrine of the United Methodist Church.
Issue #157
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On Christmas Eve of 1784 the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore, Maryland.
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