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Greetings!
We are quickly approaching one of the most important periods of the Christian year; the season of Lent. Lent officially begins next week with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter.
It is common in many traditions to give something up for the season of Lent. I recall several years ago pledging to give up fast food. My sacrifice seemed to work well until I found myself eating at full-service restaurants rather than the drive-thru at McDonald's. By the time Holy Week arrived not only was my relationship with God no better than it was before Lent, but I had put a major dent in my bank account.
Rather than abstaining from a regular part of my life (eating fast food), I found another means to satisfy my needs and desires (eating at full-service restaurants). Boy, did I miss the whole point of giving something up!
Lent provides us an opportunity to spend time in prayer, fasting and reaching out to those in need. It provides us an opportunity to do without that "important thing" in our lives and focus on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to refocus our lives on God - not just for 40 days, but for all time and to grow in our relationship with Him.
As we begin the season of Lent next Wednesday, I challenge you to consider your relationship with God and what you can do to strengthen that relationship during this season. Will you start a daily prayer time, begin reading the Bible, serve those in need? Join me in using the season of Lent to strengthen our relationships with God. I promise when Easter comes we will be glad we did.
In His Service,
Josh Barnett ( bio) Communications Coordinator
309-452-5413 |
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Opportunities to Connect
(click on the title to read the entire article)
This year Calvary offers three services on Ash Wednesday, February 17. All are invited to come for this special time that begins the season of Lent.
Mornings with Moms Mornings with Moms is going strong this winter with an awesome line up of programs and events. All moms are invited to join the fun! Fun & Fellowship This Sunday Calvary's group for those 50 and over will meet this Sunday afternoon, Valentine's Day!. Sweethearts and singles are invited to join the group!
2010 Workcamp Trip Information about the 2010 Workcamp Trip to New York is now up on the CSM website. Parents, be sure to learn more about this exciting opportunity for senior high students. CIY Believe Tour Auxano, our junior high ministry, is taking a trip to the CIY Believe Tour in Anderson, Indiana. Don't miss out on this awesome event. Calvary Preschool Enrollment Enrollment at Calvary Preschool for the 2010-11 school year is open. Learn more about this important ministry of Calvary and how to enroll your child online. |
News Nuggets
- Haven't done your shopping for Valentine's Day yet? We have Scrip cards for Fannie May, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Bath & Body Works, restaurants and for you big spenders taking a little trip, we have hotels and airlines. See us at the Scrip table in the Atrium, usually just inside the front doors. We have some of these in stock.
- The Grief Support Group at Calvary is now meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in the Conference Room. For more information contact Jim Jones (james.jones@ilstu.edu).
- Here's your opportunity to volunteer during second quarter! We need greeters, door openers, ushers and so much more. Sign up in the Atrium Sunday morning or contact Doretta Irwin (309-452-5413, dorettai@cumcnormal.org) to sign up during the week or for more information.
- Join us for an informal training day for anyone interested in the technology and multimedia ministries at Calvary. We will be watching training videos with some hands-on training of the technology. There is also an emphasis on training our hearts and minds to do God's will, even in the loft. No prior experience required. And, as always, free food provided! Contact Mike Williams (mikew@cumcnormal.org).
- The Fiftieth Anniversary Committee is looking for the names of favorite groups who have performed at Calvary in past years. We have seen a wide variety of talent from sister acts to spoons! Favorite groups will be asked to share their talent with the church at a celebration on September 11. Submit your favorites at the Welcome Center.
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| This Weekend in Worship
This Sunday, Calvary welcomes Dr. Lloyd Hulit to the pulpit. Dr. Hulit will deliver a special message entitled Love is a Many Splintered Thing at all three services of worship. Also this Sunday, the Preschool Choir will share their gift of song at the 9:30 am service. |
Explore More
(click on the title to read the entire article) 
Free Pharmacy Will Open in Ohio Church United Methodists are working with community partners and staff members of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries to establish a free pharmacy to serve the poor in central Ohio From UMNS
Online Dating Leads to Love for Pastor Almost seven years ago, Charity VanWinkle and Brian Gordon were basking in the romantic glow of their computer screens while being serenaded by the familiar and frequent ping that signified "you've got mail." The two bravely tossed their inhibitions and reluctances to the wind and decided to give Internet matchmaking a go by logging on to E-Harmony, one of the Internet's most successful matchmaking services. From UMNS
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. | |
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In June 1987, Calvary received its first full-time associate pastor. Rev. John Hauck was appointed to Calvary to help with the growing ministry of the church. Since that time, there have been three other associate pastors appointed to Calvary. Today, Rev. Hauck serves as the pastor of Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington, IL. |
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