The Calvary Connection

March 10, 2010

Greetings!

Over the past 50 years, each one of us has had the opportunity to be a small part of God's wonderful plan for Calvary United Methodist Church. Together, we have embraced the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

As Calvary moves into 2010, we recognize an opportunity to consider what God is calling us to do as we begin this next chapter of Calvary history. God speaks to us in many ways, and leaders listen carefully to the needs of the church and beyond. We prayerfully consider how God is speaking to us about our future. We believe that one of the ways God speaks to us is through our membership... including your hopes and dreams for our future.

With the addition of the Managing Director, Jan Godbey, onto staff at Calvary, one of the first responsibilities I've given her is to pull forward the strategic plan (now called the Calvary Plan), review it, keep it updated, and ensure it is well communicated to all of us.

Jan's first step with the Calvary Plan is to provide opportunities for each Calvary friend and member to share your hopes and dreams for Calvary, to help us clarify the vision that God has for us. Calvary's vision statement will answer the question, 'how is God leading us to uniquely accomplish the mission of the church?' Jan will be giving you the opportunity to provide your input to this question with a series of fireside chats, scheduled during the month of March.

Once the vision is clarified with input from the fireside chats, it will be communicated to all members of Calvary. The major strategies for 2010 and beyond can then be confirmed. The main strategies support the vision and mission of Calvary. And, they give us a way to focus our ministries and our work. We can align all our work to these strategies to ensure that Calvary is answering God's call to make disciples of Jesus Christ in a Calvary unique way that we all understand and support.

We need your involvement and input. Please prayerfully consider joining Jan at one of the Fireside Chat meetings shown in the schedule below. If you would prefer to invite Jan to a group or committee meeting, you are encouraged to call her directly at the church office, or send her an email at jang@cumcnormal.org. We hope to see you at one of the Fireside Chat sessions.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Randall K. Perry (bio)
Directing Pastor

randyp@cumcnormal.org

309-452-5413

Fireside Chats at Calvary

3/14 - SU11 am - 12 pm Parlor (childcare provided)
3/14 - SU 12:15 - 1:15 pm Parlor
3/18 - TH 6:30 - 7:30 pm Parlor
3/21 - SU 11 am - 12 pm Parlor (childcare provided)
3/21 - SU 12:15 - 1:15 pm Parlor
3/22 - MO 6:30 - 7:30 pm Parlor
3/25 - TH 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Parlor
3/28 - SU 11 am - 12 pm Parlor (childcare provided)
3/28 - SU 12:15 - 1:15 pm Parlor
3/30 - TU 6:30 - 7:30 pm Room 111 (childcare provided)
4/3 - SA 1 - 2 pm Parlor

Contact Jan Godbey (jang@cumcnormal.org) to arrange "chats" with your small group, Bible study or Sunday school class.

Opportunities to Connect

(click on the title to read the entire article)

Fun & Fellowship Meeting Sunday

Calvary's group for those 50 and over will meet again this Sunday, 4 pm, Room L2/L4. Don't miss out on all of the fun!

Church Photo Directory - Final Session

An additional photo session has been scheduled for the upcoming church directory. This will be your last opportunity to have your picture taken.

Here We Grow Again
The Building Committee has posted an update for November through February. Read the latest news of our building expansion plans.

Barnabas Program
Calvary's ministry to college students will launch another exciting project this Sunday. Everyone in worship will have the opportunity to write a card of encouragement to our students away from home.

Laymen's Lenten Breakfast
Calling all men! The Immanuel Bible Foundation's annual Laymen's Lenten Breakfast will be held at Calvary on Wednesday, March 17.

Christ in the Passover
Join us on March 31 for the recreation of a Seder celebration in the Worship Center. Participants will be to enjoy snack sized portions during this traditional Jewish meal.

Work Day at East Bay Camp
The Outreach Committee at Calvary has organized a work day at East Bay Camp on Saturday, March 13. Come for part of the day or the entire time!

New Member Class
The next new member class will be Tuesday, March 16, in Room 111. Come learn more about Calvary's history, programs and ministries.

The 2010 Appeal
On Sunday, February 7, The 2010 Appeal was shared with the congregation. Learn more about this exciting opportunity and what it means to the people of Calvary.

Report Walk the Walk Miles
Are you part of Calvary's effort to "walk" to Jerusalem? Report your miles here!

Auxano V-Show
Auxano, our junior high ministry, is planning a V-Show (variety show) for Friday, March 12, at Calvary! Sign up now to share your talents. Can't sing a song or dance a gig? No problem! Mark your calendars and be a member of the audience.

News Nuggets

KidVenture, our children's ministry, will present Fish Tales: The Musical, on Sunday, March 14, 2 pm, in the Worship Center. The congregation is invited to this Lenten musical with a special Easter message. A cookie celebration will follow.
The Outreach Committee at Calvary is collecting names of our church family members serving in the armed forces domestically and overseas. We plan to lift them up in prayer, communicate with them and provide them individual support and encouragement. Submit names with mailing addresses to Susan Vaow (309-664-6425, skvaow@earthlink.net) by March 12.

This Weekend in Worship