The Calvary Connection

May 5, 2010

Greetings!

In a few short weeks we will be in Peoria for Annual Conference. This is the 14th session of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference. Wow we really sound young don't we? But if count figure our age from the oldest antecedent conferences this is session 188.

Could it be that we are really old, by some calculations? Or is the angle of view that we are new and fresh in ministry but we have a deep heritage? Not a bad position to be in. So from that bi-focal viewpoint we might sing with gusto A Charge to Keep We Have with a keen awareness that we are called "To Serve the Present Age".

In order to remember the charge and to serve the now we will gather around the theme of Passionate Worship as a Christian practice. In this and previous issues of The Current you have had a peep at the ways in which we will be resourced to both think about the practice of Passionate Christian Worship. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and reflect with you on this.

Most of all I rejoice that we will become a worshipping community and actually offer ourselves to God through worship. It is my expectation that worship will frame, bracket, undergird and otherwise set the tone for all else that we will do and at that, we will all be able to bear witness to participating in worshipful work.

So then it won't be that we have "worship" and then "do business". Rather we will by God's grace embrace the truth that worship is our business and our business is worshipful work. See you in Peoria.

Your servant in Christ,

+Gregory V. Palmer (bio)

Resident Bishop

Illinois Episcopal Area
Illinois Great Rivers Conference

Opportunities to Connect

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2010 Congregational Survey
Last Sunday a congregational survey was introduced to the Calvary family. We are asking each household to complete one survey. The results will help staff and lay leadership plan for Calvary's future and maximize the use of our current facility.

Summer Sunday School Teachers
Our children's ministry is in need of servant minded people to teach summer Sunday School. All materials are provided in advance and volunteers can teach as few or many Sundays as they would like!

Red Cross Blood Drive
Calvary's will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross of the Heartland on Monday, May 17.

Fun & Fellowship May Meeting
Fun & Fellowship's next meeting will be held Sunday, May 16, in Room L2/L4. Don't miss out of this great opportunity for those 50 and over.

Support Our Soldiers
Calvary was excited to launch a new program this Sunday to support our servicemen and women serving our nation. Learn how you can get involved!

Volunteer at East Bay Camp
Calvary's Outreach Committee is sponsoring two opportunities for hands on service at East Bay Camp on Lake Bloomington. Is God calling you to give a couple hours of your time?

Couples Night Out
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 7, as we gear up for another Couple's Night Out at Calvary. This is an awesome opportunity for couples to spend a fun night out and build their relationship in the process.

New Member Class
Are you interested in learning more about Calvary or considering becoming a member? Stop by Calvary's next new member class on May 16!

Pastor Lori Leaving Calvary June 13

Pastor Lori will be leaving Calvary June 13. Plans are underway for a farewell reception. Stay tuned for more details.

Vacation Bible School 2010
Vacation Bible School registration is still open! Download registration forms and get in the game for God!

News Nuggets

The summer edition of Seasons, Calvary's guide to adult Bible studies, support groups and more will hit the Atrium this Sunday. Be sure to pick up a copy of Seasons to get plugged in to spiritual growth opportunities this summer!
New Upper Room Devotionals are available at the Welcome Center.
The Calvary family is invited to volunteer at Midwest Food Bank on Wednesday, May 12, 6:30-8 pm. We will sort food, bag beans and help prepare the next food shipment. RSVP by Sunday, May 9, at the table in the Atrium. Contact Susan Sopek (309-662-4752, srsopek@verizon.net).
Here's your opportunity to volunteer during third quarter! Calvary will hold Super Sign Up Sunday on this weekend in the Atrium. We need many volunteers each Sunday including: greeters, door openers, ushers and so much more! Contact Doretta Irwin (309-452-5413, dorettai@cumcnormal.org).
Ladies of all ages, in four, one-hour rehearsals you can be in Sister Act! Rehearsal will be Wednesdays, May 12, 19 and 26, 6-7 pm, Room L2/L4. We sing, move and are filled with a love for serving the Lord enthusiastically! Sister Act will be presented on September 11 at the Fiftieth Celebration. Contact Pat Messinger (309-287-1747, patmessinger@comcast.net).
Mornings with Moms is headed to the Calvary Garage on Friday, May 7, 9-11 am. Jim Swearingen and Richard Nielsen will be our guests as they share the fine art of woodworking. Enjoy this time of learning while also completing a fun project! Childcare will be provided. Contact Lori Short (loris@cumcnormal.org) if you plan to attend so we can have plenty of supplies available; however, walk-ins are always welcome!