The Calvary Connection

June 2, 2010

Greetings!

I was encouraged by the interest shown in the Fireside Chat meetings that were held through April and enjoyed meeting the more than 120 of you who attended one of the scheduled meetings. I appreciated your willingness to share your hopes and dreams for Calvary and to provide me with an initial view into what is on your hearts for the future of our church.

The messages you shared were clear and common themes emerged very quickly. The hopes and dreams you most often mentioned include a desire for outreach and faith sharing, strong discipleship and spiritual growth, bringing others to Christ in the community and continuing to be a welcoming congregation.

Also shared with me were your current passions, which included involvement in small groups, spiritual growth, meaningful worship and music and being youth centered.

Very interesting conversation followed in the open dialogue part of our meetings. I heard about your interest in a comprehensive congregational care approach, one where people are surrounded by Calvary members and cared for during a variety of life events and circumstances. In addition, small team formation and member integration were important to you. Finally, I heard a desire from you for a clear vision and future picture of where Calvary is moving.

From your input, we will be moving forward with three recommendations:

Define and implement a congregational care program (We have already started this process, please read more about this program we are calling "Calvary Care" below!)
Develop and implement a process for small group formation and new member integration (this will be part of our new "Calvary Care" program)
Define a clear vision statement that supports our mission of making disciple for Jesus Christ (we are in the process of doing this and once complete our new vision will serve as a launch pad from which our Calvary Plan can be defined and put into practice)

As I mentioned above, we are in the process of developing an early model for a program we are calling "Calvary Care." Two lay leaders from our congregation, Jim Jones and Pat King, have stepped forward and taken the leadership of this important program. 15 of our more than 30 Stephen Ministers met with Pat and Jim and have been given a preview of the program, provided their input and have given the initial approach their support! Beyond crisis care, the program will also have three other major components: time of life care, major event care and member integration care. Much more information about Calvary Care will be shared in the upcoming months as it takes shape. Please be prayerful about this new program at Calvary.

I would like to thank you once again for your input. It was a pleasure to be able to connect with so many members of the Calvary family and hear your hopes and dreams for our future. I look forward to future opportunities to visit with you again.

Sincerely,

Jan Godbey (bio)
Managing Director

Opportunities to Connect

(click on the title to read the entire article)

Fun & Fellowship June Meeting
Calvary's group for those 50 and over will meet on Sunday, June 13, in Room L2/L4. The program will be our newest baseball team - the Normal CornBelters.

Welcome Back to Normal

Rev. Grant Armstrong, who is currently serving as Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Pontiac, has been appointed Associate Pastor at Calvary United Methodist Church. A Twin Cities native, Pastor Grant will begin serving at Calvary July 1. Josh Barnett sat down with him for a chat about life, baseball and his passion for Jesus Christ.

Exciting Changes to E-Mail Prayer Chain
Last week exciting changes were announced for the E-mail Prayer Chain. Learn what this means for you and how we plan to get the entire church involved in praying for one another.

Update from Missionary Linda Unger (pdf)
Linda Unger, a Calvary supported missionary serving in Africa has shared her latest update with the church. Learn how Linda is making a difference for Jesus Christ thanks to the support of the Calvary family.

Help Wanted at Calvary
Calvary is currently seeking a full-time Front Desk Receptionist to replace Danielle Oester when she leaves Calvary later this summer. Is God calling you to serve at His church?

The 2010 Appeal Update
Thank you Calvary for all of your support with The 2010 Appeal! We have begun to purchase items thanks to your generosity!

Mornings with Moms
Calvary's group by moms for moms is gearing up for summer fun in the sun!

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!

News Nuggets

On Sunday, June 13, Calvary will host a going away reception to thank Pastor Lori for her hard work and ministry over the past four years. A love gift from the congregation will be presented to her that day. If you would like to make a contribution to Pastor Lori's love gift, place a check or envelope in the offering plate and write "love gift" on the memo line.
The Lasting Effect Youth Choir was a part of Calvary for nearly 30 of our 50 years as a church. A reunion is being planned for all past Lasting Effect Choir members September 11-12 in conjunction with Calvary's Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration. We need your help tracking down former choir members. Please submit contact information of friends, children, siblings, etc. to Jae Lyn Hepner (jaelynhepner@yahoo.com) or Pat Messinger (patmessinger@comcast.net).
The week of Vacation Bible School, June 21-24, adults at Calvary will have the opportunity to participate in two special events. A Bible study on the parables of Jesus will be held each evening 6:30-8 pm, in Room L8. That same week we will hold a service project in the Calvary garage. Join us 6:30-8 pm as we make new picnic tables for East Bay Camp. Sign up at the Adult Ministry table in the Atrium until June 13. Contact Grethe Armstrong (309-830-3915, Mawest5@aol.com).
Beginning June 6, our children's ministry will combine grade levels during our 9:30 am Sunday School. Please watch for classroom changes on signs and flyers.
CSM Sunday School rooms will change beginning Sunday, June 6. Students finishing sixth and seventh grade will meet for Sunday School in the Parlor. Students finishing eighth grade through seniors will meet in the Youth Room.
We are having an informational meeting for everyone attending Reach Workcamp and their parents, Sunday, June 13, 4-6pm in the Worship Center. We will cover the itinerary, what to bring, spending money, and answer any additional questions. Let Michael know if you are unable to attend. Contact Michael Pitzer (309-452-5413, michaelp@cumcnormal.org).
All leaders attending Reach Workcamp should plan to attend a meeting on Monday, June 7, 7 pm, Room 111. We will cover roles and responsibilities, itinerary and expectations. Let Michael know if you are unable to attend. Contact Michael Pitzer (309-452-5413, michaelp@cumcnormal.org).
A Vacation Bible School volunteer meeting will be held on Sunday, June 13, 10:30 am. It will take approximately 20 minutes, but will allow us to provide you with important information. At the meeting all leaders will receive information regarding our upcoming VBS week. Thank you for volunteering to coach at our VBS!