The Calvary Connection

June 9, 2010

Greetings!

Our annual conference was held this past week in Peoria. A good number of Calvary people were present representing our local church, the Vermilion River District, or one of our conference boards. We can be proud of those who represent us and the leadership they provide. While a more complete summary of conference action will be provided in upcoming issues of The Calvary Connection, I want to affirm that the spirit of the conference was one of cooperation and commitment. Bishop Palmer continues to impress us with his passionate preaching and effective leadership. There were great moments for worship, fellowship, planning and reporting. Many of our former pastors, parishioners and friends inquired about Calvary and sent their greetings.

As this Sunday (June 13th) will be Pastor Lori's last official Sunday with us, I want to remind you of the receptions planed to honor her. They will take place in the parlor following the 8 and 9:30 am services of worship. Pastor Lori has been a special blessing to Calvary and we are grateful for her leadership, friendship and pastoral care.

Because the 4th of July is on Sunday this year, we are planning a great family worship celebration! We are combining our three services into one and suspending Sunday school so that we may worship as the entire church family. (Of course, nursery care will be provided.) The time of this Freedom Sunday Service will be 9 am. Everyone is encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. There will be special patriotic music provided by Higher Ground, Celebration Singers, and some talented instrumentalists. Decorations will abound, hand flags will be presented to all of the children, the message will be designed for all ages, and special 4th of July treats will be served! We are so fortunate to live in a country that enables us to exercise the freedom of worship. It seems appropriate that this special day of celebration should begin with worship.

Sincerely,

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

Opportunities to Connect

(click on the title to read the entire article)

Calvary Staff Update
On Tuesday, June 8, two staff changes were announced.

Summer Edition of Seasons (pdf)
The summer issue of Seasons, Calvary's seasonal guide for Adult Ministry opportunities, is hot off the press. Be part of a Bible study, small group or Sunday School class at Calvary this summer!

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?

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

News Nuggets

This Sunday Calvary will host a going away reception to thank Pastor Lori for her hard work and ministry over the past four years. Stop by the Parlor between worship services to wish Lori your best.
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).
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).
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!