The Calvary Connection

June 30, 2010

Greetings!

As the Fourth of July approaches I think about those who have served and are serving to protect the freedoms we cherish. A recently developed ministry at Calvary called Support Our Soldiers enables us to connect with, pray for and support our men and women in the military. I would like to share with you some comments recently received from Anthony Block, a member of the Calvary family currently serving in Afghanistan.

Dear Calvary United Methodist Church,

I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me while I have been deployed! It has meant so much to me and kept me calm during some very rough and tense times I have had. There has been nothing better than to be in the middle of a fire fight know there are people praying for me to come home safe. I've got three more months and there will be nothing that stops me from see you all again.

The weather over here has been getting really hot rather fast. It hit about 105 when I went to bed last night. It will get around 120 during the day. Everyone here has been getting a little short with each other since we are so close to going home. It's been rough seeing the same 20 people 24 hours a day every day. But we are a very close group and have the same goal in mind and that's to not let anything stop us from seeing the people who have been supporting us.

I hope everyone stays healthy and safe. I will be back shortly.

Anthony Block

This Sunday we are combining our three services and Sunday school classes into one great Freedom Sunday celebration for the entire family. The service will begin at 9 am and include patriotic songs, decorations and dress. Special music will be offered by Higher Ground and Celebrations Singers. Hand flags will be given to the children and Fourth of July treats will be served.

Sometimes our annual activities fail to include the very reason for the holiday. This year, we can begin our Independence Day celebrations by exercising our freedom of worship and praising God, the Author of Liberty! I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 9 am.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Randall K. Perry
Directing Pastor

Opportunities to Connect

(click on the title to read the entire article)

Reach Workcamp Photos
A group of 98 senior high students and adult leaders are in Lockport, NY for our annual Reach Workcamp trip. Keep up on all of their activities through the Reach Workcamp photo album!

Created by God Retreat
Parents, please consider sending your children to this very important retreat taking place at the end of July right here at Calvary.

Family Movie Night
Mark your calendars for Family Movie Night on Friday, July 16, in the Worship Center!

2010 Congregational Survey Results
The results of the 2010 Congregational Survey conducted in late April and early May have been released. The Calvary family is invited to a discussion group on Wednesday, July 7, 6:30 pm in the Parlor to ask questions about the survey and ponder congregational responses.

Spend July 4 with Calvary!
Join Calvary on Sunday, July 4, for one special worship service beginning at 9 am in the Worship Center. The entire family is invited to this special Freedom Sunday event!

Calvary Employment Opportunities
We are pleased to announce two part-time employment opportunities in the student ministries department at Calvary. Download complete job descriptions and apply online.

Welcome Reception for Pastor Grant
The congregation is invited to a welcome reception for Pastor Grant and his family on Sunday, July 11 between worship services in the Parlor.

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!

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

News Nuggets

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. It will reopen on Tuesday, July 6, at 8 am.
There is a new adult Sunday School class is meeting over the summer. What is the prime reality? What's the thing from which everything else comes? Does God Exist? Join us for 10 weeks as we watch Dr. Stephen Meyer and discuss the science that backs God's "...eternal power and divine nature, [which] have been clearly seen, [and] being understood through what has been made..." Whether you are called to defend your faith or not, join us for TrueU as we build the scientific case for God, starting June 27 in Room 111, 9:30 am. Contact Rich Irwin (309-766-0147, rich.irwin.a8d1@statefarm.com).
Please remember if there are no events on the church calendar, the building will be locked at 5 pm. It is important for all groups using the building be on the calendar so that the building will be open and the room be cooled to a comfortable temperature. E-mail calvary@cumcnormal.org to schedule your group.
In your Worship Folder each Sunday you will find Calvary's new Prayer and Study Guide. Each week this will be shared with the Calvary family so that we can pray for others in our church family and prepare our hearts and minds for the coming week's message. Please take this insert home with you and use it as a study and prayer tool in the coming week.
Send our Senior Higher Reach Workcamp participants snail mail!
Newfane High School
Workcamper's Name
c/o Reach Workcamps
1 Panther Drive
Newfane, NY 14108
They love to get mail!
A recent addition to Scrip is Six Flags tickets. In addition to earning the church $2.40 for each $30 ticket sold, you may be able to save up to $20 depending on the regular cost of the park tickets. Don't forget we have Scrip for some hotels and airlines also, in addition to the many restaurants and gas stations. July 4, there will be no Scrip orders taken. Contact Karen Essington (309-846-5497, karen.essington.a0oi@statefarm.com) if you need to pick up an order placed prior to July 4.