The Calvary Connection

July 28, 2010

Greetings!

Rev. Grant Armstrong God is in the overwhelming business. I mean that in the best imaginable way, of course. We experienced a touch of God's overwhelming nature with the congregation's response to Calvary Care.

It is wonderful to see such enthusiasm and interest associated with the ministries of mutual care. Over 90 families have expressed their interest in this call to serve in love. The Calvary Care leadership team now has a wonderful task before us. We get to provide opportunities to connect your gifts and enthusiasm with the needs of the people of this congregation, and the larger community.

We will continue providing information through upcoming conversations with those who signed up to learn more. We're also praying and preparing for the Calvary Care Academy - our name for the training that will prepare our folks to offer Christian care with confidence and competence. In the meantime, we are striving to be responsive to your needs as we learn about them. We've been working to develop effective systems of communication that respect the dignity and the confidence of those who choose to invite the church into their present life circumstances. We want to make certain that your stories of sickness, sorry, joy, and wonder are all being met with a loving touch from your church family.

We will continue to improve and refine our methods for as long as Christ's commission and commandments guide our task. Thank you for helping us serve you with ever greater love.

If you are just now learning about Calvary Care, or if you would like more information about how you can get involved in this ministry of compassion, please check out these introductory videos, or contact the church.

Sincerely,

Rev. Grant Armstrong

Pastor

Calvary Care Intro Video

Calvary Care: The Four Parts

Calvary Care Interest Form

Opportunities to Connect

(click on the title to read the entire article)

Worship Times Change September 19
On Sunday, September 19, Calvary will change worship times to 7:45, 9 and 10:30 am. We will also begin offering two full hours of Christian education for children, students and adults during the 9 and 10:30 am hours. Learn more about this exciting opportunity from the July 21 issue of The Calvary Connection!

Beth Moore Simulcast is Coming
On Saturday, September 18, Calvary will host a Beth Moore Simulcast in our Worship Center. This one day event will include powerful music and relevant teaching from internationally known Bible study leader Beth Moore.

Fun & Fellowship August Meeting
Calvary's group for those 50 and over will hold their August meeting on Sunday, August 8, in Room L2/L4 at Calvary. Make your reservation today.

CSM Golf Outing
Calvary Student Ministries will hold their annual Golf Outing on Sunday, September 26, at Ironwood Golf Course just north of the church.

Welcome Mary Harsh!
Calvary is excited to welcome Mary Harsh to the staff! Mary is our new front office receptionist and is taking over for Danielle Oester who is moving out of state at the end of the month. Please welcome Mary to Calvary!

Red Cross Blood Drive
Calvary will host a special Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 9, in the Atrium.

Reach Workcamp Photos
A group of 98 senior high students and adult leaders just returned from our annual Reach Workcamp trip. See all of their activities through the Reach Workcamp photo album!

Created by God Retreat - CANCELLED
Parents, the Created by God Retreated scheduled for this weekend at Calvary has been cancelled.

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

News Nuggets

Calling the women of Calvary! Imagine escaping the everyday hustle and bustle for a girls weekend with friends, pampering and connecting with God. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Then don't miss the "Women of Faith" bus trip on August 20-21. The trip includes transportation, lodging, food, conference ticket, and a lot of fun!! You will get to experience speakers Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Anita Renfroe, and Lisa Whelchel as well as music from Sandy Patti, Mandisa, Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. There are only a few spots left so pick up a form at the Welcome Center today. Contact Susan Hoss (309-454-1093, hoss-family@verizon.net).
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.
Super Sign-Up Sunday is this weekend at Calvary. Here's your chance to pick the Sunday(s) which will work best for you to volunteer during fourth quarter for one or more of the following positions: greeter, door opener, usher, communion server, coffee server and prayer with pastors participant. Tables will be set up in the Atrium the next two Sundays with sign up sheets. We'd love to add some new names to the list of participants for each position. Contact Doretta Irwin in the Church Office (309-452-5413, dorettai@cumcnormal.org) to get on the schedules if you will not be at Calvary on these Sundays.
Do you enjoy writing stories or miss your days working on your high school newspaper? If you answered "yes," Calvary needs your help! Writers are needed to help produce Front Row Seat, the annual report of Calvary United Methodist Church. Front Row Seat features stories of how the ministries at Calvary have touched the lives of people. To share your talents contact Josh Barnett in the Church Office (309-452-5413, joshb@cumcnormal.org).