Session Charts Course for Future with Goals!

First & Calvary is moving ahead strategically! 

Our comprehensive purpose is to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by carrying out his command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Specifically, we believe that God has called us to focus on reaching those in Springfield and the surrounding areas who do not regularly attend church.  In order to accomplish this, First & Calvary must become an equipping center where every member can be developed in his or her full potential for ministry. 

This development will come through

•  worship;
•  teaching that is Biblical and relevant to life;
•  vital, supportive fellowship; and
•  opportunities for outreach in the community in service and evangelism.

As a result, First & Calvary will be different in five to ten years, with the Christian influence being increasingly felt in homes, businesses, and educational settings.  We further intend to

multiply our ministry by equipping university students by becoming a resource center to them and then sending them out as missionaries.   

This strategic thinking is guided by our mission statement printed each week in our bulletin.  Using that statement as a guide, the Session worked overtime in May by holding a strategic planning meeting with the purpose of setting church-wide goals.  The strategic planning meeting was very successful!

Three church-wide goals were set:

•  Welcoming new members;
•  Improving communication;
•  Developing partnerships.

 Goal 1: Welcoming New Members!

You have heard a lot about our target audience for recruiting new members to our church.  We are interested in people who have moved here to Springfield, but have not yet been welcomed to a church.  Church officials call them the "nones" because a recent national survey concluded that people who marked "none" as a religious affiliation are the largest and fastest growing religious group in America.  Let's get ready for those "nones" to start checking the box, "First & Calvary!"  We appreciate the advantages of a small, intimate congregation, but also feel that we should reach out to those who are exploring Christianity or who are not yet affiliated with a church.  We have a lot of people moving into Springfield these days.  When they arrive they should receive an invitation into our warm fellowship of faith.  Welcoming new members means that we need to address our hospitality, our organization of visitation records, and our systems of assimilation into church life.  Although numerical growth is not necessarily a sign of God's blessing, and is not a sufficient goal in itself, we believe that God desires for us to reach as many people as possible with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, so we are going to cast a wider net.

This church is such a fun place to be.  With its thrilling mission activities, family worship opportunities, fellowships and service, we gain new strength for life through this vibrant
community, so let us share these blessings with others.  This is an exciting goal!

Goal 2: Improving Communication!

Communication is the glue that will hold us together.  We need to keep each other informed about what we are doing, where we are going, and what our next steps are.  External communication is the other side of this coin and fits with our first goal.  As we tell people about the life of the church, we need to communicate worship, service, educational, and fellowship opportunities clearly.  Both print, web, and televised communication will be examined.  Also, the best source of information-telling others what is happening in one on one conversation-will be improved!  But let us remember that knowing about a church event is only one part of church communication.  The other and more important part is knowing how to tell people about the good news of Jesus Christ.  The evangelism committee has proposed a way for us to learn how to communicate this good news easier.  I am so excited about this goal!

Goal 3: Developing Partnerships!

Our third goal is developing partnerships.  We increase our influence exponentially when we work together. Many groups, such as Sunday School classes and committees, have already participated in mission projects with other groups.  But there is much more to be done. Springfield needs our help!  There are businesses, causes, and efforts in the city that are calling for the shot in the arm that we can provide.  Some present partnerships may need to be refreshed, strengthened, or put aside; some new ones may need to be developed. Session identified the universities in our area as a rich source of partnerships.  Beginning with Missouri State University, we will develop partnerships that promote our mission statement.  By the grace of God, through these partnerships, the city of Springfield will be a changed community in 10 years due to the influence of the Spirit of God through the lives of our people who are devoted to extending the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.  Partnering with other groups will take Christ into homes, marketplaces, and educational settings.

These three goals are ambitious and exciting, don't you agree?  I was very encouraged by the strategic planning meeting.  The session is enthusiastic about the future and has a plan to move forward.  The next step in the plan is to distribute these goals to the committees.  After the committees propose plans for  implementation, the congregation will have many opportunities to participate. 

The Session worked hard at defining these goals so that you clearly see the future of our ministry, what it can be and what it must be.  It is our desire that you catch the vision God has given us, that you begin to visualize First & Calvary's potential.   Most importantly, we want you to capture the concept of this vision so that it will capture you and provide a foundation for your personal ministry.  Praise the Lord for our strategic direction for the future!  Get ready, God is working through us to welcome new members, to communicate better, and to partner with the community!

In Christ,  Andrew

Forty members of The First & Calvary Youth Choir and ten chaperones had a wonderful adventure the last week of May on the annual Youth Choir trip.  We want to extend our sincere thanks to our parents and our church family for making this week possible.

The choir shared their music in Clinton, South Carolina with the residents of The Presbyterian Manor, the students at AMI Kids reform school, and the Wednesday morning prayer breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church, before moving on to sing at Southport Presbyterian Church in Southport, North Carolina.  We had an opportunity to visit The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina and we spent a day at Carolina Beach.  Each day of our trip ended with a devotional time led by choir members.  I wish each of you could be there while our students discuss their faith journeys.  It is so inspiring!  As we travel back home, each of our choir members writes a note in our journal.

Here are a few excerpts from their comments: 

• "I loved this trip and I love this choir!" -Sam, 6th grade
• "I learned so much about myself, about God, and about others and I'm very thankful for that." -Hannah, 9th grade
• "This trip has been life changing!" -Chandler, 11th grade
• "I feel so blessed to have been a part of this choir. I don't know where I'd be without it.  God bless this choir!" -Rachel, 12th grade
• "The fellowship that we've shared has changed me for the better. I can't wait until next year!" -Caleb, 11th grade
• "I love this family and the music that we make together!" -Natalie, 11th grade
• "I am so thankful for a church family where I feel accepted!" -Natalie, 10th grade
• "Youth Choir has taught me so much through the years about myself and has strengthened my faith." -Hailey 10th grade
• "There are no words to describe the experiences and memories of a Youth Choir trip." -Katherine, 8th grade
• "I've bonded with my Youth Choir and strengthened my faith in God." -Caleb, 8th grade
• "I've been in America for only five months and in the Youth Choir for three months.  I'm totally moved and inspired by the group!" -Ken, 10th grade

Our Youth Choir has been well served by our graduating seniors:  Rachel Blakey, Julia Butler, Katie Ellis, Anthony Lemalu, Caitie Post, Cassi Post and Amanda Trotter.  The last day of the trip our choir included a special "Senior Send-Off", in which the choir members lay hands on the seniors as we pray for their future and their faith.  They have been tremendous mentors and role models for our younger youth and we know they will continue to be  wonderful leaders and share their faith as they move into new chapters in their lives.

THANK YOU, FIRST & CALVARY for your strong support of these young people.  You are building up God's Kingdom!

Joyfully, Sheila

A BIG thank-you to all who supported the Binnie Clements Guild with the May Day BBQ Fundraiser! This event helped continue the mission of our founder, Binnie Clements, by
raising just over $10,000 for local children's charities.

Binnie Clements Guild Meeting

June 24-Luncheon at 12:00 noon

Personal hygiene items will be donated to Harmony House (formally the Violence Center). Suggested items include shampoo, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

Our speaker will be from Harmony House. We will not meet in July and August, but will resume meeting on September 30th!

All-Church Patriotic Potluck Dinner  

Enjoy the harmony of Queen City Sound during this evening of  church family fellowship and food! "Real Women.Real Harmony.Real Fun" describes this award winning Springfield choral group! 

Sing along to patriotic music and other tunes as we share a meal together in the Fellowship Hall and North Atrium. Bring a favorite family dish to share. The church is providing drinks and paper goods.

This evening is sponsored by the Congregational Life Committee for your enjoyment!

Everywhere Fun Fair:

Where God's World Comes Together...

Sign up to volunteer here.

Or email Erika O'Bryant.

For children ages 3 by July 1 and diaper free through Grade 5  

The Children's Ministry would like to invite all 2013-2014 Kindergarten students to a breakfast in their honor on August 11th at 9:45am in the Fellowship Hall.

Children and parents will have an opportunity to meet each other, to provide support to parents and students as they transition to Kindergarten from preschool, to hear about the experiences of families who have made the transition, and to learn about the opportunities for Kindergarten students at F&C! Please RSVP by August 4th to Erika O'Bryant or call the church office.

Men's Retreat

October 4-6 at Roaring River State Park!  

We're giving you plenty of time to set aside these days so that you can plan to be part of our men's gathering this fall! Join other men of the church for a weekend of fellowship, fishing, and spiritual growth!

Women's Conference

Friday evening, October 18 and Saturday (all day) October 19 at First & Calvary.

Zoe Elmore will be our speaker.

Visit Zoe's blog here!