First and Calvary Called to Prayer

When our former Associate Pastor Greg Ellis announced that he was going to Washington state, Rev. Susan Rosenbaum, the Pastoral Presbyter for John Calvin Presbytery, called with her own news that she was going to preach at First and Calvary. It is her tradition to preach at a church when there is a pastoral transition, and she did preach on September 21. Tuesday evening, September 23, she returned with Rev. Melana Scruggs to meet with past and present elders. As part of the agenda, they presented the recent recommendations of the General Assembly and were available to answer questions from the elders. Some very weighty issues were discussed including divestiture in Israel and gay marriage. Details regarding the General Assembly's recommendations can be found at PCUSA.org. The next step for F&C is a congregational forum that will be held in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m.
 

Many in our congregation are asking, "What does this mean to us?" How do we focus ourselves upon God as we discuss matters of great importance to our church? Find time for silent prayer. Early in the morning or late at night, find a place where you can focus upon God and center yourself as you pray for First and Calvary. 

  • Luke 5:16 says, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." 
  • Psalm 139 states, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." 
  • Psalm 4:4 states, "Search your hearts and be silent."
  • Psalm 46:10 gives us a powerful challenge: "Be still, and know that I am God."

These are precious words from God. God wants us to be led by the Holy Spirit, to listen in the quiet, so that we can be like the Psalmist who wrote, "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3)
 

Blessings in Christ, Andrew

Don't Forget Your Directory!

The Pictorial Directories are HERE!! For each family who had their photo taken, you may pick up your complimentary copy in the church office from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day. Copies are also available for $10 if you were unable to participate in the photo shoots.

Inquirer's Class and New Connections

An Inquirer's Class will be held this Sunday, September 28 in Room 21 during the Sunday School hour. Hosted by a pastor, the Inquirer's Class offers an opportunity for newcomers to hear and discuss the subtleties of the faith. Once someone attends an Inquirer's Class, they can decide whether or not they feel called to join the church. A New Connection's class will be held October 5 during the Sunday School hour for new people who want to learn more about being a part of the First & Calvary family and someone who feels called to do something new at the church.

Congregational Forum

A Congregational Meeting will be held on October 29 at 6:00 pm to accept the Nominating Committee's slate of officers and Associate Pastor Search Committee as well as to discuss the General Assembly issues.

Binnie Clements Guild is having a Baby Shower!

The first meeting of the year for Binnie Clements Guild is Monday, September 29 at 12:00 noon in the Fellowship Hall. Our children's charity focus this month is the Greene County Health Department visiting nurses who have submitted a list of the most needed items for the babies in their care. The list includes: For newborns: 1 piece sleepers, soft, thin knit caps, and sleep sacks; small toys/rattles; 4 oz. baby bottles and bottle brushes; baby shampoo/baby wash; and Rid lice spray for furniture. Nancy Hoeman from the Greene County Health Department will be the speaker. Join us for lunch and join us in our efforts to aid local children's charities!  

A care group for single moms is starting here at First and Calvary as part of The Table on Wednesday nights. It begins September 24 from 5:15 pm until 7:15 pm in the Reception Room (026). After family dinner, children can participate in the fun child and youth activities while Mom participates in the care group. The Caring People, founded in 1997 by JoDee Herschend, reaches out to single moms with unconditional love, acceptance and friendship. Connect with F & C's Care Group! For more information, contact Sara Hester at 840-4437.  

Youth Progressive Dinner 

 

This Sunday, September 28, the youth will have their annual progressive dinner at 6:00 pm following Youth Choir! It is always a great time with delicious food, fun, and friendship. If you would like to help out, contact Rob at 417-860-5068. Students need to RSVP by Thursday, 9/25 so the church knows how many vans to rent. Come join us!

 Taking It on the Road!
One of the goals in First and Calvary's Music Ministry is to share our gifts outside the walls of our church. The Chancel Choir will be singing in our 8:30 am Sanctuary worship service on Sunday morning and then driving to Ozark Presbyterian Church to share our music in their 11:00 am Worship service.

 Last Chance for First and Calvary's 55 and over!

The deadline for joining the trip to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is Oct. 1. The trip will happen on Thursday, October 16. Please slide the envelope containing the form and a check for $52 (payable to F & C) under Sheila's door. If you have questions you can contact Sheila at 862-5068 at [email protected].

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers. The responsibility for passing on God's love is for all Christians, not just for a chosen few. God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a place where people can use gifts of caring ministry to bring Christ's healing love to others.

 

You may be called to be a Stephen Minister in the new invigorated program!  If so, contact Tina Marble 889-6622, Jo Morton 882-4092 or Nancy Clementson 882-0201.

Musical Offerings Concert Series


presents


The Springfield Chamber Chorus
Dr. Guy B. Webb, Director
Sunday, October 12
2:30 pm
First and Calvary's N. Atrium

The Springfield Chamber Chorus is a highly select, independent community choir specializing in the performance of unaccompanied choral literature, both sacred and secular. The chorus is comprised of singers from the Greater Springfield, Missouri area. Springfield Chamber Chorus strives to provide the Springfield community with professional caliber performances of a wide variety of choral literature. This concert is free and everyone is welcome!

What's Happening in Missions?
A lot!  But it doesn't happen without you!

The Pregnancy Care Center needs men and women to be role models and mentors to expectant parents.  Male mentors are neded for first time Dads.  Can you HELP?  Contact Steve Proffitt at 877-0800 or [email protected].

The Hatching project is looking for host couples.  As a host couple you would:  welcome and check in participants; Help children to the childcare area; Assist with dinner preparations and clean up; Distribute materials; collect materials at the end of class; be a good role model and make them feel like someone is watching out for them.  INTERESTED?  Contact Laura Haselden 893-7884 or [email protected].
Coordinator Needed for Holidays!  Here is a Mission opportunity you've been seeking!  Beginning October 1, through the holidays, Crosslines is in great need of a volunteer to coordinate the Adopt a Family program.  The volunteer (or volunteers - a couple) will review client applications and match clients to donors for distribution of Thanksgiving and Christmas food and toys.  Prayerfully consider a gift of your time to continue this fine tradition of an F&C member serving those in need in this role.  Contact Rebecca Anderson, who is a longtime member of First and Calvary and Crosslines Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Reminder, we are still collecting personal care items for Jarrett's "Hygiene Closet", which is open for distribution along with the "Backpack" distribution each Friday.  Items needed for the 2014-2015 school year include:  detergent (small bottles or pods in smaller counts), toilet paper, deodorant, feminine products, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, chapstick, lotion, etc.  You may drop items off outside the church office in the collection bin or contact Terri Raaphorst for more information at [email protected]

Save the Date!  Step Out to Fight Hunger!  2014 Springfield Area CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 pm at South Street Christian Church.  75% will be given to fight global hunger and 25% will be given help fight local hunger through Crosslines & Well of Life food pantries.  If you have questions, call 417-860-9303 or email Beth Dehaven [email protected].

Finishing Well Seminars

The first Finishing Well Seminar went very well and the next seminar is just around the corner! In the first seminar, guest speakers' presentations covered Power of Attorney; Wills and Trusts; Non-probate transfers, guardianships, and paying for Long-Term Health Care. An audio CD as well as slides from the first seminar are available, and reservations are currently being accepted for the next two seminars scheduled for October 4 and November 15 from 9:00 am until Noon. Topics for the Oct. 4 include Chronic Illness, Care Continuum, Hospice Process and Procedures, Organ Donation, and the Grieving Process, and for Nov. 15 are the Theology of Life and Death, Types and Contents of Services, Disposition of the Final Remains, and Bequests, Memorials & Gifts. Please RSVP your attendance by calling the church office at 862-5068 at least one week before each seminar.

Around Town

You might be interested in the following events happening around town!

The David Crowder Band will be launching its new Neon Steeple Tour right here in Springfield.  The concert is on Tuesday, September 30 at 7:30 pm at Remington's on Republic Road.  The concert will also feature All Sons & Daughters & Capital Kings.  David Crowder continues to perform with the Passion movement and was called one of the "most thoughtful, progressive and exciting acts in contemporary Christian music" by The New York Times.  For tickets visit crowdermusic.com.

Heritage of Hymns Concert on Saturday, October 4, 7:00 pm at the Evangel University Chapel.  A Community in Harmony is the theme of this year's inclusive experience.  It is a time for the greater community to sing, to speak, and to proclaim our faith through some of the greatest music ever written.  Partnering with the Springfield Symphony, this concert is free and open to the public.

The Springfield Community Band, Ron Brammer, Conductor, will be performing a concert of best loved band repertoire on Monday, October 6, at 7:30 pm at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.  The Springfield Community Band is a unique organization whose members reflect a wide range of ages, vocations, and professions who have been drawn together by a common love for making music on their chosen instruments.

Attention Men!

F&C is exploring the possibility of organizing a new men's small group focusing on men in professional careers.  If you are interested, please contact the church office and leave your name, phone number and email address or contact Bill Francis at 887-4287.  You will then be contacted about an organizational meeting.

Sunday School-September 28

9:45 am - 10:45 am

Adults

Crazy Love

Branches/014 - Mary Coulter

Evolution of Christian Worship

McClung/026 - Keith Hartner

Telling God's Story

March Fellowship/015 - Phill Burgess

Fresh Air: The Holy Spirit for an Inspired Life

Practices/114 - Leadership Team

Rooted in Good Relationships

Crossways/016 - Lisa Frederick

Jesus in the Gospel of John

Forty-Niners/115 - Joan Croston

Keeping Holy Time

Little-Bacon/020 - Art Trask

Improbable Possibilities

Hardin/116 -Neil Stenger

Youth @ 9:41 - Student Lounge

Children

Preschool Rooms, Teachers, & Lesson

Elementary Rooms, Teachers, & Lesson

 

2s:  Room 121 - Hannah Correll & Tamara de Wild


 

3s:  Room 214 - Chip & Cathy Potts, Becky & 

Eddie Tims


 

4/PreK5s: Room 215 - Ron & Kristin Butler

Kindergarten: Room 216Ann Collard, Krissie 

Stewart, Wayne & Marcia Hlavacek

Grades 1 & 2:  Room 219 - Chuck Hallam, 

Julie Peebles, David Shaw & Craig Young

Grades 3 & 4:  Room 220 - David & Kim 

Hess, Jim & Janet Weld

Grade 5:  Room 221 - David & Katie Moore, 

Robin & Jill Trotman

Hands On Lesson (3s)

The Best Help

Genesis 6:5-17

FaithWeaver Lesson (All other ages)

Noah Builds the Ark

Genesis 6:5-22

Preaching ScheduleSeptember 28

Traditional Services [8:30 am & 11:00 am]

Cal LeMon
God's love for us is above and beyond.
Contemporary Service [10:50]
Andrew Chaney
God's love for us is above and beyond.

The Table - October 1

BIBLE STUDIES AND SMALL GROUPS
MENU AND ACTIVITIES
Search:
Pastor-led Bible Study - Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20: God gives the law.  The Ten Commandments.  Meets in Rm 020.

BodyLife:
 Jason Streubel - Meets in the Chapel

The Prodigal God:
 Lisa Frederick - Meets in Room 015
Chicken and noodles, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, green salad, rolls, dessert, fruit, veggies, chunked cheese, chicken strips, yogurt.

Children - Faith4Life: Choir and Bible Study
Youth: Recreation and Bible Study
Adult: Search and Small Group Bible Studies

Church Calendar for September 28 - October 4


Sunday

  8:30  Traditional Worship/Sanctuary

  9:30  Coffee Fellowship/FH

  9:45  Sunday School for all ages

          Inquirer's Class/021

10:00  Chancel Choir to Ozark PC

11:00  Traditional Worship/Sanctuary

          Contemporary Worship/MPR

          Kairos/119

  4:00  Scribing Our Stories/015

  5:00  Youth Choir Rehearsal/202

  6:00  Progressive Dinner/Offsite

  7:00  Sun. Night College Worship/001

Monday

11:00  Binnie Clements Board/020

12:00  Binnie Clements Luncheon/FH

Tuesday

  9:00  Tuesday Ladies Bible Study/020

  1:00  Double F & C Knitters/Library

  6:30  Men's Bible Study/015

Wednesday

  6:45  Men's Prayer Breakfast/FH

  9:30  Amazing Collection Bible St./015

10:00  Search Bible Study/020

11:00  Open Prayer Time/Chapel

  1:00  Abigail Circle/114

Wednesday

  5:00  The Table/024
           Caring People Small Group/026
  5:30  Jesus in the Gospels Bible St./115
  6:00  Search Bible Study/020
          Joyful Singers/Meet in 225
          Junior Choir/Meet in 225
          Jubilate Ringers/303
  6:40  Faith 4 Life Children's Bible Study/220
           and 221
  7:15  Chancel Choir Rehearsal/202
  8:15  Camerata Rehearsal/202
Thursday
  9:00  Quilters/FH
  9:30  Disciple Bible Study/116
12:00  Committee On Ministry/021
  4:30  Building and Grounds/115
  6:30  Stephen Ministry Training/115
Friday
  9:30  Moms' Book Club/114
  4:00  International Life Dinner/FH
Saturday
  9:00  Finishing Well Seminar/024
 

News from the Church Family

Hospitalizations...  Mercy... Sandy Cowan, David Milburn, John Ames, Greg Redfern Cox... Morgan Owen  Other...

Pray For Our Homebound Friends in...
Magnolia Square - 1502 W Edgewood, Springfield 65807
Jeanette Berry #306
Sally Erke #212B
Mary Jane Hart #129

Congratulations to Ben and Bethany McDonald in the birth of Hazel Louise on September 17.

Collect Box Tops for Springfield Schools! Drop the logo in the jars on the tables in the South Atrium or on the 2nd floor.

46-Oz Cans Needed for the Flower Committee: Please bring clean cans to the church office for the Flower Committee to use to bring plants to our homebound members.

Need Prayer? Call Ellen Van Osdol at 882-9291 or call the church office at 862-5068.

If You Need a Ride to Worship or Sunday school, please call the church office, 862-5068, by noon Friday, or David Young at 942-4435 by noon Saturday.

Visit us on the WEB at www.firstandcalvary.org
Like us on FACEBOOK at
www.facebook.com/firstandcalvary
STAY IN TOUCH
Facebook   Twitter  
FB       T
820 E. Cherry
Springfield, MO - 417.862.5068