This month, Calvary will mark the 20th anniversary of our Uplift contemporary worship gathering. “The Early Service,” as it’s often known, has changed over the years. And a lot of different people have been involved. But over the course of the coming month, many of those former worship leaders will be helping us out on Sunday mornings. And at 7 PM on Saturday, September 11, there will be a special concert here at Calvary to celebrate the way that God has used this service to draw people to Himself. Even if you’re not a regular “Uplift” participant, we hope you’ll join us!
Sunday, 9/05 at Calvary
Pastor Alex Martin begins a new sermon series called, “Sweeter than Honey: Old Covenant Law for New Covenant People.” This week’s message is rooted in Exodus 19:1-6 and invites us to see “The Law as Grace and Gift.” We’re practicing social distancing and encouraging everyone to wear masks, and we’d love to have you join us in worship as part of your holiday weekend plan.
- Uplift Service: 8:30
- Sunday School: 9:45
- Traditional Worship: 10:55
Have a great Labor Day Weekend!
Red Cross Blood Drive
Calvary will be sponsoring its next Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM. As always, there is an urgent need for blood in our community. So if you’re eligible, we encourage you to donate. To reserve a donation time, you can make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org. And even if you can’t donate, you can support the effort by volunteering to register donors or to staff the snack area.
Sanctuary Choir
If you enjoy singing, please consider joining the Calvary Choir! Whether you read music or not, everyone is welcome! Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary.
Blessing of the Backpacks
In preparation for the start of a new school year, Calvary will have a “Blessing of the Backpacks” on Sunday, August 22. Students are encouraged to bring their backpacks to worship and to participate in a special time of prayer and commissioning for them, their families, and the members of our church who serve as teachers and staff in local schools.
Wednesday Night Activities
September 8th: Start of Mid-Week Ministries for Fall 2021. Snack Supper, Mission Friends, RA’s, GA’s, Youth, and Adult Bible Study. Special plans are being made for fellowship and mission this fall. Don’t miss out!
Change in Worship Schedule
On Sunday, February 21, Calvary will resume our “Pre-Coronavirus” worship schedule. This means that our contemporary service will begin at 8:30; Sunday School will begin at 9:45; and our traditional service will begin at 10:55 (and childcare will be provided). For the safety of our worshipers and guests, we will continue to ask that everyone observe social distancing and wear masks. But we look forward to this significant step in getting “back to church.”
Women’s Bible Study – Winter 2021
Old Testament heroes are best known for their most celebrated moments: Moses dividing the Red Sea, David slaying Goliath…and Elijah calling down fire on Mount Carmel. Don’t many of us long for the kind of boldness and faith that can stand firm on Mount Carmel and pray down heaven into impossible situations? Yet how many are willing to go through the process required to get there? In a new 7-week Bible study titled, “Elijah: Faith and Fire,” Priscilla Shirer shows how strength of faith, character, and boldness can only be shaped in the hidden fires of silence, sameness, solitude, and adversity.
This new “virtual” Bible study will begin on Sunday, February 21, and will meet at 6 PM each week. Ladies who would like to participate can purchase their materials and online access to Priscilla’s teaching sessions directly from Lifeway for $25. To get a link to these resources and to sign up for the weekly “Zoom” session, please contact Kim Morrison (kmorrison@mtairy.k12.nc.us) no later than Sunday, Feb. 14.
Cereal Drive
With so many families still hurting because of the coronavirus and its economic impact, there is a real need to followers of Jesus to demonstrate His love by offering practical assistance. That’s why our church will be supporting the work of our local food bank this month with a “Cereal Drive.” During February, we would like to collect no fewer than 500 boxes of cereal that can be delivered to Yokefellow to feed hungry families. Cereal can be dropped off at church on Sunday morning or when the office is open during the week. And if you’d like to support the drive by making a financial gift, please make sure your check or envelope is marked “Cereal Drive.” [For those who use our online giving tools, you can donate to the “Special Projects” fund.]
Covid Update for January 2021
You’re Invited Back to Church:
In their meeting this week, Calvary’s deacons decided that we will invite our church family to return to in-person worship and Bible study on Sunday, January 17, 2021. For the time being, we will continue to have only one worship service, which will take place at 9 o’clock and which will also be shared on Facebook. Our Sunday School classes will begin after worship. And there will be childcare for both Sunday morning activities.
Of course, the coronavirus continues to be genuine concern in our area. And so, we urge everyone to make their own determination whether it’s safe for them to be back in church. In addition, we want you to know that as we return to in-person gathering, social distancing will be practiced, and everyone will be asked to wear a mask while they’re in the church building.
If you have any questions about our Sunday morning schedule or other ministries, please contact the church office.