May 1, 2024

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

As we gather for worship this week, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. Our Scripture passage for this Sunday is from the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verses 9 through 17. In these verses, Jesus speaks of love, unity, and the profound relationship  Christ offers to hie followers.


As we delve into this rich and meaningful passage, we will explore the depth of Christ's love for us and the transformative power it holds in our lives. We will also reflect on how we can actively receive this love and share it with others in our community and beyond.


At the heart of John 15:9-17 is the beautiful truth that we are loved unconditionally by our Savior. Jesus declares, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love" (John 15:9, ESV). This invitation to abide in Christ's love is an invitation to experience a profound sense of belonging, acceptance, and security in Him. It is a love that knows no bounds, a love that is steadfast and unwavering, a love that transcends all understanding.


As we gather in worship, let us open our hearts to receive this love in all its fullness. Let us allow ourselves to be embraced by the overwhelming grace and mercy of our Lord, knowing that we are cherished and valued beyond measure. And as we bask in the warmth of His love, let us be inspired to extend that same love to those around us – our families, our friends, our neighbors, and even strangers we encounter along life's journey.


In John 15:12, Jesus gives us a new commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you." This commandment challenges us to move beyond mere words and into action – to love sacrificially, compassionately, and unconditionally, just as Christ loves us. It is a call to embody the love of Christ in all that we say and do, reflecting His light and grace to a world in desperate need of hope and healing.


As we prepare our hearts for worship this week, I invite you to join me in prayerful anticipation of the ways in which God will move among us. May we come together with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the abundance of blessings that He has in store for us. And may we leave this place renewed, refreshed, and empowered to be agents of Christ's love in our world.


Click on the links below to see the following informational documents:

· Instruction on how to find the Sunday Worship service on Facebook

· Calvary UMC Covid-19 reopening guidelines

Please keep in your prayers:

Calvary’s mission and ministry and for the mission and ministry of the church in the world; for those who need the presence of God in their lives; for those serving in armed forces; and for those serving in ministry around the world and here. 

 And for: Pat, Kyle, Ellen, Duane, Bonnie, Karen and Bud, Wendy, Allison, Shelby, Paul, David, Bob, June, Dennis, Ragina, Patti, Bill.

And those members of Calvary who are no longer able to be active among us as they once were: Joan, Bernie, Shirley, Dottie, Bill, Doris, Bob, Mickey, Peg, Pepper, Jean, and Barb.

Virtual Prayer Request

If you have a prayer request that you would like lifted during Sunday services you can now submit them online at our website or by clicking the link below.  We have also created this QR code, which can be found in the Sanctuary and round the building.  It can be scanned at any time to send a request.

Calvary Online Prayer Requests


SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Join a House Church!

Calvary’s House Church, ministry continues to grow and remain a vital component of our worship life together. With six active house churches, forty five participants we are seeing tremendous response. One participant has said “Joining house church was the best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time.”... See More

Click here to see the Top of the Week email

 For more information, and upcoming events check out our  Family Ministries Page.

Memorial Scholarship Program

2023 Scholarship Application

Calvary United Methodist Church is pleased to offer financial assistance in the form of a one-time only scholarship for students who are members of Calvary and who will be attending college in the fall of 2024. Awards will be determined based upon several factors including church and community service, leadership, and academic achievement. 

Baker Memorial program, established initially through the George Baker Memorial, is maintained by the Trustee and has been an active program for many years. Contributions to this program are always appreciated.

 

CLICK HERE for an Application or obtain one at the church office during the month of May. All applications must be submitted to the church office via email at calvaryumclatham@gmail.com, mail (15 Ridge Place Latham, NY 12110) or in person by the deadline of June 3, 2024.

Howe Music Endowment

The Howe Music Endowment is in place for the benefit of members of Calvary United Methodist Church for music education. The endowment is managed by the Trustees and offers an annual gift for the pursuance of vocal and (or) instrumental instruction. It is the intent of the endowment to encourage candidates (7th grade to adults) who are members of a musical performance group at Calvary, to enhance their musical skills.

 

CLICK HERE for an Applications or obtain one at the church office during the month of May. All applications must be submitted to the church office via email at calvaryumclatham@gmail.com, mail (15 Ridge Place Latham, NY 12110) or in person by the deadline of June 3, 2024.

VBS Panera Fundraiser


Join us for a VBS fundraiser at Panera Bread in Latham on May 16th between 4pm and 8pm. If you are ordering in person, just make sure you tell them you are here for the fundraiser at checkout or print this FLYER! If you are using the online checkout, kiosk or Panera App, make sure to use the code FUND4U. 


Thank you for your support! We hope to see you there!

Youth Group "Gong Show"
Sunday, May 19th after worship in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, May 19th after worship, the Youth Group will host a Gong Show!  This will serve  as a Fundraiser for their summer mission trip to the Niagara Falls area.  A free will offering will be collected.  All are welcome to attend.  

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by clicking Here.

Anyone wishing to be an act in the show should contact Charity Preston at charitypreston.calvaryumc@gmail.com.

Youth Group Summer Mission Trip

We wanted to share the details of our Summer Mission Trip to the Niagara Falls area.  We will be working one day at Heart, Love, & Soul: We will be serving lunch at their soup kitchen, and helping with other projects around their facility (food pantry, etc.) https://heartloveandsoul.org/ .  We also will be working another day at Community Missions of Niagara Frontier: Also possibility to serve lunch, and help at food pantry & clothing closet. https://www.communitymissions.org/ 

Skye Farm - Day at Camp
Save the Date!
June 8th - 10am - 5pm


Calvary UMC's annual Day at Camp event will be on June 8th from 10am to 5pm. Join us for a day of fun at Skye Farm! We will be doing a morning service project while enjoying an afternoon of recreation! This is an event for the whole church, family-friendly, and a great way to give back to our camp ministries while also introducing the kids to the Skye Farm Summer Camp experience! Lunch will be available for purchase or you are welcome to pack a picnic. More details to come! We hope to see you there! Sign up will be available in the Gathering Space starting this Sunday, May 5th.

Support the Campership Fund: Help Send Children and Youth to Skye Farm

Dear Calvary UMC Family,

As we enter the summer season, we have an exciting opportunity to support our children and youth in their spiritual growth and development by contributing to the Campership Fund. Each year, many of our young members express a strong desire to attend Christian summer camp at Skye Farm, where they can experience the beauty of God's creation, engage in experiential learning, and deepen their connection with God.

Skye Farm plays a vital role in the spiritual formation of our children and youth, providing them with unique opportunities to grow in their faith, build lasting friendships, and experience God's love in tangible ways. Through a variety of activities, including worship, Bible study, outdoor adventures, and community building, campers are empowered to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ in a supportive and nurturing environment.

However, the cost of attending summer camp can be a barrier for many families. That's where the Campership Fund comes in. By contributing to this fund, you can help make it possible for children and youth from all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of Sky Farm.

We invite you to join us in supporting the Campership Fund and making a difference in the lives of our young members. All donations should be made out to Calvary UMC, with "Campership Fund" written in the memo line. Your generosity will help ensure that every child and youth who desires to attend summer camp at Skye Farm has the opportunity to do so.

Together, let's invest in the spiritual growth and development of our children and youth, and empower them to encounter God in new and meaningful ways this summer.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Crack an Egg on Pastor Gordon  

Pastor Gordon has agreed to allow Pastor Drew to "Egg" him if we are able to raise $2,000. Please donate this week to help support Family Ministries at Calvary.

Parenting Book Study Update

We are very sorry, but due to the unforeseen circumstances of Kristen's medical leave, the book study will have to be postponed until the 24/25 school year. We recognize that May and June tend to be hectic times in the lives of our families and we feel that this study will be better served at a later time. Thank you so much and we will continue to keep everyone informed as we finalize dates.

PASSIONATE SERVICE

ENL Tutoring Interest Meeting
Sunday, May 5th at 11:15 am

We are in need of volunteers interested in helping adults learn English as a New Language (ENL). Teaching experience is NOT required; Calvary provides basic training and resources. Tutors set their own meetings with individuals or small groups at times that work with their schedule. Please come talk with those involved in the ENL tutoring program after church May 5th in the Gathering Space to learn more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity. 

Outdoor Spring Clean-Up
Thank You!!!

Thanks to all who helped with grounds clean-up last Saturday - Paul Breslin, John Drake, Graig Hoffman, Mike Danis, Shannon Gorman, Pastor Drew and Emily, Dan O'Brien and kids, Gail Friedman and Bill Artini.  It is much appreciated! 

We Care List

The We Care list has been updated. Please contact the church office to get a new copy.

Calvary Missional Partnerships

Calvary has long standing relationships with a number of mission organizations that impact people from the local area.  For more information on the following organizations, please click here.

Street Soldiers


PLEASE NOTE: They are not accepting clothing, coats, housewares, or books at this time.

Needed:  


We have a GoFundMe account used to purchase hot food from 3 local, family owned restaurants that support us regularly with donations and for produce purchased from long time supporter, Capital Roots.  


Did You Know Facts!

OPEN TO ALL

King’s Kids

Presents

Beauty and the Beast

 

King’s Kids will present the musical Beauty and the Beast on Friday, May 10th, and Saturday May 11th at 7:30pm. An arrogant young prince and his castle's servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return.

 

Tickets are $15.00 and will be available at the door. Come and enjoy a great evening of song and dance.

Calvary's Annual Golf Outing

The Annual Calvary Golf Outing will be on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Saratoga Spa Golf Course. Tee times between 12:30pm - 1:30pm.  Cost will be $95/golfer which includes 18 holes, cart, dinner, and door prizes.  To sign up please contact Nate Preston at npreston@gmail.com by June 17. 

Calvary's Treasures

Calvary's Treasures is looking for donations to restock our inventory.  We have sold over 100 items so far in 2024, raising over $2,700.  Items can be NIB (New in Box), Vintage (both Pastor Drew AND Pastor Gordon are considered vintage), or a newer gently used item.  Please contact John Drake, jhdrake40@gmail.com or 518-965-5210, if you have items that you would like to donate. 

Preschool Summer Camp 2024

Calvary Methodist Preschool's Summer camp is open for registration!!
There is limited openings each week for 3 - 6 year old kids.

For more information and registration form Click Here

Support Calvary

If you would like to Support the ministry of Calvary, you may do so using the link below or QR code. Thank you for your generosity.

https://giving.servantkeeper.com/CalvaryLathamUMC 

For more ways to support Calvary, please click here.

Tellers Schedule

The Tellers for this Sunday, May 5th, 2024

Dottie Norvik and Michelle Simkulet

Click here to see the full Teller Schedule.