July 9, 2025

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

We are continuing our journey with Jonah this week. In chapter (Chapter 2) Jonah prays. What else would he be doing while in the belly of the fish (it’s a fish, not a whale). It keeps the story going in some unexpected ways while at the same time it makes sense to think about how and when and why we pray. It makes sense for the narrator to have Jonah going to prayer as clearly, he is under water and way over his head. Our lives can be like that; when we can feel overwhelmed by what’s going on in our own lives and in the world, and not sure what to do. When we are in those situations, we can succumb, panic, get angry, give up, or pray. All of the above, none of the above?

We might wonder at times, whether we should continue in prayer if things don’t change or we don’t get what we are asking for. I suppose we are prone to assume that God is like some type of wish granter who with the wave of a wand can make it happen. However, as we look throughout the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, we can see places where there were miracles taking place and where they did not take place. For example, not everyone who came to hear Jesus and were ill were healed and yet others were. I don’t think there are any easy answers to most of our questions about life, however, I think prayer helps us remember we are connected to something beyond any one of us; something that connects us as a community and something that reminds us that we are not alone in this life. And that’s a promise we have carried for over 2000 years.

Jonah prayed and we might think his prayer was answered when the fish “vomited” and tossed him onto the dry land. Yes, that word is in the translation, by the way! In his mind, perhaps, his prayers were answered and that God is done with him. Oh boy, how he got that one wrong.

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: Duane, Mike, Serena Rose, John and Audrey, Carol F., Tom, Michael & Chelsea, Bob & Nancy, Laura & Marc.

And those members of Calvary who are no longer able to be active among us as they once were: Joan, Bernie, Dottie, Bill, Bob, Pepper, Shirley, Marj, June, Helen.

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

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

Vacation Bible School
Cokesbury Kids Road Trip - On the Go with God!

Calvary UMC's Family Ministries is excited to announce Vacation Bible School 2025:

Cokesbury Kids Road Trip - On the Go with God!

July 21st - 25th

5:30pm to 8pm

Our VBS program is open for children entering Kindergarten through entering 6th. 7th - 12th graders may sign up and will participate as Jr. Leaders to the program!

Cokesbury's promo video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWjlOtUGyqc

Early registration IS available now: vbspro.events/p/549865

As usual, we are looking for people who would like to volunteer to lead a station, a group of kids, help serve dinner, decorate, etc. It's a big undertaking and we couldn't do it without our incredible volunteers. Sign ups will be available soon!

If you have any questions, you may email Kristen anytime at kristenrains.calvaryumc@gmail.com.

Volunteers Needed for VBS

PASSIONATE SERVICE

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) - Texas Floods

There has been much on the news regarding the floods in Texas and the devastation for so many people. We also are witness to the work of so many in rescue and recovery work. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is one of the first groups in and often one of the last groups to leave in disasters here and around the world.

If you would like to help the relief efforts in Texas by making a donation, the advance number for UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery is #901670. Donations can also be made online at: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670/. Generally, there is not a separate number for each disaster, however, UMCOR is currently using existing funds to support the work of Rio Texas Disaster Response.

If you would like to make a check to Calvary for this purpose, please put "Texas" in the memo line and we will forward the monies.

Rio Texas Conference, where the Guadalupe River Flood took place, also has put out information about how to give to their Conference Disaster Response. Here is the information they gave:

Checks made payable to: Rio Texas Disaster Response

Address: 16400 Huebner Rd, San Antonio TX 78248

Memo: Guadalupe River Flood

Adopt-A-Plot

Please consider "adopting a plot" for the summer months to help maintain the outside grounds of Calvary. Nothing says "welcome" like curb appeal!

The areas where maintenance is needed are as follows:

1) Under the education wing windows

2) From the front light pole to the left side of the entrance

3) The right side of the entrance to the stained-glass window

4) From the stained-glass window to the north corner of the church building

5) Spraying cracks in sidewalks with your choice of weed killer to minimize weed growth

The job would consist of weeding and trimming, if needed and returning the landscape stones to where they belong as they tend to wander.

This would be on your schedule and most likely every 2-3 weeks would be sufficient.

If this is something you may be called to take on, please contact Linda Melanson at or melansonlinda@hotmail.com or
518-312-0399. Thank you!

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.