August 12, 2026

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

In Worship This Week...

Some battles happen in broad daylight. Others unfold quietly in the darkness, known only to God and to the one who is struggling.

Jacob has spent years wrestling with his brother, his father, his uncle, and the consequences of his own decisions. But on the eve of finally meeting Esau again, he discovers that his deepest struggle has always been within himself.

The story of Jacob wrestling beside the Jabbok River is one of the most mysterious passages in all of Scripture. A stranger appears in the night. They struggle until dawn. Jacob refuses to let go without receiving a blessing. By morning he walks away with a new name, and a limp that will remind him of that encounter for the rest of his life.

Genesis never fully explains the mystery. And perhaps that's the point. Not every encounter with God can be neatly summarized. Many of us know what it feels like to wrestle; with doubt, grief, fear, unanswered prayers, or difficult decisions that keep us awake long after everyone else has fallen asleep. Faith does not eliminate those struggles. Instead, faith invites us to bring them honestly before God.

Jacob's blessing does not come because he was stronger than God. It comes because he refused to let go. Perhaps that's what faithful perseverance often looks like—not having all the answers, but continuing to seek God even in the midst of uncertainty.

Interestingly, Jacob leaves the encounter both blessed and changed. His new name, Israel, marks a new identity. His limp reminds him that profound encounters with God often leave us different than we were before.

Join us this Sunday as we explore one of Scripture's most unforgettable stories and discover that our deepest struggles may also become places where God's grace meets us most powerfully.

Only two chapters remain in our Family Reunion. Next week we meet Joseph, and the painful consequences of favoritism begin to unfold.

Exciting News: Welcome John Kelly – Our New Church Sexton!

Dear Calvary United Methodist Church Community,

We are thrilled to announce an addition to our church family—John Kelly. John has joined us as our new Church Sexton. John has an extensive background in custodial duties and care for Capitol Region Church Schools as well as local School Districts. Please welcome John to our Calvary Church community.

Sexton Rolls and Responsibilities:

John’s position will now be 18 hours a week, primarily focused on cleaning, with limited involvement in event set-up and tear down. John will be responsible for snow removal of sidewalks and entrances. Snow removal of the parking lot will continue to be sourced to a snow removal company. The current management of the building’s maintenance and event coordination needs will remain the same.

Maintenance Process:

For all maintenance and repair needs, we have implemented the following process. Please submit requests through the Maintenance Request Log, located in the Copier Room. The log operates on a 3-priority level system:

• Level 1: Emergency attention required. Please contact the Chair of Trustees in addition to submitting to the log.

• Level 2: Immediate maintenance needs.

• Level 3: Addressed as time and budget permit.

The log will be checked weekly by a Building Team Coordinator/Trustee to address requests promptly.

Event Set-Up Requests:

For event set-up needs, submit a Work Order Request Form two weeks prior to the event for approval by Pastor Drew. If approved, Bill will assist with the set-up. If not approved Pastor Drew will return the Work order to you with an explanation.

Call to Action:

We encourage all church members to pitch in where able, ensuring spaces are kept tidy and returned to original set ups after use. As well as reporting any maintenance needs through the Maintenance Log.

If you would like to support this transition by volunteering to help with sidewalk and entry way snow removal or helping with maintenance needs as a member of a building team, please contact Pastor Drew.

Finally, let's warmly welcome John Kelly to this new role and embrace the positive changes ahead!

In Christ,

Peggy McDonnell, SPRC Chair

Ministry Fair - September 13th

Calvary’s Ministry and Mission leaders will be sharing different ways that each of us can work toward living out our Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

Join us after worship on Sunday, September 13th, in the Gathering Space for our Ministry Fair! Come learn more about the many ministries and mission opportunities at Calvary, discover ways to get involved, and find a place where your gifts and interests can make a difference.

We hope to see you there!

Welcome Back Sunday – September 13th

Mark your calendars for Welcome Back Sunday on September 13th as we gather to celebrate a new season in the life of Calvary!

After a year filled with capital campaigns, mission trips, special events, and the many joys and demands of ministry, alongside the daily weight of world conflict, political division, economic uncertainty, and the ordinary responsibilities of life we believe God is inviting us into something both ancient and deeply needed: Sabbath.

This fall, our congregation will begin a year-long journey of Sabbath Keeping, inspired by Jesus' invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30). Throughout Scripture, even the land is given seasons of rest so that it may be renewed and prepared for future harvest. Sabbath is not the absence of purpose, it is the practice that restores, nourishes, and strengthens us for the life God continues to call us to live.

Welcome Back Sunday will also mark the return of many beloved ministries, including our Choir, Children's Church, and Youth Group, as well as the launch of an exciting new Tweens Ministry for students in grades 5–8. During worship, we'll also celebrate our annual Blessing of the Backpacks and Lesson Planners, praying for students, teachers, school staff, and families as a new school year begins.

Come celebrate, reconnect, and discover how God is calling us to rest, renew, and grow together. We can't wait to welcome you home!

Blessing of the Backpacks & Lesson Planners – September 13th

As a new school year begins, we invite all students, teachers, school staff, administrators, and college students to join us for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks and Lesson Planners during worship on Welcome Back Sunday, September 13.

Children and youth are encouraged to bring their backpacks to church, and teachers, school staff, and administrators are invited to bring their lesson planners, laptops, tote bags, or another symbol of their work in education. Together, we will ask God's blessing upon all who teach, learn, lead, and serve in our schools.

The beginning of a school year brings excitement, new opportunities, and sometimes uncertainty. As a church family, we want everyone heading into classrooms and campuses to know they are surrounded by the love, encouragement, and prayers of their faith community.

Whether you're entering kindergarten, starting high school, heading off to college, teaching your first class, or beginning another year of faithful service, we hope you'll bring your backpack or planner and allow us the privilege of praying for you. May God grant wisdom, courage, curiosity, compassion, and peace for the year ahead.

We look forward to celebrating this special tradition together on September 13!

A Year of Sabbath Keeping at Calvary

This fall, Calvary is embarking on a year-long journey centered on the spiritual practice of Sabbath Keeping.

In a world that constantly tells us to do more, move faster, and stay busy, Scripture offers a different invitation. From the rhythm of creation to the teachings of Jesus, Sabbath reminds us that holy rest is not a luxury—it is part of God's design for abundant life.

Sabbath is more than simply taking a day off. It is the intentional practice of making space for God to restore our bodies, renew our spirits, deepen our relationships, and remind us that our worth comes not from what we accomplish but from whose we are. Like fields left fallow between harvests, we discover that seasons of intentional rest prepare us for future growth and fruitfulness.

This journey is not about adding more church programming to already busy lives. Quite the opposite. Throughout the year, we'll offer simple, flexible opportunities to practice Sabbath at your own pace. Families and individuals will have access to at-home retreat guides and devotional resources. Beginning this fall, our sanctuary will be open every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for quiet prayer, reflection, and silence. Our ministry teams and committees will also explore how Sabbath can shape the way we lead, serve, and make decisions together.

Whether you're new to Sabbath or have practiced it for years, we invite you to join us as we discover together how God restores, renews, and revives us through the gift of holy rest.

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: Coleen, Mike, Serena Rose, John and Audrey, Michael & Chelsea, Laura & Marc, Patrick G., Katherine D., Tom and Family, Cheryl, Laura, Paula, Kathy, Dave & grandson Jesse.

And those members of Calvary who are no longer able to be active among us as they once were: Joan, Bernie, 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

For more information, please visit our Family Ministry page.

Tween Bible Study Starting This September

Got Questions? We’ve Got a Place for You!

Ever wonder what the Bible has to say about friendships, school, family, making tough choices, or just figuring life out? Or maybe you’ve got questions about God that you’ve never really had a chance to ask. This fall Calvary is starting a new class for fifth through eighth graders.

Come hang out with us for "Sunday Morning Bible Study" starting Sunday, September 13th!

We’ll explore some great Bible stories, talk about what they mean for us today, ask questions, share our ideas, and—yes— eat some snacks and have some fun along the way. You don’t need to be a Bible expert. You don’t even need to know anything about the Bible! Just bring yourself and your questions.

We will meet during worship, at our regular Sunday School time.

Come check it out. Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Bring your sense of humor.

We’d love to have you join us!

Youth Group Registration and Meetings

Youth Group is open for Grades 6-12. We meet after worship services on Sunday from 11:30-1:00. Here are the dates we will meet:

Sept 13 Dec 6 Mar 21

Sept 20 Dec 13 Apr 4

Sept 27 Jan 3 Apr 11

Oct 4 Jan 10 Apr 18

Oct 11 Jan 17 Apr 25

Oct 18 Jan 24 May 2

Oct 25 Jan 31 May 16

Nov 1 Feb 28 May 23

Nov 8 Mar 7 Jun 6

Nov 15 Mar 14

Please register using this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSet51L7U13kHTB4LyezfSHIzp1LH-fk4IAsgt_ueaMZ3qb-Gg/viewform?usp=header

For more information please contact Charity Preston at charitypreston.calvaryumc@gmail.com

PASSIONATE SERVICE

Mark Your Calendars

The RedBird Mission - Shoebox Project starts on September 13th

Our annual Red Bird Mission Shoebox Project kicks off on Sunday, September 13! Now is the perfect time to begin shopping while back-to-school sales are in full swing. School supplies are often deeply discounted this time of year, making it a great opportunity to pick up items for the shoeboxes.

Watch for more information and a list of needed items in the coming weeks. Thank you for helping us share God's love with children and families served by Red Bird Mission!

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.

Rags to Riches
St. Ambrose Food Pantry
Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Find More Volunteer Opportunities

JOYFUL GIVING

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.

OPEN TO ALL

Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries Trainings Available

The 3-Hour Safe Sanctuaries Training is required for those serving in our ministries, and must be renewed every 5 years per Upper New York Conference standards.

Upcoming online Zoom training sessions are listed here: https://www.unyumc.org/safe-sanctuaries

In-person training can also be arranged upon request to Charity Preston at charitypreston.calvaryumc@gmail.com.

Please reach out with any questions or to get signed up!

You're Invited to the Methodist Farm Children's Picnic

The Methodist Farm Campers Association is happy to share this invitation to a Children's Picnic to be held on Methodist Farm, Saturday, August 22nd. There will be games, crafts, lunch, and other available activities on hand!

Parents are being asked to remain with their chinchald during the event. They will also be counted in lunch numbers, so the RSVP is important to us.

Any further questions may be directed to Fran Wilson at fmcw2000@aol.com.

Click Here to see Flyer

Please RSVP via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzcOYXfgDBK8GU_HreUlP9uuMI0NYzm5EjWzOpI9Oa6OsWHw/viewform?usp=dialog

Preschool Summer Camp Update

This week at summer camp, we are surrounded by ROCKSTARS!! The kids have been playing instruments, singing their own songs, and making backstage passes and band tees. There may even be a stage performance in our future!

Contact Michelle at LathamCalvaryPreK@gmail.com if you or anyone you know is still looking for a preschool.

Tellers Schedule

The Tellers for this Sunday, August 16th, 2026

Kathy Whitsett and Neil Francese

Click here to see the full Teller Schedule.

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