November 29, 2023
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
Join us for Worship Sunday Morning at 10am
As we embark on the journey of Advent, a season filled with anticipation and reflection, I am excited to invite you to join us for our first Sunday in Advent worship. This year, our Advent theme is "An Unlikely Advent," exploring the unexpected ways God brings hope, peace, joy, and love into our lives.
This Sunday, we dive into the opening chapter of Luke, where we encounter the extraordinary story of an unlikely advent – the birth of John the Baptist. In the midst of the ordinary lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth, God's promise of hope unfolds in the most unexpected way.
In Luke 1:1-25, we witness the unfolding of God's plan for the world, a plan that begins with a seemingly impossible promise. Zechariah and Elizabeth, well-advanced in years and without children, find themselves at the center of God's miraculous intervention. This unlikely advent becomes a beacon of hope for all of us, a reminder that God's promises are not bound by our circumstances.
As we gather in worship, we will delve into the intricacies of this passage, exploring the themes of hope, faith, and the unexpected nature of God's advent. Together, we'll reflect on how God's promises of hope intersect with our lives, especially in those moments that seem unlikely or challenging.
Advent is not just a season of counting down the days until Christmas; it's a sacred time of preparation and anticipation. It's an opportunity for us to open our hearts to the unexpected ways God is at work in our lives, bringing hope where we least expect it.
May this Advent season be a time of profound blessings for you and your loved ones. May God's promise of hope resonate in your hearts and guide you through this sacred season.
Click on the links below to see the following informational documents:
· Instruction on how to find the Sunday Worship service on Facebook
Generosity Campaign
Thank you to everyone who has already made a pledge to support our ministry at Calvary in 2024. Because of your generosity we have reached 83% of our goal. We are hopeful that we can get all the way to our $295,000 pledge goal and so humbly ask for anyone who has not yet pledge to conisder doing so by using the link below. If you have questions or need a paper copy of the commitment card please contact the church office.
Blue Christmas Worship Service
Thursday, December 21st at 7pm - Chapel
Thursday, December 21st at 7pm - Chapel
Every year as we approach Christmas some find there is no joy in their hearts and that it is hard to celebrate the season. Blue Christmas worship services help us to re-focus on what Christmas is all about. Join us this year for a meaningful service led by retired Pastor Carl Shepard, at 7pm on December 21st.
Christmas Poinsettias Sale
Calvary will once again be ordering Christmas poinsettias this year. We are offering 6" red or white poinsettias for $10 each. If you are interested in a poinsettia to beautify the altar and the sanctuary during the Christmas season, please fill out the order form linked below or found on the round table. Order forms, along with payment (cash or check, payable to Calvary UMC) are due by tomorrow Thursday, November 30th and can be placed in the basket located in the church office or sent in by mail.
Love Came Down at Christmas
Bring The Love of Christmas to Calvary's Adopt-A-Families: 1 Mom with 3 children and 1 Mom with 5 children.
The adopt-a family tree is in the Gathering Space.
1. Take your tag(s) off the tree. Feel free to collaborate with friends for larger gifts.
2. Return the New Unwrapped gifts and place under the tree.
3. Attach the Tag with a small piece of tape on each gift.
4. Families also need: cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, Lysol/Clorox spray, Lysol/Clorox wipes, napkins, sandwich and quart size freezer/storage plastic bags. *Must be NEW in packages.
5. All gifts MUST be returned by NOON, SUNDAY DECEMBER 17 TH, so we can deliver to the families in time for Christmas.
***Gift wrap, tags, tape are greatly appreciated also.*****
Thank you for helping to make these families Christmas Bright!
Christmas Cantata
The composer of this year's Cantata focused on the words "worship, mystery and beauty". He said his desire was to create a fresh telling of the Christmas story that is worshipful and beautiful. On Sunday, December 10th, our Senior choir will offer their gifts in worship by presenting Pepper Choplin’s “Night of the Father's Love: The Awe and Mystery of God with Us”
Advent Book Study
“An Unlikely Advent"
by Rachel Billups
Wednesdays (Hybrid) at 7 pm
November 29th-December 20th
Sign-up sheet can be found on the round table in the Gathering Space
Purchase your own book online or at your favorite book seller
Worship Amazon Wish List
Calvary's Altar Team is in the process of restocking our altar decor. They have created an Amazon Wish List with items that will help them provide inspiring and beautiful worship designs in the year ahead. Please click on the link below, if you are interested in helping in this endeavor.
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.
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, Judy, 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 competent of our worship life together. With five active house churches, forty 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.
Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 17th
Sunday, December 17th
We are excited to announce this year's Christmas Pageant will take place on December 17th during worship. Our pageant this year is called the "Night the Animals Sang". Children participating in the pageant are expected to attend Children's Church and Children's Choir following worship at 11:15. Dress rehearsal will take place on December 10th following worship!
PASSIONATE SERVICE
Job Opening - Nursery Coordinator
Calvary is looking to fill the Nursery Coordinator position to start as soon as possible. The Nursery Coordinator provides child care for children under 3 years old each Sunday from 9:45AM – 11:15AM. If you are interested in the position or have any questions, please contact Jane Glassman at mathteach12@gmail.com or the church office.
Job Opening - Church Sexton
With the retirement of Bob Savage coming at the end of December, a job opportunity has arisen at Calvary for a part time Church Sexton. This is a 24 hour a week position. The specific schedule will be determinted in collaboration with Pastor Drew and Mike Danis, the chair of Trustees. If you are interested or know of someone who might be, Click Here for the complete job posting available on our website.
Volunteer Opportunity: Rental Coordinator
Is this you? Calvary is looking for someone to coordinate rentals at the Church, including supervision of renter activities. The Coordinator would work with the Trustee Chair and the Pastor to set rental charges and policies and in collaboration with the Church Administrative Assistant respond to rental inquiries. The Coordinator would also communicate with renters on payment and usage issues and ensure compliance with Church policies. The length of the term for serving as Rental Coordinator would be flexible, and no minimum term would be set for remaining as Coordinator.
If you could contribute to Calvary by serving as the Church Rental Coordinator, please contact the Church Office at calvaryumclatham@gmail.com or 518-785-5142.
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
Street Soldiers Update
Cold weather and winter is here! Street Soldiers is no longer accepting housewares of any kind as they have no place to store.
They are in need of warm outside layers which include: coats, hats, mittens, socks, scarves, snow pants, long johns and boots. NO OTHER clothing is being accepted. Blankets of all kinds are always welcome i.e., comforters, throws, fleece and knitted.
There is an urgent need for canned or packaged proteins of any kind and soups, along with rice, pasta, canned sauces and vegetables.
Thank you for your generosity. If you have any questions, please email Constance.Cutler@verizon.net.
OPEN TO ALL
Living Nativity
This year, Calvary will again host the Living Nativity on December 17th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Join us for this beautiful event as King’s Kids re-creates the original nativity in Bethlehem with dramatic performances, featuring actors, carols, and animals at the manger.
Chair Yoga Classes
CHAIR YOGA is great for Yoga Beginners, those with physical limitations, chronic conditions, those in recovery or recuperation and/or have age-related degeneration. CHAIR YOGA is an excellent option for any who may find traditional yoga difficult or uncomfortable, as it provides necessary support while still allowing participants to engage in various yoga poses. This adaptive approach ensures that everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga, regardless of their fitness level or mobility.
Mary Francese will be starting a 60 minute weekly CHAIR YOGA class in January. Classes will be Monday at 4PM in Calvary’s Chapel, and also on Zoom for $10/class. Mary is a certified yoga instructor and has been teaching classes at Calvary for over 8 years!!!
Please contact Mary at allene28@gmail.com or (518)469-0431 if you have any questions or are interested in joining the CHAIR YOGA class.
Prime Timers Update
Our September potluck lunch and trivia competition was lots of fun! Many great trivia players were on hand. Thanks to Dottie, Diane, and Kathy for organizing the meeting!
The next meeting is our annual Christmas celebration. It’s Wednesday, December 13th from noon-2pm at CUMC. We are planning a catered, hot meal. The meal includes roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetable, and cranberry sauce. Each dinner also includes salad, rolls, dessert, and a beverage. The cost will be just $25. In addition to this wonderful lunch, back by popular demand, are three of Calvary’s talented musicians who will provide our musical entertainment.
Please RSVP before the end of the day Wednesday, December 8 (even for those who choose to bring their own meal on December 13th. We need the count to know how many tables and chairs to set up). RSVP to Sharon Kunkel at kunkes@nycap.rr.com or call 518-368-3968 by December 8. Checks should be dropped off by December 8 in the Calvary Office or mailed to Prime Timers 15 Ridge Place, Latham NY, 12110. If you would like to attend and plan to bring your own lunch, we still need you to RSVP by December 8 with your phone number. Your reservation will be confirmed by email or by phone.
This meeting will be your chance during the hectic Christmas season to relax and enjoy some great food, company, and Christmas music. Hope to see you on the 13th!
Other updates:
We still need volunteers to plan and organize the March 20, 2024 meeting. If you are interested you can sign up at the December meeting. The other meeting dates for 2024 are June 12, September 18, and December 11. Mark your calendars!
If you would like to attend a meeting but need transportation, please let us know. We will try to coordinate a ride for you. Or if you can provide a ride, please let us know.
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 December 3rd, 2023
Michelle Simkulet and Kathy Whitsett
Click here to see the full Teller Schedule.