April 30, 2025

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

This Sunday, we continue our Eastertide journey. Together, we will explore the powerful invitation of John 21:1–19 and Revelation 5:11–14, texts that remind us of Christ’s deep desire that we not only recognize him in the breaking of bread, but that we embody his love by feeding others—humans and all of creation.

In John 21, we encounter the risen Jesus on the shoreline, guiding the disciples to abundance after a night of empty nets. This story is more than a miraculous catch—it’s a moment of transformation and commissioning. Jesus calls Peter, and us, to “feed my sheep,” a command that invites us to tend to the physical and spiritual needs of our communities. It is a call to live generously, collaborate courageously, and share the resources we have so all may be nourished.

Revelation 5 offers a breathtaking image of cosmic praise—every creature, in every corner of creation, singing in harmony. This sacred vision speaks to the interconnectedness of all life. We are not separate from the earth or its creatures. Our flourishing is bound up with the health of ecosystems, insects, waters, and soil. We are called to honor the responsibilities we share as part of a sacred web of life.

In their preaching notes from Discipleship Ministries, Dr. Geran Lorraine, invites us to reflect on the challenges of our time—from food insecurity to environmental degradation—as we also draw hope and wisdom from Indigenous traditions, such as those of the Haudenosaunee, who have long taught the values of gratitude, reciprocity, and sustainability. Their example reminds us that caring for creation is not an optional act of charity—it is a sacred duty of justice.

Let us ask ourselves: How is Jesus calling us to “feed his sheep” today? How do we live as the Risen Body of Christ in a world where so many are hungry, and so much of creation is crying out for care?

Join us as we seek answers together, as we lift our voices in praise with all creation, and as we recommit ourselves to Christ’s call to justice, compassion, and abundance for all.

P.S. Bring a friend. All are welcome at Christ’s table.

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: Duane, Mike, Serena Rose, John and Audrey, Carol F., Tom, Michael and Chelsea.

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, Jean, 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

Disciple Fast Track - Bible Study for Busy Lives

Interested in deepening your faith as a disciple of Christ? Disciple Fast Track offers an overview of the bible that fits into busy lives!

Congratulations to the ten disciples who completed the Disciple Fast Track bible study held September 2024 - May 2025. This study was a 24 week overview of the Old and New Testaments and included a mission project to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) raising $380 and an entire car load of sanitary and hydgine products to be sent to areas in the US affected by disasters.

If you are interested in future studies, please contact Pastor Gordon at pastorgordon.calvaryumc@gmail.com.

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.

Thank You from the Youth Group

The Youth Group would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire congregation for your generous support!

Thanks to your donations—whether made by cash, check, or through Facebook—we have raised an incredible $1,622.00 for the CROP Walk.

This amount will be donated on behalf of Calvary United Methodist Church during the walk this coming Sunday. Your kindness and commitment to ending hunger locally and globally are truly inspiring.

Thank you for walking with us in spirit and in purpose!

With gratitude,
Calvary UMC Youth Group

Send Your Kids to Camp!!

Summer is just around the corner and Skye Farm is counting down the days to when the first group of campers arrives! Are your campers registered for camp yet? Summer camp is an amazing opportunity for youth to live in Christian community, spend time unplugging, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Calvary offers scholarships to help support getting youth to camp, Click Here for the new scholarship application. We offer scholarships to all the Upper New York camps although Skye Farm is our preferred camp given its proximity and long-standing connection with Calvary.
Check out their summer programs here.

If you have any questions about sending a camper to Skye Farm, please reach out to our Camp Agent, Robyn Vernon at robynvernon@unyumc.org

2025 College Scholarship Applications

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 2025. Awards will be determined based upon several factors including church and community service, leadership and academic achievement.

This scholarship 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 one can be obtained at the church office during the month of May and must be submitted to the office by the deadline of May 30, 2025.

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 Application or one can be obtained at the church office during the month of May and should be submitted by the deadline of May 30, 2025.

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.

PASSIONATE SERVICE

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

For other volunteer opportunities click here.

OPEN TO ALL

Preschool Update

We had a wonderful turn-out for our first annual pasta dinner. Everyone who came said how wonderful it was to be able to get together, and the kids were so excited to have a meal with their friends from school. Thank you all for your continued support of the preschool.

King's Kids Presents
"Bright Star"

King’s Kids will present the musical Bright Star Friday, May 9th and Saturday, May 10th at 7:30pm. Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells a story of love, loss, and redemption set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, spanning the 1920s and 1940s. It follows Alice Murphy, a young woman who becomes pregnant with the mayor's son, Jimmy Ray Dobbs, and is forced to give up their child. Decades later, Alice, now a successful literary editor, meets Billy Cane, a young soldier just home from World War II, who she discovers is the son she lost so long ago.

Tickets are $15.00 and will be available at the door. Come and enjoy a great performance by our talented youth.

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 4th, 2025

Bob Savage and Dave Weary

Click here to see the full Teller Schedule.

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