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Address: P.O. Box 9,

                                             Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                     

Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul

Mark 4:23-25, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.' And he said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and for the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away'” (ESV).

John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (ESV).

The different contexts of the above passages is not what I would like to focus on for this devotional thought. What I do want us to focus on is the emphasis Jesus puts on hearing in both cases.

You know what I find interesting? How easy it is for us to remember the lyrics of songs from all genres. Whatever type of music we listen to it seems we absorb what we hear and can often name a song or remember lyrics as soon as we hear the first few notes. Just ask Lisa, this happens to me all the time. I was thinking about this recently and Jesus' phrase in our reading from Mark came to mind, “...anyone who as ears to hear, let him hear... Pay attention to what you hear.” The words made me stop and think for a moment: “Do I really listen to words from God as I should? Do I focus with as much intent and pay as much attention to Scripture, sermons, etc., as I do (whether consciously or subconsciously) to songs playing from my speakers? Why can I recite lyrics without a problem, yet Scripture memorization seems to be such a struggle?”

My intent is not to make anyone feel guilty, it's simply to point out the importance of hearing and listening to what God may be “saying” to us. This is vital because paying careful attention to Scripture, sermons, lessons, and the “whispers” of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds helps us immensely with growing in our faith and Christian Walk. If we devote as much of our attention to listening carefully to God, as many of us do with music, we will grow in our understanding and insight. Not only that, but we will also find ourselves growing in our relationship with Him as well. However, if we don't pay attention, we risk the chance of losing our perception of Christ and of God's kingdom. Not to mention possibly missing an area of God's will for our lives. If we dedicate ourselves to listening to God through his Word and Spirit with focused attention and eagerness, we will deepen and strengthen our faith.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Paul

                                        Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm               

Calvary is a caring and welcoming church, greeting visitors and new congregants with a smile, a handshake, and a brief friendly chat about what brought them to Calvary and what we most appreciate in being here.  

Part of that is asking their names and sharing our own.  In that spirit, be encouraged to wear the provided name badge.  When we learn someone's name, it goes a long way toward feelings of acceptance and caring by others.  We are all God's people.  No one should leave as a stranger.

If you do not have a name badge in the narthex or the north door rack, please notify the church office and one will be made.  You may call (574) 457-3778) email (syrcalv@kcaccess.com) the office, or a paper in the offering box with the word "badge" and your name.                                                       

Calvary United Methodist Church

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative

Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Upper Room

The September/October issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.

Please Pray for our church family and friends

NOTE: Only names written on the blue cards, given directly to Pastor Paul, or called into the office will be on the prayer list and Guidelines for Prayer. Prayer requests will remain on the list until the person who requested it asks to have it removed.

                                            Pastor Appreciation Month

The Staff Parish Committee has decided to honor Pastor Paul with a card shower in October, which is Pastor Appreciation Month. You may mail cards directly to the parsonage, drop them off in the church office, or bring them to the church any Sunday in October. You can put them in the offering box in the narthex. If you wish to include an additional token of your appreciation in your card, feel free to do so. Thank you in advance for showing your appreciation to Pastor Paul for his dedication and service to the Lord and to Calvary. If you have questions, please contact a Staff Parish member.

Thank you and God Bless,

Staff Parish

Volunteers Needed: One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!                      

Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?

As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are several areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for October are instant potatoes, jiffy corn mix, cake mix or brownies. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!

                                                 MONTHLY CALENDAR                                                                                                                

October 2024

Tuesday        Ladies Bible Study              1:00 pm (1, 8, 15, 22, and 29)

 5         Saturday       Fall Harvest Festival          10:30-11:30 at Lakeside Park

             Some members of the Praise Team will be playing in the Gazebo.                    

 7         Monday        Trustee Meeting                 5:00 pm

 8         Tuesday        Stewardship Finance         5:30 pm

11       Friday            Free Community Dinner   5:30 – 6:30 pm

17       Thursday       J.U.L.I.E.T.S.                         11:30 pm at Fashion Farm

22       Tuesday        Gideons                                6:00 – 8:30 pm

23       Wednesday  R.O.M.E.O.S.                        11:30 am at Louie’s

23       Wednesday  Martha/Ruth Circle            1:00 pm

25       Friday            Family Fun Night                5:30 – 7:30 pm bring/help with candy treat bags.

26       Saturday       Trick or Treat Trail             1:00 – 3:00 pm at Lakeside Park

Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday October 11, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

Family Fun Night October 25, 5:30 – 7:30 pm come and fellowship with others and play some games, put puzzles together, play cards and much more!

Adult Sunday School is now studying Psalms.

Greeters for October are Leah Curtis and Eva Curtis.

Some Calvary Praise Team members will be participating in the Syracuse Community Center’s Fall Harvest Festival on October 5 at Lakeside Park. They will be playing in the gazebo from roughly 10:30 to 11:30 am, feel free to come cheer them on!

Syracuse Parks Department is also organizing a Trick or Treat Trail at Lakeside Park on Saturday Oct. 26 from 1 -3 pm. Amy Rensberger plans to hand out treats on behalf of Calvary and would like anyone in helping to contact her after worship or by texting 574-529-0080. Candy or treat donations are welcome and can be dropped off at the church office. Treat bags will be assembled during Friday Family Fun Night on Oct. 25 from 5:30-7:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

Mark your calendars! The Calvary Christmas program will be held at 3 pm Sunday Dec. 8. More details in November!

Beginning Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:15 pm, Amy Rensberger will lead an evening weekly Advent Bible Study, “Awaiting the Already: An Advent Journey Through the Gospels” by Magrey R. DeVega. No purchase necessary. On that night she will hand out books and go through the Introduction. The study will conclude prior to Christmas. For more information, call or text her at 574-529-0080.

During the Advent Bible study, handbell rehearsal will be moved to 7:15 pm.                        

Amy and Brian Rensberger would like to thank all those who helped celebrate their 30th Anniversary with cards and kind words. They love being part of the Calvary family.

         Altar Flowers Needed                                

                                                   Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute or donate to altar flowers, in honor or remembrance please call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church. You can leave them on a shelf upstairs across from the Peace Room.

                 Thoughts from Bashor Home

September, 2024

                                                               E-Navigator                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Address: P.O. Box 9, 

                                             Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                     

                                                        Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul

Does fellowship with people at church make you happy? Does fellowship with God make you happy? The Apostle John says in his first letter to the Church that his goal in writing was to “make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:4) He says the means for finding this “complete joy” is through having fellowship with God, and with the community of followers of Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:6-7)

The word fellowship is defined as “companionship; friendly association; a mutual sharing; a group of people with the same interests.” (Webster Concise 2ed) Translated from the Greek, the word fellowship is koinonia: meaning -- a deep closeness and connection; a spiritual unity.

The common connection for Christians is our shared faith in Jesus Christ. This shared life in Christ is described as living in the light. Most of us would never choose to live in darkness if we had the choice. It is easier and more effective to live in light than in darkness. John says, “God is light.” (1 John 1:5) God wants us to choose to live in Him.

A joyful life is one that is lived continually in the light of God’s presence and God’s truth. A life of truth and moral integrity is a life that is positive, effective, and meaningful. Those who live in darkness are confused and cause harm to themselves and others as they stumble about trying to grasp at some unidentified happiness. We all are attracted to the darkness at times, but it is crucial to recognize that darkness really stands for everything that is the opposite of what is most cherished in life. God is light!

The Church is called to be a community of light. We share the light of the presence of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. We share the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ. We share the freedom of a God-directed morality. We share the truth of a worldview that is revealed by God in His eternal Word.

There is nothing in this world that gives greater joy than being in God’s flock and following Jesus the Good Shepherd. No matter what denomination or church a person belongs to, we still share a common central goal: to follow Jesus Christ in the way of light.

I am thankful to the Lord for having fellowship with all of us through Jesus Christ. and I am thankful for all of you having fellowship with me. I pray that the interior Light of God’s Spirit will give each of us an unshakeable joy.

See You Sunday,

Pastor Paul

                                 Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Calvary is a caring and welcoming church, greeting visitors and new congregants with a smile, a handshake, and a brief friendly chat about what brought them to Calvary and what we most appreciate in being here.  

Part of that is asking their names and sharing our own.  In that spirit, be encouraged to wear the provided name badge.  When we learn someone's name, it goes a long way toward feelings of acceptance and caring by others.  We are all God's people.  No one should leave as a stranger.

If you do not have a name badge in the narthex or the north door rack, please notify the church office and one will be made.  You may call (574) 457-3778) email (syrcalv@kcaccess.com) the office, or a paper in the offering box with the word "badge" and your name.

Calvary United Methodist Church

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative

Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Upper Room

The September/October issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.

PRAYER REQUESTS

NOTE: Only names written on the blue cards, given directly to Pastor Paul, or called into the office will be on the prayer list and Guidelines for Prayer. Prayer requests will remain on the list until the person who requested it asks to have it removed.

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?

As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are several areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for September are beef stew and Jello. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!

MONTHLY CALENDAR                                                                                                                         

September 2024

 5         Thursday       Staff Parish                           5:00 pm

10       Tuesday        Stewardship Finance         5:30 pm

10       Tuesday        Church council                    6:00 pm

10       Tuesday        Ladies Bible Study              1:00 pm (September 10,17, and 24)

13       Friday            Free Community Dinner   5:30 – 6:30 pm

19       Thursday       J.U.L.I.E.T.S.                         11:30 pm The Sleepy Owl

19       Thursday       Red Cross                             12:00 - 6:00 pm

24       Tuesday        R.O.M.E.O.S.                        11:30 am Chubbie’s Tenderloin Special

24       Tuesday        Gideons                                6:00 – 8:30 pm

25       Wednesday  Martha/Ruth Circle            1:00 pm

27       Friday            Family Fun Night                5:30 – 7:30 pm

29       Sunday          All church carry-in              following service

Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday September 13, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

Family Fun Night September 27, 5:30 – 7:30 pm come and fellowship with others and play some games, put puzzles together, play cards and much more!

September 29th is the 5th Sunday all church carry-in immediately following the service! We are going to do a tea party theme. Everyone is welcome to get all dressed up.

Adult Sunday School is now studying Psalms.

Charge Conference has been set for Saturday, October 12^th (9-10:30) at Warsaw First United Methodist Church, 179 S Indiana St. Warsaw, IN 46580. If you are interested in attending, please let Pastor Paul know. The deadline for reports is October 1^st.

RECLAIM, REVIVE, RENEW!

September 14, 2024

South Bend Clay Church - Firehouse Campus

17646 Cleveland Rd, South Bend IN

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)

"Reclaim, Revive, Renew" led by Rev. Chris Danielson, Retired Elder in the Indiana Conference, will lead both clergy and laity through a time of focusing on our identity in Christ and the peace that passes all understanding. Participants will have the opportunity to restore their soul and learn practices for the journey ahead. Bring a team from your church and be prepared to reclaim, revive and renew. Both sessions at the two sites are identical and FREE!

If anyone is interested in attending this event, please contact Pastor Paul to register you!

                                         Altar Flowers Needed      

                                                 Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute or donate to altar flowers, in honor or remembrance please call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church. You can leave them on a shelf upstairs across from the Peace Room.

Thoughts from Bashor Home

                                                                     2024

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Address: P.O. Box 9

                                             Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                     

                                           Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                          Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

Faith vs Works

An old boatman painted the word "faith" on one oar of his boat and "works" on the other. He was asked his reason for this. In answer, he slipped the oar with "faith" into the water and rowed. The boat, of course, made a very tight circle. Returning to the dock, the boatman then said, "Now, let’s try ’works’ without ’faith’ and see what happens. The oar marked "works" was put in place and the boatman began rowing with just the "works" oar. Again, the boat went into a tight circle but in the opposite direction.

When the boatman again returned to the wharf, he interpreted his experiment in these strong and convincing words, "You see, to make a passage across the lake, one needs both oars working simultaneously in order to keep the boat in a straight and narrow way. If one does not have the use of both oars, he makes no progress either across the lake nor as a Christian.

I have grown to understand over the years that if we are to become the church that God wants us to be we must have both oars in the water. James said that” faith buy itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deed, it is dead and useless.” (James 2:17) Is your faith producing good deeds? If not, then it is an empty faith. It is my prayer that all of us will find a way to use the gifts God has given us to serve the church and reach out to those around us in need.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Paul

                                           Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Calvary is a caring and welcoming church, greeting visitors and new congregants with a smile, a handshake, and a brief friendly chat about what brought them to Calvary and what we most appreciate in being here.  

Part of that is asking their names and sharing our own.  In that spirit, be encouraged to wear the provided name badge.  When we learn someone's name, it goes a long way toward feelings of acceptance and caring by others.  We are all God's people.  No one should leave as a stranger.

If you do not have a name badge in the narthex or the north door rack, please notify the church office and one will be made.  You may call (574) 457-3778) email (syrcalv@kcaccess.com) the office, or a paper in the offering box with the word "badge" and your name.

Calvary United Methodist Church

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative

Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Upper Room

                            The July/August issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

We're looking forward to starting Kids Church, which will start after the Children's Chat and last through the end of the service. To do so we need steady workers for the nursery. Please prayerfully consider this need. Those interested should sign-up on the bulletin board list across from the nursery or contact the church office. Ideally, we can create a rotation of workers who only supervise one Sunday monthly.                   

Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?

As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are several areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.

                                                                   Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for August are peanut butter and jelly. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

MONTHLY CALENDAR                                                                                                                                                

August 2024

 6         Tuesday        Stewardship Finance         5:30 pm       

 8         Friday            Free Community Dinner   5:30 – 6:30 pm

12       Monday        Trustee                                  5:00 pm

18       Thursday       J.U.L.I.E.T.S.                         11:30 pm Los Toritos

27       Tuesday        Gideons                                6:00 – 8:30 pm

28       Wednesday  Martha/Ruth Circle            1:00 pm

28       Wednesday  R.O.M.E.O.S.                        11:30 am The Sleepy Owl

   Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday August 9, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

                                                      Altar Flowers Needed     

 If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church. You can leave them on a shelf upstairs across from the Peace Room.

Thanks to all the volunteers that help every week.

Thoughts from Bashor Home

     
                                              
June, 2024
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                                                                                                                                                                                                              Address: P.O. Box 9,  

                                                             Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                     
                                                        Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com
                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org
From Pastor Paul

Building Bridges

There once was a carpenter who visited one of two brothers who had recently grown embittered with each other over a misunderstanding over the farm they had managed together for the past 40 years. The carpenter was in need of work; or so he said, and he asked the one brother if there was anything he might do to help him out.

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor. In fact, it’s my younger brother! Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence, an 8-foot fence - so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore." 

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing and nailing.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide; his jaw dropped. There wasn’t a fence there at all. The carpenter had fashioned a bridge... a bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other, handrails and all! And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, hand outstretched, meeting them in the middle, "You are quite a fellow, you know; to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done." Then hoisting his toolbox onto his shoulder, the carpenter departed. "I’d love to stay, but I have many more bridges to build.”

That’s just like the carpenter, isn’t it – that is the carpenter from Nazareth, our Lord Jesus Christ, who would tear down the dividing walls of hostility, not just between us and God; but between us and others too? It’s just like our Lord who bridged the gap of sin with His cross and gifted us with His love that we might love one another more like Him.

See You Sunday,

Pastor Paul Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260
Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
                                                                    
Calvary United Methodist Church
Breakthrough Prayer Initiative
Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Upper Room
 
The July/August issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

We're looking forward to starting Kids Church, that will start after the Children's Chat and last through the end of the service. To do so we need steady workers for the nursery. Please prayerfully consider this need. Those interested should sign-up on the bulletin board list across from the nursery or contact the church office. Ideally, we can create a rotation of workers who only supervise one Sunday monthly.
                          
Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?
 
As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.
 
  
We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are several areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.
                                                                                              
                                  
Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for July are flour and Pees. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!                     

MONTHLY CALENDAR                                                                                                                                                
July 2024
 1    Monday    Trustees Meeting         5 pm                
 9    Tuesday    Church Council        6 pm
11    Thursday    Staff Parish            5 pm    
12    Friday        Free Community Dinner    5:30 – 6:30 pm at Syracuse Park
18    Thursday    J.U.L.I.E.T.S.            11:30 pm Papa Vinos
18    Thursday    Red Cross            12-6 pm
23    Tuesday    Gideons            6 – 8:30 pm
24    Wednesday    Martha/Ruth Circle    1:00 pm
24    Wednesday    R.O.M.E.O.S.        11:30 am Coffee Depot
27    Saturday    Sleep in Heavenly Peace

   Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday July 12, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.
This month it will be at Syracuse Park.

Adult Sunday School is now studying Psalms.

                                        Altar Flowers Neded  Every Sunday 
 
If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church. You can leave them on a shelf upstairs across from the Peace Room.
                       
Thoughts from Bashor Home 

By Dan Wolschlager 
Just recently, I got married! I just got back from my honeymoon and now my wife and I are beginning to adjust to this massive change in our lives. For me, I get to experience an exciting change in my life. But for so many of us, change is not always good and exciting. So how do we deal with change? If you’re a creature of habit, change is tough. Even for the most prepared people, change still affects us in ways we couldn’t have prepared for. It is a natural tendency for us to look to something consistent and stable when change occurs. What are the consistent things in your life? Do you have something stable to go to when change happens? This week, I wanted to give you a short but powerful piece of Scripture from Hebrews 13:8 which says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Things are constantly changing in all of our lives, but the one thing that stays consistent is Jesus.

                                                                     June 2024

    E-Navigator

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Address: P.O. Box 9

                                             Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                     

                                                  Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                           Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul

It was the first day of basketball practice at Wingate High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Coach handed a ball to each player.
 

“Boys,” he said, “I want you to practice shooting from the spots you might expect to be in during the game.”
 

One of the boys (who was pretty much there as a substitute for the star players - in fact he was substitute #12) immediately sat down on the bench and began shoot the ball toward the basket from there.

You might say that boy didn’t expect to get to play much. And I suppose he was just trying to get a laugh out of his teammates. But there are some people who sit on the bench, because that’s where they’ve gotten used to being. They never strive to much more than that - because they don’t believe in themselves enough to put in the extra effort and practice to change their status. And because of that: they’re always going to sit on the bench.

It’s as if we’ve made Christianity into a spectator sport. We just sit back in church and listen to the music, and the sermons and never really get involved in the game. We need some Christians today to get off the sidelines and get on the front lines. There is a special position that God has for all those who are in Christ, but we will never discover it as long as we watch safely from the sideline. We need to put action to our faith and get involved in ministry opportunities and be about the business of “Making disciples for Christ for the transformation of the world.”

See You Sunday,

Pastor Paul

                                             Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

                                                      Breakthrough Prayer Initiative                               

  Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful response to the recent Breakthrough Prayer Initiative and our after Worship gatherings. We have received many good suggestions (and volunteers) to implement new Sunday morning Greeters; research ways to be in mission with our local schools; enhance visibility for Calvary in our community; develop fundraisers throughout the year; reach out to children and youth. Be mindful, also, of our need for strengthening our day-to-day functions through our church committees. There is a place for everyone to share your time, talents, and gifts for our life together in Christ and our mission to our community and the world.

We will be bringing specific ideas to the congregation over the next few weeks!

Your Breakthrough Prayer Team

Pastor Paul Burris, Roz Schwartz, Dan Sharp, Dwight Judy

Upper Room

                            The May/June issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.

                                                              Altar Flowers Needed                                              

                                                                     Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church. You can leave them on a shelf upstairs across from the Peace Room.

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for June are Saltine Crackers and Pineapple Chunks. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!

                                                        Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?

As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are a number of areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.

MONTHLY CALENDAR  June 2024

3          Monday        Trustees Meeting               5 pm

4          Tuesday        Stewardship Finance         5:30 pm

4          Tuesday        Ladies Bible Study              1:00 pm        (4, 11, 18, 25)

14       Friday            Free Community Dinner   5:30 – 6:30 pm

20       Thursday       J.U.L.I.E.T.S.                         11:30 pm Coffee Depot

25       Tuesday        Gideons                                6 – 8:30 pm

26       Wednesday  Martha/Ruth Circle            1:00 pm

26       Wednesday  R.O.M.E.O.S.                        11:30 am Chubbies

30       Sunday          ALL CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY 11 am

   Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

ALL CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Sunday, June 30, 11 a.m.

Bring a side dish or salad to share. Main dish and dessert will be furnished.

Program will be “faith sharing.” Bring a favorite scripture verse, hymn, or writing to share…

Do you have a special experience you’d like to share… An experience with God in nature, a Christ experience,

a prayer experience, an experience of special presence with others or in worship. Everyone is also welcome as a “listener.”

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday June 14, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

Thoughts on General Conference

One of the main changes at General Conference this year was the removal of restrictive language concerning how we perceive and welcome the LGBTQ community in all aspects of church life. 

We might not all agree with the changes to our Social Principles that were passed at General Conference recently. However, we are all part of the body of Christ, under the UMC Umbrella here in Syracuse Indiana. And that umbrella covers a lot of people. As your pastor I have been called to love you and minister to you regardless of where you align yourself in your understanding of who God is and how he works in the lives of others.

Over the years my understanding of my calling has evolved. What are my responsibilities?
Helping people discover their God given talents to be used in the building of the kingdom in the community they serve. Leading people into a deeper understanding of what love is... 1 Cor. 13. Helping churches build a sense of community that encourages people to work with one another for a common purpose while following God's lead in a particular place and time.

As a congregation our calling is to... First and foremost, love God and love neighbor.
This means that we are to find ways to work together in spite of our differences.
We are challenged to find common ground within which we can begin the process of providing ministry opportunities in our surrounding community and trusting God that we can do so regardless of where we stand on any particular issue. To do so we must come to an understanding that our mission field evolves with every relationship we form. I've always said you really don't know what you believe until it's sitting in your living room, and it won't be sitting in your living room until you welcome the opportunity to gain a better understanding. Inviting others into our lives opens the door to where life can be shared, and seeds can be planted. Love is what allows the seeds to grow. Then God takes over!!!

If any of you have any questions, you'd like to explore...or just want to get something off your chest please know that my office door is always open. 

Pastor Paul

Thoughts from Bashor Home

                                                   Calvary United Methodist Church                                                                                               E-Navigator, May, 2024

                                                              Address: P.O. Box 9 

                                                               Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                   Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul,

In Luke 9:46-50 the disciples argue over which of them is the greatest. Jesus takes a small child and puts him next to himself and tells the disciples that anyone who receives such a child in his name receives him. When a person receives Jesus, he is receiving the one who sent him. Jesus then tells his ambitious disciples that the least among them will be greatest.

In the next verse John is puzzled because an unauthorized person has been casting out demons in the name of Jesus: the disciples forbade the man from doing this. But Jesus says not to forbid him stating,  “Whoever is not against you, is for you.”

Sometimes in life we are so busy focusing on our own accomplishments that we fail to recognize that others are quite capable of achieving greatness and doing good things. In this story Jesus reminds us that even the most unassuming people in our midst are part of a much larger plan. Until we are aware that we are all part of the body of Christ we will not be able to be effective in making a difference in the world. It is my prayer that we will all find ways to work together. Building one another up in our common mission to reach others for Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.

See You Sunday,

Pastor Paul

                                     Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

                                                      Breakthrough Prayer Initiative                               

  Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful response to the recent Breakthrough Prayer Initiative and our after Worship gatherings. We have received many good suggestions (and volunteers) to implement new Sunday morning Greeters; research ways to be in mission with our local schools; enhance visibility for Calvary in our community; develop fundraisers throughout the year; reach out to children and youth. Be mindful, also, of our need for strengthening our day-to-day functions through our church committees. There is a place for everyone to share your time, talents, and gifts for our life together in Christ and our mission to our community and the world.

We will be bringing specific ideas to the congregation over the next few weeks!

Your Breakthrough Prayer Team

Pastor Paul Burris, Roz Schwartz, Dan Sharp, Dwight Judy

                                                                    Upper Room

The May/June issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.

Thank You

A Special thank you to Gary Green, Paul Burris, Linda Jamiel, and Darrel Posler for stripping and sealing the floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. Also, a special thank you to Johnnie Fick, and Karen Stiver for cleaning out and going through the safe contents. And a thank you to Sherri for all her hard work decorating the church and alter flowers. Your help is greatly appreciated!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for May are canned chicken and pudding. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!

                                      Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?

As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are a number of areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.

                                                         Altar Flowers Needed

                                                               Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church. You can leave them on a shelf upstairs across from the Peace Room.

                                                     MONTHLY CALENDAR                                                                                                                       

May 2024

  2  Thurs.      Staff Parish 5:00 pm

  2  Thurs.      National Day of Prayer    

  4  Sat.          Craft Plant & Bake Sale

  6  Mon.       Trustee meeting 5:00 pm

  7  Tues.       Afternoon Ladies Bible study May 7,14,21,28 1:00 pm

 10 Fri.           Free Community Dinner 5:30 – 6:30 pm

 13 Mon.       Church Council 6 pm

 14 Tues.       Deadline for E-Navigator articles

 16 Thurs.     J.U.L.I.E.T.S.  11:30 am Tiffany’s

 21 Tues.       E- Navigator goes out

 22 Wed.       R.O.M.O.E.S. at 11:30 am at Louie’s

 23 Thurs.     Red Cross 12 – 6 pm

 24  Fri.          Friday Family Fun Night 5:30 – 7:30 pm

 29 Wed.       Martha/Ruth Circle 1 pm

Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday May  10, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

Family Fun Night May 24, 5:30 – 7:30 pm come and fellowship with others and play some games, put puzzles together, play cards and much more!

Additional Event…Bake, Craft and Plant Sale

Attention all gardeners, crafters, and bakers!

We will be having a bake, craft, and plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 4.

I would love donations of any kind in those categories. If anyone is interested in overseeing the craft or bake sale portions of this event I would love some help.

We would be thrilled to have crafters set up booths with their creations, no booth rent, just ask for a donation of a portion of what is sold.

For more information call Amy Rensberger.

Thoughts from Bashor Home

                                                                     2024

                                                              E-Navigator                                                                                                                                                                                                         Address: P.O. Box 9, 

                                                          Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                      

                                                        Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul,

Can You Forgive and Then Forget?

Forgiveness isn't something that you do for the sake of the person who wronged you. It is something you do for yourself. I don't forgive people because they deserve it, or earn it, or even ask for it. I forgive them for a very selfish reason.

The main purpose of forgiveness is to free yourself from the burden of the pain inflicted on you. Bitterness is a cancer that'll destroy you and your relationships. As a pastor of a Church, I've witnessed this root of bitterness defile so many things that a person holds dear.

I knew a woman that held so much pain and bitterness against a person that she had literally made herself sick and physically weak. If she could forgive the person that had wronged her, she'd be able to release the burden of that pain and the bitterness.

The truly tragic thing about a grudge is that it hurts you more than the person you hold it against. In many cases, the other person is unaware of your grudge or the depth of your grudge or even of the fact that they may have hurt you. So, your anger, bitterness, and pain are only hurting you. It is only destroying your own spirit.

Christians are supposed to be big on forgiveness. I should know. But even they miss the main purpose of forgiveness. It isn't to pretend that the wrong done to you is okay. It's not so that you can give some offender a pass on his wrong, or to pretend you weren't hurt or angry. It isn't even to demonstrate how holy and righteous you are. It is to release that anger, to release the burden of the pain that you carry around.

Jesus told Peter to forgive people until it became instinctual or habitual. He, being the Son of God, had much more clarity in this than we do. But the example suffices to demonstrate that unless we forgive, we have a human tendency to carry a grudge, to carry bitterness, to carry the burden of pain. This burden crushes you, not the person who hurt you.

Forgive people. Do it for yourself so you can function in life, see clearer, and not have to live with the painful burden of bitterness.

Don't look at the other person to determine if they are worthy of your forgiveness. It's not an issue of worthiness or even of relevance. It is about you releasing anger, pain, and bitterness. Carrying such a burden will affect your marriage, your friendships, your family, and every other relationship you possess. Your revenge plotting twists your mind more than it makes the person who hurt you suffer.

Let it go-for your own sake.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Paul

                                         Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

                                                Breakthrough Prayer Initiative                               

  Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful response to the recent Breakthrough Prayer Initiative and our after Worship gatherings. We have received many good suggestions (and volunteers) to implement new Sunday morning Greeters; research ways to be in mission with our local schools; enhance visibility for Calvary in our community; develop fundraisers throughout the year; reach out to children and youth. Be mindful, also, of our need for strengthening our day-to-day functions through our church committees. There is a place for everyone to share your time, talents, and gifts for our life together in Christ and our mission to our community and the world.

We will be bringing specific ideas to the congregation over the next few weeks!

Your Breakthrough Prayer Team

Pastor Paul Burris, Roz Schwartz, Dan Sharp, Dwight Judy

Upper Room

The May/June issues are available in the narthex for your free copy                                                                                                                                                                                            

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!                                                             

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for April is Canned Chicken, Beef Stew, Flour, Shampoo, Jello. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!

The Missions Committee will be having “Pack the Pantry” with paper items April 14th.  Grocery bags will be passed out Sunday the 7th.

Where Are you called to Serve at Calvary?

As part of our recent (ongoing) Prayer Initiative, we have all been challenged to come to a better understanding as to how the Spirit is moving in our daily lives. A big part of the process is coming to the realization that we have all been gifted with special talents that are to be utilized in building the kingdom at Calvary UMC and in the community that we serve. In I Corinthians chapter 12 Paul reminds us that every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

We are looking for people who are willing to provide much needed leadership which would enable us to carry out God’s mission here at Calvary. There are a number of areas, and committees you could serve such as: Trustees, Worship, Finance & Stewardship, Administrative Council, Staff-Parish Relations, Missions, Congregational Care, Prayer Team, Funeral Dinners, Nominations etc. etc… Please carefully consider where God might be calling you to be in ministry. If you feel you have been called, or need more information, concerning any area of ministry please feel free to contact Pastor Paul or Roz Schwartz. We are all part of the same body here at Calvary. It is going to take a group effort for us to make a difference in the community that we serve.

                                                             Altar Flowers Needed                                            

                                                                    Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. You may deliver or we will have someone deliver for you. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church.

MONTHLY CALENDAR

April 2024

  1  Mon.       Trustee 5:00 pm    

  5  Tues.       Afternoon Ladies Bible study April 2,9,16,23,30

  7  Sun.         Grocery bags passed out for “Pack the Pantry” with paper items

  9  Tues.       Stewardship/Finance 5:30 pm

 10 Wed.       Hannah Circle  6 pm

 12  Fri.          Free Community Dinner 5:30 - 6:30 pm

 14 Sun.         “Pack The Pantry” with paper items collected

 15 Mon.       Deadline for E-Navigator articles

 18 Thurs.     J.U.L.I.E.T.S.  11:30 am at Stubby’s (Stacy’s)

 23 Tues.       E- Navigator goes out

 23 Tues.       Gideon   6 – 8:30 pm

 24 Wed.       R.O.M.O.E.S. at 11:30 am at The Sleepy Owl

 24 Wed.       Martha/Ruth Circle 1 pm

 26 Fri.           Friday Family Fun Night 5:30 – 7:30 pm                   

Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday April  12, from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

Family Fun Night April 26, 5:30 – 7:30 pm come and fellowship with others and play some games, put puzzles together, play cards and much more!

Plant, Bake an Craft Sale

Attention all gardeners, crafters, and bakers!

We will be having a bake, craft, and plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May 4.

I would love donations of any kind in those categories. If anyone is interested in overseeing the craft or bake sale portions of this event I would love some help.

We would be thrilled to have crafters set up booths with their creations, no booth rent, just ask for a donation of a portion of what is sold.

For more information call Amy Rensberger at 574-529-008

Thoughts from Bashor Home

                                                                     2024

                                                                 E-Navigator                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Address: P.O. Box 9, 

                                                           Syracuse, IN 56567                                                                    

                                                      Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul,

This is a story I received via email and thought I’d share it with you.

Bibs or Aprons?

I recently visited a fast-growing church in Minnesota to learn from their staff. It was a privilege to witness their passion for doing high quality ministry in Jesus' name. I left with some new insights and renewed passion for the Gospel.
 
One of the phrases that I heard while I was there was, "We want our members to wear aprons, not bibs." Here's what they meant:
 
Bibs are for people who only want to be fed.
Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's vision for the church, or those who are not yet of the faith.
 
Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus' name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to help others grow.
 
Church growth consultant, Win Arn, interviewed thousands of Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said, "The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.
 
On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples'
feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.
 
In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." He also said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."
 
Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?
Bringing It Home:
 
1. How would you answer the question, "Why does the church exist?" Does your answer reflect your bib or your apron?
2. How can you help others in your Christian community to trade their bib for an apron?
3. If you're not already serving in a ministry in your church, make a commitment to begin this month.
 
"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28
 
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank you for feeding me daily with your word. Fill me with your redeeming love. Open my eyes to clearly see the needs of those around me, and then open my hands to serve them. Each day, strengthen me with your Spirit, so that I might choose to wear an apron, not a bib. This I pray in your name. Amen."           ~Author Unknown~
 

In Christ Service,

Pastor Paul

                                          Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

                                                      Breakthrough Prayer Initiative                               

             Miraculous God of Breakthroughs, speak, show, and inspire us where your Spirit is leading next for Calvary Church and in our own lives. Open doors that will usher in a new season of creativity, faithfulness, and fruitfulness in the name of Jesus. And together grant us boldness, courage, and power without limits to step through the doors you open, in Christ’s name. Amen.                                                          

                                                                    Upper Room

                     The March/April issues are available in the narthex for your free copy.

Calvary Church Family I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve the Lord and most of all you for this last year it has been a blessing to be here with such a loving and caring family! You are in my prayers always to grow and to continue serving the Lord in the many ways that you do! I will stop in and see you when I am up this way, please stay connected with me I will miss all of you. Love & Blessings, Rebecca Scott                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

                                                       Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for.

March   is Pudding, Hamburger, Chicken, Tuna Helper, Applesauce, Spaghetti sauce, Pasta. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

 Please keep the ones in need in your prayer!

                                                             Altar Flowers Needed                                            

                                                                   Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. You may deliver or we will have someone deliver for you. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Sherri will use them to make arrangements for the church.

Dear Calvary Church Family

         We are going to try something new for decorations for the church for the Easter season. Sherri has done a wonderful job decorating the Church for Sunday mornings so we are asking if you would like to help out with the funds for that. So for Easter she will be using some fresh lilies and some silks. If you would like to have a lily in memory of someone you can do that. Should you choose to purchase a lily we are asking that you make sure that you take it home with you after the service Easter Sunday. Another option would be to make a donation, in honor of someone, that will be used to purchase silks for decorating the church for Easter. Any leftover funds will be used to purchase flowers for the outside of the church. We will be sharing the names of the ones that are in memory of or in honor of on the power point on Easter Sunday. Please contact the office If you would like to order lilies call or email. Have a blessed day.                            

                                                      MONTHLY CALENDAR                      

March 2024

  4 Sun.    Food Pantry Sunday

  5 Mon.   Trustee 5:30 pm

  5 Tues.   Afternoon Ladies Bible study March 6.13,20,23, Ladies Bible study Feb 13,20,27

  5 Tues.   Evening Bible Study at 6 pm

  9 Fri.       Free Community Dinner 5:30 - 6:30 pm

12 Tues.   Church Council 6 pm

13 Wed.    Martha/Ruth Circle 1 pm

14 Thurs.  Red Cross 12-6 pm

14 Thurs.  Staff Parish 5 pm

21 Thurs.  J.U.L.I.E.T.S. meet at 11:30 at Louie’s.

22 Fri.       Family Fun Night 5:30 -7:30 pm

26 Tues.   E – Navigator

26 Tues.   Gideons 6 – 8:30 pm

27 Wed.   R.O.M.O.E.S meet at 11:30 am The Frog

27 Wed.   Martha/Ruth Circle 1 pm

   Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday March 8, 12 from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

 Family Fun Night March   5:30 – 7:30 pm come and fellowship with others and play some games, put puzzles together, play cards and much more!

Thoughts from Bashor Home

                                                               January 2024

E-Navigator

Address: P.O. Box 9, 

                                                           Syracuse, IN   46567                                                                     

                                                        Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul,

Why Go to Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time, and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes in the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical and our spiritual nourishment! (Email forward from unknown author)

It is my prayer that over the course of the past year that our worship services and my messages have in some way provided you with the spiritual nourishment you have needed in your daily lives. It is also my prayer that in the coming year you will make an attempt to be a part of worship here at Calvary United Methodist Church. Church is not only a place where we come for our spiritual nourishment. Church is also a place where we come to be a part of the family of God. Church is a place where God’s plans can be worked out through a group of believers with a common cause. Church is a place where God’s love is on display weekly as we find new and unique ways to minister to, not only one another, but to others. Church is the physical body of Christ in action.

I would like to personally thank all of you for your role in making Calvary United Methodist Church a vital part of this community. You are truly a blessing and I pray that God will bless you as much this coming year as He has my family and I in 2023. See You Sunday!

In Christ Service,

Pastor Paul

                                          Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

                                                      Breakthrough Prayer Initiative                               

                                                   Calvary United Methodist Church

Join us in prayer for the renewal of our own hearts and of Calvary’s life together and ministries for our community and world. Please devote 5 to 10 minutes two or three times per week, offering this prayer and then listening to Spirit-nudges for any area of Calvary’s life.                                                 

                                  God, please break through and open doors to new.

hopes, dreams, and possibilities for our church and

in our own lives…and we will surrender and faith-

fully follow Christ onto the open road adventure of

Your new and unknown future.

May your will be done. Amen!  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 One person can make a difference!

                                                 NURSERY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

                                                                 Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for.

January is canned soups, Shampoo, Jello. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

                                                                   Altar Flowers Needed                                            

                                                                          Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. You may deliver or we will have someone deliver for you. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Mary Hursh will use them to create altar arrangements with them                                                       

                                                        MONTHLY CALENDAR                                                                                                 

January 2024

  2 Tues.   Afternoon Ladies Bible study Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

  8 Mon.   Trustees 6 pm

11 Thur.   Staff Parish 5 pm

12 Fri.      Free Community Dinner 5:30-6:30 pm 

18 Thurs. J.U.L.I.E.T.S. meet at 11:30 am Louie’s.

23 Tues.   E-Navigator

24 Wed.   R.O.M.O.E.S meet at 11:30 am Coffee Depot

24 Wed.   Martha/Ruth Circle 1 pm

26 Fri.      Family Fun Night 5:30 – 7:30 pm

                                Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday January 12 from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

Family Fun Night January 26^th 5:30 – 7:30 pm come and fellowship with others and play some games, put puzzles together, play cards and much more!

Thanks to the Calvary UMC Handbell choir, the Ponsler’s, Martin’s Brent Bobeck, for sharing their gifts at the Calvary Christmas Program.

Thanks also to Jude Ann, Lisa Burris, Chris Elson, Lucy Rensberger, Jackie, and the Ponlser’s for their Christmas Eve Program participation.

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful Church Family.

Amy Rensberger                                                  

Thoughts from Bashor Home

This week marks the third week in our advent devotionals. The third week in advent covers the topic of joy. No doubt, many things come to mind when we think of joy. Each one of us has something unique that may come to mind specifically regarding joy. Joy is great, for all of us, we imagine joy to come easy. Joy is something that we imagine only happens when we are living and experiencing the best of times, right? The Scripture I chose this week redefines how we may see joy. James 1:2-3 says, “2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Do you experience joy when you are tested? I’m sure I am not alone when I say that joy is not something that I feel when I am tested. Instead, I find myself feeling frustrated, angry, or upset… certainly not joy! What I have found from reading this passage in James is that joy is a product of growth. God calls us all to persevere through whatever challenges us in life, and through that perseverance we will grow and experience more joy! That equation sounds simple, but it doesn’t always work out that way. The challenges that we face in life can weigh us down and blind us to the joys in life. This week, whether you experience challenges or not, look to the joy of the world. The celebration of Christ is closer every day! Continue to persevere, grow, and find joy through Christ Jesus.

December 2023

E-Navigator

Address: P.O. Box 9

Syracuse, IN 46567

                                                        Email: syrcalv@kcaccess.com

                                                 Website: www.syracusecalvaryumc.org

From Pastor Paul,

Luke 9:18-20 18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets from long ago has come back to life.” 20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 20 Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” (NIV)

As we go through the day we talk to the Lord and read his word. We are trying to get closer to him and allow him to work through us. We want his power and anointing, but do we really know him? In order for most people to get something from someone, the person doing the giving needs to know the person receiving. You say I know Jesus and have a personal relationship with him. I ask this question do you really know him? If someone walked up to you and started talking to you about Jesus, do you know enough about him to convince them that they need him in their lives? Not just as Hell insurance but as Lord and Savior. If you have a personal relationship with someone you know how they think, act, and what they would do in a particular situation.

I do not want an answer right now, but I do want you to think about these questions and answer them. No, we do not have to defend Jesus or the word of God, but we do need to be able to explain who Jesus is and what he is like. Make your answer personal, generic answers do not convince anyone about anything, but personal answers can.

Jesus asked his disciples in Luke 9:18b "Who do the crowds that I am?" and they answered him John the Baptist, Elijah, and one of the old Prophets. Then Jesus made it personal and asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" in verse 20. Then Peter answered from what he had seen, heard, and experienced from Christ himself that he was the "Christ of God". Peter could not have answered that question in that manner if he had not known Jesus on a personal basis.

So the first question is this who do you say that Jesus Christ is? And why do you answer in that way? In other words, explain your answer. The next question is a bit deeper. Other than Hell Insurance, why do I need to make Jesus my Lord and Savior? No, I am not going to answer these questions for you, you must answer them for yourself in a personal way. I must answer them for myself also. The next question is a bit tougher. The Bible says that Jesus lived, showed us what he expected from us through his life then was crucified and on the third day rose again. How do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he lives today?

You may think that I am trying to place doubt in your mind and turn you away from God. I am not. I am trying to get you to dig in and really get to know Jesus Christ. Most Christians alive today cannot answer these questions or even the very basic questions. How are we to win people to Christ when we don't even know who he really is? If you cannot answer these questions, it is past time to get down and serious with the Lord and his word. When you get serious, he will show you and prove to you who he is. I believe that once we can answer this important question then our observance of the birth of the Christ child this Christmas season will take on a whole new meaning.

 See you Sunday!

        Pastor Paul

                                  Pastor Paul Burris Weekly Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Church: 574-457-3778 Pastor’s cell phone: 260-609-9260

Church Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm                           

Breakthrough Prayer Initiative 

Calvary United Methodist Church

Join us in prayer for the renewal of our own hearts and of Calvary’s life together and ministries for our community and world. Please devote 5 to 10 minutes two or three times per week, offering this prayer and then listening to Spirit-nudges for any area of Calvary’s life.

God, please break through and open doors to new.

hopes, dreams, and possibilities for our church and

in our own lives…and we will surrender and faith-

fully follow Christ onto the open road adventure of

Your new and unknown future.

May your will be done. Amen!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Thanks to all who filled Christmas shoe boxes and helped with the postage.

for all the children. Please keep these children in your prayers!

The Angel Tree helps families in Syracuse from Elementary School! Take an Angel buy the gift, wrap, and return to the tree in the Narthex. Place the angel on the gift. Thank you for caring for these families in need! Not only give a gift but keep these families in your prayers! Thank you for giving!

Mark your calendars for December 17 at 3 pm! Christmas Program come and Fellowship with others!

“One person can make a difference!

NURSERY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

NURSERY! Needs your help to take care of the little ones for an hour during Worship! If the Lord lays it on your heart to help guide these little ones to know Jesus, please sign up for Nursery time on one Sunday a month!

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Specific items you can bring for.

December is Chili Beans, Elbow Pasta, Hot Chocolate. These items can be placed in the narthex and a volunteer from our church will take it to the Syracuse Food Pantry.

The Outreach Missions continue to support the food pantry will be Pack the Pantry with food four times a year.

Lucy Rensberger

U.S.A., United States

March 2-9, 2024

TOTAL RAISED  $281 of $700

Donate

About My Trip

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I! Laurel, Mississippi is a charming southern town to visit. Your will partner with The Glory House to serve their neighbors in need all while sharing the love of Christ to their community by loving God and loving people. You will have the opportunity to sort, stock, fill and distribute food bags to hungry neighbors through their Bread of Life Food Pantry, assist in planning and preparing for their Kids Club Spring Break Camp, visiting, praying for and providing needed assistance to widows in their community, and lead an after school program in a Hispanic mobile home park.

About Campus Ministry @ Grand Valley State University

Campus Ministry @ GVSU is a community of Christ followers called to: Engage college students with the life-changing love of God, Disciple leaders who make disciples, and Be a bridge to Jesus Christ and his local church worldwide.

Quick Links

• Campus Ministry Website

MONTHLY CALENDAR 

December 2023

  4 Mon.    Trustees 6 pm

  4 Mon.    Bible Study 7:30 pm Life of Mary the mother of Jesus

  5 Tues.    Stewardship/Finance 5:30 pm

  6 Wed.    Lifeline Screening

  7 Thur.    Staff Parish 5 pm

  8 Fri.       Free Community Dinner 5:30-6:30 pm 

12 Tues.   Church Council 6 pm

17 Sun.     Christmas Program “A Prayer for Peace” 3 pm

19 Tues.   Afternoon Bible Study luncheon 11:30 am

21 Thurs. J.U.L.I.E.T.S. meet at 11:30 am Sleepy Owl

24 Sun.     Christmas Eve Service 7 pm

25 Mon.   Church Office Closed to Celebrate Jesus’s Birth

26 Tues.    E-Navigator

27 Wed     R.O.M.O.E.S meet at 11:30 am Sleepy Owl

27 Wed.    Martha/Ruth Circle 1 pm

                                Calvary United Methodist Welcomes our community.

Our long-standing Free Community Dinner (2^nd Friday of the month) is scheduled for Friday Dec. 8 from 5:30-6:30. Take-out or dine in options are available.

No Family Fun Night in December

Calvary Community Outreach due anytime

Mark your Calendar for Dec 17 Christmas Program at 3 pm. Enjoy and fellowship with your church family and invite someone to come with you!

                                                               Altar Flowers Needed                                            

                                                                      Every Sunday

If you would like to contribute altar flowers, sign your name on the date of the hallway calendar at the north end of the building, or call the church office at (457-3778) or email the church at syrcalv@kcaccess.com. You may deliver or we will have someone deliver for you. Some ideas are flowers for anniversaries, birthdays, our children, and grandchildren and to God’s glory. NOTE: If you have silk flowers you no longer need, consider donating them to the church. Mary Hursh will use them to create altar arrangements with them.

Thoughts from Bashor Home  

​If you were to describe in the most basic way what being a Christian call you to do, how would you describe it? One of the beautiful aspects of humanity is that we are all different. Even identical twins are not completely the same! Differences are wonderful and fruitful, but we run into problems when we allow those differences to define who we are or what our purpose is. 1 John 4:7-11 says, “7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.” When I think of what it means to be a Christian, the answer is always one word, love. The message to love one another is so simple, but so often it is the hardest thing for us to accomplish. We all struggle with our differences, but we cannot allow our differences to close us off to love. God made each individual with the capacity to love one another, to love ourselves, and most importantly, to love God. Go this week and love one another!