510 Cedar Lake Road
Round Lake, Illinois 60073
Phone: 847-546-4444
The Mission of Calvary Presbyterian Church
The congregation of Calvary Presbyterian Church believes we are called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, be an advocate for those with no voice, and respond to the needs of those in “our little corner of the world”. We strive to be a faithful and obedient people of God. We believe in the Holy Trinity and that there is only one God, that He is the creator of the universe and the master of all therein. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God sent for the salvation of mankind, and in the Holy Spirit sent by God to be the Comforter. We adhere to the Apostle’s Creed and believe that the Scriptures are the Devine Word of God.
Senior Fellowship
The Senior Fellowship meets the second Thursday of each month in Hartwell Hall for a potluck luncheon followed by a business meeting. Afterward, they enjoy recreational time together. This is a great opportunity to meet people and share common interests. All seniors are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Men's Breakfast First Saturday each Month 8:00am
This jolly group of men of the church has gathered together the first Saturday of every month for about 25 years for Christian fellowship, laughs and a great breakfast. The men take turns cooking and planning the menu. They have had traditional breakfasts: bacon, eggs, potatoes, toast, French toast and pancakes. They are expanding their palate with new casseroles: potato-sausage, Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, etc. Pastor has always made sure that the breakfast is completed by 9 a.m. so the men are able to complete their "Honeydo" lists for their wives. The men would like to extend an invitation to all men to come and join them for a great breakfast and a great time.
On hold – pending an interim pastor but would be: Every Monday morning and Wednesday evenings with pastor an adult level Bible Study for anyone interested. Through reading, discussion and prayer, attendees are able to grow educationally as well as spiritually through this valuable ministry. All are welcome.
Our Deacons have taken on the awesome responsibility to stock and maintain a Food Pantry to service the community. A notice is placed in the Lamplighter and Sunday bulletin informing the congregation what is needed. The outpouring of food from the church and community is bountiful but the need is great. The Pantry services people year-round in an effort to assist those experiencing difficulties due to illness, unemployment, fire, etc. The Deacons also sponsor the preparation and delivery of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Basket Program, distributing a hearty meal at a time of celebration to those whose circumstances are being challenged.
Attention Please:
Regarding Mission Closet Donations: PLEASE bring donations for the Mission Closet in SMALL bags or boxes. Those of us who work in the Closet have a hard time carrying and moving big bags and boxes - they are just too awkward and heavy for us to handle. Small and lightweight is what we need. Thank you very much!
The Presbyterian Women maintain the Mission Closet, a year-round project that offers a valuable service to the community providing clothing, toys and household goods in emergencies and as an economical source for families and individuals. It is open to the community every Tuesday and currently once a month on Saturday morning.
The new Calvary Memorial Garden has been a dream of church members for several years. The committee, chaired by Grace Findley, has worked diligently to make that dream come to fruition. The summer of 2002 saw that dream realized, though everyone realizes it will be an ongoing project. Placed at the rear of the church, the garden is a place for cremains of our loved ones, a quiet place to remember them and a place to just sit, pray and reflect on our lives. The Garden was dedicated in the spring of 2003.
Confirmation students meet with Elder Jim Hill for prayer and study on Saturday mornings at 9:00 for a period of one year. After this intensive year of study, they must decide if they are ready to take their place as members of the church. On their Confirmation Day they begin their journey in the church by participating in the Sunday morning worship service reading announcements, scripture and prayers. This is a joyous occasion for everyone: students, parents, family, pastor and congregation as we capture a glimpse into the future of the church.
The commitment of an industrious group of parishioners in 1962 began a ministry of communication with a monthly newsletter which continues today in the form of "The Lamplighter". Also established as part of this ministry is a library of Christian literature for the congregation to use located in Hartwell Hall. A variety of literature is available as well in the narthex, including information from the Presbytery and "These Days", a monthly booklet of inspirational readings for daily devotions. In 2002, in an attempt to foster greater communication and fellowship, we began offering name badges for those that would like to use them. Any member or friend of the church that would like a name badge is invited to print their name on a card and drop it in an offering plate or place it in the container on the Name Badge tower in the narthex.
From the beginning Calvary has had a youth group for teens. During this difficult period of development, Christian fellowship has been a safe harbor for our youth. Over the years, numerous young Christians have experienced the value of Christian fellowship through service, discussions, sharing of music and talents, experiencing outings together, playing pool in the church basement, devouring pizza and soda, and reveling in being locked in Hartwell Hall for the night for sleepovers. In uncounted ways their contributions have helped to fulfill the great missions of this church.
One of our most powerful ministries is the ministry of prayer. This ministry provides as opportunity for all to serve. We do not feel it is required to know the person in need nor the nature of the concern in order to seek the Master's blessings, all that is required is faith and a sincere heart. Our Bethesda Pool is made available to the entire congregation for daily prayer. For emergencies we have a Telephone Prayer Chain where individuals and their needs are expressed and prayed for with intensity. The year 2003 began an expansion of this ministry incorporating e-mail technology. Parishioners that would like to participate in this e-mail Prayer Ministry are asked to give their e-mail address to the office.
In 1995 a monthly Healing Service began. This emotional, sensitive service is held the second Sunday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Those attending introduce themselves and ask for prayers for healing from physical, emotional, mental or spiritual illnesses, as well as more worldly issues of world peace, troubled marriages, addictive behaviors, patience, finding of jobs and child rearing problems. Anyone that wishes may come forward to have the Elders lay hands of them in a moving conclusion to the service. Occasionally the Healing Pastors anoint with oil as well.
The Presbyterian Women (PW) includes all ladies of the church. They sponsor assorted programs throughout the year providing fellowship, Christian growth, missions and fund raising. Some of their activities include: Mother-Daughter Banquet and Fashion Show, retreats for women, rummage sales, the annual holiday bazaar and bake sale, as well as the Mission Closet. This active group meets monthly, sometimes sharing a potluck dinner prior to the meeting. Their programs are varied, including demonstrations on suitcase packing, arts and crafts, rug hooking, CPR training and a visit from Abe Lincoln to name a few.
The Bell Choir came into existence under the direction of Diane and Don Newby on April 4, 1997. It has a five octave, 61 bells, English Handbell Choir. The variety of sound achieved in bell choirs is through multiple techniques; some of which are ringing, shaking, malleting, plucking and marellato. It has become our custom to celebrate the 7:00 Christmas Eve Service and the Easter Sunrise Service with the melodious tones of these marvelous bells. The group rehearses once a week and extends an invitation to anyone that can count to four! Practices are Sunday at 11:30.
Throughout Calvary's existence we have received the blessing of music. The congregation is sincerely grateful to the many individuals and groups that have faithfully shared their gifts of music in praise of the Lord for over 50 years.
The Adult Choir under the direction of Robert Schroeder and Marilynn Walters, organist, enriches our 10:30 service.
The Youth Choir under the direction of Marilynn Walters, organist, Weekly rehearsals on Monday at 5:00 pm. Marilynn prepares the children 4th Grade – High School for performances, which are usually held at the end of the first service and the beginning of the second, enabling all to experience their special gift.
The Cherub Choir is currently directed by Pat Warner &. Weekly rehearsals between the two Sunday morning services prepare the children for performances, which are usually held at the end of the first service and the beginning of the second, enabling all to experience their special gift. K-3rd Grade