Missions
Senior Fellowship - Men's Breakfast - Bible Study - Food Pantry - Mission Closet - Memorial Garden - Confirmation Class - Ministry of Communication - Puppet Ministry - Teen Ministry - Prayer Ministry - Presbyterian Women - Bell Choir - Ministry of Music
Click on the links above to see details of each mission.
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
This jolly group of men of the church have 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. Rev. 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.
Bible Study
Every Monday morning and Wednesday evenings Pastor Kauffman conducts 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.
Food Pantry
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!
Mission Closet
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.
Memorial Garden
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 Class
Confirmation students meet with Pastor Kauffman for prayer and study on Saturday mornings for a period of one year. After this intensive year of study, they 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.
Ministry of Communication
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 Presbertery 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.
Puppet Ministry
The Emmanuel Puppet Team is an ongoing ministry of Calvary that strives to
encourage Christians, in their faith, to share the Gospel w
ith non Christians.
It was brought to Calvary in 1995 by Liz and Dale Hosley, who along with their
team have performed for the congregation at both the 9:30 and 11:00 Sunday
services, the Sunday school opening service and the annual Talent Show.
The residents of Hillcrest Retirement Home have also been entertained by
presentations prepared especially for them. Anyone interested in joining this ministry please contact the church office.
Teen Ministry
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.
Prayer Ministry
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 adress 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.
Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women (PW) include 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 Calvary Bell Choir
The Bell Choir came into existence under the direction of Diane and Don Newby on April 4, 1997. It has a five octave, 61 bell, 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!
Ministry of Music
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 11:00 service.
The Cherub Choir is currently directed by Liz Hosley. 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.
The Special Music at the 9:30 service is performed by numerous inspired adults that faithfully share their talents with the congregation.