Informational Meeting

Informational meeting - Elder Announcement

On Sunday, September 25 during the evening service there is an informational meeting regarding the proposed amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws of Calvary Bible Church. The amendment has been recommended by the Elders so that our baptism requirements for Membership are consistent with our Statement of Faith.  The proposed changes will be presented in writing and be fully explained; there will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Although everyone is invited, we are especially encouraging all Members to attend. A quorum of the church Membership will be required on October 23 when we vote on the proposed amendment in the evening service, and it will be important for everyone to be fully informed of the changes and the reasons for them before they vote.  All Members, please plan to attend tonight and again on October 23. 

Sabbatical Announcement

Sabbatical Announcement - Note from the Elders

Pastor Jeremy has faithfully served our congregation for the past 15 years in several roles, but most dear to his heart is the family ministry. The Lord has been working through him to bless, encourage, and equip each of us in this ministry focus. We are now offering him a 3-month sabbatical through June, July, and August in accordance with the sabbatical policy for Pastors recently approved by the Elders. Jeremy will use this time to refresh and spend time with his family, research other family ministry programs, and attend a family ministry conference. He will also continue to refine the program he has initiated here at Calvary and develop ministry specific training. During this time, please keep Jeremy and his family in your prayers, asking the Lord to continue to work in and through him. We firmly believe this will be for the benefit and growth of Calvary Bible Church.

To the Congregation

Ukraine Crisis Response

Summary:

The Elders established a special project to create a three way partnership between local churches in Ukraine, Romania, and the USA whose goal is to meet the spiritual and physical needs of refugees and civilians who are suffering as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Guiding Principles:

• We will share the gospel (Mark 8:36): If we provide each suffering person with every provision in the world, but neglect their eternal soul, we will fail to love them as Christ commanded.

• We will prioritize the needs of believers (Gal. 6:10): While we are called to “do good to all,” our first responsibility is to meet the needs of fellow believers. Doing good “especially to those of the household of faith” strengthens our gospel witness, since the world will know us by our love for one another.

• We will follow Biblical standards of financial accountability (2 Cor. 8:20-21): While wartime circumstances often require creative methods, principles of wise stewardship and accountability must still be practiced.

• We will partner with local churches (Mat. 16:18): While we will gratefully utilize the vital assistance provided by parachurch missions, we will strive to work as closely and directly as possible with local churches on the ground who know specific needs and have a long-term presence in their community. 

Ministry Goals:

1. Share the gospel, and meet both the spiritual and physical needs of suffering civilians in the Odessa region. All Nations Bible Church is preparing a bomb shelter in the basement of the building they are renting. Since grocery-store infrastructure is breaking down, they will likely serve meals and become a distribution center for basic necessities. Most importantly they will share the gospel and minister to the spiritual needs of the local population. This strategy may also be expanded to other churches in the area. 

2. Share the gospel and assist refugees fleeing the violence into Romania. Ukrainian churches will connect refugees with the hospitality of local churches and believers in Romania who are willing to open their homes and facilities. Ukrainian believers will minister and assist refugees on their journey to the border. Romanian believers will meet them at the border and get them settled.

3. Encourage and equip believing refugees to implement an Acts 8:4 missionary strategy. Because of the persecution of Saul, “those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.” Our goal is to encourage believers who have been displaced by the violence to follow their example. We believe the refugee crisis will become a missions movement. What man intends for evil, God will use for good. 

 How To Participate

1. Sign up for prayer and financial need updates by emailing us at: ukraine@calvarybible.org

2. To donate to this special fund simply designate on your envelope or electronic gift “Ukraine Project Fund.”

To the Congregation

Elder’s Update

The Elders held an all-day retreat on Saturday, February 12, 2022, here at Calvary.  The primary focus for the day was prayer for the Body at Calvary. The agenda included:

• A challenge from Pastor Jeff to the Elders regarding their responsibility to disciple others, using Barnabas as an example of one who used his spiritual gifts to disciple Paul and then John Mark.

• A discussion to reach out to those who have not yet returned to church for various reasons, recognizing there has been a limited response to “Church on the Porch”. This was followed by a lengthy time of prayer by each Elder. 

• A debrief of the first several weeks of “Go Groups”. More than 100 people are currently in groups and the initial reactions have been extremely encouraging, with many intentionally initiating conversations with neighbors and others they meet. A goal will be to provide an opportunity for those with small children to be included. This again was followed by a lengthy time of prayer by each Elder.

• A process to effectively care for the needs of the congregation at Calvary was discussed.

• A committee was established to study the biblical basis for membership and its application at Calvary.

The meeting was closed in prayer.

To the Congregation

Service Time Change

Effective January 2, the start time for the second service will return to 10:30 a.m. When the pandemic started, the second service start time was delayed to ensure that there was adequate time to complete any additional procedures necessary. At the request of the Deacons, those serving in the Next Generation Ministries, and others, the Elders decided to return to our historical service times. 

To the Congregation

Sunday Service Changes

For several months, we have announced that the High Precaution service would continue through the end of the summer or “until no longer utilized by the congregation.” Due to rapidly declining attendance in June and only 4 received responses indicating planned attendance in July, the decision has been made to move the High Precaution service to the Chapel to reduce the level of staff and volunteers needed. Beginning today at 4:00 p.m., Pastor Bret will lead both the singing and the preaching during the High Precaution service. Please use the Chapel entrance.

Beginning next week, July 11, we will no longer utilize the Sunday Evening Service for Higher Precaution and will return to a unique Worship Service at 6:00 p.m. To clarify, Pastor Bret will continue to meet at separately 4:00 p.m. with those desiring a Higher Precaution service as long as needed.

To the Congregation

Elder Recommendations Have Changed

Based on population-wide vaccine availability and the beginning of our summer ministry schedule, the Elders established June 1 as our date for modifying our current COVID-19 safety recommendations.

Beginning today, the Elders recommendations will be modified from “congregation-wide” approach, to the “individual” approach printed below. This applies to worship services, LifeGroups and worship related activities.

• Symptom Screening: Please do not attend any service or church-function if you have a temperature, a newly developed cough, loss of taste or smell or any other possible symptoms of a contagious illness such as COVID-19, cold, strep or flu.

• Hygiene: Please wash and sanitize your hands frequently, especially before shaking hands, hugging, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Masks: Masks are no longer recommended for everyone, but individuals are welcome and encouraged to continue wearing a mask if they so desire. Three types of high quality self-protective masks (surgical, KN-95, and N-95) are available free of charge at each of the main entrances.

• Social Distancing: Please maintain a minimum of one meter (approx. 3’4”) of social distance from anyone who is wearing a mask. Members should assume that individuals who are wearing a mask also wish to practice social distancing.

We are returning to our normal pre-pandemic procedures of communion and passing the offering plate. Hand sanitizing wipes have been places in the pew racks and are available for use.

Our goal is to continue to build a congregational culture based upon Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”

We will continue to follow state requirements for activities that are not related to worship. Please keep this change in prayer and help us finish strong in these last few weeks.

**The 4:00 p.m. higher precaution service will continue to be offered unchanged throughout the summer (or until no longer utilized by the congregation). By mutual consent, masking and social distancing are practiced at all times. We encourage those who are currently livestreaming, and those with ongoing health concerns, to choose this safe, in-person option for worship and fellowship.

To the Congregation

Back to Life! Calvary Easter Celebration Dates

Good Friday, April 2

6:00 p.m. Service Live in the Sanctuary

• Nursery only will be offered

6:00 p.m. Higher Precaution Service in the Chapel

• Higher Precaution Service will be hosted by an Associate Pastor in the Chapel with Pastor Bret Laird’s message via livestream

• Masks worn throughout the service with spaced seating

Easter Sunday, April 4

9:00 a.m. Service Live in the Sanctuary

• Nursery - Pre-K classes provided

• No LifeGroups

10:00 a.m. Higher Precaution Service in the Chapel

• Hosted by an Associate Pastor with Pastor Bret Laird’s message Live

• Masks worn throughout the service with spaced seating

10:45 a.m. Service Live in the Sanctuary

• Nursery - Pre-K classes provided

• No LifeGroups

To the Congregation

LifeGroup Room Changes

Beginning Sunday, February 7, there will be several room changes taking place within our LifeGroups. While we try to minimize change, these adjustments are necessary, based on increased attendance and the need to provide adequate distancing in some of our classes. Below is the list of LifeGroups that are changing rooms. All other classes will remain in their current locations.

9:00 a.m. Hour
Wisdom’s Disciples: Receptions Rooms A&B
YMI: Room 300**
NextSteps: Chapel**
Encouragers: Room 214

10:45 a.m. Hour
Leon de Juda: Chapel
1711: Receptions Rooms A&B
Joint Heirs: Room 300
Marriage in Motion: Room 212
His Branches: Room 214
Inheritors: Room 307

**New changes as of February 14, 2021