1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

The
Chronicle
February 2015
LENT
So the journey begins– forty days and six Sundays in a season
called Lent that moves us from the ashes and an awareness of
our own mortality on Ash Wednesday to the grave and awareness of our immortal life given to us through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ on Easter. We begin these holy days in the solemn and deeply moving worship of Ash Wednesday, where
we are marked on our foreheads with ashes, reminding us that
we are dust and to dust we shall return. But we also share the
Sacrament of Holy Communion – our sign and remembrance
of God’s amazing love and grace in the sacrifice of Jesus
Christ. Plan to be a part of these holy days with us as we
worship our Lord. Begin with ashes. End with resurrection!
Each year, men’s college basketball
has a tournament for Division I
schools nicknamed “March Madness”
- from a field of 68 teams, it will be
narrowed until just 2 teams play for
the national championship. Only one
will win. In conjunction with this annual sporting event, our worship during the season of Lent—a period of 6
weeks, culminating in the Holy Week
activities of Jesus’ passion, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection
on Easter—will follow a similar
“March Madness” theme—seeing
Jesus pitted against the forces of our
world and lives, finally facing the
ultimate challenge of life over death.
The Championship Series of Jesus—
reaching its victory event on Easter.
Join us in worship for
March Madness, 2015.
WORSHIP OF ASHES AND COMMUNION
FEBRUARY 18, 2015
12 Noon—Childs Chapel
7 pm—Sanctuary
A moment with Mernie...
In the Christian church, Lent is a season in which we take time to consider our human nature, our
bent toward sinning, and our sins’ deadly consequences for both the individual and society. It is also a season to consider new ways in which Jesus Christ calls us to respond. To this end, I invite you either to forgo
something or to take on a new discipline with the intention of being spiritually transformed long past the
Lenten season. Either endeavor can be effective in reconnecting you with God.
For those of you who have never embarked upon this exercise, let me give you some details. Lent
consists of 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday excluding Sundays. You may wonder why we do
not include the six, in-between Sundays during this time. The reason is because the Lord’s Day (the Sabbath) is set aside in the church to rest, to refresh, and to feast. God “rested from all the work that He had
done in creation” on the seventh day (Gen 2:2) and intends for us to incorporate a regular Sabbath into our
lives, as well.
As we enter this new season, I would also like to share with you a meditation from Dietrich Bonhoeffer that is part of a book presented to me at my ordination. Bonhoeffer was a theologian whose words
have continued to inspire Christians for decades. Each time I humble myself at the cross, I am reminded of
the death of my old person in Jesus Christ and amazed at the depth of joy and contentment found in my
new person. Bonhoeffer reflects thoughtfully on every Christian’s cross:
“The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every person must experience
is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. It is that dying of the old person which is the result of
our encounter with Christ. As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with
His death--we give over our lives to death. Thus it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise
God-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ. When Christ
calls us, He bids us come and die. It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home
and work to follow Him, or it may be a death like Luther’s, who had to leave the monastery and go out into
the world. But it is the same death every time--death in Jesus Christ, the death of the old person at his
call.”
(Bonheoffer, Dietrich. A Testament to Freedom: The Essential Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Edited by Geffrey B. Kelly and F. Burton Nelson. San Francisco: Harper-San Francisco, 1995, 94).
In Him who loved us first,
Mernie
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY – on weekdays Calvary UMC will follow the schedule posted by Anne
Arundel Community College. If the church is closed on a weekday, evening activities
are also cancelled. On Sunday, if worship and activities are cancelled due to
weather, you can find information at the following places: the church website,
www.calumc.org; the church office, 410-268-1776; and radio station WNAV – 1430
AM and 99.9 FM. The radio station will report information as it fits in their programming so you may want to try the church website and phone system first.
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CONGREGATION NEWS
On January 11, 2015 we celebrated the
Sacrament of Baptism for:
Joanna Marie Cook, who is the daughter of
Cheryl and Ryan Cook and
Connor William Vragovich, who is the son of
Amanda and Jeremy Vragovich.
We would like to thank our Calvary family for all they have done for us after the passing of Alli. We really appreciate everything and everyone.
DIRECTORY UPDATES
Art and Gen Turman
6209 River Crescent Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dale Magnusson and
Judith Reichard
8615 Wandering Fox Trail, #307
Odenton, MD 21113
Sincerely, Kristy and Cam Cantrell and Anna Delaney
WINTER RELIEF SHELTER at Calvary
February 16-23
Winter Relief is just around the corner! If you haven’t already signed up, we hope that you will consider joining
your Calvary family as we open our doors to the homeless in Annapolis. For a current list of vacancies, please visit
our Winter Relief page on Calvary’s website at www.calumc.org/winterrelief.
We always need overnight hosts between 9 pm and 7 am each night. Being on overnight does not mean that you
are up all night! Hosts typically take a shift and sleep in the back designated classroom on cots that are provided.
This way we have several hosts available should an emergency arise.
Sign up to volunteer on-line or by contacting Pam & Rob Biddlecomb at 410-440-1719 or [email protected].
Volunteer opportunities include:
Help prepare/serve/clean up breakfast, help prepare lunch, be an evening host (5-9 pm), be an overnight host
(9 pm-7 am), help with guest laundry, help set up/tear down (prior to and end of Shelter), help with medications,
supply individually packaged snack foods, or 2-L bottles of soda, provide pillow cases (can be gently used).
...a Mediterranean cruise…
….a Biblical journey…
You are invited to join Rev. Wright on a trip to follow the pathway of the Apostle Paul’s missionary
journeys in the development of early Christianity…. aboard a luxury ship cruising the Mediterranean
Sea….November 7-19, 2015….an incredible trip of inspiration and relaxation not to be missed! An
informational time for those interested will be held at Calvary Church on Wednesday, February 11 at
7 pm. Brochures and more information are available outside Rev. Wright’s office door (main hallway),
by contacting him at 410-268-1776, or email to [email protected].
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AUDIO/VISUAL UPGRADE UPDATE
2014 proved to be an important year of assessing the needs for replacing old equipment and adding new
equipment to upgrade our audio/visual capabilities for our worship services. One of our problems became
apparent Christmas Eve and over the following weeks as the two pastors' microphones quit working properly. The assessment was part of a months-long study that included the free services of two professional
engineers (one of whom had done work at Goddard Space Center), thus saving us money. Specific recommendations were made and approved, with careful attention to the needs and opinions of many constituent groups and individuals, and the fundraising process began. We are pleased to announce that our fundraising goal of $60,000 has been met and even exceeded, so we are moving forward with plans for equipment purchase and minor construction. Thank you to all who have donated money and supported this project.
The new equipment will enable us to hear better, add a visual element to our worship services with cameras and monitors, and begin a new phase of outreach through online streaming of services. We
have endeavored to balance the needs of those who want to see little or no physical changes in our 70’s
era sanctuary with the needs and desires of worship leaders of all services who will be using the new technology. We have also attempted to keep the process transparent so that there are no surprises or misinformation. Information has been disseminated to the congregation through the use of special presentations, newsletter articles, and announcements.
One of the trickiest issues has been where to place those who will be running sound, cameras, and power
point presentations. We knew that they needed to be somewhere out in the sanctuary as opposed to inside an enclosed booth, where they aren't really hearing the sound as the congregation hears it. As the vision was first formed, it was thought that the operators might be able to be placed unobtrusively in the balcony, but as the vision further developed, it was realized that this plan would take up too much of the limited floor space that's used by brass and other instruments for special programs. The only logical compromise is to place the operators in the left rear corner of the sanctuary. We will work to retain the beauty of
the sanctuary with minor construction of secure cabinetry and wooden railing that matches the other railing of the room. One or two pews will need to be shortened to make space (much like what happened for
the grand piano and the handicapped row), and the side aisle will be moved to dogleg around the area so
that we still have an aisle. Another issue of concern expressed has been about the use of screens. It
proved to be too expensive and unfeasible to install descending screens and long-range projectors. Our
solution has been to get large monitors attached to the front walls near where the current speakers
hang. These will be fairly unobtrusive, with very little plastic "lip" to them, so as to not detract from the
natural beauty of the sanctuary. The plan also calls for some additional speakers to enhance the sound,
new microphones and outlets, and hidden audio and visual monitors for the choir and leaders in the chancel area. We will have wonderful new capabilities to enhance our worship services and further engage the
congregation.
As we move forward with this upgrade, we will need teams of volunteers for each service who can learn to
remotely operate cameras, assist Malcolm with sound, and create and operate power point presentations. We ask that those of you with an interest in these positions to please contact Stan Livengood at
[email protected].
Your servant,
Stan Livengood, Director of Music and Arts
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DISCIPLESHIP
January 14—February 11
Epiphany Study , Kenan Habetler, Parish Minister
Wednesdays 10:30—11:30 am, Room 119
January 11-February 15
“Who Is This Man”, Cathy and Ford West
Sundays, 10-11 am, Feldmeyer Parlor, Room 103
January 21 & 28, February 4 & 11
How To Pray Aloud..and Alone, Pastor Mernie
Wednesdays 6-7 pm, Room 119
NEW January 11
Bible Study, Book of John, Brian Berger
5-6:30 pm, Room 105 (Library)
We had our first Confirmation meeting and it is not too late to join us if you have an 8th grader who
wants to be confirmed………..Below are some important dates to make note of:
January 28, 6:30—8 pm
March 15, 3 pm
April 18, 9 am—3 pm
May 15, 6:30 pm
May 17, 11:15 am
Confirmation orientation meeting
Group Confirmation Meeting
Retreat at West River
Confirmation Banquet
Confirmation Worship Service
If you have any questions, please call Nancy Mills at 410-268-1776, ext. 104.
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Coming Up:
2/1/15– Mission Trip Sign Up
Deadline
2/7/15– Cookie Factory
2/8/15 – SNY
2/15/15 – SNY
2/17/15 – Pancake Supper
2/22/15 – SNY Winter Relief Dinner
2/27/15-3/1/15 – SNOW CAMP
3/7/15 – Cookie Factory
3/8/15 – SNY
3/15/15 – Confirmation Class for
Mentors and Confirmands
3/15/15 – SNY
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE
SUPPER
The annual Youth sponsored
Pancake Supper is Tuesday, February 17 from 5:30-7
pm in the Fellowship Hall. The youth work hard serving pancakes, sausage and applesauce. Donations are
graciously accepted! Proceeds from this fundraiser
go toward summer youth mission trips.
Please stay tuned to
the weekly email updates, for all times
and other details of
our events. If you
would like to receive the updates
please contact
Sarah at [email protected]
* We are always looking for adults who would come to
walk alongside our youth, if you are interested in accompanying us on one of our upcoming trips Snow
Camp and this summer’s mission trip, or even if you
just want to pop in on a SNY, please don't hesitate to
ask how you can become involved, please email Sarah
at [email protected]
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:
February 1 (Choir Performances)
8:45—K-2nd; 10—Angel
February 8
Scout Sunday
February 8, 15, 22
Disciple Ship
*Children serving at Winter Relief on Feb. 16
CALVARY CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF JESUS!
Give A Warm Calvary Welcome!
The nursery welcomes Ms. Beki Andres to our Sunday nursery
staff. Beki became a member of Calvary UMC this past September . She brings to Calvary a wealth of experience in caring for
children and wonderful creativity. Her nurturing and loving heart
will be a blessing to our precious ones.
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UNITED METHODIST MEN
Meetings and Missions
The men of Calvary are invited to gather on Tuesday evening, February 17, for an evening of fellowship and faith. See the bulletin and check your e-mail for the speaker and upcoming events.
Tentative plans will include presentations by leaders from community service organizations.
New Crew!
The January meeting marked the assumption (or continuation) of leadership and responsibility roles for the
UMM. On the bridge of the good ship UMM Calvary during the 2015 cruise are: President, Ken Forrester; Vice
President, Bill Lovelace; Secretary, Dave Myers; Treasurer; Bob Bold; Project Coordinator, Tony Fowler; and Program Coordinator, Bill Abner. Welcome aboard!
Winter Relief, Part Deux
Rob and Pam Biddlecomb will be heading the next session of outreach to those in need beginning February
16. Please check the bulletin and elsewhere in this edition of the Chronicle for details. And PLEASE consider assisting with the wide range of opportunities to give to those in need.
Yard Sale Information
Ready to get that garage cleaned out?! The date for the UMM Yard Sale is being finalized. Although it will be hard
to part with some of those dust covered family treasures (like hula hoops), we will do everything we can to pick
them up and move them along ASAP. Details regarding pick-up begin with Ken Forrester (410-991-7099 or
[email protected]) or Tony Fowler ([email protected]). A few young fellas would be appreciated
to help.
A wide range of events and gatherings are being planned for the coming year
Bill Lovelace will present a beautiful program regarding the Stations of the Cross at the March 17 monthly meeting
to celebrate the Lenten season. The Shower Ministry will stand-up again in April for a run to October. If needed,
mission relief teams will assemble with tool belts strapped on. Golf outings, fishing trips, and raft-ups will provide
opportunities for fun and fellowship. Dave Born's Mighty Parking Players will reconvene on September 5, 2015,
when the Mids entertain the Colgate Raiders. Baysox baseball will grace a warm summer's evening, while pizza or
barbeque may get served on a monthly basis prior to meetings with speakers of interest. (Baby sitters may be
available!) The UMM Men's Choir will again raise their voices while opportunities to attend retreats with others to
seek a spiritual connection with the Lord will be scheduled.
"Why what's the matter, that you have such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness –
do ye not know that pitchers and catchers report on the 19th?" Apologies to William Shakespeare.
Have a very blessed February, and don't forget St. Valentine's Day!
God Bless,
Dave Meyers
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Page 9
9
Lori Perron
Wendy Preslan
Linda Van Ry
8
Erica Bowen
Marilyn Edwards
Annette Lanham
Rose Lovelace
26
Judy Johnson
Alice Pride
Matthew Frantzich
25
Kathleen King
Polly Spates
23
Lora Bleacher
Cheryl Bosler
Katie Crane
Larry Penix
22
Sally Jurowsky
Virginia Pritchett
Eric Parker
24
19
18
Kate Cumberpatch
Beth Schoeller
Nan Walker
Jonathan Wintrode
27
Clarence Banwell
Jim Gatlin
Robyn Modly
Pamela Phillips
Amy Robbins-Salm
Sandy Warner
20
Rich Bowan
Trish Marshall
Diane Maier
Brad Mudd
17
13
12
Marla Miles
Toby Groff
Jodi Quillen
Michael Roblyer
6
Friday
11
5
Thursday
Frank Basil
Carol Clark
Deborah Dudas
Rachel Heisman
Madelynn Sampson
Wesley Hill
4
Wednesday
10
Betty Foreman
Janis Hosmer
3
Tuesday
George Benson
George Deuringer
David Fisher
Linda Geers
Sean Gownley
Mary Hinkins
16
Mimi Collison
Dorothy Karr
Margaret Ann Webster
15
2
Tanya Atwell
Fred O’Fiesh
Monday
1
Sunday
February 2015 Birthdays
Leanne Berget
Garnette Skordas
Buzz Stillinger
Betty Thompson
28
21
Kim Bowman
Kathryn Conley
14
Blair Bernhardt
Beth Hutcheson
7
Saturday
Page 10
11
9:15 Men’s Cov. Disc.
10:30 Epiphany Study
6:00 How to Pray
7:00 Paul Trip Meeting
7:00 Chancel Choir
10
8:30 Men’s Cov. Disc.
6:00 UMM Board
7:00 Book Club
7:15 Handbells
8:00 Men’s Cov. Disc.
9
12:30 Staff Meeting
6:00 Women’s Cov. Disc.
7:00 Stephen Ministry
8
Thursday
9:00 Employment Support
6:00 Disciple IV
7:00 Praise Team
7:30 Calvary Choir
19
9:00 Employment Support
6:00 Disciple IV
7:00 Praise Team
7:30 Calvary Choir
12
9:00 Employment Support
6:00 Disciple IV
7:00 Praise Team
7:30 Calvary Choir
5
25
9:15 Men’s Cov. Disc.
6:00 Lenten Dinner and
Program
7:00 Chancel Choir
24
8:30 Men’s Cov. Disc.
7:00 Book Club
7:15 Handbells
8:00 Men’s Cov. Disc.
23
12:30 Staff Meeting
6:00 Women’s Cov. Disc.
7:00 Stephen Ministry
22
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SCHEDULE
5:00 Disciple Ship (Bible
Study and Children’s
Choirs)
5:00 Sunday Night Youth
5:00 Covenant Bible Study
5:00 John Bible Study
9:00 Employment Support
6:00 Disciple IV
7:00 Praise Team
7:30 Calvary Choir
26
WINTER RELIEF FEBRUARY 16—23
9:15 Men’s Cov. Disc.
12:00 Worship Service
1:00 Harmony Circle
7:00 Worship Service
8:30 Men’s Cov. Disc.
5:30 Pancake Supper
6:30 UMM
7:00 Friendship Circle
7:00 Book Club
7:15 Handbells
8:00 Men’s Cov. Disc.
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Church Offices Closed
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SCHEDULE
5:00 Disciple Ship (Bible
Study and Children’s
Choirs)
5:00 Sunday Night Youth
5:00 Covenant Bible Study
5:00 John Bible Study
6:00 Women’s Cov. Disc.
18 ASH WEDNESDAY
17
16
15
SCOUT SUNDAY
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SCHEDULE
5:00 Disciple Ship (Bible
Study and Children’s
Choirs)
5:00 Sunday Night Youth
5:00 Covenant Bible Study
5:00 John Bible Study
9:15 Men’s Cov. Disc.
10:30 Epiphany Study
6:00 How to Pray
7:00 Chancel Choir
8:30 Men’s Cov. Disc.
7:00 Book Club
7:15 Handbells
8:00 Men’s Cov. Disc.
12:30 Staff Meeting
6:00 Women’s Cov. Disc.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
SCHEDULE
1:00 Covenant Bible Study
Wednesday
4
Tuesday
3
Monday
2
1
Sunday
February 2015 Events
Friday
Saturday
21
7:30 Maintenance Breakfast
14
7:30 Cookie Factory
7
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SNOW CAMP FEB. 27-MAR. 1
28
Traditional Worship
Children’s Sunday School
10:00 Contemporary Worship
Children’s & Adult Sunday School
11:15 Traditional Worship
8:45
27
WOMEN’S RETREAT FEB. 20-22
20
13
6
Page 11
Office Hours:
Monday—Friday
8:30 am—5 pm
[email protected]
[email protected]
calumc.org
410-268-1776
FAX: 410-268-5283
CALVARY CHURCH OFFICE
Bishop Marcus Matthews, Baltimore-Washington Conference
The Rev. Evan Young, Annapolis District Superintendent
Office Manager, Calvary Center School……..
Kimberly Koepping
410-268-3812, [email protected]
Director of Audio/Media Ministries…………….
Malcolm McFadden
Sunday Nursery Attendants………….Susan Giokas,
Beki Andres
Director, Calvary Center School…...Johnna Parker
[email protected]
Office Assistant…………………...………..Karen Conroy
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant………...……..Janis Hosmer
[email protected]
Organist.…………………………....….……...David Beatty
Director, Handbell Choir………..…...…..Bruce Smith
Director, Children’s Choirs………..….…..Noël Butler
Director, Praise Team………..……….….Ira Ostrowski
Treasurer………………………..……...Pam Biddlecomb
Ext. 106, [email protected]
Director of Music & Arts..……...Stanley Livengood
Ext. 105, [email protected]
Director of Youth Ministries…………....Sarah Lanzi
Ext. 115, [email protected]
Director of Children’s Ministries …….Christy Little
Ext. 104, [email protected]
Director of Discipleship…………………...Nancy Mills
[email protected]
Parish Minister …………………..…….Kenan Habetler
Ext. 103, [email protected]
Associate Pastor……………………………Mernie Crane
Ext. 102, [email protected]
Senior Pastor……………………….Harold B. Wright, II
CHURCH STAFF
Chairperson, Church Council…………….Jim Phillips
Lay Leaders…………………….David & Beth Schoeller
Lay Members, Annual Conference……..Bill Abner,
Roberta Liddick, Al Keyser,
Doris Glover
Chairperson, Staff-Parish Relations MT….
Lee Johnson
Chairperson, Trustees MT…….……..…Lon Slepicka
Co-Chairpersons, Finance MT....Jackie Nicholson,
Kipp Snow
Financial Secretary.……………………….Donna Kurrle
Chair, Stewardship MT………………Nelson Gardner
Chairperson, Missions MT……………...Bill Lovelace
Co-Chairpersons, Education MT…..Sandy Crosier,
Kevin Peters
Co-Chairpersons, Outreach MT………Susan Amos,
Lynn McReynolds
Co-Chairpersons, Congregational Care MT…
Jody Glancy, Marla Marthens
Co-Chairpersons, Worship MT……....……Jay Irwin,
David Conover
Chairperson, Stephen Ministry………...…..Jo Layne
Leader, Children’s MT…………..…….Tia Titgemeyer
Leader, Youth MT……………………Keith Biddlecomb
Leader, Older Adult MT………….....Kenan Habetler
President, United Methodist Women....
Claudette Cozad
President, United Methodist Men...Ken Forrester
Co-Chairpersons, Building MT ……...Doug Sweely,
Lori Sweely
Chairperson, Calvary Center School…
Jaime Hanafourde
Public Relations…………………………………Dave Born
(MT = Ministry Team)
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Annapolis, MD
Permit 207
Calvary United Methodist Church
301 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Ph: 410-268-1776 Fax: 410-268-5283
E-mail: [email protected]
www.calumc.org
As a committed United Methodist community, we
strive to know and worship God, the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit; to grow in faith and love through
ministry, discipleship, and fellowship; and to go
into the world to bring others to Christ through
mission. We at Calvary Church are committed to
making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Know….Grow…Go...
FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS
Feb. 1
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 14
Feb. 16
Super Bowl Sunday
Cookie Factory
Scout Sunday
Maintenance Breakfast
President’s Day—Church Offices
Closed
Feb. 16-23 Winter Relief
Feb. 17
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Feb. 18
Ash Wednesday
Feb. 20-23 Women’s Retreat
Feb. 27March 1 Snow Camp