Not Just Sunday

Calvary in the Courant

Mention was made today of Calvary Fellowship's free family portraits for Mother's Day in this article in the Hartford Courant. 

Sidebar: The reporter was accurate in pointing out that there is not an OBLIGATION to attend the church service, but I would say there is an incredible OPPORTUNITY to do so. I say that because we will be talking about a mother in the Bible who changed the trajectory of her life and her world though her trust in God. From her example, we will learn how we (all of us, not just women and moms) can also experience transformational trust even in the midst of impossible situations.

On The Horizon

This morning during staff meeting we took a look at some of the big events that are going to be coming up at Calvary Fellowship.  And when I took a moment to look at the events I noticed two things.  1) The events are going to be rockin!  2) There are more than a few coming up sooner than we think!  I think what I wanted to do was to share some a little bit about each of these events, and also put a call out to all people who read this blog and ask for any ideas that you may have to either improve the events from years past.

So let's take a look at a few things in the order in which they are coming!

1) Mother's Day Photos

Mother's Day is an awesome time to get together as a family and spend some time making the women who brought us into this world feel special.  As I have grown up and seen all that my mother has provided for me I always have to stop and say "WHOA!"  There was so much sacrifice and unselfishness that goes into being a mother it's amazing that she stayed sane raising three (sometimes out of control) children.

The Mother's Day photos are just a small way for us to give back to our Moms.  So if you haven't gotten a chance to invite Mom yet give her a call this week and talk about it with her.  I am so excited that not only my Mom, but sisters and In-Laws are coming for this great day.  And the best part is, it's free!  So don't forget it will be May 9th with photos starting at 9:00AM-10:00AM and continuing after the service until they are done.

2) Anniversay Picnic

Calvary Fellowship is coming up on a HUGE milestone!  This year will be our Five Year Anniversary picnic.  It's amazing to look back and see how much God has blessed us in these five years.  We started so small in Elmwood Community Center and then traveled through two hotels and a Jewish day school before finally arriving at our current location at Conard High School.

I have heard Bill quote a stat on more than one occasion that just shows how blessed we are.  By two years in more than half of church plants shut their doors.  And by 5 years more than half of those left are also shutting down.  So this is going to be a great day to celebrate all that God has done at Calvary.

In the past two years we have been at The Soloman Scheter Day School for our picnic.  But with our new venue being Conard High School we will be having a new location!  Some of the things to expect at the picnic are food, more food, and did I mention food!  A bounce house for the kids (And some adults too).  Games and activities for adults.  And overall a good time for us as a church body to have some fellowship and celebrate!

I am going to be sending out some emails soon to see if anyone has pop up tents, grills, and other various items for this event.  But needless to say I am super excited for it! 

Also feel free to invite your friends and relatives to join us for this wonderful day!

3) Celebrate West Hartford

Every year we have a booth over at the town's Celebrate West Hartford festival.  It is a time where we can really get to and meet and greet with folks from our surrounding community here in West Hartford.  If you are newer to Calvary or have never been to this event before I strongly encourage you and your family to come down for a day of FUN!

Our booth this year is going to consist of two pieces.  We will have one side of the booth with information about Calvary.  Examples of past CWH's -  Our Calvary literature, an interactive video with upbeat music, candy and balloons for kids, face painting and volunteers that bring smiling faces to talk to the community.

This year have gotten the deluxe edition of booths and will also have room to show people our children's ministry and youth programs.  The best part about this event is that it is also free.  In the past this has really been a fun event for all involved.  Our booth is supported by both staff and volunteers.  And this year will be the same.  If you have any interest in helping this year let me know Here

The dates are going to be Saturday and Sunday June 12th and 13th!  You can come down and volunteer for a few hours or even the whole day!  This is also a great opportunity to not only meet our community, but other people from Calvary.

So come on down to Celebrate West Hartford!

Those are a few things on the horizon that I am excited about.  I would love to here any feedback from you guys.  Hope all is well

Chip

2nd Easter mailer drops today

Today our 2nd mailer will drop for Easter. Please pray for the hearts of those who receive it to be open to visiting Calvary for Easter and, more importantly, to be open to Jesus in their lives!