A Methodist Moment:
Pastor’s Message
On this TV game show, contestants offer their answers in the form of a question. What is Jeopardy? Correct! I knew you would get it, but do you know why contestants provide answers as a question? Well, it turns out having them give the question as their answer rather than answering the question itself, the show can prove for the audience to some extent that it isn’t rigged as others game shows have been in the past. So even though Jeopardy has been a part of our culture for 30 plus years now, it remains relatively unique in its practice among game shows.
Now, for your next clue. This religious denomination received its unique namesake because of the methodical manner in which it practiced its faith. If you said the Methodists, you are correct again! Much like Jeopardy, our faith practices have been around a long time, much longer than Jeopardy. One of the unique elements that earned us the name Methodists was John Wesley’s “Class Meetings”—think small groups on steroids. These classes would meet weekly for one hour. During the meeting, members of varying ages and spiritual maturity would check in with one another, sharing the successes and failures of their faith during the previous week.
One might share a story of how they served God or fell to temptation, and the purpose of these meetings was not to chastise one another but to hold each other accountable and remind one another of their commitment to God. This method of accountability was considered unusual because of its regularity, economic diversity, and confidentiality. Topics discussed in the class meetings were not discussed with those outside the covenant group. The practice was thought to be suspicious, and in some parts of Russia, the Methodist Church is still considered a cult today. The groups also focused on community development and sharing the gospel through mission work, a practice John Wesley focused on to help show others the church was not meant to be rigged either.
As United Methodists, we continue this rich tradition of a unique and authentic denomination, one that seeks not only the Lord’s table but every aspect of church life to be open to all people. Now, here’s your final clue: the practices, and traditions of the United Methodist Church, which are lived out in the world, are made possible by these individuals. What is “You”!
Blessings,
Pastor Jason Leighton
New Dates and Times for Sunday School and Morning Worship
Beginning September 12, Sunday School classes for all ages will meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship will return to 10:55 a.m. for announcements and 11:00 a.m. for the worship service.
COVID Update from Pastor Jason
I am sure all of you know there have been rising concerns over the increased number of COVID cases, specifically the Delta variant. The pandemic has been and will continue to be a difficult season for our community. As our leadership has considered the next steps for Calvary, we have acknowledged the reality that there is a wide range of views and concerns around COVID-19 and the vaccine(s) that accompany it.
We were also reminded of our duty to love God and our neighbor as we love ourselves in our conversations. A challenging if not at times inconvenient verse, to be sure, but still a task that falls on every Christian who wishes to emulate the love and example Christ set for us by caring for others. So, I invite you to join me in this endeavor to love our neighbors.
With the support of the Staff Pastor Parish Relationship Committee, the Church Council and I have decided Calvary Memorial UMC will return to wearing masks for any in-person activities at the church until such time that it is deemed safe not to. We will not be instituting any other safety protocols at this time, but we will continue to monitor our situation closely. In the meantime, we ask that you keep our leadership, congregation, community, country, and the world in your prayers. Peace be with you.
ECU Campus Ministry
GreenvilleWesley (the United Methodist campus ministry at East Carolina University) is making its big push to reach out to students as the semester starts. We would love for you to take a moment and let us know how we can connect with your students attending ECU or Pitt Community College. You can do that at https://www.greenvillewesley.org/refer-a-student.html. Thank you for your continued support.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed for ongoing ministries such as Sunday School Nursery, Children’s Church, Backpack Blessings, Days for Girls, and Interfaith food delivery.
Sunday School Returns September 12!
Calvary Memorial’s Education Committee is excited to announce the return of our Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. A nursery will be provided for infants and toddlers, and classes for all ages will be available. Make plans to join us on September 12 as we begin a new season of Christian formation and discipleship. Small group studies are also available on Tuesday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, and Thursday evenings.
Spark: Activate Faith (Elementary school-age class led by Kay Barrow)
Spark: Activate Faith is a one-room program that offers lively, age-appropriate activities—including games, crafts, and creative play—to accommodate the various ways kids learn. The program moves through scripture teaching kids about the primary stories of our faith from God’s act of creation to the life and teachings of Jesus’ ministry.
Fathom: A Deep Dive into the Story of God (Junior and Senior High class led by Stanley Barrow)
Fathom: A Deep Dive into the Story of God will help students understand the key themes and storylines of the Bible. The Bible is what sets Fathom apart from all other Bible studies. The Fathom series is designed to help tweens and teens break down the barriers of fear, awkwardness, and unfamiliarity in reading and studying the Bible for themselves, and it starts with the Bible. In a clear and engaging way, it will help the group learn where the Bible came from and how to use Bible scholar-recommended tools to understand and interpret it—tools that are utilized throughout the Fathom series.
The Wesleyan Way: A Faith that Matters (Adult class)
Meet the faith of Wesley . . . real and relevant in today's world. In this exciting and inspiring study, Scott J. Jones helps seekers and believers to envision and practice discipleship as a way of life. Presenting Christianity from a Wesleyan perspective, Jones invites participants into a deeper, more thoughtful, more active commitment to Christ. This eight-session study helps participants focus on how, through discipleship with Jesus Christ, we become part of God’s work in transforming the world.
Each week different presenters share their personal faith experiences. Presenters include Adam Hamilton, Olu Brown, Felicia Hopkins, Jessica Moffat Seay, Jorge Acevedo, Rob Fuquay, and author Scott Jones. Mini-videos conclude each week with an interview or ministry story from the presenter’s home church. Participants then read on their own from the student book and the Bible and then once a week the group comes together to explore what they've read and to view another video.
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God (Women’s class led by Gwen Skinner)
Your job is obedience; God's job is everything else. If you've ever found yourself wondering “What is God's plan for my life?” or “Can He really use me?”, you're not alone. Lysa TerKeurst has wrestled through those same questions. But she's also learned that we were absolutely created to participate in God's divine activity and experience His rich blessings. We just have to say yes to Him. Through her own struggles, doubts, and honest vulnerability, Lysa TerKeurst will equip you to:
Reignite your passion for the Lord by discovering the incredible opportunities He's already placed in front of you and the courage to say yes.
Know what God is speaking personally to you with practical ways to listen for His voice.
Overcome the fear that you're not doing the Christian life right by learning that it's about perfect surrender, not perfect performance.
Apply key teachings to your own situation today with helpful study questions and reflection prompts. Get ready for a journey of joy and purpose--one that will radically bless you beyond what you can ask or imagine.
Committee Meetings:
Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday School Teachers will meet Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Church Council will meet Sunday, September 12 at 8:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Missions Committee will meet Sunday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Trustees will meet Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Nominations Committee will meet Thursday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Worship Committee will meet Wednesday, September 22 at 5:15 p.m. in the Choir Room.
Looking Ahead
October 2 Churchwide Missions Yard Sale (Rain date is October 16)
October 31 GreenvilleWesley participants are guest worship leaders at Calvary Memorial
November 7 Homecoming Sunday
November 23 Charge Conference (virtual)
November 28 Hanging of the Greens/First Sunday of Advent
Aug. 26-Sept. 6, 2022 August 7-9, 2023 United Methodist General Conference (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Convocation of the Rural Church (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
Youth Activities, Children’s Church, and Sunday School
The CMUMC Children's Committee needs volunteers for helping with Children's Church during Worship. Please text or email Beth Ramsey if you would be willing to volunteer for this need: (252) 903-0651 or bwrncsu@gmail.com
Children's church is now offered during the Worship services on Sundays. This is for children of ages 3 years to 3rd grade. The children's church time will be after the children's moment is held.
UMYF youth group (all middle and high school students) will meet Sunday, September 12 and 16 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Looking Ahead for Youth:
November 12-14 Pilgrimage in Rocky Mount, NC and online (nccpilgrimage.org/2021).
New and Ongoing Ministries
Missions Committee will meet Sunday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The Missions Committee is planning a churchwide missions yard sale for October 2 (rain date is October 16). A storage unit has been placed on the church grounds for those who have items that they want to place in the sale. The unit is open, so place your items inside (and towards the back of the unit to help contain all the items we hope will be placed there!)
The Missions team partners with Greene County Interfaith to deliver food boxes to persons who have no transportation or who have physical disabilities on first and third Thursdays each month. We use the church bus and a trailer generously provided by George Herring. If you have a heart for a much-needed ministry in our local community, please join the team at 9:30 a.m. in the church parking lot. Your help with this ministry will be much appreciated!
Backpack Blessings will start in mid to late September pending referral from the Director of Greene County Pre-K School of the number of food insecure children. This is our eighth year of providing this food ministry. One or two additional volunteers are needed to help with packing and delivery. If you are interested, please contact Patty Herring at (252) 531-0555.
Grief and Loss Support Group will meet on Thursday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the church parlor. This monthly meeting welcomes participation by any persons in the community who wish to know the strength and healing that the support group offers for those who have experienced grief and loss.
The Joy Riders need help to identify persons in the community who could benefit from a visit. Please contact Linda Dunn to put names on the list or to join in on a ride to experience firsthand the Joy of this ministry. All theater performances at the Magnolia Arts Center in Greenville have been cancelled due to recent increase of COVID cases. Linda Dunn will be giving refunds to anyone who purchased a ticket.
Days for Girls “Sewing Saturdays” will continue September 18 from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Suzi and Rose are happy to welcome volunteers of all ages and all skill levels because there are many jobs to do! Let them know of your interest, and they will find "homework" for you that suits your interest and skill level. Although our team will not be going to Guatemala this calendar year, there is another team going that would like to take kits, so we will be accommodating their needs. Also, we will be updating the birthing kits we have made previously, so more news and needs on those soon!
Sweat Shop Supervisor Suzi is still taking donations for gallon size Ziplock bags (NO zipper closures please) and taking donations for receiving blankets also (NO fleece or flannel, cotton only, all colors accepted). ALL volunteers are welcome, and ALL skills levels are needed! Please see Suzi or Rose if you have any questions, and, as always, THANK YOU to everyone who supports this mission in talent, time, gifts, prayer, and witness!
Hope Restorations, Inc. is an ongoing concern in Kinston, NC. For more information about Hope Restorations, and its ministry, and recent news about it’s programs, please see website, http://hoperestorationsnc.org/. Read more about the Duke Endowment’s support of Hope Restorations at https://www.dukeendowment.org/story/renewing-hope-rebuilding-lives.
Changes to Upcoming District and Conference Gatherings
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 trends, including increases in cases and hospitalizations, and out of a desire to “do no harm” as we look ahead to opportunities to gather across our connection, the Cabinet and Conference Leadership have made the following changes to upcoming events.
Bishop Fairley’s Welcome Service and District Gatherings:
Welcome Service: The September 19 Service of Welcome for Bishop Leonard Fairley and his wife Dawn has been canceled. In its place, Bishop Fairley will deliver a message to the Conference. As the details for this are finalized, we will share that information and an invitation with you.
District Gatherings: The in-person District Gatherings with Bishop Fairley will now take place via Zoom. The schedule for the gatherings remains the same. Look for more information on how to join the Zoom meeting (by computer, mobile device, or phone) soon.
Charge Conferences:
This year’s Charge Conference sessions will be virtual. The Cabinet and AADSs are finalizing the details and will share the information with you as soon as possible.