Calvary Memorial UMC has welcomed worshippers since its establishment in 1830—192 years! This photograph shows the Greene Street church in the early twentieth century before the nineteenth century sanctuary was remodeled as the current education building and the 1928 brick santurary was erected. The 1982 fellowship hall was built on the site of the brick Harper house located just west of the church.
Pastor’s Reflection
Do you remember going on road trips as a kid? I remember at 10- or 11-years-old riding in my mom’s CarolinabluePontiacTransportwatchingthefieldsrollbyaswetraveledfromJacksonvilletoWilson. I remember daydreaming about how cool it would have been to have some device that played movies as we rode instead of listening to whatever the noise was—often gospel music—the adults were tuned into on the radio.
Now granted, I had more than my mom and uncles had at our age with an array of toys, comic books, and Gameboy games for my entertainment. Between my brother and me, we split an assortment of snacks not limited to Mountain Dew, Skittles, Doritos, and M&Ms—items that would in years to follow become a staple for travel be itaridetoWilson, a youth mission trip, or the move from home to college. Of course, some items would change as we got older; Gameboys became CD players, which then became cellphones, and now one can ride from Jacksonville to Wilson watching movies or video chatting with friends.
Thinking about the dreams of my childhood that have now become reality, and in some cases essential for road trips, I'm reminded of our faith and the tools needed for this journey too. As kids, it was VBS camps, scripture races, and verse memorizations. Now it's Bible studies, small groups, and fellowship meals. Whether it's riding down the road or growing up in a community, the need to update our tools is real. See, our faith, much like those rides, isn't complete without the proper essentials.
The same can be said about our connection to God, be it a familiarity with scripture, a community to share our faith in, or most importantly, an open heart to receive God’s presence in our lives. On those rides mom had her coffee and my brother and I soda; these helped to keep our eyes open and our minds present in the moment.
So, I wonder what is it that is keeping you present in the moment? What essentials are you using in your faith journey? Is it the rich fill of deep conversations in a small group or the comfort of a familiar Bible verse? Maybe the opportunity to gather in worship once again following the snow days. See, without these practices, we can be distracted by the daily grind of life, wondering to ourselves and sometimes out loud, “Are we there yet?”
I want to invite you as we move forward this year to consider what it means to be disciples of Christ and what are those tools you need for the task. What equipment could use an update, or maybe needs replacing, and what may just need to be tossed out altogether? Because our call as Christians is to be ready, to be equipped not just for our journey, but so we may lead others to Christ as well. Just imagine what we might accomplish with the right stuff on this journey of faith.
Blessings,
Pastor Jason Leighton
Volunteers Needed
Ongoing ministries such as Children’s Church and Nursery, Backpack Blessings, Days for Girls, Interfaith food delivery.
Looking Ahead in 2022
North Carolina Annual Conference (Greenville, North Carolina) June 15-18
United Methodist General Conference (Minneapolis, Minnesota) August 26-September 6
Pamlico Emmaus Men’s Walk September 22-25,
Pamlico Emmaus Women’s Walk October 6-9
Sunday School, Children’s Church, and Youth Activities
Pastor Jason will hold a confirmation class information session on Sunday, February 6 at 4:30 in the Fellowship Hall. . The class is open to youth in the sixth grade or higher. We will cover purpose, topics, expectations, and the timetable.
Sunday School classes for all ages are offered on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.in the Education Building and Fellowship Hall. A nursery is provided during Sunday School and Worship times.
Gwen Skinner’s Sunday School class has begun a video series titled 12 Women of the Bible. Six different Bible teachers present spiritual lessons learned from twelve Biblical women and their implication for life today. To name a few of the women we will study: Rebekah, Leah, Hannah, Gomer. Join us for this interesting study as we understand how similar we are today to these women.
Children's church is offered during the Worship services on Sundays. This is for children of ages 3 years to third grade. The children's church time will be after the children's moment is held.
The CMUMC Children's Committee needs volunteers for helping with the nursery during Sunday School and Worship and the Children's Church during Worship. Please contact the church office if you are willing to help with this ministry.
UMYF youth group (all middle and high school students) will meet Sunday, February 6 and 20 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
New Online/Print Church Directory
CalvaryMemorialisputtingtogetheranewonlineChurchDirectory. Hardcopieswillbeavailableoncecomplete,butin the meantime, we are asking our church folks to send in their contact info. Follow the link below or go to the church website and click "Directory" at the top of the site; it will provide a directory form to fill out on the church website.
https://www.calvarymemorialumc.org/directory
This info is not shared with the public but sent straight to the church office on a secure link once you click submit. Pastor Jason and Ms. Rose will also be available in the Fellowship Hall following worship on Sundays for anyone who might need help filling out the form. Please help us with this important ministry!
New and Ongoing Ministries
Missions Committee continues to deliver food boxes on first and third Thursdays for Interfaith.
Backpack Blessings is excited to report that backpacks are now being served to 10 students at Greene County Pre-K School. The Backpack team welcomes Jennifer Krodel who will be helping with packing and delivering. Thanks to everyone who is supporting this food ministry. If you are interested in helping with packing, shopping, or delivering, please contact Patty Herring at 252-521-0555. Delivery dates vary according to the school calendar.
Grief and Loss Support Group will meet on Thursday, February 10 in the Church Parlor at 6:30 pm. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to contact Linda Dunn @ 252-560-1465.
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.
Days for Girls “Sewing Saturdays” will meet February 5 and 19 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 the mission trip to Guatemala for Unearth Hope has been cancelled, the 275 kits we completed will be ready to go as soon as the mission is rescheduled! Also, we will be updating the birthing kits we have made previously, so more news and needs on those soon!
Forever Young Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Judy Davenport.
Hope Restorations, Inc. is an ongoing concern in Kinston, NC. For more information about Hope Restorations, its mission, and its ministry, and recent news about its program, please see the 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.
Sunday School Class taught by Gwen Skinner has begun a video series titled 12 Women of the Bible. Six different Bible teachers present spiritual lessons learned from twelve Biblical women and their implication for life today. To name a few of the women we will study: Rebekah, Leah, Hannah, Gomer. Join us for this interesting study as we understand how similar we are today to these women.
Tuesday Morning Study will meet January 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Wednesday Afternoon Study will meet January 2, 9, 16, and 23 via Zoom https://nccumc.zoom.us/j/98178185733 and in the Fellowship Hall. The group is currently discussing Ask: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age by Bishop Scott J. Jones and Rev. Arthur D. Jones.
Thursday Evening Study will meet January 3, 10, 17, and 24 via Zoom https://nccumc.zoom.us/j/91896309225.