Calvary Baptist Church

“An Ordinary Day with Jesus”Maybe there are a lot of days in these times that don’t feel “ordinary,” but on Wednesday nights at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall, beginning January 11, we will go through a relaxed but relevant study that helps us think about what it means to live for God, “in the name of Jesus,” in our everyday lives. To this day, the concept of God and spirituality can seem “out there” for many people, disconnected from the obligations and stresses of everyday life. Let’s “bring it down.” In-person attendance is recommended but a Zoom option will be available.

Last Wednesday, teens and adults came together to do one of our annual service projects: putting together Christmas ditty boxes for the Wilmington Seamen’s Center. 50 boxes and many helping hands. Also, a few other volunteers sorted our donated toys that will be given to another agency in the area to help families in need. Last but not least, our children put together gingerbread houses all while hearing Mrs. Erica read the Christmas story!

Sunday’s Fall Festival was a great time of games, food, pumpkin painting, and trunk-or-treating with many community guests.

On Saturday morning, 18 gathered for a men’s breakfast, complete with a full spread cooked up by member Akeem Washington. Pastor Corey led a devotional thought on the epidemic of loneliness among American men and got feedback on how we can minister to each other.

On Sunday, October 2, World Communion Sunday, we formally celebrated the safe arrival of Xaviere and Gabriella, reunited with their family as refugees after almost 10 years. We continue to partner with the RISE (Refugee Integration & Support Effort) program of Jewish Family Services, who were instrumental in helping get the entire family here. We thank Sophie Marie Namugenyi, the Chief Program Officer of Jewish Family Services, for attending and offering remarks. Please keep the family in your prayers as they work to get the girls in school. They also remain in need of a larger vehicle that can transport their entire family; please contact Pastor Corey or Marcia Williamson if you know of opportunities. To hear more about the Mulemas journey and the refugee program in the United States, check out the NPR story in which they were featured last year:  https://n.pr/3SRzhEG

On Wednesday, Sept 14, our children and youth programming returned for the fall. We fired off the semester with some combined group games and pizza. It was great to see everyone again, and as always, thank you for the adult leaders who make it happen. Don’t forget to join us starting this Wednesday, Sept 21st for full programming for everyone, including a meal starting at 6:00 p.m.

On Sunday, September 18, Calvary participated in Newark Community Day. The weather was great and many people were there. Our table looked awesome thanks to some volunteers from the diaconate, and we had a few great conversations.

Community leaders and university professors share about their work, their field of study, and how faith is in the midst of it all. A series of special guest speakers on Wednesdays, beginning September 21, 7:00 p.m. Links to the recordings: September 21 – Kristen Reisor October 5 – Richard Herring October 12 – Kristen Poole October 19 – Jeffrey Richardson

On a warm Sunday afternoon, Calvary welcomed all to our lawn for food and fellowship on Labor Day weekend. Thank you to the many volunteers who made it happen.