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Welcome
Calvary United Methodist Church believes that all means all. We open our hearts, our minds and our doors to all our neighbors. We gladly invite into our shared life all persons who seek a community of support where they can grow in God’s grace. Regardless of your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, relationship status, or background – you are God’s beloved, and you are welcome here.
Mission
Calvary United Methodist Church is a historic church whose diverse people are guided by God to serve the community with acceptance, care, and love for ALL.
Vision
We will grow our family of faith to embrace all people. We will develop ministries that nurture and encourage all people to discover and use their spiritual gifts on a journey of faith to serve the community and world.
9th Annual Handel's Messiah Concert Series
Hallelujah! Messiah Tickets Are Now On Sale!
Tiffany meets Handel! Join us for Pittsburgh's holiday tradition! Handel’s MESSIAH returns to Calvary for its ninth year to bring this community event to the Northside. This chorale masterpiece is performed with four internationally acclaimed soloists, a 19 piece chamber orchestra, David Bridge on organ, over 100 member choir, and Music Director of Calvary Brian Burns conducting. Since 2011, this concert has been a sell-out. In fact, due to popular demand, we added a second concert last year and BOTH concerts were sell-outs!
Each year we like to do something different than the year prior. This year we are welcoming as our special guest The Chancel Choir (Director, Tim Coles) from First United Methodist Church in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. In addition, we have increased the number of musicians in the Chamber Orchestra as well as added bassoon and oboe.
See Karen Ferguson for additional information or with questions. You can reach her at karen.ferguson.15202@gmail.com or 724-448-1429.
CLICK ON IMAGEto view a video of the Hallelujah Chorus from the 2016 concert taken by Dave Sevick, a member of Calvary UMC.
December 3, 2016 - Brian Burns directing, David Bridge on organ, 4 internationally acclaimed soloists, choir of 47 people from all over Western PA, chamber orchestra of 12 professionals, standing room only in the congregation.
Since the 2016 concert, our choir has doubled in size and our chamber orchestra now includes 19 professional musicians.
The Messiah concert series is the biggest event of the year for Calvary, and it takes a lot of work to make it a success. Having two concerts means we need twice the amount of help, and there are many different ways that you can contribute.
If you would like to be contacted about ways that you would to help with the Messiah concerts, please contact Karen Ferguson at karen.ferguson.15202@gmail.comor 724-448-1429.
HOW YOU CAN HELP Publicize the Concert — We have postcards available for you to hand out to your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc… We also have flyers and posters that you can hang up at your local businesses, grocery stores, etc… Any help is appreciated!
Sell Concert Program Ads — Know a business that would like to place an ad in the concert program? We have different ad sizes for all budgets. CLICK HERE or visit any of the Welcome Tables at Calvary for Ad/Sponsorship forms.
WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE? Volunteer — It takes a lot of volunteers to help the concerts to run smoothly. Volunteers are needed for parking, ushers, box office, setup, cleanup, etc… If you have time, we will find something for you to do!
WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE? Make Cookies — December is the month where we need cookies, and lots of them! Love to bake? We would love to have you make a dozen cookies…. or 12 dozen :)
WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE? Booster Ad in Concert Program — For only $25 you can give a shout out to a friend or family member or do a dedication in memory of a loved one.
WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE? Sponsorships — Sponsor a Musician for $200 OR Soloist for $250 OR Brass Section for $400
WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE? Please click below button for a complete list of all sponsorship and ad opportunities.
FREE Recycling Bin for Northside Residents
Recycling bins are being distributed at no charge to residents of the Northside. To register for a bin, call 412-488-7490 or visit https://prc.org/northside/. Distribution Dates for Northside Residents: Sunday, November 3, 12-3pm, Threadbare Cider House
CUMW Is Looking For Donations For The 2019 Holiday Shop
CUMW is soliciting donations for the 2019 Holiday Shops during the Allegheny West Christmas House Tour. All funds raised this year will be used to support the Daily Bread food ministry. CUMW spends over $1,500 annually to support this mission. Christmas Holiday decorations (clean and in good condition) and jewelry (costume, etc.) are acceptable donations this year. Items will be collected between now and Sunday, November 30th. Please make arrangements for drop-off with Linda Ehrlich (laehrlich927@aol.com) any Sunday before or after church, or Tuesday evenings. For questions see Linda or Joan Bradley. Thanks so much.
I Love To Tell The Story – Calvary’s History
In celebration of Calvary’s 125th Anniversary, we are looking for any and all photos and memorabilia of Calvary to add to its archives and history. Our anniversary celebration is an opportunity to make meaningful and creative connections with our congregation's history. Photographs provide a wonderful window to the past. It's a time to learn more about the people who founded and led the church, and about the events that have shaped its unique personality. Please see Linda Ehrlich if you have any items that you would like to contribute.
Attention All Young Teens
We are looking for young teens that would like to learn video and/or slides during Sunday morning worship. If you are interested, please see Juan Martinez about video and Karen Ferguson about the slides.
We Are Updating Our Church Directory
Have you moved? Changed your phone number or email address? Want to add a cell phone to your listing? Not listed in the church directory but would like to be? Please help us in updating our Church Directory. Please email the following information for each member of your household to CalvaryPgh@gmail.com:
First Name
Last Name
Marital Status
Birthday
Gender
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Email
Address
Are you currently a member of Calvary United Methodist Church? Yes or No
I would like my household information to be included in the online directory. Yes or No
DID YOU KNOW… Calvary has an online directory and church calendar available for your use!
This software can be used on your computer, tablet, and mobile phone! There will be training sessions scheduled for sometime during the summer months on how to use this essential tool. If you are interested in learning more, please call the church office at 412-231-2007, or email CalvaryPgh@gmail.com.
Reading Mentors Needed At Northside Elementary Schools
Our Manchester 2nd grade volunteer team and our John Morrow (Brighton Heights) 2nd grade volunteer team are looking for a few more volunteers. Volunteers go in as a team during the school day. Exact times are still being determined but will most likely be Wednesdays or Thursdays around noon. Please contact Cheri Pogue (cpogue@churchunion.com) or Liz Martinez (emartinez@churchunion.com) for more details.
125th Anniversary Canvas Totes And T-Shirts Are On Sale
In celebration of our 125th anniversary, t-shirts and canvas tote bags are now on sale. Please see the below order form for additional details. This order form can also be found in the bulletin on Sundays. If you would like to place an order or if you have any questions please feel free to email Aleata Weis at waynealeataweis@aol.com or Linda Ehrlich at laehrlich927@aol.com. You can also print out the below form, fill it out, and place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or mail it to the Calvary church office at: 971 Beech Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, Attn: Aleata Weis.
UPDATE on DISASTER COLLECTION for REV. STEPHANIE
Since the hurricane that struck the Bahamas, the Sunday School children have been taking up a special offering on Sunday mornings to assist Rev. Stephanie whose ministry is located there. This "special giving" opportunity will continue up to Sunday, November 17th. So far our Calvary Family have contributed $1438. A huge "thank you" to all of you. For continued updates and information please check out the Bahama display at the front of the church. Wouldn't it be great if we could reach a goal of $2000?!
Bahama Disaster Relief
From the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church president, the Rev. L. Carla Culmer: "...the Bahamas Conference of the UMC is already fielding requests to help those being evacuated from the 'unprecedented devastation' to receive basic supplies and find a place to live." You can help with these post-disaster needs by going to the UMC website umc.org and then look for "Ways to Give" or "UMCOR" (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and financially giving on-line. You can also call 800-862-4246 to donate. You can help provide much needed relief by giving.
125 to Thrive
As we continue to celebrate Calvary’s 125th Anniversary, we want to remember those who can benefit from Calvary members’ generosity. We are starting a campaign titled “125 to Thrive”. We will identify a request from a Calvary partner and then ask for donations until we collect a total of 125 items. Once that goal is reached, we will identify another organization and another item to be donated. Our first collection is for people who attend Daily Bread. WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR BODY LOTION DONATIONS. We need hand/body lotion. See the display in the front of the sanctuary for the size/type of container and place any donations in the basket provided. As soon as we reach 125, we will identify another request and start a new collection. Thanks in advance for any contribution you can make.
Cranberry Sauce Needed for Light of Life Thanksgiving Boxes
Once again the congregation is collecting 300 cans of cranberry sauce (14 oz.) as our contribution towards the completion of the needed 1500 gift boxes that will be put together for those who are in need. Please place them in the Chapel area. We have until November 13th to collect the 300 cans. Hope is ours to give! Please see Kathy Wagner or call the church office with any questions.
Missions Collection Totals To Date
Bahamas Collection — $1437.50
UMCOR — $349.00
World Communion — $220.00
SUNDAYS
Adult Sunday School
Time: 9:30-10:45am
Location: Presbytery (Across the Street from Calvary)
Description: Bing Ewalt is teaching a 6-week class on starting Sunday, September 8 called “Jesus and the Disinherited”. The essence of the book and the class is, as Dr. Thurman stated it, "You must abandon your fear of each other and fear only God. You must not indulge in any deception or dishonesty.... Hatred is destructive to the hated and hater alike. Love your enemy, that you may be children of your father who is in heaven." Any point of view is encouraged and respected. All people, whether non-believers, doubters, or fervent believers, are most welcome to come and share perspectives.
Children’s Sunday School
Time: 10:00-10:45am
Location: Presbytery (Across the Street from Calvary)
Description: Calvary offers two Sunday School Classes: (1) Ages 3-10, (2) Ages 11-15.
Coffee Fellowship
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Location: Calvary Lobby (Entrance on Allegheny Avenue)
Description: Come early, get a drink and a treat, and meet other members and visitors!
Morning Worship
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Calvary UMC Sanctuary
Description: Communion is held the first Sunday of each month.
Finance Committee Meeting
Time: 12:30pm, 3rd Sunday of each month Location: Calvary UMC Office
Next Meeting: Sunday, November 17
SPRC Committee Meeting
Time: 12:30pm, 3rd Sunday of each month (October meeting is rescheduled)
Location: Calvary UMC Parlor
Next Meeting: Sunday, November 17
MONDAYS
Sleeping Bag Ministry
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Calvary UMC Fellowship Hall
Description: September through November and January through April, you will find several of Calvary's members gathered in Calvary's Fellowship Hall to make sleeping bags for those who live on the streets in Pittsburgh.
TUESDAYS
Calvary “Renewal Choir” Rehearsal
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Calvary UMC Sanctuary
Description: Interested in joining? No audition required. See Brian Burns for details.
Messiah Festival Choir Rehearsal
Time: 7:30-9:00pm
Location: Calvary UMC Sanctuary
Description: Tiffany meets Handel! Join us for Pittsburgh's holiday tradition! Sing a choral masterpiece surrounded by Tiffany masterpieces. All voice parts are needed. No auditions required! Tuesday, November 5th is the cut off for new singers.
WEDNESDAYS
Adult Bible Study
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Presbytery (Across the Street from Calvary)
Description: Rev. Neal from our partner church New Destiny C.M.E. and Rev. Larry join us for joint sessions on a vast number of biblical lessons and topics. Afterwards it’s also been our tradition to head to the Clark Bar for refreshments and further discussion.
THURSDAYS
Daily Bread with CUMW (Calvary United Methodist Women)
Time: 11:30am-2:30pm, 2nd Thursday of each month
Location: New Hope, 114 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Description: The Calvary United Methodist Women sponsor Daily Bread which serves meals to those without a home or who are under-employed. See Kathy Wagner for further information.
Church Council Meeting
Time: 6:30pm, 2nd Thursday of each month
Location: Calvary UMC Chapel
Next Meeting: Sunday, November 14
Fermenting Faith — Calvary UMC Young Adults Group
Time: 8:00-10:00pm
Location: Franctuary, 3810 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (Lawrenceville)
Description: Our biweekly gathering focuses on stirring up the deep questions of our faith as we wrestle with controversial and challenging theological issues. Follow us on Facebook at ”Calvary UMC Young Adults”.
Saturday, November 2, 2019 — Calvary United Methodist Women Meeting
Time: 10:00am
Location: Calvary UMC Chapel
Description: We will need to meet to set up our busy Fall season which includes the House Tour and our table and getting volunteers for our many activities. All women are welcome and needed. Come to enjoy a little food and much fellowship. Remember to bring us your Christmas decorations for our table.
Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8, 2019 — 9th Annual Messiah Concert Series
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Calvary UMC Sanctuary
Description: HALLELUJAH! Tiffany meets Handel! Join us for Pittsburgh's holiday tradition! Handel’s MESSIAH returns to Calvary for a community event bringing this chorale masterpiece to the Northside for a ninth year, performed with a chamber orchestra, Brian Burns conducting, and David Bridge, organist. Since 2011, this concert has been a sell-out! In fact, due to popular demand, we added a second concert last year and BOTH concerts were sell-outs.
Tickets: Available at CalvaryPgh.com or after Sunday morning worship in the Chapel.
Early Bird Tickets thru November 1: $15 General | $10 Students, Seniors
Tickets after November 1 & at the Door: $18 General | $12 Students, Seniors
Free Admission: Children 12 & Under, Military, Veterans, Firefighters, Police
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 — Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Music Begins: 7:00pm
Service Begins: 7:30pm
Location: Calvary UMC Sanctuary
Description: You are invited to discover a more meaningful holiday season by celebrating Advent and Christmas at Calvary. Let the words of beloved carols and scriptures set the foundation. Stirring choral, organ, and handbell music will set the scene. The peaceful illumination of Advent builds to an unforgettable Christmas Eve service as both young and old remember the birth of Jesus, our Savior.
There are a multitude of ways to get your news to the members of Calvary and the wider community: (1) weekly bulletin, (2) prayer list, (3) Sunday morning worship slides, (4) church calendar, (5) website, (6) Facebook, or (7) our monthly newsletter which is distributed at the beginning of each month. Here are the guidelines for each:
Weekly Bulletin: Announcements or events for the bulletin must be submitted by 12:00pm Wednesday for inclusion in the following Sunday’s bulletin. For announcements that you wish to have run more than once, please include the dates you’d like to have it run. Please limit your notice to 50-60 words.
Prayer List: Contact Rev. Nettie Jorinda Bullitt at CalvaryPgh@gmail.com, or write your concern/joy on a prayer card located in the pews then place the card in the offering plate.
Sunday Morning Worship Slides: Announcements or events for the slides must be submitted by 12:00pm Thursday for inclusion in the following Sunday’s slides.
Church Calendar: Please contact Jaime Hartz at the church office to check availability for the date and location of your meeting or event. Once the event is scheduled, she will inform Karen Ferguson to have it publicized on all requested medias.
Website: Changes, additions, edits, or announcements for the website can be submitted at any time. Website changes will be made as soon as possible, but there may be up to 7 days between submission and execution, so please provide info as early as possible.
Facebook: Facebook posts can be submitted at any time. Posts or edits will be made as soon as possible, but there may be up to 24-48 hours between submission and execution, so please provide info as early as possible.
Monthly Newsletter — ”Calvary Connection”: Articles for the monthly newsletter must be submitted via email to CalvaryPgh@gmail.com or in person to Karen Ferguson by the 22nd of the month prior to publication.
All submissions are subject to editing, and pictures are encouraged wherever appropriate. Around major church holidays, the deadlines may change. To make a submission for any of the above (except the church calendar), or if you have any questions, contact Karen Ferguson via phone at 724-448-1429, email at CalvaryPgh@gmail.com, or in person.
Calvary United Methodist Church
Address — 971 Beech Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Pastor — Rev. Larry Homitsky Music Director — Brian Burns Phone — 412.231.2007 Email — CalvaryPgh@gmail.com Website — CalvaryPgh.com Facebook — Calvary United Methodist Church, Pittsburgh YouTube — Calvary United Methodist Church, Pittsburgh Office Hours — Monday thru Thursday, 9:00am thru 3:00pm Building Entrance — The main entrance during office hours is in the rear of the building via Dounton Way. This is also the location of the handicapped entrance. If the door is locked please press the call button on the left hand side. A member of church staff will let you in.
