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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.
New Members
Calvary was delighted to welcome seven new members into our family of faith last Sunday on May 12. Please welcome (from left to right) Aiden Weis, Joan Mialki, Megan Lynn Bova (and her son who is due in about 5 weeks), Yerin Kay and John Lerchey, and Joelle Swyka and Kiefer.
Pittsburgh Pride Equality March
June 9, 2019 at 12:30pm
The Parade travels from Grant Street on Fifth Avenue, ending at Liberty Avenue
What: The Pittsburgh Pride Equality March is the most colorful march and most visible display of support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the region. The parade travels from Grant Street on Fifth Avenue, and ending at Liberty Ave with floats, diverse marching contingents, and some surprises. Visit our Facebook event for further information.
Want to March?: The event runs about two hours until the final groups march. The order of lining up and details will be provided by Delta Foundation during the week prior to the March, so those who sign up will receive more details beforehand. Plan to arrive no later than in the hour before the parade begins for lining up and then walking. Anyone who wants to participate can meet at Calvary between 10:30-11:00am on Sunday, June 9. We will walk to the T Station and ride to the March together. If you want to meet the group downtown, details will be provided to those who sign up. Once a booth location and marching details are released, the details will be shared to those who signed up and also via Calvary communication channels and on Facebook.
What to Wear: Congregation members are encouraged to wear Calvary t-shirts and other church gear. Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, etc. are all recommended. Wearing sunscreen and bringing water is also suggest, regardless of temperature.
What to Expect: Walking in the Pride parade is an uplifting and supportive experience. Each marching group is welcome by cheers, support, and sometimes hugs from parade viewers. Downtown streets are lined with diverse parade goers--families with children, couples, and people of all ages.
Who Is Involved: Area churches represented in this group to date are Calvary UMC, Community of Reconciliation, First UMC, Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, Sewickley UMC, Mifflin Avenue UMC, St. Paul's UMC, South Avenue UMC, and Swissvale UMC.
If You Want To Help and Can’t March: Table volunteers are needed for Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. There will be an information table for all the area UMC churches to display info and share volunteers who can staff the table and welcome Pride-goers during events over the weekend. You may sign up to help out at the Western PA Reconciling Ministries table, representing welcoming and inclusive churches in our region. There are timeslots on either day and two persons are needed for each shift. If you are interested in helping, please email Susie Moffett at susie.fhnc@gmail.com for details and to sign up.
Additional Details: For details and to sign up to march, please contact the Calvary office, email Pam Smith at pammuppet@gmail.com, or sign up on the Facebook event on Calvary's page where details will also be shared. Yvonne Hudson is coordinating our participation via the clergy-laity committee of Western PA Reconciling Ministries and can be reached at circleoffaithpittsburgh@gmail.com.
Vacation Bible School 2019
Monday, June 17 thru Thursday, June 20
5:30-8:00pm
It's almost time for Vacation Bible School at Calvary! This year's theme is "ROAR! Life is wild! God is good!" It takes a lot of people just like you to put on a successful event. If you are able to volunteer to help out at Vacation Bible School this year, please go to https://vbspro.events/p/events/vbs2019cumcpgh and register as a volunteer. If you have children ages 3-10 who would like to participate, please follow the above link and register them as participants. You can also contact our Children & Youth Director Liz Martinez at lizzybeth1991@hotmail.com or 724-977-8830 or see her during church.
We are also in need a few supplies. If you are able to donate or lend supplies from the below list, please email Liz Martinez with what you are able to bring. Thank you!!
VBS 2019 Supply List - Please have all supplies at Calvary by June 12
Playground sand - 8 cups
Flour - 8 cups
Salt - 2 cups
Cream of tartar - ½ cup
Vegetable oil
Glycerin - ½ cup
Tan raffia
3oz paper cups - 200
Plastic yellow table cloths - 5
Paint stirs - 15
Blue fabric - 5 yards
Marshmallow peeps - 50
Non-bendy straws - 50
Cornflakes - 1 box
3 inch stones - 50
Fine tipped metallic markers
Gold fabric or wrapping paper - 3 yards
Ping pong balls - 30
Disposable roasting pans - 3
3 decks of playing cards
Spray bottles - 3
Soccer ball
Dish sponges - 3
Foam board - 3 sheets
Flexible straws - 50
Medium gift bags - 10
Sandwich bags - 100
Hand clapper toy
Confetti
Air drying clay
Fake plants (ivy, other leafy green plants)
Butcher paper - 2 rolls
Green table cloths - 2 rolls
Small wading pool
1st Annual Daughter's Luncheon
We had such a lovely time at our 1st Annual Daughter's Luncheon. The fellowship and food was wonderful! ...not to mention, the hats! Our entertainment featuring Ventriloquist Cindy Speck and Friends was phenomenal. Thank you to Kathy Wagner for all of your hard work in chairing this event. And thank you to the Calvary United Methodist Women for sponsoring. And thank you to all of the men that served us at the event! Can't wait until next year!
125th Anniversary Celebration & Capital Campaign
Celebrate with us as we begin our journey of... “Cherishing Our Past and Creating Our Future”
Join us as we kick-off our anniversary celebration at Calvary! Below, you will see a letter from the chairpersons heading up the Anniversary festivities and coinciding Capital Campaign. You will also see information about collecting items for our archives as well as opportunities to purchase t-shirts and more with the new logo created to celebrate the anniversary and Capital Campaign.
A Letter from Rev. Larry Homitsky, Frank Pogue, and Linda Ehrlich
Dear Friends,
This year, Calvary United Methodist Church is celebrating its 125th anniversary! Over the next 15 months, you will hear and read stories of some of the life changing events that have occurred over our first 125 years, along with dreams and visions for the next 125 years. We have been, and will continue to be, a source of inspiration and action that benefits our community, our city, and our region through sharing the transforming love of Christ with others.
We are excited about the Mission that God has given us – to be a majestic and historic church whose diverse people are guided by God to serve the community with acceptance, care, and love for ALL. We have seen that mission come to life in our history, and we are committed to carrying it forward into what lies ahead. We will do this through celebration that cherishes our past, and investment that will help create our future.
We will be celebrating our past and creating our future in many ways: special worship and music, recognition events, community celebrations, new mission opportunities, and more.
To invest, we are kicking off a capital campaign to continue the restoration of our beautiful sanctuary and prepare us for the opportunities that lie ahead. Our campaign will focus in three areas: sanctuary upgrades, ground floor revitalization, and more permanent parking accommodations. With these improvements, we can continue to be a place that reflects God’s beauty and majesty and provide the necessary capabilities to better serve in mission to our community. Our goal is to raise $250,000 – half to represent the first 125 years and half to represent the next 125 years. These gifts will join other fund raising efforts to bring these improvements to life. You’ll be hearing more about the campaign over the next few weeks and months.
Please join us as together we continue to build on our success to create a bright future for Calvary. We look forward to cherishing our past and creating our future with you!
Larry Homitsky — Pastor, Calvary UMC
Linda Ehrlich — Chair, Calvary 125th Anniversary Celebration
Frank Pogue — Chair, Calvary Capital Campaign
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.
125th Anniversary Canvas Totes And T-Shirts Are Now 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.
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. A form will be included in the bulletin each Sunday for the next month or two. Below you will see a copy of that form for your reference. Each family member 18 years or older should fill out this form separately. You can place the completed form in the offering plate or submit your information directly to CalvaryPgh@gmail.com. Thank you!
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 either call the church office at 412-231-2007 or email CalvaryPgh@gmail.com.
10AM Sunday School Summer Schedule — Classes For Ages 3-10 & 11-15
Our last Sunday will be June 9 then we will stop for the summer and begin again in September. Sunday School will continue thru the summer during morning worship at the 11:00am hour.
Special Music For The Summer
We are looking for those would like to perform special music during the summer while the choir is on break for the Summer. You don’t have to be a member of Calvary or a member of the choir to participate. Duets, trios, musical instruments, etc... are more than welcome! Please see Brian Burns if you are interested.
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.
Fellowship Sponsor Needed For Upcoming Sundays
Fellowship is a food ministry which is held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the worship service. All are welcome to come and share in a light meal. The Fellowship Sponsorship is $70 per Sunday, or you can co-sponsor for $35. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please see Mike Schnitgen.
SUNDAYS
Calvary “Renewal Choir” Rehearsal This group is currently on break for the Summer and will return again in the Fall. Time: Date & Time for fall is TBD
Location: Calvary UMC Choir Loft
Description: Interested in joining? No audition required. See Brian Burns for details.
Summer Schedule: Our last Sunday was May 26. We will restart again in the fall.
Sunday School Adult Sunday School only is currently on break for the Summer and will return again in the Fall. Time: 10:00-10:45am
Location: Presbytery (Across the Street from Calvary)
Description: Calvary offers three Sunday School Classes: (1) Ages 3-10, (2) Ages 11-15, and (3) Adult
Summer Schedule for Children: Our last Sunday is June 9 then we’ll stop for the summer.
Summer Schedule for Adults: Our last Sunday was May 19. We will restart in the fall.
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!
Fellowship (Feed the Sheep)
Time: 12:00pm (Following morning worship)
Location: Calvary UMC Fellowship Hall
Description: Fellowship is a food ministry which is held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the worship service. All are welcome to come and share in a light meal.
Finance Committee Meeting
Time: 12:30pm - 3rd Sunday of Month
Next Meeting: Sunday, June 16
Location: Calvary UMC Office
SPRC Committee Meeting
Time: 12:30pm - 3rd Sunday of Month
Next Meeting: Sunday, June 16
Location: Calvary UMC Parlor
MONDAYS
Sleeping Bag Ministry This group is currently on break for the Summer and will return again in September. 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. Calvary's Missions Team has teamed with "My Brother's Keeper" to make sleeping bags out of recycled materials for the homeless. Visit our website for further information.
WEDNESDAYS
Adult Bible Study This group is currently on break for the Summer and will return again in the Fall. 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.
Church Council
Time: 6:30pm - 2nd Thursday of Month
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 13
Location: Calvary UMC Chapel
"Fermenting Faith" - Young Adults Ministry
Time: 8:00-10:00pm - Watch for Next Meeting
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 6
Location: Franctuary, Lawrenceville
Description: In addition to the process by which alcoholic beverages are made, to ferment means to incite or stir up. Our biweekly gathering will focus on stirring up the deep questions of our faith as we wrestle with controversial and challenging theological issues. Come prepared to think, debate, chat, eat, and drink. Come for the whole time or just drop in for a bit. Follow us on Facebook at ”Calvary UMC Young Adults” for updates!
JUNE 2019
Sunday, June 2, 2019 — Sundays at Salem Concert Series
Time | Location: 7:00pm | Salem UMC, 350 Manor Rd, Wexford, PA 15090
Description: Bryan Sable will perform a piano concert of sacred and classical music at Salem UMC in Wexford. Suggested donation is $10. Refreshments are included in the price of a ticket, and all under the age of 18 are free!
Sunday, June 9, 2019 — Pittsburgh Pride Equality March
Time | Location: 12:30pm | Parade travels from Grant St on Fifth Ave, ending at Liberty Ave Description: See above announcement or visit our Facebook event for further information.
Monday, June 17 thru Thursday, June 20, 2019 — Vacation Bible School
Time | Location: 5:30-8:00pm | Calvary UMC
Description: It's almost time for Vacation Bible School at Calvary! This year's theme is ROAR! Life is wild! God is good! It takes a lot of people just like you to put on a successful event. If you are able to volunteer to help out at Vacation Bible School this year, please go to https://vbspro.events/p/events/vbs2019cumcpgh and register as a volunteer. If you have children ages 3-10 who would like to participate, please follow the above link and register them as participants. You can also contact our Children & Youth Director Liz Martinez at lizzybeth1991@hotmail.com or 724-977-8830 or see her during church. We are also in need of supplies. Please see the above list for details.
Friday, June 21, 2019 — Summer Solstice Open House
Time | Location: 5:00-8:00pm | Calvary UMC Sanctuary Description: Calvary will open its doors in the evening so that the public may view the Tiffany windows in the height of their glory during the Summer Solstice. Docents will be available for informal tours.
Saturday, June 22, 2019 — Visit to the Eastbrook Mission Barn
Time | Location: 9:00am-3:00pm | Eastbrook Mission Barn, 226 Church Ln, New Castle, PA 16105
Description: The Mission Barn, near New Castle, is an UMCOR collection site for kits used after disasters. We will carpool from Calvary UMC leaving at 9:00am and returning around 3:00pm. While there, we will tour the facility and certify kits for future use. If you have never been there, we hope you will try to attend as it is an interesting place to visit. Please bring your own lunch as there is no restaurant close. This is a great way to understand our UM connectional system and enjoy hands-on mission. If interested see Joan Bradley.
Thursday, July 18 thru Sunday, July 21, 2019 — Mission U 2019
Location: California University of PA, 250 University Ave, California, PA 15419
Description: This is a UMW annual mission education event with a choice of studying one of 3 subjects chosen by UMW: (1) Practicing Resurrection, The Gospel of Mark; (2) Women United for Change: 150 years in Mission; and (3) What About Our Money. Those attending stay in air conditioned dorms, enjoy worship, attend classes and do hands on mission. Cost is $225 but full scholarships are available for first time attendees. Celebrate mission with others and enjoy fellowship with United Methodist Women. If interested see Joan Bradley. For additional details, visit https://www.wpaumc.org/eventdetail/adult-children-mission-u-12749650.
Summer 2019, Date TBD — Church Software Training
Time | Location: TBD | Calvary Chapel
Description: 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.
Have Something To Share?
There are a multitude of ways to get your news to the members of Calvary and the wider community: (1) weekly bulletin, (2) church calendar, (3) website, (4) Facebook, or (5) our monthly newsletter "Calvary Connection". 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.
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, announcements, etc... 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: 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.
