The Seekers Adult Sunday School class will begin a new study this Sunday, November 1, entitled “Christianity at a Crossroads.” Over a period of eight weeks, we will view and discuss this new PBS documentary series. A description from the PBS web site: “The significant decline in American Christianity and its impact on the national landscape is explored through the journeys of those navigating this change. From church closures and the rise of ‘The Nones’ to the growing impact of immigrant congregations and digital pioneers, the series explores the roots of this foundational shift, and what it implies for the nation’s future.” Among numerous interviewees are our own Bishop David Bard and well-known United Methodist pastor, Rev. Adam Hamilton.
The class meets in the parlor each Sunday at 10:30 or on Zoom. All are welcome to join us.

Each year, Calvary sets aside the first Sunday of November as All Saints Sunday. On November 1, we will remember those who have passed away in the life of Calvary United Methodist Church in the past year. In both of our services, the names of those who have died will be read, candles will be lit in their honor, and we will share in a solemn time of remembering. We invite you to join us on November 1 (remember to set your clocks back the night before!) for this special time of worship.

Attention families of kids in grades 1st through 5th! Starting October 25 during our 10:30 worship hour, we will add a KidVenture Elementary program for 1st through 5th graders. Kids who will attend should sign-in at the KidVenture check-in desk, then go into Worship with their families. Following the Worship Music and Prayers of the People, the kids will be invited to join their leaders as they walk together to their classroom downstairs in L2/L4. We will also still have Elementary programming during the 9 a.m. hour. Questions? Contact Lori Short at Lori.short@connectwithcalvary.org

For the past several years, Calvary Outreach Ministry has participated in Operation Christmas Child project (OCC). OCC is one project, under the Samaritan Purse organization, that collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. This year’s theme is “It’s all about Jesus!” Matthew 19:14, “Jesus said, Let the little children come to me.”
Shoe boxes for packing, along with detailed packing information, will be available in the atrium on Sunday, November 1, 8, 17 and 22. To build a box online, click here.
For additional information, contact Lurinda Venezia at lurjv48@gmail.com.

Calvary’s Fall Festival was a big hit! We enjoyed blowing bubbles, painting pumpkins, eating s’mores, taking a hayrack ride and going ga-ga for Gaga Ball! Here are just a few of some of our favorite moments from the event. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers who made this event even better!

Men’s Faith and Fellowship will begin a new season of study, fellowship, and support of each other on Wednesday, October 21 2026. We will study “Jesus Is Lord—Living in the Lordship of Christ.” This is the latest study by Tom Berlin. This is for all men who want their life to conform to the way of life Jesus lived.

We meet at 7:00 am on Wednesday mornings in Room 111, and begin with refreshments and coffee share joys and concerns, have a video study, and discussion among the group. There is plenty of room for any man that would like to seek to follow Christ more fully by engaging in study together. Growth happens in community.

If you would like to participate, please contact Gil Dorsey at dorsey.gil@gmail.com, or (309)830-8316 or Jim Brown at jim.brown2801@comcast.net or (309) 825-1216 for us to make certain we can provide the study materials needed.

Please consider volunteering to help at Faith in Action. There are many folk in our area that need help getting to doctor's appointments, groceries, friendly visitors or callers, etc. Some people need help on Saturdays also.
Upcoming Events:
- Medicare 101 & 2027 Updates presentation will be shared at ARC on October 13 at 10:00 a.m. Call FIA to sign up.
- Leaf raking signup is being scheduled for November 14 & 21. 
- October is Mental Health Awareness month.
- Christmas Card Signing will be held on November 13th at Grace Church.
- Volunteer orientations are the first Tuesday of the month at 2:30pm at the ARC Community Room. Sign up here. FIA is seeking volunteers drivers to transport seniors to needed medical appointments. Get behind your community by getting behind the wheel for Faith in Action!

Calvary will host a GriefShare Surviving the Holidays seminar on Tuesday, November 24 from 6-8 p.m. where those who are grieving the loss of a loved one will learn practical, actionable strategies for making it through the holiday season. You’ll hear insights from respected Christian counselors, pastors, and psychologists. Participants receive a Holiday Survival Guide with practical strategies, encouraging words, helpful exercises, Q/As, and journaling ideas for daily survival through the holiday season. You will meet with other grieving people who have an understanding of what you’re going through. They won’t judge you or force you to share, but will accept you where you are and will offer comfort and support.
Your holiday season won’t be easy; your emotions may ambush you and suck you under at times. But you can choose to walk through this season in a way that honors your loved one and puts you on the path of health and healing.
To register or find out more about GriefShare Surviving the Holidays, call Sharyl Jennings at 309-825-7197 or email singitsharyl@hotmail.com.

We'd love to have you join us as we create mats from plastic bags. The mats are donated to local agencies that serve the homeless. We meet in lower level room 8 on the first and third Tuesdays from 10-noon, and the second and fourth Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Anyone interested in joining is welcome; no experience necessary!

Medical supplies collected are then distributed to other countries for those in need.  Please contact Susan Sopek if you have any of the following to donate:

• Walkers

• Crutches

• Canes

• Misc Orthopedic Supplies (walking boots, slings, braces)