Our final rehearsal is this coming Sunday, 10 a.m. in the choir room behind the sanctuary. If you have not attended a session or missed a few, you are still invited. Similar to the message outside the church, “We’re Saving a Seat (and a part) for You.” 
We are still in need of instrumentalists of all ages and skill levels. Join us even if your old instrument case has an inch of dust on it.
Particular needs: 

• Woodwinds (adding to the section)               

• Strings (especially cello)   

• Brass (high and middle voices)                     

• Percussion (covering suspended cymbal and concert bells) 

Remaining schedule:
April 27, 10 AM                 May 4, 8:15 AM participate in worship                                                           
If you are unable to participate on May 4, we’ll be back in August/September for sure, so you’ve got time to warm up those “chops”.
Finally, to all the instrumentalists who have participated in the development of this project, a BIG THANKS! Also, thanks to Leslie Gully, Stacy Coussens, Lori Short, and Chris Toovey for your support.
Questions or further details, please contact Bill Toovey at bclsct@yahoo.com.

Calvary’s Prayer Shawl Ministry will be in the Atrium between services on May 4 to give away shawls.  All our shawls are handmade from allergy-free yarns.  If you know of someone in need of a little warmth or comfort, stop by and check out our collection.  All shawls are free to anyone who wants them.  For more information, contact Linda Ferrence.

Mark your calendar now for a Calvary Block Party on Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be live music, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, art projects, food trucks, and perhaps even more! There is no charge for this event, except food at the food trucks if you'd like to eat. Lawn chairs are encouraged. Make plans to come, bring your family, and invite some friends!
Calvary UMC 1700 N. Towanda Ave. in Normal

Calling all graduating high school seniors! We are so proud of you and want to celebrate you on Sunday, May 18! Please submit the below information and photo by Monday, May 12.

• Your name

• 1-2 photos of you now

• The school you are graduating from

• Plans after graduation (travel/work/college and/or major)

• Favorite memory while attending Calvary or a scripture that is meaningful to you right now. 

• Email to Erin Scott by Monday, May 12. 

Join the fun at Calvary VBS this summer! VBS will be held July 21-24, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. each evening. Children age 4 through 5th grade are invited to participate and people older are welcome to volunteer. Registration is open now through June 22. Check out the VBS website for more information or register children or volunteers. Questions? Contact Lori Short.

Women of Calvary & guests, we invite you to join the Heart & Soul group for our May 1 event! We'll be hosting Julie Holliday from Beautiful Life relocation services speak about de-cluttering, organizing, and freeing yourselves from unneeded "stuff." She'll also speak about how this ties in to the story of Mary & Martha.
Light refreshments will be provided. We'll be meeting in the Atrium Thursday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to invite a friend, whether they attend Calvary or not. We hope you'll join us for this educational event with great fellowship! Please register by April 28.  Register here.

Midwest Mission is a Methodist affiliated ministry that helps provide clothing, food, school supplies (including desks), sewing machines, fire fighting equipment, and many more items to folks who need them around the world! Come join us on Friday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the warehouse in Pawnee, Illinois. We can work on carpool arrangements and will need to leave town by 7 a.m. in order to get there on time, typically eat lunch at a local diner, and are home before 5:30 p.m. (even with traffic). The work could entail assembling school kits or toiletry bags, weaving on a loom (like the ones we have at Calvary), working in the bike shop, woodworking (with assistance if needed), and even sewing machine repair! Sedentary jobs are available and will be requested. The supply fee is covered by the Calvary Outreach Committee.
If interested, you can sign up directly on their site.

Men’s Faith and Fellowship will begin a new 6-week study on April 23, 2025, entitled “The Third Day” by Tom Berlin.  This study is about how the resurrection of Jesus Christ profoundly changed the lives of those who followed him and how it can transform ours as well.

We meet at 6:30 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 this study together.

If you would like to participate, please contact Gil Dorsey at dorsey.gil@gmail.com or Jim Brown at jim.brown@nm.com for us to make certain we have enough study books available.

Faith in Action is a community service that helps people 60 and older live independently. There are many flexible volunteer opportunities including medical transportation, grocery shopping,  friendly visiting, office work and special projects.  See www.bnfia.org for more information.  We still need volunteers!  If you can volunteer a couple hours each week you can make a positive impact on others.  Talk to Jan Kibler (309-824-3783) if you would like more information. 

We have a trip planned to Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa September 27 to 0ctober 4, 2025.  If you are interested, check www.bnfia.org/events.

Also, we are working with Transitions by Go Green Commercial Cleaning (309-585-0423).  This is a one-stop shop for decluttering, downsizing or moving.  If you mention FIA they will donate to us!

This year, we are celebrating Faith in Action's 20th Anniversary. The 20 Over 60 Recognition of those in our community who have given a lot will be at Rob Dob’s on April 29th. Tickets can be purchased at:  https://bnfia.org/event/20over60.  Check out our Facebook page, ‘Faith in Action - Bloomington/Normal,’ to see who will be recognized.  

The band will primarily be geared toward youth, but all ages are welcome! We will practice in the choir room/G108 from 10:00-10:30 a.m. each Sunday from March 30 until we perform in May. If anyone is unable to make rehearsals but would like to take part, we can give you music to practice at home. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Gully. 

We meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. starting April 8. This session consists of 13 consecutive weeks which you may attend every week or as many weeks that you are able to attend.
The first week includes registration, introductions, orientation and the first week DVD followed by discussion. We provide desserts each class. Books will be available to purchase in the class for $20.00.
Anyone who has had a recent or past loss of an individual are welcome.
We look forward to meeting you. Please register here. 

During the season of Lent this year, Calvary UMC will be joining in an All Church Study of the book "The Walk" by author and pastor Adam Hamilton. This book, and its connecting study, asks us to consider some of the spiritual practices that we can include in our lives to help us draw closer to God.
Our Sunday morning worship services will be focusing on "The Walk" from March 9-April 13. Small Group and Sunday School classes are offering a group study connected to this worship series. Alternatively, you can find or create a group to connect with during the season of Lent. Reach out to staff if you need assistance connecting with a group.
Starting February 23, copies of the book will be available for sale in the atrium on Sunday mornings for $12. Everyone is encouraged to pick up a copy and read a chapter a week through Lent.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will begin meeting Tuesday, February 11. We will be working on shawls as well as hats, scarves, and mittens of all sizes. Join us as we work and pray every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 9:30-11am in L7.  No experience is required. All materials are provided, including yarn, patterns, and needles/hooks. We also have shawls available to be given to individuals in need of warmth and comfort. For more information, contact Linda Ferrence.

Faith in Action is a community service that helps people 60 and older live independently. There are many flexible volunteer opportunities including medical transportation to doctors, physical therapy, etc., grocery shopping, friendly visiting, and special projects. See www.bnfia.org for more information.
This year we have a couple trips planned. New Orleans in May (already filled) and Montreal & Quebec & Canada's Capital City - Ottawa in September 27-October 4.
Faith in Action is also celebrating its 20 Anniversary in 2025. One of the events planned is 20 over 60 where nominees over 60 are making a difference in McLean County via their professional, volunteer, philanthropic or community activities. See nomination form on www.bnfia.org under News & Events. Or, contact Jan Kibler at (309) 824-3783.

Calvary United Methodist Church's Youth Group will now be meeting on Tuesday nights. Fifth through 8th grade Youth Group will happens from 6-7 p.m. Youth from Middle School and Hight School are invited for "hang-out time" until 7:30, and High School programming occurs from 7:45 to about 8:45 p.m. Come to the Gym entrance for all youth programming. If your youth has another commitment and needs to arrive late, that's absolutely fine. If your youth hasn't been attending, this is a great time to encourage them to come! 

Workcamp for students currently in 8th through 12th grade (and adults as leaders) will be July 5-July 11 this year in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Registration is now open! Check out the registration form for more information. Scholarships are available. More information about this experience can be found on Group Mission Trips website. We’ll have a more specific informational session as the week gets closer. Experience this transformational week, serving and growing closer to God and others.

Join us for season 4 of The Chosen Bible Study. Purchase your book on Amazon. We will be meeting in room 111 starting March 19 and meeting from 10 a.m. to noon for 8 weeks. Contact Sharyl Jennings for any questions.

Our Calvary family is committed to serving meals on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at Safe Harbor. This is a great way to serve your community with your friends and family. Preparing and serving doesn't take long and isn't difficult, but it is a great need you can help with. We have 22 spots open for 2025. When could you serve?
If you have never served or would like more information, please contact Tammy Carlson at 309-533-6663 to help you get started or connect you with a group. We do need more groups on our mailing list.

The Backpack Ministry provides food for students in the free and reduced lunch program at Parkside Elementary School. We pack bags of food for the students to take home on Fridays so that they have food over the weekend. The bulk of the food that we pack comes from Midwest Food Bank. We are looking for volunteers to help us on one Wednesday morning a month for an hour or two to help with the packing of the bags. No experience is required and we welcome all ages. We meet one Wednesday each month in the school year at 10:45 a.m. in the lower level classrooms. Contact Brenda Leopard for any inquiries.