People are asking, "How do we cope with the COVID-19 virus?" I summarize my response under the word "T–R–U–S–T."
TRUST God even when things feel confusing, disappointing, and uncertain. One of my favorite Scriptures is Isaiah 26:3–4, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Why "trust in the Lord forever"? He is the “everlasting Rock.” He is the great unchanging and unchangeable Rock. Therefore, trust Him.
REACH out to others. In a crisis, it is easy to be overcome by self-pity and retreat. But this is a great opportunity for followers of Jesus to reach out to others in our neighborhood and community. One of our themes this year is “Serve your Lord.” COVID-19 gives us a great opportunity to do that. Thanks to those who are giving blood today! Thank you to those who are providing food and delivering it to those in need. Reach out to your Adult Life Group, and be part of a Wednesday elective.
UNDERSTAND that trials and crises impact all of us. Throughout human history, there have been wars, disease, famine, drought, natural disasters, and economic depressions. Understand that we live in a broken world and “the whole creation has been groaning” (Romans 8:22). Understand that we have a “living hope, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:3–4).
STUDY the Word. This is another of our themes for 2020. This lockdown gives all of us more time to study the Word in depth. Each day, spend time in the Word. Pray, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law” (Psalm 119:18). Use the Calvary daily
Bible reading guide or make your own plan. Spend time in the Word and in prayer.
THANKFUL — Be thankful. I realize there are many problems and difficulties in our lives, but praise the Lord! “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 106:1). Thankful people are spiritually healthy and joyful. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
So in this crisis, TRUST in the Lord each day!
Warmly in Christ,
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Sunday Morning, May 3
Join us at 9:45 AM via Livestream
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"Sexual Purity and Honesty"
Senior Pastor John Munro
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Sunday Evening
Join us at 6:00 PM via Livestream
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"Avoiding Burnout"
Senior Pastor John Munro
Catch up on messages in the series at:
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Thank you for continuing to give generously!
Please give your tithes and offerings via the link below or by mail. Our God is faithful!
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National Day of Prayer — May 7
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- 9 AM, Prayer with Pastor Munro & Organ Concert
- 3 PM, Prayer with Pastors
- 7 PM, ALG Zoom Prayer Group
- Download the PRAYER GUIDE
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Hymns with the Hathaways
Mother's Day — Sunday, May 10, 6:00 PM
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Plan to join the Hathaways on Facebook Live to enjoy favorite hymns and praise songs with your whole family. Sing along!
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Calvary pastors and leaders are here for you.
If you have a need or want to talk to somebody or pray with someone, please reach out!
- Elder of the Week: Stephen Seals, 910.520.9983, stephenseals@outlook.com
- Missionaries of the Week: Ron & Ruth Durie, retired with Wycliffe Bible Translators in the US
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Thank you Calvary
for embracing these opportunities to connect with your church family during recent weeks. Participation has been exceptional — and it is a great encouragement to hear of your loving care, prayer, and mutual support.
Continue to gather around God's Word and build each other up!
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ADULT LIFE GROUPS
- ALGs are meeting via Zoom for Bible teaching, prayer, and fellowship on Sundays at 8:30 or 11:15 AM. Your ALG leader will send you Zoom details by email. If you're not part of an ALG, check with Pastor Nathaniel Pearce for how you can join. calvarychurch.com/lifegroups
ELECTIVE STUDIES
- Bible study electives meet via Zoom on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM through May 13. Register HERE to participate. Let's study God's Word together!
STUDENT MINISTRY
- College Students (ages 18–25) are meeting on Tuesdays with Pastor Eric Hill at 7:30 PM via Zoom. This Sunday, May 3, the College & Young Adults ALG will meet at 11:15 AM on Zoom with Jeremy Hyman.
- High School Students are meeting on Wednesdays with Pastor Eric at 7:30 PM for IGNITE on YouTube and Facebook followed by small group discussions on Zoom.
- THIS SUNDAY, May 3, at 11:15 AM, all high school students will meet for SLG with Pastor Eric on Zoom.
- Middle School Students are meeting on Wednesdays with Pastor Matt at 7:00 PM for IGNITE on Zoom and on Sundays at 11:15 AM for their SLG on Zoom.
FAMILY MINISTRY
- THIS SUNDAY, May 3 — Family Transitions for Parents of 8th Graders will meet via Zoom at 5:00–6:00 PM with Pastors Rodney Navey and Eric Hill. DETAILS
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
- The Children's Ministry weekly Bible lesson is posted on Wednesdays at calvarychurch.com/lesson. Use anytime during the week with your kids!
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Reach Out — Give or Receive Help
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TODAY, May 1
at 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
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Our community is experiencing a critical blood shortage.
Thank you to everyone who made an appointment online! TWO BUSES will be parked outside the Galleria today for the blood drive!
DETAILS
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Gift Cards for Medical Heroes
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Calvary members who serve in the medical field are
reaching out to their co-workers with the Gospel during this pandemic. You can help! We need $10 gift cards from local restaurants that have “take out” menus.
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Share the Gospel through Covid-19
Monday, May 4
at 9:00–11:00 AM
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Join Calvary missionary Nancy Writebol
for
this class about understanding and responding to the traumatic effects of the pandemic on individuals and families.
REGISTER by email to receive course materials & Zoom meeting log in.
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Calvary
Food Pantry — Get Help
Friday, May 15
at 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
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If you and/or your family need assistance from the
Calvary Food Pantry, contact
Pastor Sibu Rajappan at 704.907.7497 or
srajappan@calvarychurch.com to arrange to pick up groceries at Calvary.
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- General Fund offering week of 4/26: $127,218
- General Fund weekly goal: $160,000
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- Jane Liles Austin and family in the loss of her husband, Mr. Sheldon Clyde "Bob" Austin, Jr., on April 20
- Michael & Nola Hinton and family in the loss of Nola’s father, Rev. Paul Lehman, on April 24
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We have more videos and ministry content than ever on our social media channels — so join us and share with others. Stay connected at Calvary!
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Hear Pastor Munro's radio program "The Verdict" in Charlotte on
WCRU at 105.7 FM / 960 AM at 7:00 AM on weekdays and 5:00 PM on Sundays. He begins the
"With Wings Like Eagles" series on Monday, May 4. Get full listings and details at
calvarychurch.com/theverdict.
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"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
— 1 Peter 5:7
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