I have several "welcome mats" at our house. One is on our front porch. Another is on the back deck. And a third is in our basement. As people enter in through the garage they see a mat that reads: "A Barney Nut Lives Here". (A reference to Barney Fife and the fact that I am an Andy Griffith Show nut and watch reruns in the basement.)
Although we may not have "welcome mats" at Calvary, we are certainly a hospitable church. People are finding a welcome here--and an invitation to follow Christ. How do I know this? Many reasons.
On Sunday morning we welcomed nineteen new boys and girls into the confirmation experience at Calvary. Over the next few months they will be learning about Christ and His church. There are parents and mentors who will be a part of this journey also. We do it together . . . and it is exciting and fun.
On Sunday afternoon we hosted a new member class in which 22 new people attended--all wonderful families--who have found a welcome at Calvary and the Spirit of God alive and active among us.
And I also received word from our United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee that in 2012, Calvary had the highest level of welcome of any United Methodist Church in Hendricks County--and 113 people who had responded favorably to their welcome and hospitality at Calvary.
So . . . we are a growing church and we continue to grow by virtue of our welcome and our ministries. Younger and older alike all have a place.
Later in 2013 you can listen for an announcement--a celebration of sorts--as we will surpass the 1000 member mark very soon. It's just a number, I suppose. But the number represents lives, disciples . . . welcome. Thank you for being a part of God's work through your time, talent and treasure. YOU are what gives Calvary a face of welcome . . . and you can rest assured that others appreciate who YOU are.
~Pastor Todd
Although we may not have "welcome mats" at Calvary, we are certainly a hospitable church. People are finding a welcome here--and an invitation to follow Christ. How do I know this? Many reasons.
On Sunday morning we welcomed nineteen new boys and girls into the confirmation experience at Calvary. Over the next few months they will be learning about Christ and His church. There are parents and mentors who will be a part of this journey also. We do it together . . . and it is exciting and fun.
On Sunday afternoon we hosted a new member class in which 22 new people attended--all wonderful families--who have found a welcome at Calvary and the Spirit of God alive and active among us.
And I also received word from our United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee that in 2012, Calvary had the highest level of welcome of any United Methodist Church in Hendricks County--and 113 people who had responded favorably to their welcome and hospitality at Calvary.
So . . . we are a growing church and we continue to grow by virtue of our welcome and our ministries. Younger and older alike all have a place.
Later in 2013 you can listen for an announcement--a celebration of sorts--as we will surpass the 1000 member mark very soon. It's just a number, I suppose. But the number represents lives, disciples . . . welcome. Thank you for being a part of God's work through your time, talent and treasure. YOU are what gives Calvary a face of welcome . . . and you can rest assured that others appreciate who YOU are.
~Pastor Todd
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