November Highlights
On November 19, the Dakotas Conference held a special session to ratify disaffiliation agreements of congregations seeking to leave the United Methodist Church. Calvary completed this five-step process and is one of 18 churches departing the denomination.
We are grateful for the legacy of the UMC, for lifelong friends we've made in ministry partnerships, and for the Dakotas Conference leaders who stewarded the separation in a Christ-honoring way. See the full news article here.
Caring for our Community
Calvary, YOU ARE A BLESSING! This month 105 gift shoeboxes were collected for Operation Christmas Child, 225 sack lunches were packed for Fraser LTD/Stepping Stones, and our congregation served 3 shifts at the Emergency Food Pantry.
We also continue to accept and deliver monthly donations for the Food Pantry (non-perishables, diapers/formula, hygiene items) in the mission cart by the gym. Clothing donations can be placed in the New Life Center donation bins in the parking lot.
Want to serve or find out more? Check out the recent Forum article about SSRC, sign up online to volunteer at the Food Pantry, jump in for our December service project for the Hip Hop Hope ministry, or ask Greta about our monthly burrito bake for Churches United.
There is a season for everything . . . including retirement. Recently, Faith Community Nurse Karen Fleming made the decision to step away from paid employment at Calvary so she can say YES to new things in the years to come.
Below is an excerpt from Karen’s letter to the congregation:
Dear Calvary Family,
It has been my honor to partner with God and to walk alongside members and friends of Calvary as a Faith Community Nurse for the past 15 ½ years. I am grateful to God for calling me to this ministry and walking with me through these years. God was so gracious providing what and who I needed at the time it was needed and answering my countless prayers.
I have felt God’s leading in the past 2 years that He has other things for me to do for my family and in our community. Effective December 21, 2022, I have resigned my paid position as Lead Faith Community Nurse at Calvary Fargo.
I look forward to spending more time with my husband Paul as we have entered our retirement years. Paul has been gracious and supportive these past years to allow me to do this ministry. We have plans to travel more and look forward to seeing our adult children and extended family a little more often. Facilitating Griefshare has shown me that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Take time to love your loved ones well!
Paul and I will continue be around Calvary but with a little more flexibility to our schedule. I have plans to continue with Calvary Community Garden and to help facilitate Griefshare.
Click here to read Karen’s retirement letter in full.
We are so grateful for Karen’s years of faithful ministry — many which never included a “paid staff position.” THANK YOU, KAREN, for shepherding children, leading small groups, visiting us in the hospital, for praying and calling, and for standing strong in prayer and mercy ministries during the height of the pandemic. Your compassion and obedience has inspired so many.
Grow in faith with men of all ages! On the first Friday of the month, the Calvary men’s group hosts breakfast and an occasional speaker. This week, SWAT commander Bill Anfeldt will be speaking. Come enjoy food, fellowship, and be encouraged by Bill’s powerful testimony.
Join us this month for a preaching focus on the Holy Spirit. Pastor Dave Motta will visit Calvary and preach December 4.
Come celebrate this Christmas extravaganza with Calvary kids and youth: Wednesday, December 7 at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary. Contact Greta@calvaryfargo.com for details.
Is the Spirit working in your life? Baptism is a public declaration of faith as you identify with the family of believers. It’s symbolic of Christ’s burial and resurrection and your new identity in Jesus — your old life left behind as you are raised to life through Christ. Interested in being baptized at Calvary? Sign up at the Info Center or inquire here.
