August 14, 2024

This day, Lord, may I dream your dreams;

this day, Lord, may I reflect your love;

this day, Lord, may I do your work;

this day, Lord, may I taste your peace.

-from The Book of a Thousand Prayers

A Message from the Rector

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last Sunday in church we read a verse from Ephesians 4:32. It said, “Be kind to one another; merciful, forgiving one another, even as God has forgiven you in Christ.” It reminded me of a favorite quote from Mr. Fred Rogers. He said, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” 

Mr. Rogers was a TV personality, musician, puppeteer, writer, producer and Presbyterian minister. He was the creator and host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which ran on PBS from 1968 to 2001. He was from my hometown near Pittsburgh and I remember watching his show for many years when I was very young. I felt like he was talking to me through the television. He spoke about kindness and he showed us how to be kind to everyone. The program was critically acclaimed for focusing on children’s emotional and physical concerns, such as death, sibling rivalry, bullying and divorce. His broadcasts continue to serve as a source of comfort during tragic events long after his death in 2003.

Do you feel the world is unkind these days? Be a Mr. Rogers. Learning to be kind starts at an early age. Teaching children to be kind is a crucial building block for successful and happy lives. And guess what? We’re still learning how to be kind. It is a life-long learning process that never ends. 

Father Robert Harvey

Summer Carillon Concert Series

The Summer Carillon Concert series wraps up with its final concert at 7 p.m. tonight. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a marvelous pair of concerts! First, Carillonneur Carson Landry from Rochester will entertain listeners. Part two features Kindred, the duo of David and Felicia Meyer performing music from Ireland and other songs with an Irish flavor. 

The crews are hard at work preparing for Saturday's Garage Sale!

Calvary Garage Sale Fundraiser

THIS SATURDAY, August 17 from 10 am - 3:00 pm

Don’t worry about the weather. The sale is being held inside Hughson Hall! Come and bring your friends to find that special treasure!

We have a wide variety of items for sale at very reasonable prices. Categories include Collectibles, China and glassware, Household goods, Small appliances, Clothing & accessories, Toys, Baby Items, Framed art & decorative items, a tent, a guitar with case, and much more!

We still need additional volunteers to help with setup on Friday and to assist in staffing the tables on Saturday. If you can help on either or both dates, please email Lorrie Archdeacon lorriearchdeacon@gmail.com.

Fellowship Committee to meet

The Fellowship Committee at Calvary will have a hybrid meeting on Thursday, August 22 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Light snacks will be provided for those attending in person.

The main focus for our August meeting will be to make plans for our “welcome back” activities on Sunday, September 15 and to discuss a possible return of Pub Night in November. If you have not attended a Fellowship meeting in the past, but would like to help out with one or both of these events, please know that you are most welcome to attend. It’s a great way to get to meet people and get involved. If you have questions or suggestions please contact lorriearchdeacon@gmail.com 

From the Property Committee

• The parking lot will be closed August 22 and 23, weather permitting, to seal the asphalt repair at the entrance apron.  

• The Property Committee will host a work party on Saturday, August 24, weather permitting, commencing at 8 AM and working until approximately noon to repair the playground fencing and take care of some additional outdoor maintenance tasks. If you can participate, please sign up at the church office (716-633-7800) or leave an e-mail at gotexans@verizon.net. The fence repair party will work until the job is finished. There will be other tasks of short duration, so if you want to join for a few hours or later in the morning, please join in. Bring your work gloves, sunscreen and dress appropriately. In the event of rain, we will reschedule.   

Good Grief

The next Good Grief Support Group Meeting will be Saturday, August 24 at 9:30 a.m. in the Reception Room. The group offers fellowship and support to anyone who has suffered any type of significant loss. For more information, contact Ellen Marshall, 716-689-2133.

Back-to-School Collection Drive through August 25 for School 30

Can you believe that it's time to start thinking about back-to-school? Calvary is collecting backpacks and school supplies for School 30. So that the items are ready for the start of school, please drop off items by Sunday, August 25.

Helpful items include:

Pick up a copy of the school supplies list and/or drop off your donations at the School 30 table in the Reception Room. Questions? Please email Amy Gorney or call 716-445-1602 or 716-871-9646.

Thank you for your support!

Memorial Service for Cynthia Adams

The Memorial Service for Cynthia Adams will take place on Saturday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. 

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant Cynthia, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May Cynthia's soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 

Healing Ministry

Healing prayers are offered after the Sunday services each week. Anyone wishing to receive healing prayers should go to the chapel after the dismissal at the 8 a.m. service or during the postlude at the 10 a.m. service.

Fill out a Prayer Request card (found in the pews), email Deacon Leann or call George Mayer (633-4054) to add your prayer to Calvary's Prayer Chain ministry.

Diocesan Partnership and Church News

• Celebrate Bishop Sean's five years as bishop provisional in the Diocese of Western New York with him and his family at an hors d'oeuvres reception on Saturday, September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Amore Ballroom at Salvatore's in Buffalo, before he departs to become the 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
• In October, everyone is invited to participate in an evaluation listening session. You can find the schedule, which includes both in-person and online sessions, on the diocesan website.
• Sign up for Diocesan Partnership newsletters and/or read recent editions here.
• For more news about the Dioceses of WNY and NWPA and to sign up for emailed newsletters, go here.
• The Episcopal Church website offers resources for individuals, congregations, and various ministries. 

Worship at Calvary

In-person worship

• Sunday 8 a.m. Holy Communion
• Sunday 10 a.m. Holy Communion. This worship service is also live streamed.
• Saturday, 4 p.m. Holy Communion
• Wednesday, 7 a.m. Holy Communion

Online worship

• Sunday 10 a.m. Holy Communion, which is an in-person service, is also live streamed. The link to Calvary's 10 a.m. service can be found on the Calvary website or streamed on Facebook and YouTube. All three places will have the recording to watch later.

Vestry Liaisons

Each area of ministry at Calvary is assigned a Vestry member liaison. The liaison serves as an intermediary between the committee and the whole Vestry. These are the liaison assignments for 2024:

• Worship & Music - Fr. Robert & Nancy Bolton
• Christian Formation - Kelly Blackey
• Gathering Socially - Lorrie Archdeacon & Laurie Kaiser
• Reaching In - Ted Andrews
• Reaching Out - Larry Bernhard & Sandra Handy
• Spreading the Word - Howard Craig
• Property - Michael Bommer
• Giving / Development - Dennis McCoy
• Church Finances - Guy Whalen

Attendance

God be your comfort, your strength;

God be your hope and support;

God be your light and your way.

-from A New Zealand Prayer Book