Prayer Shawl Ministry
God works using the hands of those involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Each shawl that is made is stitched with hours of prayer by its maker. When shawls are completed they are brought together several times a year and blessed by Pastor. The blessed shawls are then sent out to those in need across the country and around the world to give comfort. Prayer shawls are tangible symbols of love. They are warm hugs of empathy and support; a private place of escape in which to rest, relax and renew; something to hold on to when all else seems to be slipping away. If you knit or crochet, or want to learn to knit or crochet, and want to be part of this very wonderful ministry please see anyone from the Evangelism Committee.
Military and College Care Package Ministry
During the month of February, when all the glitter of the holidays is gone, the long days of winter sets in. This is when our friends and family in the military and our sons and daughters away at school need a reminder that we love and pray for each of them. Early each February homemade cookies, snacks and cards from the students from CELC and our Sunday school are packed in freshly popped popcorn and shipped. Do you know someone that would benefit from a care package filled with, love, prayers and goodies? Get their name and address to anyone from the Evangelism Committee.
National Day of Prayer
Calvary supports and participates in the local National Day of Prayer observance. All are encouraged to attend this spiritually uplifting day when we pray for our country and leaders.
Calvary Car Cruise
The first Saturday of every June, Calvary hosts a Car Cruise to benefit the Murrysville Meals-on-Wheels. The Calvary Café sells hotdogs, chips, cookies and drinks in the “food court”, while enjoying the tunes of the 50’s and 60’s. Grab an Italian Ice and check out all the cars. They really do sparkle. All proceeds from the event benefit Murrysville Meals-on-Wheels.
Vacation Bible School
Every summer, Calvary hosts Vacation Bible School for children preschool through sixth grade.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Each year, in mid-August prior to the beginning of the school year, everyone is invited to bring their backpacks, brief cases, book totes, lunch boxes, sewing bags, anything carried every day and have them blessed. This blessing occurs at each service. “We carry our bags every day but, Jesus carries us every day. Hopefully the blessing of "the bag" you carry with you every day will be a gentle reminder that Jesus Christ is with us always; carrying our troubles, healing our hearts and leading our way.”
CROP Walk for Hunger
The second Sunday of October is the annual CROP Walk for Hunger. This charity walk helps people locally as well as those around the world. Each year 25% of donations collected local comes back to our community to be shared equally between our 3 local food distribution centers, which includes the Murrysville Loaves and Fishes Emergency Food Pantry. Calvary participates each year as the beginning and ending point for the walk. Participating walkers register at Calvary and then return after the walk to have Calvary’s famous “walking taco’s” for lunch. Those who can’t walk can support walkers with their donations.
Veterans Day Celebration
Each year we invite the community to take time to celebrate and thank our veterans, and their families for their sacrifice. Our celebration includes a program of patriotic songs from both the CELC students and the Calvary Praise Choir. Our local VFW presents and sets the MIA/POW table, least we forget. Speakers put this day, Veterans Day, in perspective for us. After the program everyone is invited to share lunch, with stories and memories in the Fellowship Hall.
Christian Art Show, Bake Sale and Gallery Café
Each year Christian artists from around the area are invited to share their art. Some of the art also comes from the Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Schools (PALS). The art is displayed in a bright open atmosphere that allows the visitor time to appreciate the talents that God has given these artists. The Art Show is accompanied by our fund-raising Bake Sale and Gallery Café to benefit someone, or family, in our church or in the community in need.
Blue Christmas
The first Sunday evening in December is reserved for our Blue Christmas service. This is a service of remembrance and hope. A quiet, reflective service for those of us who are grieving, lonely, sad, not feeling particularly festive, or just in need of a time of quiet in the busy-ness of the season. Join us for this beautiful service open to the community. A place of quiet and rest.
Outside Ministries
(Blue Envelopes)
Blackburn Center:
CLC supports this agency in Greensburg, which provides services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The agency began in December 1976. Since then they have grown to a staff of more than 30, with an active team of volunteers. They have developed an array of services for adult and child victims of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as comprehensive community education and professional in-service training programs. They support victims with shelter, counseling, and advocacy services. Website: www.blackburncenter.org
Calvary Early Learning Center (CELC):
CLC’s mission is to share God’s grace through the education and enrichment of young children. Congregational support of CELC helps to fund the cost of teachers, educational materials and other expenses of operating the school as well as maintaining affordable tuition. More details of CELC can be found at Calvary’s website under School.
Disaster Relief:
Congregational offerings designated for Disaster Relief are forwarded to Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) - World Relief and Human Care Fund. This Fund provides relief worldwide for disaster events and basic requirements for people in need of care. Details of the funds efforts can be found at www.lcms.org/givenow/worldrelief.
Personal Emergency Fund:
Contributions to this fund go to help members and nonmembers in need. This fund is fully funded by your generosity by use of the blue envelopes. Funds are distributed by Pastor and the Board of Lay Ministry.
Loaves & Fishes:
Fill our shopping cart with comfort foods: soups & crackers, pasta and sauce, mac & cheese, canned fruits and vegetables. Personal care items are always needed! All donations for this vital ministry go to local families in need through the Loaves & Fishes ministry housed at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church.
Sonshine Kitchen:
In 1983 the Sonshine Kitchen was started by members of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church in McKeesport PA. This was in response to the collapse of the steel industry in that area. In 2001 Concordia’s worshiping community held its last service and decided to continue on with this ministry with support from other congregations, individuals, businesses, schools, and benevolent organizations. In July 2001, it was incorporated into its own 501c(3) nonprofit community ministry. Sonshine Community Ministries has developed from a simple soup kitchen to a place of hope in a hurting community, reaching out, one life at a time through relationships and community programs. Additional information can be found at www.sonshinecm.org.
CLC supports Sonshine Kitchen by serving the meal on the 2nd Monday of each month and contributes toward the cost of the meal served. To this end contributions are always needed and appreciated. If you would like to join other members of Calvary in serving the meal at Sonshine, please contact the church office.
Shiprock Mission:
Since 2011 CLC has partnered with First Wash Church on the Navajo Reservation in Shiprock, NM in this ministry. Native Americans are among the most impoverished citizens in the USA; fully one-third of Navajo housing is deficient in plumbing, and almost one-half lack sewer or septic capability. CLC members have made a number of summer mission trips to Shiprock to assist First Wash folk in Vacation Bible School and other endeavors. At present we continue to support Pastor Bill Lee and First Wash financially in their ongoing activities.
Together in Mission:
CLC as a congregation has committed to support Campus Crusade for Christ staff members Joel and Jennifer Shibata in their outreach to college students in Pennsylvania's Susquehanna Valley. Based in Williamsport, the Shibatas serve on the following campuses: Lycoming College, Penn College, and Bloomsburg University. Joel, father of three youngsters, is a son of Calvary.
Veterans Place:
Veterans Place was established in 1996 and dedicated to homeless veterans. The goal of Veterans Place, working in partnership with the VA, Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and other organizations, is to facilitate veterans’ transition from Homeless to Home, becoming engaged, valuable citizens who contribute to their communities.