August 19, 2026

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

In Worship This Week...

Few things wound a family more deeply than favoritism. Whether spoken aloud or quietly communicated through actions, the message is devastating: someone else matters more than you do. Joseph's story begins there.

His father Jacob openly favors him above his brothers. The famous coat becomes more than a colorful garment—it becomes a visible symbol of unequal love. Before long jealousy turns into resentment, resentment into hatred, and hatred into betrayal.

It is one of the Bible's most painful family stories because it feels painfully familiar. Every human being longs to be seen. To be valued. To know they belong. When those needs go unmet, relationships often begin to fracture in ways that take years to heal.

Yet Genesis once again refuses to allow human brokenness to become the end of the story. Joseph's brothers make terrible choices. Jacob's parenting contributes to the conflict. Everyone bears some responsibility. Still, God's purposes quietly continue unfolding beneath the surface.

This is one of the great mysteries of Genesis. God's providence is rarely loud or obvious. More often it works beneath the ordinary events of life, patiently weaving redemption through circumstances that initially seem only tragic. Perhaps many of us have experienced seasons when it was difficult to recognize God's presence. Only years later could we begin to see how God had quietly remained at work all along.

Join us this Sunday as we enter one of Scripture's most beloved narratives and consider what happens when comparison, jealousy, and favoritism take root, and why God's family has always been called to something different.

Next week we reach the final chapter of our Family Reunion, where decades of pain finally give way to one of the Bible's most breathtaking stories of forgiveness.

Ministry Fair - September 13th

Calvary’s Ministry and Mission leaders will be sharing different ways that each of us can work toward living out our Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

Join us after worship on Sunday, September 13th, in the Gathering Space for our Ministry Fair! Come learn more about the many ministries and mission opportunities at Calvary, discover ways to get involved, and find a place where your gifts and interests can make a difference.

We hope to see you there!

Welcome Back Sunday – September 13th

Mark your calendars for Welcome Back Sunday on September 13th as we gather to celebrate a new season in the life of Calvary!

After a year filled with capital campaigns, mission trips, special events, and the many joys and demands of ministry, alongside the daily weight of world conflict, political division, economic uncertainty, and the ordinary responsibilities of life we believe God is inviting us into something both ancient and deeply needed: Sabbath.

This fall, our congregation will begin a year-long journey of Sabbath Keeping, inspired by Jesus' invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30). Throughout Scripture, even the land is given seasons of rest so that it may be renewed and prepared for future harvest. Sabbath is not the absence of purpose, it is the practice that restores, nourishes, and strengthens us for the life God continues to call us to live.

Welcome Back Sunday will also mark the return of many beloved ministries, including our Choir, Children's Church, and Youth Group, as well as the launch of an exciting new Tweens Ministry for students in grades 5–8. During worship, we'll also celebrate our annual Blessing of the Backpacks and Lesson Planners, praying for students, teachers, school staff, and families as a new school year begins.

Come celebrate, reconnect, and discover how God is calling us to rest, renew, and grow together. We can't wait to welcome you home!

Blessing of the Backpacks & Lesson Planners – September 13th

As a new school year begins, we invite all students, teachers, school staff, administrators, and college students to join us for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks and Lesson Planners during worship on Welcome Back Sunday, September 13.

Children and youth are encouraged to bring their backpacks to church, and teachers, school staff, and administrators are invited to bring their lesson planners, laptops, tote bags, or another symbol of their work in education. Together, we will ask God's blessing upon all who teach, learn, lead, and serve in our schools.

The beginning of a school year brings excitement, new opportunities, and sometimes uncertainty. As a church family, we want everyone heading into classrooms and campuses to know they are surrounded by the love, encouragement, and prayers of their faith community.

Whether you're entering kindergarten, starting high school, heading off to college, teaching your first class, or beginning another year of faithful service, we hope you'll bring your backpack or planner and allow us the privilege of praying for you. May God grant wisdom, courage, curiosity, compassion, and peace for the year ahead.

We look forward to celebrating this special tradition together on September 13!

A Year of Sabbath Keeping at Calvary

This fall, Calvary is embarking on a year-long journey centered on the spiritual practice of Sabbath Keeping.

In a world that constantly tells us to do more, move faster, and stay busy, Scripture offers a different invitation. From the rhythm of creation to the teachings of Jesus, Sabbath reminds us that holy rest is not a luxury—it is part of God's design for abundant life.

Sabbath is more than simply taking a day off. It is the intentional practice of making space for God to restore our bodies, renew our spirits, deepen our relationships, and remind us that our worth comes not from what we accomplish but from whose we are. Like fields left fallow between harvests, we discover that seasons of intentional rest prepare us for future growth and fruitfulness.

This journey is not about adding more church programming to already busy lives. Quite the opposite. Throughout the year, we'll offer simple, flexible opportunities to practice Sabbath at your own pace. Families and individuals will have access to at-home retreat guides and devotional resources. Beginning this fall, our sanctuary will be open every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for quiet prayer, reflection, and silence. Our ministry teams and committees will also explore how Sabbath can shape the way we lead, serve, and make decisions together.

Whether you're new to Sabbath or have practiced it for years, we invite you to join us as we discover together how God restores, renews, and revives us through the gift of holy rest.

Please keep in your prayers:

Calvary’s mission and ministry and for the mission and ministry of the church in the world; for those who need the presence of God in their lives; for those serving in armed forces; and for those serving in ministry around the world and here.

And for: Coleen, Mike, Serena Rose, John and Audrey, Michael & Chelsea, Laura & Marc, Patrick G., Katherine D., Tom and Family, Cheryl, Laura, Paula, Kathy, Dave & grandson Jesse.

And those members of Calvary who are no longer able to be active among us as they once were: Joan, Bernie, Pepper, Shirley, Marj, June, Helen.

Virtual Prayer Request

If you have a prayer request that you would like lifted during Sunday services you can now submit them online at our website or by clicking the link below. We have also created this QR code, which can be found in the Sanctuary and round the building. It can be scanned at any time to send a request.

Calvary Online Prayer Requests

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

House Church Update

Over the past several years, our House Churches have been a meaningful part of Calvary's life together. Through them we have shared meals, studied Scripture, prayed for one another, built friendships, and experienced Christ's presence in countless ways. We are deeply grateful for every leader, every host, and every participant who has helped make this ministry such a gift to our congregation.

Over the summer months a new and exciting small group ministry has been in development. This exciting new small group ministry has been designed to help our congregation grow more intentionally as disciples of Jesus. We are looking forward to sharing much more about this new opportunity in the weeks ahead.

As we prepare for this transition, our current House Church materials will conclude with the week of August 30. We invite each House Church to take this opportunity to pause. Rather than immediately beginning something new, consider gathering one final time to celebrate what God has done in your community, give thanks together, and reflect on the relationships and growth you have experienced.

Then, take time to prayerfully discern your next step. We hope many of our current House Church participants will continue together as part of this new ministry when it launches, but we also want this transition to be guided by prayer and openness to where God is leading.

In the weeks ahead, we'll introduce the vision behind our new small group ministry, explain what is changing, and share how everyone can become involved.

We are excited about what God is preparing for Calvary, and we invite you to join us in praying for this new season of discipleship together.

For more information, please visit our Family Ministry page.

Tween Bible Study Starting This September

Got Questions? We’ve Got a Place for You!

Ever wonder what the Bible has to say about friendships, school, family, making tough choices, or just figuring life out? Or maybe you’ve got questions about God that you’ve never really had a chance to ask. This fall Calvary is starting a new class for fifth through eighth graders.

Come hang out with us for "Sunday Morning Bible Study" starting Sunday, September 13th!

We’ll explore some great Bible stories, talk about what they mean for us today, ask questions, share our ideas, and—yes— eat some snacks and have some fun along the way. You don’t need to be a Bible expert. You don’t even need to know anything about the Bible! Just bring yourself and your questions.

We will meet during worship, at our regular Sunday School time.

Come check it out. Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Bring your sense of humor.

We’d love to have you join us!

Youth Group Registration and Meetings

Youth Group is open for Grades 6-12. We meet after worship services on Sunday from 11:30-1:00. Here are the dates we will meet:

Sept 13 Dec 6 Mar 21

Sept 20 Dec 13 Apr 4

Sept 27 Jan 3 Apr 11

Oct 4 Jan 10 Apr 18

Oct 11 Jan 17 Apr 25

Oct 18 Jan 24 May 2

Oct 25 Jan 31 May 16

Nov 1 Feb 28 May 23

Nov 8 Mar 7 Jun 6

Nov 15 Mar 14

Please register using this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSet51L7U13kHTB4LyezfSHIzp1LH-fk4IAsgt_ueaMZ3qb-Gg/viewform?usp=header

For more information please contact Charity Preston at charitypreston.calvaryumc@gmail.com

PASSIONATE SERVICE

Opportunities to Serve at Calvary

As we begin preparing for 2027, Calvary’s Nominations Team is looking for people who may feel called to serve in a variety of leadership and ministry roles across the life of our church.

Rather than simply making phone calls and asking people to fill open positions, we want to begin by inviting the whole congregation into the conversation. Each of us has different gifts, experiences, interests, and passions, and sometimes the right opportunity to serve is simply waiting to be discovered.

For the coming year, we have openings in several areas, including our Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Nominations Team, Ministry Program Council, Preschool Board, Mission Ministry Team, and several ministry coordinator roles. A list of open roles and desciptions are linked below,

You do not need to be an expert in church leadership to express interest. Many of these roles are well suited to people who are willing to learn, work collaboratively, ask good questions, and bring their own gifts to the table.

If one of these areas sparks your interest—or if you simply feel that God may be nudging, you toward deeper involvement in the life of Calvary—we would love to hear from you. Please contact Pastor Drew or the church office to let us know where you may be interested in serving.

Expressing interest does not automatically commit you to a position. It simply gives us an opportunity to have a conversation, learn more about your gifts and interests, and discern together where you might be a good fit.

Please prayerfully consider whether one of these opportunities might be a way for you to serve in 2027 and respond to Pastor Drew by September 6th. We are grateful for the many people who already give so generously of their time and gifts, and we look forward to welcoming new voices and new leaders into the ministries of Calvary.

Nominations - Open Roles and Descriptions

Mission Team - Thank You!

Many, many thanks for all the hygiene items collected for the Saint Ambrose food pantry! Here's a sample of what Calvary has delivered the last few months:

1. 1. 1. June, nearly 75 bottles of shampoo and conditioners
    2. July, well over 100 rolls of toilet paper (a trunkload full!)
    3. August, nearly 70 deodorants

It's amazing all the good Calvary can do for the community! Thank you!

The Missions Team

Mark Your Calendars

The RedBird Mission - Shoebox Project starts on September 13th

Our annual Red Bird Mission Shoebox Project kicks off on Sunday, September 13! Now is the perfect time to begin shopping while back-to-school sales are in full swing. School supplies are often deeply discounted this time of year, making it a great opportunity to pick up items for the shoeboxes.

Watch for more information and a list of needed items in the coming weeks. Thank you for helping us share God's love with children and families served by Red Bird Mission!

Calvary Missional Partnerships

Calvary has long standing relationships with a number of mission organizations that impact people from the local area. For more information on the following organizations, please click here.

Rags to Riches
St. Ambrose Food Pantry
Sidewalk Warriors Troy

Find More Volunteer Opportunities

JOYFUL GIVING

Support Calvary

If you would like to Support the ministry of Calvary, you may do so using the link below or QR code. Thank you for your generosity.

https://giving.servantkeeper.com/CalvaryLathamUMC

For more ways to support Calvary, please click here.

OPEN TO ALL

Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries Trainings Available

The 3-Hour Safe Sanctuaries Training is required for those serving in our ministries, and must be renewed every 5 years per Upper New York Conference standards.

Upcoming online Zoom training sessions are listed here: https://www.unyumc.org/safe-sanctuaries

In-person training can also be arranged upon request to Charity Preston at charitypreston.calvaryumc@gmail.com.

Please reach out with any questions or to get signed up!

You're Invited to the Methodist Farm Children's Picnic

The Methodist Farm Campers Association is happy to share this invitation to a Children's Picnic to be held on Methodist Farm, Saturday, August 22nd. There will be games, crafts, lunch, and other available activities on hand!

Parents are being asked to remain with their chinchald during the event. They will also be counted in lunch numbers, so the RSVP is important to us.

Any further questions may be directed to Fran Wilson at fmcw2000@aol.com.

Click Here to see Flyer

Please RSVP via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzcOYXfgDBK8GU_HreUlP9uuMI0NYzm5EjWzOpI9Oa6OsWHw/viewform?usp=dialog

Preschool Summer Camp Update

We are having lots of fun exploring the wonderful world of Disney! This is our last week of camp and we will be sad to say good-bye. But excited for the new school year!

Contact Michelle at LathamCalvaryPreK@gmail.com if you or anyone you know is still looking for a preschool.

Tellers Schedule

The Tellers for this Sunday, August 23, 2026

Bob Savage and Michelle Simkulet

Click here to see the full Teller Schedule.

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