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Acolytes Altar Guild Buildings & Grounds Senior Class Christian Education Chalice Bearers Children's Ministries Circles Congregational Care Corner House Flower Ministry Lectors Mission Committee Parish Life Planned Giving Ushers Worship & Music Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events
You Can Still Help! You may continue to contribute to help those devastated and displaced along the Gulf Coast. Checks should be made payable to Episcopal Relief & Development and designated for Katrina relief. Or you can donate to the US Hurricane Fund by credit card either on-line at http://www.er-d.org or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can also be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o US Hurricane Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
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Calvary's Ministries
Calvary offers many type of ministries and programs for adults and youth alike. Below is a summary of the many opportunities you have to enrich your life.
AcolytesBack to Top
Acolytes are one of the groups who help to lead the worship at Calvary. Our acolytes range from age 10 to adult and are responsible for the orderly procession and recession of the altar party and choir (the crucifer, or cross-bearer, leads us in and out of the sanctuary,) for leading the Gospel procession and for easy access to and departure from the communion rail. They also assist with bringing the offerings to the altar prior to communion. It is an important job and a good way to become more familiar with exactly what goes on during our liturgy. Our acolytes add to the order and beauty of our worship. Training is usually held once or twice per year. Anyone interested in becoming an acolyte should contact Karen Sandburg or speak to one of the clergy.
Current Schedule Runs through March 30, 2008
Altar GuildBack to Top
T he Altar Guild assists the clergy in the function of our worship services. It is a behind-the-scenes ministry, which cares for the altar, sanctuary, vessels and vestments of the church, thereby supporting its liturgical life. All members of the parish are welcome.
Building and Grounds CommitteeBack to Top
The Buildings & Grounds Committee has the overall responsibility for maintenance and safety of the church properties. This committee recommends specific actions to the clergy and vestry, and originates projects to maintain and revitalize the church facilities. In addition, this Committee takes action on proposals approved by the Vestry to make improvements by determining the cost, scope and timetable for projects, with minimal interference in the day-to-day church activities. Members also solicit the parish's help as needed to accomplish certain "self-work" projects. Jack Newall will need your help to spruce our facilities. Let him know how you can help.
Calvary's Senior ClassBack to Top
Calvary's Senior Class is a ministry which provides year round activities of fellowship and recreation for those 55 years of age and older. Some of the more popular activities are local tours of historic buildings/sites and cathedrals followed by Dutch treat lunch, the annual BPO Holiday Pops Concert and a summer Artpark musical, sometimes preceded with a picnic supper. Wine & cheese socials and/or potluck suppers held in the Scaife Building give members an opportunity to mingle, meet newcomers and discuss suggestions for future activities. For many of the events, parishioners meet at Calvary to form carpools for those who wish to share rides. Charter bus transportation is provided for Kleinhan's Musical Hall and Artpark. Possible events being considered for 2006: performance at Musicalfare Theater, wine & cheese social, Red Blazer Revue (men's choral group) and Niagara River Gorge jet boat ride. The Senior Class hosts several Sunday Coffee Hours throughout the liturgical year. If you need more information, please contact Calvary's office.
Christian EducationBack to Top
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alvary Church offers Christian education for all ages. An Adult Education forum meets at 9 a.m. on Sundays from September through June. Located in the Scaife Room. The Adult Education group may study the Bible, discuss various topics according to the liturgical calendar or hear speakers. For information, call the parish office. Children's Sunday School is offered to children through high school. Details on the specific area for each age group is listed below.
Chalice BearersBack to Top
Chalice Bearers assist in the liturgy by administering the chalice during communion. At the Wednesday morning and eight o'clock Sunday services they also act as Lay Readers, reading the lessons and leading the prayers of the people. Chalice Bearers are trained and are licensed by the Bishop. Some have additional training as Eucharistic Ministers and take consecrated elements to the sick and "shut-in". It is a privilege to serve the church in this way.
Children’s MinistriesBack to Top
The Children’s Ministry Committee at Calvary is made up of volunteers concerned with the religious education of their children. Our goal is to ensure that all activities at Calvary affecting our children, be it Sunday school, Christmas Pageant, etc., all provide the children with an appreciation and deeper relationship with the bible, their church and other Calvary kids.
Specifically, the Children’s Ministry Committee is responsible for nursery care, Sunday school programming, mission/outreach, music, youth group for 4 th -6 th graders, and special events for children ages six months through sixth grade. From Sunday school teachers and assistants to set designers, we rely on the talents and time of parishioners at Calvary to make things happen. Regardless of your time commitment, you CAN make a difference with Calvary’s Kids by volunteering a little or a lot. We look forward to hearing from you.
CirclesBack to Top
Circles - all about making new friends & enjoying friendly, informal evenings of supper and fellowship at a host’s home. Brunch after Sunday worship is popular. These gatherings are perfect for meeting new people or renewing acquaintances. Get-togethers are approximately every six weeks to two months. Groups consist of three or four couples (randomly selected) and also include a couple of single people. Each takes a turn at hosting a meal in their home. Hosts provide the main course and others bring the rest. It is not intended to be elaborate or gourmet. A small house is not an excuse for not participating. There is always room for additional members throughout the year. New parishioners are always welcome to try us out. Simply call to arrange “guest status” for a Circle gathering.
Congregational CareBack to Top
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alvary's Congregational Care Committee is ready to offer special kindness and concern when parishioners need them. Congregational Care members send cards to those who are ill, deliver flowers, send "care packages" to students away at college and bring seasonal remembrances to home-bound members of Calvary.
Corner HouseBack to Top
Millie Posch is the director of Corner House Nursery School which is an outreach program of Calvary Church, located on the first floor of the Scaife Building. Corner House offers classes for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds, including morning and afternoon programs, in a child-oriented, nurturing, learning environment. All teachers are New York State certified, and classes meet during the regular school year. Corner House is overseen by Calvary's vestry and clergy, and is operated by an education director and a volunteer parent board.
Flower MinistryBack to Top
T his is a volunteer opportunity you would really LOVE! It is a rewarding and uplifting ministry as we deliver the beautiful altar flowers to others. Father Steven gives us the names and addresses of the parishioners who will receive the flowers, and we wrap them in cellophane, tie with ribbon, enclose a card from the Church reminding them that they are in our prayers. This committee is always looking for new volunteers to help out once every month or two.
Lectors and IntercessorsBack to Top
Over twenty confirmed members of the Calvary Church family – men, women, and young adults – participate regularly in the worship liturgy as lay readers.
The Rector and coordinator assign Scripture lessons for each service according to the liturgical calendar. Readers are scheduled either as Lectors – to read the Old and New Testament lessons for the day and lead the congregation in reading the Psalm – or as Intercessors – to lead the Prayers of the People.
Current Schedule May 25 ~ August
24, 2008
Mission CommitteeBack to Top
Calvary Church's Mission Committee puts our Christian beliefs into action outside the four walls of our church. The Mission Committee addresses hunger and related issues through hands-on means and lobbying efforts. It organizes a monthly schedule for Calvary to serve dinner at Friends of Night People. The Mission Committee shares a rewarding partnership with Buffalo Public School #77, which includes classroom activities, fund-raising, and "adopting" families at Christmas. The Mission Committee also collects good usable clothing in bins at Calvary, which is donated to School 77 and local programs for distribution. In addition, this Committee has cooperated with other Calvary committees to assist parishioners and others during the Christmas season. The Mission Committee's budget supports missionary initiatives in South America and Korea. In addition, Episcopal Community Services, Vive Ministry, Refuge House, Homespace and other local human service ministries are beneficiaries of this Committee's support.
Parish Life CommitteeBack to Top
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he Parish Life Committee is a social arm of the church whose mission is to provide activities for fellowship and recreation. PLC is open to any parishioner who would like to plan, coordinate and assist with a variety of social events...including dinners, entertainment and special events. The major fund-raiser each year is initiated and fulfilled through the efforts of PLC...Members meet monthly Sept.-May and may work on one or more projects as fits their individual schedules. There is opportunity for leadership as well as support work. It is a ministry that seeks to complement all other ministries in encouraging, inviting and welcoming activities for all parishioners during the course of the liturgical year.
Planned GivingBack to Top
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he Planned Giving Committee is charged with developing a comprehensive on-going education program for the parish to promote gifts to the Calvary Episcopal Church Endowment Fund. The Committee organizes workshops and other opportunities to explain various options for making long-term gifts to the Fund, and prepares and distributes informational literature about planned giving. Members are available to assist potential donors and to facilitate contacts with knowledgeable professionals who are in a position to offer advice on individual goals for charitable giving. The Committee is also responsible for the Calvary Legacy Society, a vehicle for recognizing those persons who have made a provision for Calvary Church in their estate plans.
Ushers
The purpose: to welcome and introduce newcomers, greet parishioners, facilitate seating and offer assistance where it is needed.
The corps of ushers is open to all Calvary men and women who are confirmed. Each usher is under the guidance of an Usher Captain who is responsible for any particular plans for that Sunday.
An usher schedule is sent out periodically (typically 3 times a year, fall, mid-winter, and summer). Ushers serve whenever their team is scheduled, or get a substitute if they cannot serve when they are scheduled. We have presently 7 teams, and with some extra services such as Christmas, Easter, etc. it works out to something like every 5-6 weeks.
Worship and Music CommitteeBack to Top
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he Worship & Music Committee aims to provide an environment for meaningful worship for the entire Calvary family, addressing worship and music from a broad perspective. This Committee makes recommendations to the vestry and clergy about the number and format of services, enhancement of Calvary's music program and attuning the spiritual life of our parish to the church calendar. The Worship & Music Committee serves as a sounding board for the parish family and encourages parishioners interested in Calvary's worship and music experience to share their ideas.
Click here for more information about Calvary's Choir
Youth Ministries (Jr./Sr. High)Back to Top
Calvary's Youth Ministries Committee provides Christian education for youth in grades 7-12. Our parish's young people meet on Sunday morning in Canterbury Gathering for Bible study and discussion of a Christian response to current events. Confirmation is open to those in 8th grade or above upon recommendation of the adult Sunday School leader. Our youth also write to our parish's out-of-town college students and send cards to shut-ins. In addition, they participate in one major service project each year, regularly volunteer at a local soup kitchen and enjoy several social activities together.
Click here for further details concerning Children and Youth Ministry.
