Every Episcopal Church is required by canon law to hold an annual parish meeting at which the events of the previous year conclude, a budget for the coming year is approved, new vestry members are elected, reports are presented, and the Rector gives an Annual Report. Calvary's Annual Parish Meeting takes place on a Sunday morning during the first part of January. Generally a celebratory brunch accompanies the meeting.
Calvary & the Arts Concert Series
The Guild of the Christ Child, a supportive network of parents and others who love children, throws a fantastic Easter Egg Hunt yearly on the Saturday before Easter at the home of a parishioner.
On a Monday before Christmas, the people of Calvary join with other volunteers to help spread the joy of Christmas through the Emmanuel Meal, a Christmas service and meal in the Mural Room for the homeless and hungry of our community. Numerous people give of their time and talent to prepare for the meal the weekend before, and to help serve on the day of the meal.
On Festival of Ministries Sunday, representatives from the many parish ministries set up display tables in the Great Hall, Emison Room, and Crook Auditorium to inform parishioners about the specifics of their ministries and to recruit new participants. Each booth at the festival represents a possible “doorway,” an opportunity to participate, contribute, or receive.
Lenten Noonday Preaching Series & Waffle Shop
Traditionally offered by the youth of the parish, this event requires the help of a lot of people—youth leaders, parents, staff members, and, of course, enthusiastic youth—to serve up plates of steaming pancakes, sausage, and fresh fruit to all who come to the Mural Room on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
On Tuesday, February 16, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., the youth
of Calvary will be serving up steaming pancakes, sausages,
and fresh fruit in celebration of Mardi Gras. All proceeds
from this event will go to Episcopal Relief & Development
to support their work in Haiti. Cost for this meal is $5 for
adults, $3 for children 12 and under, with a $20 max per
family. During dinner, children of all ages will be invited to
work on a special art project to be used during the Children’s
Worship on Ash Wednesday.
This is one of our favorite intergenerational events during the fall. It is organized by several members of the Children’s Ministries Council who enlist volunteers from most of our church organizations to decorate rooms in the church. Children delight in the spooky decor as they go from room to room “trick or treating.” Afterwards, children and adults meet in the Great Hall for a variety of crafts and games. It is an evening of safe fun for all!
At an evening worship during Advent, children and adults gather in the church to listen to the story of St. Nicholas and after much anticipation, St. Nicholas always seems to find his way to Calvary for his annual visit. Participants are encouraged to bring new unwrapped newborn clothing and blankets as Gifts for the Christ Child. St. Nicholas loads them into his sack and delivers them to The MED's newborn center. After worship, the festival continues with a celebration of the Advent season as children and adults meet in the Great Hall for an evening of Advent crafts and activities. A group of volunteers assist participants in the making of Advent wreaths, decorating cookies, planting narcissus bulbs, and making family gifts in the “Secret Family Gift Shop.”
For more information about special worship services, including the AIDS Healing Service, Children's Advent Pageant, and more, visit our Special Worship Services page.