Staff/Servent Leaders

Pastor: Peter P. Kerlin

Music Director and Pianist: Please email Pastor Pete if interested!

Lay Leader: Sonia Skripac

Church Secretary: Cindy Wessel

Custodian: Todd Newland

I Corinthians 12:12-13
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
The past year has been a busy one for Calvary United Methodist Church. We have seen the continuation of great things, the beginning of new things, some things put aside, others not quite started. We have seen and welcomed new faces and have had to say good-bye to dearly loved members. As we move forward in our Christian journey, we continue to try to be and do all God expects of us.

Calvary has been blessed to experience the power of prayer. One particular item was our financial status. Simply put, we did not have enough money to pay the bills and when we went to God in prayer, the money was donated and we were able to end the year with funds in the bank. Our prayer quilt program continues to touch lives. At times, we get to see the results of our prayers and other times we just know God is in control of the situation. Our e-mail prayer chain is another way members and pastor can quickly communicate in this busy world. As quick as e-mail is, God is quicker! There are times when prayers are answered before the World Wide Web could deliver. Experiencing answered prayer, whether for large things or small, has helped each one of grow individually in our faith as well as strengthen our church’s faith.

During the winter months, we had a Sunday School contest that involved all age groups and classes. Points were given for different activities in and out of the church with a banquet to celebrate each teams accomplishments. It was a time of great fun and fellowship while promoting Sunday School attendance and Christian activities.

Calvary was involved in several different Christian fellowship and worship activities this past year including Women’s Bible study group, Wednesday Summer community picnics, Women of Faith Conference and Friendship Service Circle activities, just to name a few. Our choir had the opportunity to lead a worship service with music at Copeland Oaks this summer and hope to visit again. Calvary has been blessed numerous times to have special music guest as well as guest speakers and performers during the worship service throughout the year.

Calvary hosted the community vacation bible school in July with two neighboring churches and it was phenomenal. Many people worked numerous hours in preparing for the event and we were blessed to have 45 children attend. We experienced an added blessing as we collected money for the mission project of providing clean water. Our monetary goal was reached by the second day and by weeks end, we had collected $463.

There is no doubt that Jesus was in our presence, smiling, laughing and singing along with the children and adults as they participated in the bible school curriculum.
Some of the fund raising activities that occurred at Calvary this past year includes: Chicken Bar-B-Q, apple dumpling sale, chili dinner and pie auction and rummage sale. We are blessed to have so many people that dedicate time and energy to make these events and others successful. We continue to support several missions including SRCCC, Red Bird Mission, Youth Service Fund, Operation Christmas Child, and Rescue Mission.
Calvary is blessed to have a strong youth program that participate in Youth Jam, 30 Hour Famine, Youth Annual Conference, as well as other activities. One of our youth is serving as Secretary to CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministries) and another is Jr. High Representative to the Mahoning Valley DYC (District Youth Council). The youth at Calvary continue to build their faith in Jesus Christ and encourage others to do the same.

As with any church, we have areas where we are struggling. We have not seen growth in membership, our aging parsonage continues cause problems, we have unfilled positions on committees and at times, division within the congregation seems to block us from moving forward with the faith that God promises us. As we acknowledge these issues, we continue to pray for guidance. May God help us to grow in his love and help us to stay focused on HIS will and not rely on our own thinking.

Calvary United Methodist Church is doing some pretty amazing things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Though we are a small congregation, we have at times accomplished what thousands have not been able to do. As we continue our spiritual journey, let us keep in mind Paul’s words that we are all different but one in the Spirit of Christ Jesus.