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.
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) throw a fabulous afternoon party, at a parishioner’s house once a year, to raise money to support the Parish Life and Community Service projects of the ECW. Homemade barbecue, live entertainment, children’s activities, and a silent auction are just some of the highlights.
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.
Festival of Ministries Sunday & Parish Picnic
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.
Later that afternoon, the parish gathers for food, fun, and fellowship at the Parish Picnic. A catered Mexican Fiesta, games for children, and entertainment are included in the cost of the event. Our clergy participate in the Hot Preachers' Hellfire and Damnation Challenge, a hot sauce eating contest in which they hope to raise money for various outreach ministries of the church. A highlight of the day is the sea of Calvary t-shirts, available for sale in the weeks preceding the picnic, worn by picnic participants.
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. Proceeds from this event go to fund summer Pilgrimages for the youth.
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.