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Midweek Meditations, October 3

October 3, 2018
03 Oct 2018

Fear

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
― Psalm 27:1

 

But the world can be a fearsome place.

And not just because of illness, or money worries, or dark alleys, but the fear of our greatest uncertainties. Does my work really matter? What is the future of our country? What will the world be like for my kids?

So much can seem uncertain.

But Jesus says, “the Kingdom of God is near.” In fact, not just near, but all around us. It has come and it is coming. The work we do now, the search for justice in our world, the love of neighbor and creation, is not for the purpose of building bigger barns or storehouses to call our own, but these are all bricks stacked upon each other for the building of his Towers, his Kingdom.

And his Kingdom is eternal, not fleeting, or failing as the world. If we build upon his foundation, our house will never crumble.

 

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

 

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Midweek Meditations, September 26

October 3, 2018
03 Oct 2018

Be Still

I did something very strange, for a few minutes yesterday. Nothing.

And I was surprised at how powerful doing nothing can be.

I think I felt overwhelmed by the cycle. Constant news. Constant work. Constant emails. Constant information. And so, for a few minutes I sat still. I remembered words I have been told before by spiritual leaders whom I admire: “God often speaks loudest in the silence.”

So many times in Scripture God tries to convince his people to do nothing. Sit. Listen. Hear.

Be still and know that I am God.

He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

From my office window I can see cars on Georgia Avenue and the Beltway. It is a constant reminder of the inescapable bustle, and very important things that must always be done. But as I sat still, and listened for God to speak, I was reminded that even when our lives and our world seem most chaotic, God is most constant. God used those minutes yesterday to remind me that he is unchanging. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

This week is busy. Political fights threaten to break us down and apart from one another. Next week will be busy too.

Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

(Note: Scripture quotes in this message were taken from Psalm 46:10; Psalm 23:2; Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 46; and Matthew 11:28)

Upcoming Events

A memorial service for Perry Holley will take place at Calvary on Saturday, October 6th at 11am. Repast to follow. All are invited to attend the memorial service, supporting Calvary member and Perry’s wife, Margey. Members of the National Symphony Orchestra, of which Perry was a member for many years, will play during the service.

Joyce Rwehumbiza, wife of the late Robert Cottrell, gives thanks for Calvary’s prayers, letters, and kind gestures during Robert’s sickness and upon his passing. A memorial service and meal celebrating Robert’s life has been scheduled for October 6th at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. However, because of space constraints this will be a private event for Roberts family and work. Thanksgiving for Robert’s life and continued prayers for his family will be included in the worship service on October 7th at Calvary.

Town-Hall Meetings are scheduled for this Sunday, Sept. 30 and next Sunday, Oct. 7th. These meetings are an opportunity for Calvary members and friends to learn more about the Allocation Committee’s building recommendations and to have your questions answered. This is a very large project and important for the future of Calvary’s ministry. Member participation is encouraged. A vote will take place on October 14th to approve the scope of work.

This Sunday

The readings for this Sunday are: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50.

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Midweek Meditations, September 5

September 5, 2018
05 Sep 2018
Special Note: This Sunday is Calvary’s Fall Kickoff. See Upcoming Events below for details. Members are asked to bring side dishes or desserts to share for the Fellowship Meal following worship.

 

A Prayer for This New Season

O God, as summer vacations end, our children return to school, and we look ahead to a new season – the changing of our schedules – we turn to you for guidance, wisdom and discernment. Our time and attention are finite. We are bound to live within our own imperfect human limitations. We ask your help in focusing on those things that are most important while avoiding those of little value. Most especially we ask your help in giving ourselves fully to one another, to our families, our children, to our community, that we might be of service to others and love well.

As children return to school, we ask you would keep them safe as they join with others to learn and grow. As our church resumes its regular fall schedule we ask your blessing upon the music we make, the praises we bring, and the acts of mercy in which we participate. May the gospel good news of your Son Jesus, be at the center of our worship, and indeed, our lives. Bless also the work of our hands, whether that be our occupation, or the other responsibilities that fill our days. May our contribution to society be a blessing to many others.

Finally, Lord, we ask you would make us hopeful people in a sometimes hopeless world. May you grant us a perspective to see the trials and difficulties of these days as signs that our world is broken and in need or redemption, redemption already promised and made possible by your Son, our Savior. We ask you to lift us up, especially when this world lays us low. Give us words of encouragement and compassion to speak to one another in trying or uncertain times. Grant joy to us your people, that we would find comfort in the community you knit together, love within our families, and pleasure in the the great beauty of your creation and the many blessings you have entrusted to us, your people.

All these prayers we bring before our God who loves us, just as we trust in the great, sacrificial saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

UPCOMING EVENTS

Calvary’s Fall Kickoff is this Sunday, Sept. 9thwith a special worship service, the return of the Calvary Chancel Choir, and a Blessing of the Backpacks for our school children. All are invited to stay for a Fellowship Meal after worship, sides and desserts will be potluck style (please bring something to share) with brats and hot dogs provided.

We pray for and offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Robert Cottrell who entered the arms of his Lord on Sunday, Sept. 26. Memorial service details will be announced as they are known. Calvary leadership and Elders will work to find ways to care for Robert’s family, Joyce and Ada. Cards may be sent to: 6345 Bright Plume, Columbia, MD 21046

The Allocation Committee has drafted a recommendation regarding the scope of renovations to the building. Their plan has been accepted by the Board and will now be presented to the Voters for discussion and eventual modifications or acceptance. Town Hall Meetings are being scheduled for September and October to discuss these plans before an October Special Voters Assembly.

This Sunday

The readings for this Sunday are: Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146;  James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37.

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Midweek Meditations, May 2nd

May 2, 2018
02 May 2018

Thank You For Going ALL IN

Over the past few weeks 66 individuals and families have pledged to give nearly $500,000 towards Calvary’s ALL IN Campaign. These numbers are wonderful in two ways.

First, we originally estimated that we might receive pledges from approx. 44 households. The fact that we have exceeded that number by 50% is astonishing!

Second, we are already 2/3 of the way towards achieving our goal of $750,000 which means we are off to a great start! Remember, this is only the beginning of a three year giving campaign. Some who have not given towards this project yet may choose to give in the future. Others, who have given or pledged already, may find opportunities to give even more over the next three years. This is the great beginning of a very ambitious endeavor.

For me, the success we have seen in this campaign already is an answer to the hopes and dreams I have had for our church since I arrived here 6 years ago. When I first came to Calvary, I met wonderful people with big hearts ready to serve the Lord. I also saw a congregation in an incredible location with all the bustle and busyness of the world outside our doors! What an opportunity to reach others with the love of Christ!

With the commitments made towards this campaign, and the improvements this will allow us to make to our facility, I am confident that God has great plans for the next era of ministry for our church. We have a call to bring the gospel to more people, to welcome many new faces and families, and to make a positive impact in our community, knowing the abundant grace God has already shown to us.

Now, I want to say thank you for your commitments made towards our ALL IN Campaign. Thank you for your willingness to believe in what God is doing here in his church. Thank you for joining me and my family in going ALL IN.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

UPCOMING EVENTS

An Allocation Committee has been established at the direction of the Calvary Board to make plans for the next steps of our ALL IN Campaign. Upon receiving many gifts and pledges, the next steps are to decide how much we believe we should spend towards building updates and improvements. Please watch for additional updates and congregation meetings which will be scheduled to discuss proposals for these renovations.

A Congregational Voters Assembly has been scheduled for May 20th. All Calvary members invited and enouraged to attend. (Lunch provided).

THIS SUNDAY

The readings for this Sunday are: Acts 10:44-48; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17.

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Come and See, Go and Share

April 18, 2018
18 Apr 2018

Healthy churches should encourage both of these practices for their people. In the weekly cycle of worship and life we are invited to “come and see” as we gather for worship, sacraments, and fellowship, but are also invited to “go and share” by not checking our identity as Christ-follower at the door on the way out of church. We live every day as God’s people, gathering with the church regularly for worship, and scattering to our individual lives of vocation, family responsibilities and living as a neighbor.

So how do we “come and see” and “go and share” faithfully as God’s people?

As members of a local church we have a responsibility to one another to be invested in our church community. We have seen the fruit of the investment of many, many Calvary members recently with the successful organization and launch of the ALL IN Campaign. It took many of us, and many hours of work to organize this campaign which will result in our ability to care for our facility and pave the way for future ministry goals to be achieved. On the converse, a church community where members are not invested, but rather simply show up from time to time to receive rather than to give, will never be effective at forming vibrant healthy community, or in moving forward ministry initiatives or goals.

As we come and see, we are fed by our church, but we also give of ourselves for the sake of feeding others. We grow alongside one another in community. Sometimes we are in a position to serve others, share words of comfort or care, or helping to meet earthly needs. At other times, we find ourselves needing to be cared for, and the community in turn feeds and nourishes us. But none of this can happen when people are not willing to invest in their church, giving of themselves in these ways.

As people of God we are also called to go and share. We are nourished by our church community and then sent into the world to live as God calls us, loving our neighbor, and using our talents to better the world. We have been filled with hope as God’s people, and shown the great love of God expressed in his Son, Jesus. As we have been loved, we are called to go and love, even to the point of sacrifice for our families, neighbors, and community.

As we go and share what we have seen of God’s love, we also complete the circle by inviting others to come and see along with us. As we go through our lives we look for the opportunities created by the Holy Spirit to share our faith and hope with other people, and when there is an opportunity, to invite them to come and see and worship as part of the church community.

Now here are some questions to ponder: Are there people in your life who might be blessed by being part of a church community? Are there families whose children might love being around other kids here at Calvary where they can grow in faith and enjoy the fellowship of a loving church home? Are there those who may be people of faith who been part of a church community who might be blessed by receiving an invitation? Sometimes all it takes is a simple invitation, a little push.

Come and See! Go and Share! The joyful ebb and flow of disciples.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

UPCOMING EVENTS

Commitment Sunday was April 15th, and many Calvary members responded by making a pledge towards the ALL IN Campaign. If you were not able to be present in worship on April 15th, watch for a letter and pledge card to arrive in the mail at your home. Your pledge can be mailed back to the church office, or brought in on Sunday, April 22nd. Thank you to everyone who is helping make this campaign a an exciting and successful initiative for our church!

First Fruits Sunday – April 29th when the first gifts of the Capital Campaign will be given.
10:00 Special First Fruits Worship Service
11:30 Fellowship Meal in celebration of First Fruits Sunday

THIS SUNDAY

The readings for this Sunday are: Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18.

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Easter and Holy Week Schedule 2018

March 27, 2018
27 Mar 2018

Join us in hearing again the story of King Jesus’ week of Passion.

Palm Sunday, April 25th | 10:00am
Our Palm Sunday Service moves from Jesus’ royal welcome into Jerusalem upon the back of a donkey to the more somber scene of Jesus’ eventual arrest and trial before those who wished do him harm. This year we also celebrate the Rite of Confirmation in our Palm Sunday Service.

Maundy Thursday, April 29th | 7:30pm
Our Maundy Thursday Service focuses on the events of the last supper which Jesus shared with his disciples. Service of Holy Communion.

Good Friday, April 30th | 7:30pm
Our Good Friday Service is a reflective and meditative service as we are reminded of what Jesus endured for the sake of his people.

Easter Sunday, April 1st
6:30am Sunrise Service (Outdoors)
10:00am Festival Service
He is Risen! Our Easter Services celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and all this means for his people. Breakfast will be served between services from 7:30am – 9:30am. All are welcome. Kids will be invited to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt immediately following the service.

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PRJC SPRING FLING

March 6, 2018
06 Mar 2018

Calvary is thrilled to host the Potomac River Jazz Club’s Spring Fling featuring John Royn and David Sager.

PRJC is bringing New Orleans to Silver Spring once again this year for a major jazz event. In his first PRJC appearance since 2011, all-star Crescent City pianist John Royen will be performing for the club. Royen will be backed by David Sager’s band featuring Anita Thomas, Tommy Cecil, Jon Mathis and Tommy Barrick.

John has been a fixture on the New Orleans jazz scene, both as an A-list on-call pianist and as a core member of most of the well-known jazz groups. He has performed, toured and recorded with many contemporary jazz greats including The Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, and the late Pete Fountain. John, a Washington native, performed for over 25 years with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and has performed at the Kennedy Center, the U.S. State Department, the National Press Club, the Smithsonian Institution, the New Orleans Historical Jazz Park, and numerous universities, theaters and performing arts centers around the country, in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Canada. In 2008, John was voted as the All Star Jazz Pianist by New Orleans Magazine, He has lectured for the Louis Armstrong Foundation, University of Colorado, University of Tampa, Eckerd College, University of Louisiana as well as numerous jazz festivals and private associations. John was called on to instruct employees of the National Park Service New Orleans Jazz Park on the history and development of early jazz. Today, John maintains an active performance schedule. He performs regularly at the prestigious Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans as well as several jazz clubs such as Fritzels and the Bombay Club in the French Quarter. His non-musical calling is that of a naturalist when he assumes the role of “Captain John” and gives expert guided tours of bayous and swamps.

 

David Sager, a Grammy nominee, is a Washington native who spent 12 years in New Orleans, is the curator for the Library of Congress’s National Jukebox.

Admission:
PRJC members ($20), General admission ($25; $22.50 in advance),
Youth & Students with valid student IDs (Free).
Tickets at the door can be purchased with cash or checks only. Exact change is appreciated!

Parking:

Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 9545 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring MD

Parking is available in the front parking lot, on the grassy areas along the drive, and on the street behind the church.

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Midweek Meditations, Feb. 14, 2018

February 14, 2018
14 Feb 2018

OUR LENTEN JOURNEY

It’s Ash Wednesday, won’t you be my valentine?

You can’t spell Valentine’s without LENT!

Oh! So many bad Pastor jokes will be made today. (Show up tonight for worship and you may hear a few).The last time these two observances coincided on the same day was 1945. It’s been a while.

Today, we may be torn between these two seemingly opposed traditions. One celebrates love, the other a reminder of mortality. But while you may, or may not, be a Valentine’s Day type of person, I do hope that as we begin the journey of Lent, you might take some time to consider how you might approach this season.

In the early days of the church, Lent developed as a season of teaching and instruction leading up to the Easter celebration. At Easter Vigil, the Saturday of Easter weekend, new members were welcomed into the church after an intense season of preparation which included time in prayer, fasting, repentance, and other spiritual endeavors.

Out of this tradition the season of Lent took shape – a 40 day period of self-examination, introspection, and heightened awareness of our own need for God’s salvation. It can also be viewed as a season of learning, study, and preparation for all that we observe during Holy Week.

Historically, Christians have chosen to adopt spiritual practices meant to remind them of the season, such as fasting, prayer, or study of God’s word. Today, some people choose to give up other things such as, perhaps, social media, sweets, or some other unhealthy habit. Another approach, embraced by some, is to view Lent as an opportunity not to give up, but instead to do more as an expression of Christian faith, such as serving at a food bank, collecting items for those in need, or finding ways to bless their neighborhood.

You may choose to adopt one of these practices this season, to give up, or commit more. Whatever your approach though, it would do us well to see Lent as more than just a hodgepodge of ritual and tradition. It remains one of the most powerful seasons of the church year for understanding God’s plan of salvation. During Lent we repent of sin, regularly recognizing our need for a savior. Then, as we enter into Holy Week, we see all that Jesus has done, as teacher, Lord, and sacrificial lamb willing to give his own life for his people. Finally, on the glorious morning of Easter, we celebrate the victory over death that is the resurrection, Jesus’ greatest work.

As we enter the season of Lent I pray that you may find a deeper awareness of God’s presence, and a more profound understanding of the grace and LOVE we find in Jesus. (Hey, maybe there is a Valentine’s connection after all.)

If you are looking for a good daily devotion I recommend this one, created by Concordia University, Irvine:

http://www.cui.edu/devotions/lent/2018

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

UPCOMING EVENTS

The season of Lent begins today, February 14th with the observance of Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday worship will be held at Calvary at 7:30pm with the imposition of ashes. A community meal will be served at 6:30pm. Midweek Lenten services will be held through the season of Lent at 7:30pm in the Calvary chapel. Our Theme this year will be “A Journey through Easter Vigil: How an ancient, holy service teaches the whole story of Salvation.”

A Funeral Service for Miriam Dydak will be held at Calvary at 11:00am on Monday, February 19th. There will be a viewing for the hour preceding the service. A repast will follow the service.

At last Sunday’s Special Voters Assembly Calvary Members voted to approve a goal of $750,000 for the Capital Campaign. This goal is lofty, but by God’s grace, achievable. It will take all of us to get there!

THIS SUNDAY

The readings are: Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15.

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Ash Wednesday 2018

February 8, 2018
08 Feb 2018

Join us on February 14 as we observe Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the season of a Lent. All are welcome for a community meal at 6:30pm. Worship will begin at 7:30pm and will include the traditional imposition of ashes as well as Holy Communion.

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Midweek Meditation, Feb. 7, 2018

February 7, 2018
07 Feb 2018

JUSTIFICATION

I am currently re-reading one of the most meaningful books I came across in seminary, Gene Edward Vieth’s “The Spirituality of the Cross.” In this book, Vieth, a lay-person who has explored many different religions before becoming a Lutheran Christian, presents a clear overview of Lutheran Theology.  His chapter on Justification is one of the best.

Here is how it starts:

Whether in the world’s organized religions or in the individual strivings of human beings to find meaning in their lives, certain patterns keep emerging. Adolf Koeberle notes three kinds of spiritual aspiration: moralism, in which the will seeks to achieve perfection of conduct; speculation, in which the mind seeks to achieve perfection of understanding; and mysticism, in which the soul seeks to achieve perfection by becoming one with God. Though all of these ways contain elements of wisdom, Lutheran spirituality is totally different from them all.

Instead of insisting that human beings attain perfection, Lutheran spirituality begins by facing up to imperfection. We cannot perfect our conduct, try as we might. We cannot understand God through our own intellects. We cannot become one with God. Instead of human beings having to do these things, Lutheran spirituality teaches that God does them for us – He becomes one with us in Jesus Christ; He reveals Himself to our feeble understandings by his Word; He forgives our conduct and, in Christ, lives the perfect life for us.

What Vieth is arguing is that Christianity is truly different than any other approach to human life. Rather than us having to ascend to a higher power or greater plane of existence, through hard work or good behavior, God has instead come down to us. God has done the work for us in Christ. God has makes possible the path to salvation.

This sort of grace, while free, shouldn’t be seen as letting us off the hook. Having experienced life changing-grace, we are called to live changed lives. But the joy and hope of salvation, of life lived in God’s presence, of a Christ-like view of our world, have already been granted free-of-charge.

~Pastor Mike Middaugh

UPCOMING EVENTS

A Special Voters Assembly been scheduled for this Sunday, February 11th immediately following worship. At this brief meeting, leadership will be asking the congregation to approve a dollar amount goal for the Capital Campaign. Our Campaign Consultant, Mr. John Hewett will be on hand to help answer questions about setting the goal, as will our Campaign leaders. With your help, and through much prayer, we ask God to bless our work together in raising money for the purpose of including our facility, making it safer, more attractive and efficient, and accessible for all.

In an effort to build excitement and participation in our Sunday morning Bible Study class on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we have decided to call this book just “The Memo.” All are welcome and encouraged to join the 9am class. Child care is available.

The season of Lent begins on February 14th with the observance of Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday worship will be held at Calvary at 7:30pm with the imposition of ashes. Midweek Lenten services will be held through the season of Lent at 7:30pm in the Calvary chapel. Our Theme this year will be “A Journey through Easter Vigil: How an ancient, holy service teaches the whole story of Salvation.”

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