• FIRST THINGS | DECEMBER

    • Willy Rice
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    • December 1, 2020
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    • 0
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    First Things from Pastor Willy – December 1

    The holiday season is here! Merry Christmas!

    It is more important than ever, at the conclusion of this most difficult year, to count our blessings and celebrate the hope that is ours in Christ. In some important ways this December will be unlike any other, but in the most important ways of all, we will remember those things that never change.

    Here is a list of important dates and events during this month:

    • Annual Members Meeting, December 6th at 6:00, Clearwater Campus: We will present our annual financial reports, recommended budget for 2021, and elect key positions of leadership in our congregation at our Annual Members Meeting. I encourage all church members to plan to attend.

    • Nights of Christmas Worship, December 11-13: Our Christmas Worship Concerts events will look different this year. We will be hosting a total of 4 performances at our new East Lake campus facility. We are allowing a limited capacity each night and you must reserve your spot in order to attend. In addition we will be streaming on our media platforms the performances on Saturday, December 12th at 7:00 pm. Find the specific dates and time for each performance and reserve your place today at Calvary.us.

    • Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: We will be hosting multiple services across all 3 of our campuses December 23 & 24th. For service times, visit our website at Calvary.us.

    • Giving & Blessing: There are many ways to practice generosity during this season. Our Christmas Blessing outreach is an opportunity for your family to give to those in need. You can shop yourself or donate. Sign up today at Calvary.us/Blessings. We are also sponsoring a Food Drive to provide food for those in need through our Community Center. For a list of items or to give online, visit Calvary.us/FoodDrive.

    Of course we remain grateful for the financial generosity of the Calvary family during 2020. Your year-end giving to Calvary’s ministries, our x150 Vision, and our World Mission Offering all represent crucial and strategic investments in God’s kingdom. The easiest way to give is online at Calvary.us/Give.

    Finally, let me assure you that we are mindful of the ways that COVID-19 continues to affect our lives and we are committed to taking wise precautions to keep those who choose to attend worship and special Christmas events as safe as possible. We continue to be under a countywide mask mandate so please consider, as a matter of safety and as a matter of consideration of others, wearing your mask to and from your seat in worship. Please remember to respect appropriate social distancing with others. Your willingness to show respect for others and regard for our community by following safe protocols is not only a practical step that can keep you safe but also it is an important testimony to the watching world.

    This has been a year like no other, but we have known hardship before and we are confident of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness. Soon this difficult season will be behind us, but for now, even in the midst of it all, we have reason to give thanks and reason to celebrate the greatest gift of all. So this is Christmas 2020. Let’s rejoice!