News From Calvary

From the Pastor:

This past week a friend asked me to take part in some discussions about morality and justice. His plan was to address all of the ethical scandals which have so plagued our society. The format was to be a discussion on the local cable television channel with a Christian clergy and a Jewish rabbi. It was interesting that, as I thought about the issues of morality and justice, I found much of my thinking on the subject was influenced by Jewish writers.
When I think of making moral decisions I think of Rabbi Jacob Agus' book the vision and the way. Agus' premise on choosing between good and evil or right and wrong is driven either by vision (ideal) or way (law), and we all make our moral choices by choosing one of these two routs. We do not follow either path exclusively, on certain issues we follow law and another we may choose to strive toward an ideal.
While morality is frequently a choice between good and bad… right or wrong, justice is more often a choice between competing good, what is good for the individual over against what is good for the larger society. Before the birth of Jesus a rabbi named Hillel summed up the issue of justice in a simple statement: "If I am not for myself, who is for me? And when I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now when?" The question of justice is always that question "if not now, when?" It can never be completely addressed by simple rules or laws, because it is always to be negotiated and re-negotiated.
This negotiation takes place in the mind of the individual, but also in the corporate mind of a larger community, like the community, or communities, of faith. This is why we gather
together… To challenge each other to consider where we are to stand… To stand with each other sharing strength and courage. Living faithfully is not just a personal issue it is a matter of coming into community. Come be part of this community.

Special Missions Activities

As was announced in worship on February 23rd, by Doug Thomas, there is need for individuals to assist in keeping the County’s Freezing Weather Shelter open during the day on Saturdays. If you have a Saturday in March or early April when you would be willing to help by going to sit with people in the shelter or drive residents to the Laundromat please contact Doug Thomas 410-825-1406 or the Church Office 410-823-5282.

We hope you will again save your change and bring it to worship service for a “Love Gift “ to help with the funding of the J. Glenn Morris Chair of Theology in the Baptist Seminary in Thailand. They are still in need of $22,000 to meet their goal. Because of all of the snow in February we will continue to receive these gifts for the first few Sundays in March.

The Annie Armstrong Circle is sponsoring the Migrant Worker Kits program during the months of March and April. This is the 8th year for this project The kits are to contain:
a bath towel,
wash cloth,
soap,
shampoo,
hair brush,
comb,
toothbrush,
and tooth paste.
The childrens’ kits are to contain:
coloring books,
crayons
and small toy.
Also, there is need for blankets, sheets, table cloths, and size large package diapers. This list will be distributed throughout the Church. Please bring your contributions to the Church any time. You may also contribute cash to help purchase these items. Leah Holland is the Circle president and will be able to answer any questions, 410-823-2042.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday Evening Programs as usual.

March 2
Communion
6:00 p.m. DSI Youth Meeting –at the Weimert home to plan Senior High Worship Service for March 9th. Come and take part in planning the service.

March 5th
Ash Wednesday Service with Mt. Olive Church.
We have invited their members to come for dinner and a time of Bible study on that evening. Please make plans to come to welcome our friends and share in these activities.

March 9th
Coffee Hour immediately following Church Service.

March 10th
12 Noon – Annie Armstrong Circle meeting, at the home of Evaline Norton, 1000 Winsford Rd.
Bring a sandwich. Everyone welcome.–
410-825-1270.

7:30 p.m. Needles & News meeting at the home of Lynn Gill, 10717 Lancewood Rd. Cockeysville, 410-628-0174.

March 16th
12 Noon Anne Judson Circle beginning at Edenwald’s Garden Court for lunch, followed by meeting. Visitors are welcome.

March 30th
3:00 p.m. Service at Pickersgill Retirement Home

Pick-up cakes for Our Daily Bread and return by Saturday April 5.

Message from the Flower Committee-
Would you like to donate flowers for the Church Service in memory of loved ones, or for a special occasion? Please call Leah Holland –
410-823-2042