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Missions
Overview
The Committee on Missions and Social Concerns identifies
ways to put the priorities of Calvary Church, which are Spiritual
Formation, Affordable Housing, Christian Education, and Senior Issues,
into action. Whether it's hands-on work or fundraising, community
organizing, or raising awareness, the Missions Committee looks for
ways in which Calvary Church can make a difference in our church,
in our community, and in our world.
Social
Justice
The United Methodist Church has a long history of
concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright
positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles.
Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade,
to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners. Today, Calvary
is involved in discussing, reflecting and working to discern God's
will on issues such as domestic violence, affordable housing, rights
of homosexuals, and the needs of our elderly citizens. Some
of these involvements currently include:
Somerville Homeless
Coalition (SHC)
The SHC runs shelters for homeless adults and families,
offering resources and support to men, women, and children who are
trying to rebuild their lives. Each month, Calvary prepares and
shares a meal with the guests of the adult shelter on the last
Sunday of each month. All are welcome
to participate in this important ministry by signing up on the volunteer
board outside the church office.
Habitat for
Humanity (HFH)
Greater Lowell Chapter
Calvary Church is a Covenant Church with the Greater Lowell Chapter
of HFH and we support their work through prayer, fundraising, and
volunteer labor in an effort to build decent, affordable housing for
God's people in need. Each month Calvary sends a group to work on
the site of the latest chapter project. All are invited to join our
work dates by signing up on the volunteer board.
Housing Corporation
of Arlington (HCA)
The HCA is a non-profit community organization working
to help low and moderate income families and individuals find housing
options in Arlington. Calvary Church supports the HCA by community
organizing, fundraising, volunteer work days, and raising awareness
of the need for affordable housing in our community.
United
Methodist Women (UMW)
The United Methodist Women (UMW)
meets once a month on Monday between September and May. Here are
some of the highlights of their work and involvements:
- Donations to Church World Service
to provide books to children in Afghanistan.
- Annual Blanket Drive to provide
blankets to the needy.
- Donations to Somerville Homeless
Coalition and to the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving and Christmas
meals for the needy.
- Annual Mitten trees for homeless
children and families.
- Donations to Church World Service
to assist underprivileged children.
- Assisting and visiting shut-ins.
- Annual $100 scholarships awarded
to a church member graduating from high school.
The UMW holds an internal auction
twice a year and has a collection during each of their meetings.
The UMW holds bake sales, mini-auctions and other fundraisers.
Other Involvements
Calvary Church is involved in supporting a number
of other ministries, including:
- Fair Trade Coffee
- New England Deaconess Association
- Camp Scholarships Program
- Red Cross Blood Drives
- Safe Haven's Interfaith Domestic Violence Network
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