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:
Stand for Children
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO)
Nehemiah Housing Initiative
Inclusivity Task Force
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
Missions Overview
The Committee on Missions and Social Concerns identifies ways to put the priorities of Calvary Church, which are Housing the Homeless and Serving in Active Mission, 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:
- Housing Corporation of Arlington (affordable housing)
- Somerville Homeless Coalition
- Freedom School with Connexion of Somerville
- Boston Share Network
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
