Missions
Overview
The Missions and Social Concerns Team identifies ways to put Calvary’s priorities of 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 Team 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 LGBTQ people, and the needs of our elderly citizens.
Service Trips
We have yearly opportunities for trips to serve those who need help. For several years, we sent adult groups on trips to help rebuild in New Orleans, and we have sponsored youth mission trips to India (2015) and the Philippines (2014). From 2007-2016, the Calvary Youth Group went on a service trip to places including Maine, Vermont, and Appalachia. From 2017-2019 and 2022-present, a group of youth and adults has traveled to Machias, Maine to work with Neighbors Helping Neighbors-Downeast to repair homes for low-income folks. We plan to continue going to Machias every summer with a church-wide group of volunteers.
Partnerships
Calvary works with these organizations:
- Arlington EATS – Arlington EATS’ mission is to engage the community in eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Arlington.
- Housing Corporation of Arlington – 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.
- Boston Share Network
- Somerville Homeless Coalition – Every year Calvary sends a team to participate in the SHC 5K race in October.
- Red Cross – We host blood drives twice a year.