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CALVARY CALL Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
The Calvary Call (USP 555-660) is published monthly January through November, by Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4495 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92501-4198. Periodicals
postage is paid at Riverside, CA. Postmaster: Address changes to the Calvary Call, 4495 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92501-4198
LENTEN JOURNEY THROUGH “THE DARK WOOD” Seven Blessing for Soulful Skeptics, finding the gifts in the struggle.
The Ash Wednesday service will be on Wednesday,
Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. There, we will
share in the liturgy and the imposition of ashes. It is a
great way to begin the journey towards Good Friday.
On February 17, on the first Wednesday of Lent, we
will begin the evening at 6 p.m. with Soup Suppers in
the CE Conference Room. If you can bring a soup, call
or email Jennifer Aaron, (951) 505-
7399, [email protected]. We
will need 3-4 soups for each meal.
Otherwise, bring bread, salad or
dessert. At 6:50 p.m. we will move to
the Lenten Vespers. Vespers and Soup
Suppers are Feb. 17, 24, Mar. 2, 9
and 16. Join us! And bring a fr iend.
Feb. 17—The Gift of Uncertainty
Feb. 24—The Gift of Emptiness
Mar. 2—The Gift of Being
Thunderstruck
Mar. 9—The Gift of Getting Lost
Mar. 16—The Gift of Temptation
And introductions to
The Gift of Disappearing and
The Gift of Misfits
Special Services for
Lent and Holy Week
Feb. 10—Ash Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Feb. 17 to Mar. 16—Soup Suppers and Vespers
Mar. 24—Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.
Mar. 25—Good Friday, 7 p.m.
Mar. 27—EASTER
8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Easter Festival and Egg Hunt
No classes on Easter. The Well will resume on April 3.
There is a fear-fascination with the Dark Wood. In tales
from Little Red Riding Hood to Hansel and Gretel to
Baba Yaga, the Dark Wood is a place of mystery, a
place of wonder, a place where things happen. And all
journeys truly worth taking, at some point, go through
the Dark Wood." ~ Mark Burrows on the Dark Wood.
That quote can apply to adults as well. There is in-
deed, a fascination with the idea of a
Dark Wood. Is it friend or foe? What
will we find there? Seeing our lives,
especially our faith development as a
journey, we will enter into the Dark
Wood and become aware of the gifts
that can await us in the midst of our
most difficult and dark times just as
Jesus did. It is when we are least ex-
pecting it that the Holy Spirit emerg-
es and we begin to be aware of its
presence. After Jesus' baptism, Luke
tells us that "Jesus, full of the Holy
Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the
wilderness where for 40 days he was
tempted by the devil." (Luke 4:1-2).
Our 6-week Lenten Vespers 2016
will start on February 17 at 7 p.m.
with the exploration of our
experiences with the Holy Spirit
inspired by the book, Gifts of the Dark Wood, by Eric
Elnes, a UCC minister.
There are eight gifts that Pastor Elnes has
discovered come from struggles: The Gift of
Uncertainty, Emptiness, Being Thunderstruck, Getting
Lost, Temptation, Disappearing, and Misfits. We will
explore the first six and introduce the other two. There
is mystery and surprises in the Dark Wood if you are
willing to make the journey. Come, explore your faith
with other pilgrims on the way. We will meet in the
Dark Wood in the Transept Chapel. Bring a friend!
2 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
EXCITEMENT FOR THE JOURNEY by Rev. Alfred Graise
What does the New Year mean to you? What feelings
and emotions fill your heart and mind as you end one
year and start another?
For some a New Year means new beginnings and
fresh starts. For others it is a sigh of relief that the
previous year is over with all its struggles. Still for
others there is a sense of excitement as they look for-
ward to all the new experiences ahead. It was a joy
celebrating Christmas and New Year with family,
church members, friends, and visitors. Many com-
mented that there was a sense of excitement and ener-
gy that superseded previous years.
So as you read through this edition of the Calvary
Call, I hope that you will read it with the same ener-
gy, excitement and joy that you felt at Christmas.
There are many wonderful things happening over the
next couple of months. Things that have been on go-
ing and things that are brand new. We have continued
opportunities to serve with Hot Meals and Habitat for
Humanity, as well as new opportunities for Disciple-
ship through “The Well” our dedicated Christian Ed
hour for all ages.
“The Well” started on January 10, and the first couple
of weeks were a great success. Over 80 people partic-
ipated in children, youth and adult classes, and wor-
ship attendance showed an increase. The Christian
Education building was bussing with people coming
and going looking for classes.
I encourage you to participate in many of these
events and opportunities. Try different things
and see what areas in which God is calling you
to grow this year. Then invite others, whether
they’re family members, friends and neighbors,
or church members whom you haven’t seen in
worship in a while.
Pray for yourself, for each other, for our commu-
nity and the world. Let our faith along with our
hopes and dreams be seen in our worship and
our actions this year.
Let the joy and excitement of the birth of Christ
which was felt and experienced at Christmas
continue throughout the year. As we’ve celebrat-
ed our Savior’s birth into our world, let us also
celebrate his birth into our hearts, minds, fami-
lies and community.
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 3
LIVING JOY by Rev. Erin Thomas
Lent in just around the corner with February 10
being Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, even
though it seems as if we just put our nativity scene
back in the box. Our Lenten Vespers, Gifts of the Dark
Wood, begin on February 17 along with our Soup Sup-
pers. This is a great time to be together and deepen our
faith journey. And a great time to invite a friend to Cal-
vary to experience faith journeys and great fellowship.
Easter is on March 27, earlier than usu-
al, and please note a new event (pg. 4).
Our Book of Common Worship tells
us, “The season of Lent is a time of
prayer, fasting and self-examination in
preparation for the celebration of the
resurrection of the Lord at Easter. It is
a period of 40 days — like the flood of
Genesis, Moses’ sojourn at Mount Si-
nai, Elijah’s journey to Mount Horeb,
Jonah’s call to Ninevah to repent and
Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness.
To appropriate the new life that is be-
yond the power of death means we must
die with Christ who was raised for us.
To live for Christ, we must die with
him. New life requires a daily surren-
dering of the old life, letting go of the
present order, so that we may embrace the new human-
ity. “I die every day!” asserts Paul (1 Corinthians
15:31). Resurrection necessitates death as a preceding
act. The church’s peculiar Lenten claim is that in dying
we live, that all who are baptized into Christ are bap-
tized into his death. To be raised with Christ means one
must also die with Christ. In order to embrace the
resurrection, we must experience the passion of Jesus.
The way of the cross, the way to Easter, is through
death of the “old self.” In dying, we live. How are you
living these days? How are you managing your transi-
tions? Are you living the joy of new life that is in
Christ? I pray you will take advantage of either a class
with The Well, or participate in our Lenten offerings.
Blessings,
The Joy of New Things
“Can any idols of the nations bring rain? Or can the
heavens give showers? Is it not you, O Lord our God?
We set our hope on you, for it is you
who does all this.”~ Jeremiah 14:22
This is the year of the El Niño effect which is supposed
to bring more rain and help us get out of this 4-year
drought. It also brings some anxiety in
not knowing how strong the storms will
be so, around the church we are prepar-
ing to prevent flooding by repairing any
roof leaks, keeping drains clear, and
rain gutters clean so that a mild down-
pour doesn't turn into a watery mess.
Having just pruned my old roses, I
spent some time buying some new
ones: Peace, Memorial Day, Bella'roma
and Our Lady of Guadalupe will bring
both beautiful blooms and fragrance to
my garden.
This is the time of transitions
between seasons and at church. In
January, we held an Elder and Deacon
Training and had lunch together; we
held our Annual Meeting and received
the Annual Report and were amazed at all that was
accomplished last year; we launched The Well, our new
dedicated Christian Education hour and have gotten and
enthusiastic response to the Bible study classes and dis-
cussion groups that have formed. Alfred and my instal-
lation service was a great testimony to the power of
God working in our midst and we continue to celebrate
Pastor Alfred and his family being among us and con-
tributing wonderful ideas, sermons, and new energy to
Calvary.
February will find our Elders spending a day
formulating a Strategic Plan for our next 3 years togeth-
er. Becky Foreman, well versed in strategic planning
processes, will facilitate our time together. I am looking
forward to working with your Session to plan for Cal-
vary's future.
4 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
GATHERING EVENTS
Calvary Presbyterian Church did Easter right.
We had an Easter Egg Hunt after the second
service. We also handed out 50 visitor candy
bags.
Fourth of July arrived with a bang. We held a
barbeque in the Courtyard before our tradi-
tional watching of the fireworks in the back
parking lot. We sold popcorn, snow cones, and
Sam Hynds provided music with the fire-
works.
In the fall instead of Trunk or Treat, we hosted
a Winter Festival, complete with food, games,
prizes and music. What a wonderful year we
had in 2015. We are looking forward to a fun
filled 2016!
Submitted by Paul Boyer, Elder
This year, we are plan-
ning something new on
Easter. During the time
of The Well (9:45-10:30
a.m.) between the first
and second worship ser-
vice, we will be hosting
an Easter Festival and
Egg Hunt on the front
courtyard and lawns.
There will be no classes
on Easter, March, 27. All
kids, babies up to 6th grade, bring your baskets and be
ready to hunt for eggs on the front lawns. Then return it
to Fellowship Hall for your free sweet treats. Then onto
the courtyard for fun and crafts. There will be plenty of
treats and drinks as well. All children and families are
invited to join in the fun! Worship will be at 8:45 a.m.
in Fellowship Hall or 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.
The Easter Egg Hunt gets underway at 9:50 a. m.
sharp! Sponsored by the Gathering Ministry Team.
We’re collecting wrapped bulk candy beginning on
Valentine’s Day. If you want to volunteer, we need
you! Paul Boyer, (951) 265-4307.
FLAMINGO FLOCKING IS COMING!
In July, we are sending 9 students and Pastor Erin to
Triennium 2016 and we need your help. We will soon
be on the patio with
sign-ups for Flocking
where we deliver a
flock (12) of pink
plastic flamingos to the
house of your choice
for a mere $25. Then
they get to pay $25 to
have it migrate to the
house of their choice.
And it keeps going un-
til we run out of requests. So save your pennies and be
ready to join in the fun. Information by calling Pastor
Erin, 951-686-0761.
Thanks for your prayers and support of our youth!
EASTER FESTIVAL AND EGG HUNT ON EASTER
MORNING!
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 5
OLD LEARNING/NEW IDEAS By Marjie Boyer
Children never stop learning. From the minute
they show up in our world, their remarkable brain
pulls in facts and emotions, whole images, fractions
of images, and hundreds of sounds. Each input is
filed away, and the brain forms patterns and approxi-
mations, learns to self-correct, learns to experience
data and develops an inexhaustible capacity to create.
When parents introduce their children to Sunday
School, they are assisting their children to experience
God’s love in
thousands of
ways—again
making patterns,
experiencing
data, creating,
socializing.
A child dons
a striped top and
immediately can
be in Mary and Martha’s home; up a tree with
Zacchaeus; a Sarai giggling behind the tent folds as
an angel tells Abram they are going to have a baby in
their old age. There is no end to learning when chil-
dren act out Bible stories. Learning takes place...the
Scriptures become real.
Note the ragged coat of
Joseph, after his jealous broth-
ers sold him to Egyptian slav-
ers. The “patches” on the coat
change the ugliness to beauty,
stating by Calvary’s children,
“Be kind, Care for children
who are hurting, Love each
other, Be friendly, etc.” Chil-
dren learn through Bible stories...the old is trans-
ferred to the new in children’s thoughts and in their
patterns of learning.
Our theme this year is
Growing in Grace and Gratitude
Treat your child to Sunday School, open his/her
mind to rich, learning experiences and growth in
grace and gratitude.
Sunday school meets during The Well at 9:45 a.m.
THE WELL NEW CLASSES BEGIN APRIL 3
Spring Term 2016
April 3 – May 8
Circle Maker
with Pastor Alfred Westminster Hall
Do you ever sense that there’s far more to prayer,
and to God’s vision for your life, than what you’re
experiencing? It’s time you learned from the leg-
end of Honi the Circle Maker—a man bold enough
to draw a circle in the sand and not budge from in-
side it until God answered his prayers for his peo-
ple. All ages.
Journey 101: Loving God
with Pastor Erin Room 2, CE Building
Loving God is the 2nd segment of a 3-part series.
We'll learn how to study the Bible and dig deeper
in order to strengthen our faith. Discussion will fol-
low. All ages. No prerequisite.
Youth Discussion
with Youth Leaders Room 5, CE Building
Using The Jesus Creed book and DVD, we'll look
at the Shema (Mt. 22:37) as the starting place for
our faith and how that informs our actions. 7 –
12th.
The Present Word
with Jim Shepard and Sam Namminga Milliken Room
This is a continuous year-around
study of the Bible using the Present Word curricu-
lum. All ages welcome.
The Well meets at 9:45 a.m.. Every Sunday.
K-6th gr. Sunday school meets in the CE Building.
6 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
HOT MEALS UPDATE by Hot Meals Coordinating Team
Calvary’s Hot Meals Program continues to provide a nutritious hot meal to our homeless guests every Sunday night
throughout the year. Our meals include a hot entrée and vegetables, a dish of fresh fruit, a mixed green salad, fresh
bread and dessert. We served over 7,000 meals in 2015. We have served over 7.000 meals each year since 2011,
over 35,000 meals in all!
Our purchased food comes from Second Harvest Food Bank, Smart and Final, and Sam’s Club. We always try to
purchase food first from the food bank with its greatly reduced prices. However, they have experienced food short-
ages during the year, so we have been forced to buy more supplies from Sam’s Club and Smart and Final. Fortu-
nately, we directly benefit from food donations from Windsor Foods. This company provides at least one complete
meal entrée for our guests each month. This generous donation is made possible by Jeff Heath.
The Lovin’ Oven, a group of Presbyterian women from Victoria Presbyterian Church bake cakes and brownies for
our desserts. Volunteers from the National Charity League and members of Calvary also provide additional cookies
for special occasions during the year. Eighteen Calvary members provided turkeys for our annual Thanksgiving
meal.
Several times a year, the Loma Linda Dental Van provides free dental service to our guests, sending oral surgeons
and ten to twenty senior dental students. The Health to Hope Medical Van from Path of Life also serves our guests
on a monthly basis. Sole Exchange, a program providing free shoes to homeless individuals, comes to our program
several times a year. Their volunteers not only give out shoes but pray with each guest and wash their feet. Taking
It to the Streets, a local non-profit organization, frequently provides our guests with dog food, a free street store and
resources to provide for spaying and neutering pets.
Our clothes closet is a very popular part of the Hot Meals program, providing our guests with clothes, shoes, blan-
kets, and hygiene items every Sunday. We have a Calvary member who volunteers to play the piano during our
meal time. During the Christmas season this year, a. children’s choir, a string quartet, and a guest soloist per-
formed for our guests. We hope to provide special music as often as possible during 2016. Continued on page 7
Musical Groups & Christmas Volunteers
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 7
Page 6 Continued...
Our guests have responded enthusiastically to this new
opportunity to listen to good music!
Our volunteer resources have expanded. Up to forty
volunteers work not only on Sundays, but during the
week to provide each Sunday evening meal. We have
cook teams for each week of the month with additional
teams who shop for groceries, set tables, set out fresh
fruit and desserts, prepare salad and bread, serve
drinks, and wash dishes.
Many of our volunteers come from Calvary with oth-
ers coming from Temple Beth El, Immanuel Lutheran
Church, the National Charity League and other service
agencies. We have Girl Scout Troops and students
from Cal Baptist University, RCC, and UCR. Volun-
teers come from as far away as Rancho Cucamonga,
Loma Linda, Corona and Moreno Valley.
2015 has been a great year for our Hot Meals Program.
The financial and volunteer support we continue to re-
ceive from the members of Calvary, along with gener-
ous support from Albert A. Webb Associates, Farmer
Boys, the National Charity League, Northkirk Presby-
terian Church, Stater Bros. Charities, Thrivent Finan-
cial and Windsor Food is what makes this program suc-
cessful. We are always looking for new volunteers and
ideas for improving our services to the homeless com-
munity in Riverside. Come and join us!
November 29, New Volunteers!
NCL GIVES SPECIAL DONATION FOR
RAIN GEAR by Sonja Almgren
Helping the Homeless During El Niño
For several years, our friends at the National
Charity League have sent volunteers, baked
goods, made holiday decorations and given
monetary donations to our Hot Meals Program.
This year they have also gave us a $1400 grant
to buy rain ponchos, tarps, bungie cords, and
warm clothing to help our homeless guests get
through the rain and cold weather that is now
here and predicted to last through the winter
months.
NCL President, Patricia Moorman, presented
the check for $1400 to Pastor Erin on Sunday,
January 19, 2016. This partnership with the Na-
tional Charity League has greatly strengthened
Patricia Moorman presents a check to Pastor
Erin. The NCL volunteer group (all seniors in
high school) set the tables, put out table decora-
tions, cut and butter bread, and place fruit salad
and desserts at each place setting every second
Sunday of the month. Another group of NCL
volunteers complete these tasks on the fourth
Sunday of each month.
8 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
Session bid a fond farewell to the class of elders who
retired at the end of December. Please join Session in
thanking elders Ann Aasen, Jim Almgren, Don Ashley,
Selina Bremenstuhl, Sam Hynds (2 terms), and Tony
Shifflette for their faithful, dedicated, and tireless ser-
vice to Calvary over the last three years. Taking their
place, and welcomed as the new elders of the Class of
2018 are Howard Born, Cal Boothby, Debbie Holcomb,
Jerry Irion, Debbie Keller, and Richard Van Ligten.
The excitement of Calvary’s worship and mission con-
tinues into 2016. Besides making sure everyone knows
about Calvary’s new expanded Sunday morning sched-
ule, including two great worship services, Sunday
School, and four special The Well class offerings, Ses-
sion wants our members to also know that evening
youth group meetings for middle school, high school,
and college age are continuing, as are adult fellowship
groups like Prime Time, our weekly city-acclaimed Hot
Meals program, work with Habitat for Humanity, sup-
porting this year’s Youth Triennium, and lots, lots
more. Now is a great time to make your resolution to
get involved.
The river flows! Calvary is blessed. Session extends
special thanks and gratitude to each person who made a
financial pledge and helped make the stewardship cam-
SESSION NEWS by Don Reierson , Clerk of Session
paign for this year so successful. It is through the gen-
erous support of so many Calvary members and friends
that this year’s goal was reached and a budget for the
year finalized.
Besides being pleased to announce that Calvary will
have the honor of hosting the next meeting of the Riv-
erside Presbytery on Saturday, February 20, Session is
even more pleased to announce and invite you to the
official Service of Installation for Rev. Thomas and
Rev. Graise as Co-Pastors at Calvary to be held in the
sanctuary at Calvary at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February
24, 2016. The entire Presbytery is invited. A reception
to follow. A special event in the life of any pastor, this
installation will also be special in the life and history of
Calvary.
What would you like to see in Calvary’s future?
Led by Rev. Thomas and Rev. Graise, Session elders
are having a one-day ‘visioning retreat’ in early Febru-
ary where they will brainstorm and share ideas about
what they want for Calvary in the next year or so. You
have an idea? Share your idea with an elder or pastor.
We would love to hear from you.
With renewed energy and passion, Session moves with
thankfulness and anticipation into 2016!
Don Reierson,
Clerk of Session
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 9
DEACONS by Carolyn Grant
The Deacon Board Members Thank
Margie Wayne and Commissioned Deacons
As a Moderator who has depended on Margie
Wayne for all matters of business, I will miss
her terribly. Margie’s eight-year term is up but
she will continue as the Sanctuary Flower
Scheduler. All of us thank her for her loving
and professional service.
This past year the Deacon Board was assisted
by seven former Deacons commissioned by the
congregation to visit the shut-ins, provide com-
munion, and loving concern to those in need.
We thank Linda Craig, Doris Morton, Joan Sto-
lard, Barbara Ruth, Chris Ward, Betty
Showalter, and Reba Woller for their devoted
service.
The 2016 Board of Deacons will include
Thomas Baker, Peggy Paxton, Linda Shipley,
Robyne Williams, Annie Wooldridge, Sandy
Reierson, Lucy Bell, Rosie Heath, Betty
Showalter, Chris Ward and Carolyn Grant.
Many, many thanks to committee chairwomen
Annie Wooldridge, Service Committee and
Robyne Williams, Special Needs, for their cre-
ative and innovative leadership in accomplish-
ing so many projects.
It has been a pleasure to work with such hard-
working and thoughtful people.
Carolyn Grant, Moderator
All of the Deacons (L to R): Linda Shipley, Carolyn Grant, Annie Wooldridge, Sandy Reierson, Chris Ward, Rosie Heath, Lucy Bell, Betty Showalter, Margie Wayne, Doris Morton, Barbara Ruth, &
Robyne Williams
New Deacons (L to R): Sandy Reierson, Chris Ward, Rosie Heath, Lucy Bell, & Betty Showalter
10 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
Endowment funds support many activities at
Calvary, enhancing our mission by providing
extra funds beyond the normal operating
budget. For example, Endowment makes an
annual contribution to ensure that our youth
can participate in the Triennium conference
that occurs every three years—a formative
experience for them as they travel together
and meet other Presbyterian youth for study,
worship, and fellowship.
Recently, Endowment received and approved
a request from the Going Group to grant
$3,000 to Habitat for Humanity as they build
12 attached townhouses for low-income vet-
erans and their families in 2016. The location
will be on Myers Street in Riverside, close to
the intersection of Van Buren and Magnolia
Avenue. These homes will be built in sections
of four and will offer Calvary the opportunity
to adopt one unit and family. We can get to
know them and be involved in the building of
their new home, with many opportunities for
Calvary members to volunteer.
These are just two recent examples of how
Endowment funds are used. Remember that
applications are available in the church office
if you see a need or a project that you’d like
the Endowment Committee to consider.
Christine Petzar, Member
Endowment Committee
ENDOWMENT NEWS
SAVE THE DATE !
LEGACY TEA
WHEN: Sunday April 10, 2016
from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Brad Sackett’s home
Hosted by Calvary’s Endowment
Committee
Find out how you can contribute
to Calvary’s financial legacy now
and in the future.
Look for your invitation!
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 11
A LETTER TO CALVARY FROM SAFEHOUSE
Dear Calvary Presbyterian Church,
You truly are making a difference in the lives of runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth in Riverside
County. Thank you for your in-kind donation of food items and furniture made on 11/12/2015.
It is because of people like you who care about the welfare of runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth
that we are able to continue providing the exemplary services we do. Our programs are designed with the
knowledge that families of today are facing more challenges than we did when we were children.
I would like to share a story with you. I have changed her name to protect her identity, so we will call
her Sandy. Because of the current economic crisis, some people today are struggling to meet the funda-
mental needs of their families. Sandy's stepfather could no longer work because of a work-related acci-
dent, and her mom worked as a server in a restaurant. As is happening all too often today, they lost their
home and were living in a motel with another family. A family friend brought Sandy to SafeHouse be-
cause she was concerned for her welfare and that of her siblings. Sandy stayed the entire 21-days and ben-
efited from counseling, was given clothes to wear, a bed to sleep in, and three meals and two snacks a day
as are all clients who come to SafeHouse. Our staff contacted Social Services, and the Department of Pub-
lic Health Nurse went to the hotel room where Sandy's family was living and assisted them with food,
healthcare, and dental service. Sandy's father was started on disability and they were moved into the Rapid
Re-housing program. Sandy's family is doing much better today due to the assistance they received from
SafeHouse.
Your donations really do have a positive and long lasting impact on the lives of the youth and families
we serve. Frankly, we could not do this without you. We, and those we serve, deeply appreciate your gen-
erosity.
Again, thank you!
Best always,
Kathy McAlara, Executive Director
Operation SafeHouse, 9685 Hayes Street, Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: 951-351-4418
12 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
OLIVER TWIST’S SOUP KITCHEN EVENT by Carolyn Grant
A merry time was had by all who attended The
Riverside Dickens Festival’s Oliver Twist’s
Soup Kitchen fund raiser in Fellowship Hall.
People enjoyed the music, characters and deli-
cious food, lingering for quite a spell to chat.
30 % of the proceeds went to the Hot Meals
Program at Calvary.
Entertainers included Mary Welch at the piano,
Phil Bremenstuhl singing songs from “My Fair
Lady”, Jonathan Osbrink’s Ramona High
School Madrigal choir, Victorian-costumed
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Paul Jacques as
Charles Dickens and a singing waitress Diana
Golbaf created a colorful London-like atmos-
phere minus the fog. Patrons brought clothing
for the Calvary Clothes Closet. Delicious
soups, breads and desserts were donated by The
Soup Shoppe, Jammin’ Bread, An Affair To Re-
member, Simple Simon,
Riverside Cookie Shoppe,
Isabella’s Cupcakes, Pro-
Abition, Muffin Top Bak-
ery, and Bernard Ranches.
The Festival will be held
in downtown Riverside on
February 27 and 28,
2016, on 10th and Main
Street. The soup event
received much attention
and publicity. People felt
good about participating
in an event that help the
Homeless.
LOOKING AHEAD
To the months of
February and March
Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 9:45 a.m.
Watch Out For Fraud
Speaker: Angela Rosato, Coordinator with
Adult Services Care Program
Plus, bring a Valentine to share: our PW will
enjoy some fun time with hearts.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016, 9:45 a.m.
The Caribbean: PW’s Global Exchange
Speaker: Shari Stump
Westchester, CA
Each meeting begins with a light brunch, the cost is
$2.00. For more information please contact Marjie
Boyer at 951 686-0546.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
HORIZON’S BIBLE STUDY
Third Wednesday of each month
Milliken Room, 12:00 noon
February 17, 2016:
Dangerous Waters—God’s Deliverance
March 16, 2016:
Stormy Water—Faith
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF CALVARY By Marjie Boyer
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 13
You are Invited to a
Program and Fellowship
in Fellowship Hall
9:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Wednesday, February 17th
The Famous Fliers’ Wall
of the Mission Inn
By Walter Parks
Wednesday, March 16th
Out of the Lab: Brain & Eye
Fitness Games
By Dr. Aaron Seitz
Catered Lunch by
An Affair to Remember $7.00
Please RSVP by calling the
Church Office at 951-686-0761
by Monday, prior to event.
Our goal is to bring
individuals “55 and Better”
together for Fellowship,
Spiritual Nurture, Enrichment,
Information and Entertainment.
Please make plans to join us!
PRIME TIME 55 & BETTER GROUP
by Debbie Keller Director of
Senior Ministries
PRIME TIME PROGRAM by Marjie Boyer
Dr. Beverly Howard captivated PrimeTime
goers, Wednesday, December 16, 2015, with a
program of Christmas carols—both ancient and
traditional, representing many countries in the world.
Beverly’s love of carols stems back to a recording of
Fred Waring’s Firestone Christmas, a gift to her from
her father when she was a young girl.
We learned that the word carol means to dance
or sing songs of praise and joy. At one time, people
gathered in circles with a leader singing the stanza
and the people singing the chorus. Some carols were
even sung in line dances. Carols most generally tell
the Nativity Story and are sung in churches, on the
streets by carolers, in programs, and, of course, they
are played on CDs in our homes.
Beverly pointed out that our hymnal, Glory to
God, contains many beautiful Christmas carols—old
ones with which we are familiar, but many others
new to us. PrimeTimers sang several of the carols
from our hymnal and were surprised at the variety
our new hymnal offers. We finished up with
Go Tell it on the Mountain, and Beverly admonished
us, “Yes, go tell it!” (Jesus Christ is born!)
14 CALVARY CALL February/March 2016 | Serving God and Our Community for 128 Years
THANK YOU, CALVARY! by Reba Woller
January 9, 2016
Dear Calvary Family:
Thank you for the wonderful send-off, laying-on-of
hands, acknowledgments, presents, cake and recep-
tion. I am overwhelmed. I am also definitely not in
California anymore! I have adopted two rescued five
year old Labrador retriever sisters—Ally and Lady
and “inherited” my son Sean’s cat. For those of you
who remember Sean, he is working at Tinker Air
Force Base in Oklahoma City. Country life—nearest
town is ten miles away— is definitely different, but I
love it. The biggest traffic issue is being over-run with
deer, and the greatest danger is pets being a coyote’s
supper—here it is breakfast, dinner and supper.
Weather permitting; I attend PCUSA’s First Presby-
terian Church in Oklahoma City. When my country
road is frozen or flooded —we got eight inches of rain
in one day— I watch their live-streamed service. I am
now part of the Presbytery of Indian Nations. Thank
you for launching me into this totally unforeseen
phase of my journey. I look forward to seeing what’s
in store for Calvary too. Again, thank you and God’s
blessings…
THE BRIDGE Young Adult Bible Study
Group (18-25 years old)
The Bridge – Young Adult Group meets
Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
If you are between the ages of 18-25 and
are interested in joining us please contact
Jeff Heath at (951) 660-6282 or contact
the church office.
New Elders and Deacons for 2016 Left to right: E=Elder, D=Deacon
Pastor Erin, Richard Van Ligten (E), Debbie Keller (E),
Marcie Cook (E), Debbie Holcomb (E), Chris Ward (D),
Sandy Reierson (D), Betty Showalter (D), Cal Boothby (E),
Lucy Bell (D), Pastor Alfred.
(Marcie Cook is a current Elder).
Not pictured: Howard Born (E), Jerry Irrion (E)
www.CalvaryPresCh.org February/March 2016 CALVARY CALL 15
BIRTHDAYS The 90’s Club
February Rosamond Fessenden February 6
Edie Coleman February 24
March
Marilyn Richter March 3
Dorothy Nesheim March 21
FEBRUARY Scripture Texts
Feb. 7: Exodus 34:29-35; Luke 9:28-36
Feb. 14: Psalm 91; Luke 4:1-13
Feb. 21: Psalm 27; Luke 13:31-35
Feb. 28: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8
Liturgists
Linda Namminga
Deborah Holcomb
Jeff Heath
Sam Namminga
Greeters
Keith Younglove Family
MARCH Scripture Texts
March 6: Psalm 32; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
March 13: Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8
March 20: Luke 19:28-40; Luke 23:1-49
March 27: Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 24:1-12
Liturgists
Chris Ward
Jon Osbrink
Scott Lesch
Sam Namminga
Greeters
To be a Greeter, email
Ted McKinney, [email protected]
CALVARY SUNDAY OFFICE SITTERS 8:45 a.m.—10:30 a.m.
1st Margie Wayne
2nd Annie Wooldridge
3rd
4th Linda Shipley
5th Joan Stolard
Relief Margie Wayne
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Chef: Robert Spitzer
Saturday, Feb. 6 &
Mar. 5, 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast &
great fellowship
in Fellowship Hall
SUNDAYS AT CALVARY
See Master Calendar insert for more events.
8:45 a.m. The Gathering Contemporary Worship Fellowship Hall
9:45 a.m. The Well (C.E. Hour) C.E. Building
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study Milliken Room
10:45 a.m. Worship (Communion on First Sundays) Sanctuary
5:30 p.m. Hot Meal Program Copeland Hall
6:00 p.m. Jr. and Sr. High Youth Group Rock Room
6:00 p.m. College Group “The Bridge” C.E. Conf. Room
WEEKLY
Tuesday
1:00 p.m. Office Staff Meeting Office
7:00 p.m. N.A. Meeting Copeland Hall
Wednesday 6:30 a.m. Bible Study & Prayer Group Morton's Home
8:00 p.m. A. A. Meeting Copeland Hall
Thursday 4:00 p.m. Worship Staff Meeting Office
6:00 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal Choir Room
6:30 p.m. Empire Swing Band Rehearsal Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Choir Room
Saturday 6:30 p.m. N.A. Meeting Copeland Hall
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Calvary Presbyterian Church 4495 Magnolia Ave Riverside, CA 92501-4198 Address Service Requested
PERIODICALS
All articles/pictures must be publish ready &
emailed to: [email protected]
No late items accepted.
Deadline: 1st Monday (of bold months below
for following bi-monthly newsletter)
August/September October/November
December/January February/March
April/May June/July
Calvary Call is an instrument which draws all
its members closer together, keeping us aware
of the needs of each other and the needs of our
community. We publish bi-monthly.
4495 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92501-4198
Phone: (951) 686-0761 Fax: (951) 686-1488
Office Hours: M-Th 9AM-5PM, Fri 9AM-1:30PM
E-mail: [email protected]
www.CalvaryPresCh.org
www.facebook.com/CalvaryPresCh.org
The Gathering 8:45 a.m. Traditional 10:45 a.m.
Co-Pastors
Rev. Alfred Graise and Rev. Erin Thomas
Director of Seniors Ministry ............. Debbie Keller
Business Administrator………………Debbie Neal
Administrative Assistant ................... Heather Weir
Choir Director ............................. Jonathan Osbrink
Weddings/Memorials .......................... Debbie Neal
Organist................................... Dr. Beverly Howard
C. E. Coordinator ............................. Jennifer Aaron
Pianist, Chancel Choir .....................Barbara Mease
Pianist, The Gathering (volunteer)…Jennifer Aaron
Handbells Director ................. ….Jonathan Osbrink
Children’s Choir .............................. Jennifer Aaron
Morning Custodian .................................. Gary Bell
Mid-day Custodian .......................... Lanette Garcia
Afternoon Custodian…………………...Ray Garcia
Child Care ................. Johannah and Lynn Schoebel
