Calvary Year-End Update
Dear Calvary Church Family,
Wow, what a year. 2020 has been the craziest and most challenging year of my life, and I’d guess it has been for many of you as well. It makes me think of this great line from the Christmas carol O Holy Night - "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices." Our world certainly feels weary this year. Yet, we can rejoice with expectant hope for all God will do in and through our church as we partner together to further His kingdom through compassion, love, and generosity.
Together, we have adapted to carry out God’s unchanging purpose for our church in new ways:
- We are worshiping Jesus and preaching God’s Word outdoors at Calvary and online with live-stream services.
- We have LifeGroups connecting and growing in gospel-driven community on Zoom, at parks, and in backyards.
- We are partnering with families to help build up the next generation through online and at-home resources.
- We are praying over our neighborhoods, asking for God’s blessing as we build relationships in Jesus’ name.
- We are on track to serve 5.5 million meals by the end of the year to those in need through our Pop Up Pantry.
- We are supporting missionaries overseas who are also ministering in unique ways through this pandemic.
Throughout all the challenges of this year, the mission continues!
I know this has been a financially difficult year for many and that is why our Care Ministries have focused on helping respond to those in need with economic assistance, mental health care, and biblical counseling. Finances have been a challenge for Calvary Church as well with fewer in-person gatherings and the loss of income for so many people in our church family. As of mid-November, our two main funds for general church ministry and reach global missions are each 10% behind budget. Our adjusted target for December is $785,000 for general and $125,000 for missions.
Will you join me in praying for and giving towards these year-end needs? You may be able to benefit from recent CARES Act legislation which gives individuals who do not itemize deductions the ability to still deduct up to $300 in charitable contributions in 2020. For more about this or creative giving options like donating stock, giving from your IRA, or including Calvary in your estate plan, please contact Pastor Michael Welles. Each of our gifts add up to make a big difference in people’s lives here at Calvary, in our local community, and around the world! You can give today at CalvaryLife.org/give.
Finally, I invite you to join us this December for our Sunday series - The Gift of Compassion. We will have services outdoors around the Christmas Tree with in-person music and teaching, as well as a service produced for watching online - in English at 9am (ASL available) + Spanish at 11am. Join us this Sunday for a message from Pastor Matt Doan on how we can cultivate the compassionate life of Jesus in our hearts and our actions. We have an opportunity this Christmas to bless children in need and see lives changed for Jesus.
We are also putting together plans for a special Christmas Eve Candlelight experience and invite you to register and reserve your spots. With seating limited at each service in the Courtyard at Calvary, we want to make sure to save you a seat! And, we will consider adding service times to make room for everyone. So, please RSVP today on our website or App. Discover more at SantaAnaChristmas.com
Thank you again for supporting Calvary Church with your prayers, your acts of service, your presence, and your financial contributions. I am so grateful to partner with you in ministry.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Eric Wakeling