and the balance from our church’s invested funds. “This lift will benefit anyone who is handi-capped” whether they enter our building for church, a funeral, wedding or SPNM, said Rick Robison, Calvary member and Building & Property Ministry Chair. Thank you donors!

From the Pastor to You 2

Family Celebrations 2

Sowing Seeds for Christ 3

Christ in Us 4

In Touch 5

Prayer Corner 6

What’s Up? 7

Inside this issue:

The Newsletter of Calvary Baptist Church A Church for All People February/March 2013

Calvary Baptist Church

747 Broad Street

Providence, RI 02907

401.461.7507 Phone

401.785.8275 Fax

www.calbaptist.org

Jesus said:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSV)

Capital Campaign Brings New Lift to Calvary

For more than a year, Calvary’s wheelchair lift has been broken, resulting in accessibility challenges for members and visitors with wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Thanks to a successful Capital Campaign this winter, a new lift will be installed by March. The new Genesis Vertical Lift made by Garaventa Lift will provide easy access to Calvary’s main floor and lower level, where South Providence Neighborhood Ministries has offices. The approximately $25,000 project is being supported by an $8,300 grant from the RI Baptist Home Board, $12,060 in pledges from Calvary members,

Looking for a meaningful and affordable way to invest in your marriage and have a great time? Calvary is hosting a Pre-Valentine’s Day Brunch and Movie Matinee on Saturday, February 9th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Treat your spouse and yourself to a roman-tic catered fellowship brunch, powerful workshops, and the movie, “A Vow to Cherish” for only $20 per couple. Engaged couples also are encouraged to attend. The film, directed by John Schmidt and based on the book, features a happily married couple with a picture-perfect life that is suddenly shattered by a circumstance beyond their control. Both their relationship and faith in God face the hardest of tests. Barbara Babcock, Ken Howard, and Ossie Davis star in this acclaimed drama. Please pre-register for this special event by calling the church office at 401-461-7507 and mailing a check or money order made

payable to Calvary Baptist Church to Calvary, 747 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907. This will be a day to cherish!

Calvary Hosts Marriage-Building Event

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might live. Because He rose, we will live forever more! As we celebrate love this quarter, let us remember that God has cho-sen us to be His friends (St. John 15:14-15). Let’s be in prayer during the Lenten and Resurrection Season that we draw near to the One who loved us before we were born and still loves us today (Jeremiah 1:4-5)!

In Christ’s service, Pastor Jabulani McCalister

From the Pastor to You

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: Borman Gayetay (3), Jessica Hill (4), Lawrence Goambei (6), Cecelia Garnett (7), Irene Jensen (8, Jonathan Mesyna (9), Wilson Kamara (13), Patricia Dahn (17), Genesis Sullivan (18), Sachem Dahn (20), Evelyn Fugate (21), and Samuel Sayeh (28).

MARCH BIRTHDAYS: Angel Reyes (1), Emem Akpan (1), Idara Akpan (1), Richard Akinnusotu (4), Toussaint Stewart (5), Gabby Kpawoe (6, Elizabeth Boylowlu (10), Weady Kidio(16), Azriel McCalister (18), Erica Dahalah (26), Yanglee “Yang” Siah (30), and Ruby Derogene (31).

Congratulations Emem Akpan for receiving a college Scholarship Award from the Minis-ter’s Alliance of Rhode Island for your essay on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! Emem and 26 other award recipients in the contest were honored at the Minister’s Alliance’s M.L.K. Scholarship Breakfast on January 21st. (Her essay is printed on page 4 of this newsletter.) Let’s welcome Calvary’s 5 newest members: Kevin Fugate and Louis Sackie, Jr. joined by Baptism. Cristobol Soto, Latricia Allen-Soto, and Pastor Geneva Urquhart joined by Christian Experience. All received the Right Hand of Fellowship on January 20th. Marlon Nurse, a young man visiting from New York, also was baptized on that day. Praise God for His movement at Calvary! The Lift is coming! The Lift is coming! Thank God Almighty, the Lift is coming! Happy Birthday Calvary members with birthdays in February and March. Hope your new year is filled with God’s overflowing blessings!

Hello Calvary Family,

As we move swiftly into the first quarter of 2013 Love is in the air. But it’s not just because Valentine’s Day is upon us. It’s nice to celebrate the love that this holiday brings with chocolates, candies, and Valen-tine’s greetings. However, the love we look forward to receiving is the love of God. In the Gospel of John Chapter 15:13, Jesus tells us, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (NRSV). There are no earthly treats, valentines, or trinkets that can ever compare to the quintessential embodiment of Love: Jesus died that we

Family Celebrations

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Growing in Christ

grocery stores, movie theaters, golf courses, and just about everybody else you could name is seeking their money seven days a week. Somehow it’s different if their church asks for money out of a sincere desire to do God’s will and be God’s people. Stewardship is entrusting. “I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him” 2 Timothy 1:12. At no point do we read in the Bible that God gave us title to anything, not even a plot of ground. God entrusts humans with what can be an enjoyable task but retains overall ownership and a will for creation. As stewards, we seek to know God’s will and then to do it.

In Christian Love, Carol Hall-Walker

Chair of Stewardship Ministry

Sowing Seeds for Christ Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The first stewardship link we make is usually with money. Even when we think specifically of biblical stewardship, most peo-ple still think of money. After all, money is important. Jesus spoke more about money and possessions than about any other subject. In our culture, we tend to be very sensitive about everything connected with money. We are suspicious of people we think might be trying to get us to part with some of it. After all, it’s “our” money. We tend to be secretive about how much we earn, how much we save, how much we give away. In general, we are highly protective of what we possess. Sometimes to the point of acting as though we feel that even God had better not touch it! A lot of people complain that all the church wants is money. They single out the church for this sort of criticism even though they don’t take special note of the fact that banks, gasoline stations, insurance companies,

Greetings Calvary members. The following is a list of recommended readings this year. Please be sure to read at least several of the works on this list for the nourishment of your mind and spirit. The Holy Bible A Capsule History of Baptist Principles by William H. Brackney, Baptist History and Heritage Society, 2009. Celebration of Discipline, The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster, HarperSanFran-cisco, 1998. Fasting for Spiritual Break Through, A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts by Elmer L. Towns, Regal, A Division of Gospel Light, 1996.

Forgiveness, the Passionate Journey: Nine Steps of Forgiving Through Jesus’ Beatitudes by Flora Slosson Wuellner, Upper Room Books, 2001. Kingdom Man: Every Man’s Destiny, Every Woman’s Dream by Tony Evans, Tyndale House Publishers, 2012. Rest in the Storm, Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers by Kirk Byron Jones, Judson Press, 2001. The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary D. Chapman, Northfield Publishing, 2010. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, Zondervan, 2002.

Carol Hall-Walker

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Christ in Us Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to fulfilling his dream of having racial equality in the United States. Although he did not live to see his dream achieved, because of his efforts, the opportunity for ethnic and minority groups to succeed in America has skyrocketed. Dr. King’s efforts benefited not only his community, but also the culture of the United States. One of the key factors in making this dream successful was the amount of edu-cation Dr. King possessed. Without being educated, he could not have spoken so articulately and powerfully to hundreds of thousands of people. Without education, he would have been viewed as an ignorant black man trying to radicalize America, and his dream would have been overshad-owed. I was raised by the motto “Education is the key to success.” I grew up having dreams and aspirations, some feasible and some out of my reach, but the common key within all of them was the need for an educational background. I have already seen firsthand how having an education can

Health and Wellness Ministry

better my life. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to three of the six pharmacy schools I applied to. These acceptances essentially planted the seed of my growing future. As one of the oldest children amongst my cousins, I see how they look up to my sister and I. I have accepted the role of setting an educational platform which they are trying to live up to. They are the community that is going to be immediately affected by my educational success or de-mise. By bettering myself, I am forcing my cousins to better themselves, which in turn can mold them into successful and produc-tive members of society. As not only a person of color, but a woman of color, I know there are going to be struggles during my educational journey. However, like Dr. King, in order for me to fight through them and make a difference, it is imperative for me to have an educational foundation. This will allow me to be not only seen, but also heard, and encourage those younger than me to strive for educa-tional success as well. Emem Akpan, a freshman at the University of Rhode Island, is majoring in Pharmacy.

Emem Akpan

“The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. Hear this, you elders, and give ear all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their chil-dren another generation.” -Joel 1:-3 We are called to be awakened as the coming of our Lord Jesus, The Christ, is at hand. Toward that end, Calvary’s Health and Wellness Ministry is working on plans for our Health Fair scheduled on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the church. We must care for the sick, help feed the hungry, visit the prisoners,

shelter the homeless, take care of the wid-ows, and more. These are some of our Lord’s instructions. Two of our members – Helen Nyanti and Baryo Dousah – are in training to lead this ministry for the next term. Please pray for them. The Health and Wellness Ministry also joins the Calvary congregation in praising God for the wheelchair lift that will soon be installed. The lift will help Calvary be accessible and be a place of mobility for all.

By His Grace, Rachel M. Bloe

Rachel Bloe

Just 4 Laugh

s

Technical Arts/ Newsletter Ministry Team:

Richard Akinnusotu

David Dromsky

John Egan

Carol Hall-Walker

Helen Nyanti

Shawna Southern

Kona Stewart

Min. Michelle Sullivan

Rev. Linda Watkins

The Calvary Call Page 5

In Touch

Madelyn Bell Scandinavian Home 1811 Broad Street Cranston, RI 02905 461-1433 Barbara Boutilier Steere House Room 110 100 Borden Street Providence, RI 02903 274-2938

Joyce Maxwell 151 Franklin Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 946-7302 William McCaughey 4 Spofford Avenue Warwick, RI 02888 781-0186

Please remember homebound members of Calvary Baptist Church. Let’s share the love of Christ with them through cards, phone calls, and/or visits.

“We aren’t having THAT kind of overflow problem!”

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Eleanore Demers 294 Gorton Lake Blvd. Warwick, RI 02886 737-5439 Louise Kirkman West Bay Manor, Apt 1A 2783 West Shore Road Warwick, RI 02889 921-1119

Bertram Smith Greenwich Farms 75 Minnesota Avenue Warwick, RI 02888 737-7222 Marguerite Thomas John Clark Retirement Ctr. Apt. 104 600 Valley Road Middletown, RI 02842 619-4710

The Board of Ministries of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island (ABCORI) unanimously voted to call Rev. Tom Wiles as Executive Minister. He starts on February 11th. Wiles has served as Senior Pas-tor at First Baptist Church in North Platte, Nebraska, since 2004. Prior to that, he was a University Chaplain and adjunct faculty for Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Earlier, he pastored two churches, one in Arizona and one in Texas. As Rev. Wiles began his career, he

served as business administrator for churches in Texas and Oklahoma. He is currently earning a Doctor of Ministry from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, anticipating graduation in 2014. Tom’s wife, Linda, is a teacher. They have three grown children and two grandchil-dren. -American Baptist News Service

Wiles Called as Executive Minister of ABCORI

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JOYS!

New Lift pledges and giving have exceeded requests. As a result, the lift construction has begun. Every inch of Calvary is being used for ministry several nights of the week. Pastor Geneva Urquhart began her new church plant, “Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church” on Sunday, January 6, 2013. More Calvary members are getting involved, using their Spiritual Gifts to the Glory of God, and committing to tithing and giving offerings!

Prayer Corner

Ministry Opportunities

PRAYER REQUESTS

Let’s pray with Minister Michelle as she completes the final stages of her journey to Ordination. Our newest members: Kevin Fugate, Louis Sackie, Jr., Cristobol Soto and Latricia Allen-Soto, and Pastor Geneva Urquhart.

That during the Lenten Season, which begins on February 13th, we all draw near to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Growing attendance at Calvary’s Prayer Meetings, Bible Study, Sunday School classes.

If you are looking for ways to get involved this quarter, consider some of the following ministry opportunities: 1) True Worshippers study, Wednesdays,

7:15 p.m.

2) Prayer meetings: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

and Thursdays at noon

3) Our Technical Arts Ministry needs

more committed members

4) New Visitors to Calvary homebound

members are needed

5) Support for South Providence Neigh-

borhood Ministries’ Annual Spelling

Bee on Saturday, February 2, 2013

from 1:00-6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

This event helps raise money to sup-

port families that SPNM serves.

In

6) Saturday, February 9, 2013 from

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: Married

Couple’s Ministry’s Pre-Valentine’s

Day Brunch and Movie Matinee.

There will be food, fun, fellowship,

compelling and impactful work-

shops, and the viewing of a power-

ful movie. Brunch is $20 per couple.

7) American Baptist Churches of RI

Annual Meeting Monday, March 4,

2013 at 7:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary.

Please come and help us host

churches from around the state as

we gather to discuss and vote on

important ABCORI matters and wel-

come our New Executive Minister,

Rev. Tom Wiles, and new Officers!

8) Maundy Thursday Worship and

Communion, March 28th at 7 p.m.

We will commemorate Christ’s last

supper with a worship experience

and Communion.

H O L Y W E E K

What’s Up? February / March 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Page 7 The Ca lvary Ca l l

February

March

1 2 SPNM Spelling

Bee

1:00-6:00 PM

3

Communion Sunday

Worship Experience

10:00 AM

4

5 6 Prayer Mtg

6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study

7:15-8:30 PM

7

Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM

Hirst Room

8

9 Married Couple’s

Pre-Valentine’s

Day Brunch &

Movie Matinee

11:00 AM-5:00 PM

10

Worship Experience

10:00 AM

11

12

13 Prayer Mtg 6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study

7:15-8:30 PM

14 Valentine’s Day

Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM

15 16

17

Worship Experience 10:00 AM

18

19

20 Prayer Mtg 6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study

7:15-8:30 PM

21 Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM

Hirst Room

22 23 Servant Leader

Team Retreat

Bryant University 2:00-5:00 PM

24 Worship Experience

10:00 AM

25

26 27 Prayer Mtg 6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study 7:15-8:30 PM

28 Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM

Hirst Room

1 2

3 Communion Sunday Worship Experience

10:00 AM

4 ABCORI Annual Meeting at Calvary 7:00 PM

5

6 Prayer Mtg 6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study 7:15-8:30 PM

7 Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM Hirst Room

8 9

10 Worship Experience

10:00 AM Daylight Savings

Time Begins

11 12 13 Prayer Mtg

6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study

7:15-8:30 PM

14 Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM Hirst Room

15

16

17 Worship Experience

10:00 AM

18 19 20 Prayer Mtg

6:30-7:15 PM

Bible Study

7:15-8:30 PM

21 Prayer Meeting

12:00-1:00 PM

Hirst Room

22 23

24 Palm Sunday

Worship Experience

10:00 AM

25

26 27 Prayer Mtg

6:30-7:15 PM Bible Study 7:15-8:30 PM

28 Maundy Thursday Worship & Communion

7:00 PM

29 Good

Friday 30

31 Resurrection

Sunday

Worship 10:00 AM

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BAPTIST CHURCH

747 Broad Street

Providence, RI 02907 401.461.7507 Phone

401.785.8275 Fax

www.calbaptist.org

Material is Time Sensitive

February/March 2013

Newsletter

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Providence, Rhode Island

Permit Number 586

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Rev. Jabulani McCalister, M.Div. Senior Pastor

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