Healthcare is an issue that The United Methodist Church takes seriously. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church state that, “Healthcare is a basic human right” (Social Principles, ¶162.V).  In other words, we believe that every person deserves health care, regardless of our religion, social standing, or ability to pay. We in the United Methodist church are not alone in that declaration. Christians across varying denominations share this concern for our neighbors. And yet, walking this faithful path is difficult in our American society.  

On September 20 and 27 during the Sunday school hour, we will engage in conversation around healthcare as part of the Encounter Legacy Series at Calvary. This series honors the legacy of the former Encounter Sunday School class by combining curiosity and faith to discuss pressing contemporary issues.  In this series, we will examine the healing power of Jesus and the commitments of the United Methodist church to healthcare.  We will be challenged by the ways in which our Christian tradition is in conflict with how the modern American healthcare system delivers care for our neighbors, leaving many Americans, in the words of Dr. Brad Spellberg, “broken, bankrupt, and dying.” 

Many physicians and other healthcare workers, such as myself, carry burdens of moral injury, knowing that the system in which we work is failing our patients as we feel powerless to create meaningful change. The American healthcare system limits our healing capabilities. We witness too many patients fall through the systemic cracks. To bear witness to these failures from patient perspectives, we will welcome the Tennessee Justice Center to share stories and show us that when the American healthcare system fails some of us, it really fails all of us.  And yet, when we come together, we can improve healthcare conditions for our neighbors. The Tennessee Justice Center will offer us a path toward action.  

We invite you to come with open hearts and open minds to this engaging discussion.  

-Amy Gordon Bono, MD, MPH 

Martha Lott shares why she is devoted to Calvary UMC..

Book Circle:  Tuesday, September 15th Room 306, 10:00 A.M.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alicia Berenson shoots her husband of seven years five times in the face and never speaks another word.  Alicia’s silence captures the public’s imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety.  She is hidden away from the public in a secure forensic unit. 

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time to work with her.  His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisted path.

Our discussion will be led by Abby Luffman.  All are welcome!

Calvary member and realtor, Alice Charron, is bringing, Amy Delaplain, co-founder of It’s Arranged, a home organizing and move management company, to the Hilltoppers September meeting.  Together they will share their insight and experience in these areas with us.  Amy’s superpower is described as handling the overwhelming stuff inside the home. Wherever you are on life’s journey, this will be helpful information! Join us on Thursday, September 17th, at 11:00 in Fellowship Hall. Lunch will follow.  

The cost of the meal is $12.00. Choose your sandwich for the boxed lunch when making your reservation.   

.Crieve Hall Club (ham, turkey, bacon, cheddar on wheat with L, T and mayo

.Chicken Salad Croissant (sour cream chicken salad with L & T)

.Grassmere (vegetarian). 

For reservations contact:  Barbara Shields, bandb3713@gmail.com, Marilyn Vernon, mpvernon@comcast.net or the church administrator admin@calvaryumc.com.

The deadline for reservations is Monday, September 14.  

Would you like to join the Light Brigade as we help Appalachia Service Project build modest replacement homes for families displaced by Hurricane Helene and other flooding in 2024?

Last fall, our team painted the interiors of a four-bedroom and five-bedroom home nearing completion for families ready to move in. This year, we’re planning another week-long trip, with projects that may include painting, flooring, hanging doors, building porches or ramps, siding, and similar tasks. Minimal previous experience is required when working alongside our skilled team.

The trip is currently planned for October 31–November 5, with some flexibility based on participants’ availability.

Interested in serving while enjoying fellowship with other Calvary members? Call or text Bob Currie at 615-308-5049 for more information.

There will be a winter trip to Estonia. We’re looking to build a small team to go play with the kids at the Lighthouse after school and to travel to our partner church in the village of Reeküla, on the island of Saaremaa. We’ll enjoy the short days, brisk weather, and the best Christmas market in Europe. Trip dates are Dec 2 through Dec 9, 2026.

Contact Andy Morris if interested.

Names will remain on the Extended Family Concerns list for one month.

After four weeks, if you want the name to continue to be listed for another month, contact the church office at 615.297.7562, or  admin@calvaryumc.com

We will extend the length of time on the list (monthly) for as long as prayer is needed for your family member or friend.

We continue to remember members of the armed services who are deployed in various places around the world. May God help us hasten the day when the entire world will be at peace.

Help us extend a warm welcome the moment someone walks through the door! 

We’re looking for friendly, upbeat volunteers to serve at the church Front Desk, an easy but meaningful way to make a big impact. You’ll be the first smile people see, offering hospitality, answering simple questions, and helping connect people to what’s happening in the life of the church.

If you enjoy people and want a flexible way to serve, this is a great place to plug in and be part of something important. Scan the QR code to view available times and sign up to volunteer.