Friday, October 3, 2025

FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

Our Pastoral Team

Last week, I featured three of our younger pastors. Now I’ll share brief details about some pastors who have served at Calvary for a little longer! 


Sibu Rajappan and his wife, Nisha, have been attending Calvary since 2009. They have been married for 16 years, and have two children, Anugraha (15) and Emanya (13). Sibu joined the staff at Calvary in 2014 and served in different capacities. He was ordained as a pastor at Calvary in 2018 and presently serves as Pastor of Missions. The Rajappan family loves cooking together, playing board games, and visiting the Smoky Mountains several times each year.


Rob Reece and his wife, Jennifer, commenced attending Calvary in 2009. In 2012, Rob joined the staff as Director of CHAMP Sports. In 2018, he was ordained as a pastor at Calvary, and presently serves as Pastor of Discipleship. Rob and Jennifer have been married for 30 years and have two adult children, Gage and Jae. Rob enjoys working out with Gage, playing the guitar, and antique shopping with Jennifer. 


Nathaniel Pearce and his wife, Cheryl, became members of Calvary in 2011. Nathaniel joined the pastoral staff at Calvary in 2015 and presently serves as Pastor of Family Ministries. Nathaniel and Cheryl have two adult children: Ruth-Ann and Hannah. Nathaniel enjoys reading, outdoor activities, exploring nature with his drone, and DIY home projects. The Pearce family enjoys playing games, serving together, and having fun and laughter. 


Jim Pile joined our pastoral staff in 2013 and presently serves as Pastor of Senior Adults and Caring Ministries. He is also the Pastor of Counseling. Jim is married to Sharay. They have four adult children: Shannon, Heather, Robert, and Bethany. They are also proud grandparents of Brooklyn, CJ, Riley, Hailey, and Emery. Jim and Sharay enjoy reading together, taking long walks, attending Penn State events, and playing pickleball.

Pastor John H. Munro

THIS WEEK’S AVIZANDUM PODCAST — “A Culture of Hate”

Listen to THE VERDICT radio program on weekdays at 7:00 AM in Charlotte on 960 AM.

WORSHIP AT CALVARY

This Sunday, October 5

Family & Friends Day


9:45 AM — “Following the Messiah”

Luke 9:18–27

Stream on YouTube or Facebook Live

October 12

9:45 AM — “The Majesty of God”

Luke 9:28–45

October 19

9:45 AM — “Greatness in the Kingdom”

Luke 9:46–56 / Communion

6:00 PM — Missions Reports, Pastor Sibu Rajappan

FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY

You’re invited this Sunday!


Don’t miss this special day of worship, fellowship, and fun at Calvary! Join us for worship at 9:45 AM in the Sanctuary. Then, stay for lunch outside under the big tents and enjoy an afternoon of activities for all ages from 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM. Come casual and bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. It’s FREE!


MENU & DETAILS

Schedule Notes: There will be no ALGs or SLGs this Sunday. The Gathering will be open from 8:00–9:30 AM, but will remain closed after the worship service.

GROWING TOGETHER

“Finding Contentment”

Calvary Women’s Conference

Friday & Saturday, October 24–25


Ladies, you’re invited to a special weekend of encouragement, connection, and spiritual growth! We’re pleased to welcome Bible teacher and Christian author Melissa Kruger as our featured speaker. Invitation cards are available in the Galleria. Register now!


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

“Defending Truth in College”

Saturday, October 11, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM


Join Pastor John Munro and Pastor Andrew McIntyre to grapple with life’s big questions and explore how to defend the truth of the Gospel on your college campus. In a world filled with alternative “truths,” discover how you can live boldly and help others see that Christ is “the way, and the truth, and the life.”


DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Calvary Membership Course

Two Saturday Sessions, November 15 & 22


Led by Pastor Munro, this course provides a common foundation for those considering Calvary membership. We want everyone to understand who we are, what we believe, and the mission and vision of Calvary Church.


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

CHAMP Youth Basketball


Kids build skills and have fun competing in CHAMP Basketball! Registration is now open for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. The season runs from December 1 through February 14. Teams practice one night each week and play games on Saturdays in the CLC gym. Don’t delay; leagues fill quickly!


GET DETAILS & REGISTER

SERVING SPOTLIGHT

🎁 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Distribution — beginning October 12

We’ll have multiple tables where people can pick up ready-to-fill boxes, shipping labels, and OCC brochures. Will you help distribute boxes on Sunday mornings after the service and/or after Adult Life Groups? Sign up for specific dates and times HERE.


👟 Shoes for Kids Outreach — New Date: November 6

Calvary is providing new shoes for kids in need at South Pine Academy. We need 30 more volunteers to serve with our team! GET DETAILS & REGISTER


🏀 CHAMP Sports Basketball Coaches — Coaches Meeting, November 18

Our coaches play a vital role in the CHAMP Sports ministry! As a coach, you have a tremendous opportunity to positively impact players and parents by actively demonstrating biblical values and the love of Christ. You just need a basic knowledge of the sport and a willingness to learn! GET DETAILS & REGISTER


😀 Special Needs Respite Night — Volunteer Buddies

We’re hosting a Respite Night on Saturday, November 1. One of our fun activities will be packing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts! We need several more buddies to pair with our students; you’ll serve from 3:15 to 7:30 PM. LEARN MORE & REGISTER


See all current opportunities at calvarychurch.com/serve.

THIS WEEK AT CALVARY

Calvary pastors and leaders are here for you. So if you need to talk or pray with someone, please reach out!

Pastor of the Week (10/5–11): Jim Pile, 704.840.5908, jpile@calvarychurch.com

Elder of the Week: Shadon McAuley, 704.780.3896, shadonmcau@gmail.com

Deacons of the Week: Mark Ladnier, msladnier@hotmail.com

Chuck Jarrett, chuckjarrett474@gmail.com

Tim Deacon, 912canuck@gmail.com

Tim Nabors, rtnabors@gmail.com

Ryan Smith, ryanapple12@gmail.com

Randy Loman, randyloman@mindspring.com

🌏 Missionaries of the Week: Pray for Unreached People Groups

🙏 How can we pray for you? calvarychurch.com/prayerrequests

📖 Calvary Kids Weekly Bible Lesson & Playlist: calvarychurch.com/sundayspotlight

💧 Baptism Opportunity, October 19: calvarychurch.com/baptism

🤝 Employment Opportunities: calvarychurch.com/employment

  • The Gathering Café Assistant Manager, Special Needs Coordinator, Weekend Audio Engineer

🍽️ Fellowship Dinner — Wednesday, October 8

Join us for dinner in the Crown Room between 5:00 and 6:15 PM. No reservations needed! $8 Adults, $4 Children — MENU & DETAILS

BIRTH ANNOUNCMENT

Congratulations to Cole & Emily Fogle on the birth of their daughter, Harper Lynn Fogle, on September 29

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO…

Sam & Pam Mitchum and Jim & Sissy Mattox and their families in the passing of Sam and Sissy's mother, Mrs. Patricia Lee (Teka) Mitchum, on September 24

FOR THE RECORD


$149,818 — General Fund offering the week of 9/28

$180,000 — General Fund weekly giving goal


$12,224 RWG Building Expansion offering the week of 9/28


Please clearly designate your offering so that we can properly apply your Reach Welcome Grow (RWG) giving toward your Faith Promise. Thank you!

CALVARY CHURCH

Sunday Worship at 9:45 AM

& 6:00 PM as scheduled


704.543.1200 | info@calvarychurch.com

C A L V A R Y C H U R C H . C O M

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