Happy Summer Calvary Family and friends! I am grateful that summer is finally here. However, every day is a blessing. As I write this article, we are in the midst of a heat wave here in Rhode Island scaling 100 degrees in some areas. Rising temperatures such as these remind us that as we emerge from cold blistery winter dormancy, long since forgotten because of the heat, we have a fire that burns within each of us. That fire stirs us up and propels us forward to pass it on. Just like during the fireworks festivities at the fourth of July, all is takes is a spark to light the fire. The Apostle Paul instructed his mentee, Timothy, a young Pastor, discouraged by those who fought against his leadership because he was a young, to “Stir up” or “Fan in to Flame” his gifts (2 Timothy 1:5-7). For God gave him all the tools he needed to succeed even in the hottest times. Your fire may not ignite right away but once it begins there is something beautiful that explodes on the scene, at least that what we hope. We must be careful, as fire is not only hot but can be dangerous if used unwisely.

So, consider the Holy Spirit’s fire inside compelling you to move forward, get involved and make a difference. You never know when the Lord will use you to bring the heat to a cold situation, burn off dead things to make room for new life, or bring light to the darkness to lead others to the right path. Enjoy your summer but remember to engage in the ministry that the Lord put before you when you are back in town. Summer is the best time to connect with visitors and those who are available and with freer schedules. Get involved with Vacation Bible School or summer learning opportunities. Or create something new. You will be blessed.

Rev. Jabulani McCalister, MDIV
Senior Pastor

Hello Calvary Family! What an amazing summer! From Vacation Bible School to great attendance, from special programs and great ministry to our Guests Preachers and musicians, God has really been
blessing us at our church. At the same time, we have lost partnerships like South Providence Neighborhood Matters (Formerly Ministries).

Yet, we have been developing strong relationships with our community partners using our space (i.e. Community Music Works) and other churches spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Why is all of this important? In a world where hate runs rampant to beat of strife, the Church has to show a different example. It may look like things can’t improve but that does not mean we stop what the Lord has called us to do. Through providing relevant ministry and resources to help transform lives we can show the world that Jesus is alive and well waiting to save a world yielded to Him (St. John 3:16-7 & Romans 5:6-9). Jesus has already sacrificed so much we have no choice but to remain faithful to the end (Galatians 6:9-10).

So as you return from some much needed rest and relaxation on your summer getaways and vacations, know that you are a part of Christ’s body of believers and we need you. Our community needs you. Our world needs you. We need you to serve, give and participate so that we continue to shower the world with the love of Jesus. It will not always be easy because it’s Spiritual Warfare. But guess what? We have already won (Colossians 2:14-16)!

Hopefully, through the many examples shared in this issue, on our web-site, Facebook pages, twitter and others you will see what the Lord is up to and join us this Fall.

God bless you!
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
Senior Pastor

Hello Calvary Family! Happy Spring. With the unpredictable changes in the climate one never knows how to respond. Should I wear a coat? Should I wear layers or shorts? No matter what the climate, be it the weather, culture or politics, it is helpful to know what’s going on and perhaps have some semblance of control. Control is overrated because some things will happen regardless of how much control we believe we have. They say, “April showers bring May Flowers” as a way to console the one who does like the rain. Rain has multiple purposes but two main roles it has it to clean and nourish. We need both in order to spring forth anew.
Beginning in Chapter 5 of St. Matthew, Jesus is recorded as beginning the Beatitudes sayings. Beatitudes means: blessedness, grace, more or benediction. What strikes me about Jesus’ sayings in the Sermon on the Mount is that it’s launched with blessings. Blessed are . . . he continues for several verses. Normally, when we think of blessings we think of things we cherish or like coming into our possession. But if we examine the Beatitudes not all blessings are associated with gaining anything material, physical or emotional. In fact, there is a form of loss associated with each one. However, even though verse 1-11 tell us of the rain, verse 12 tells us of the flowers to come because we are approved by God.
This spring time I encourage you to think about the wonderful ways you are blessed beyond measure with family (especially as we celebrate Mother’s Day), friends and such. For some flowers are right before you ready to be loved and enjoyed.
God bless you,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister