I woke up early this morning and thought, “I don’t want to do this anymore. I don’t want to wear a mask, I don’t want to take my temperature again,   I  don’t want to stay six feet away, I don’t want to stand in line to get into Walmart, I don’t want to watch another Cub  game from 2016.” Can you relate?
Then I remembered these words from the Apostle Paul,
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up! Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9, 10)
It is the right thing to do and it will not last forever. Soon we will be  back to  community worship  in person, hugging and enjoying the  close fellowship of a meal enjoyed together. So I decided to keep my eye on the prize and continue to follow the pathway of responsibility. May I suggest that, as Christ’s body, you accompany me in doing the same?
Until then,  please plan to join  me at www.calvarymemorialchurch.com this Sunday at 10:30 AM. I will be teaching part two of “The Heavenly News Conference,” God’s message to people caught in times of crisis found  in the 91st  Psalm. Then, while you are online, you can also share your prayer requests and even give an offering.
I  assure  you  that  I  look  forward  to seeing   all  of  you  again  very   soon. Until  then,  if  you  are  in need of pastoral care, feel  free to contact me by telephone at 815-985-9729, email at David@CalvaryMemorialChurch.comor regular mail at Calvary Memorial Church ~ 2715 N. Alpine Rd. ~ Rockford, IL ~ 61114. In the meantime,  
Be blessed and stay safe,

Pastor David Petty                                                                                                                                                                                            3 John 2-4

This will be the fifth consecutive Sunday that we are not allowed to gather for worship and it now appears that it will be sometime before we can. As soon as we are allowed to do so, regardless of the restrictions, I promise you that we will. Hallelujah! What a glorious day that will be.
Until then, as the “stay at home” order lingers, we need to develop more and more effective means of communicating as church members. If you know of someone who has not given us their email address, please encourage them to do this so that I can send them this weekly update. Also, If you know of someone who hasn’t viewed our Sunday live stream worship or given on line or sent in their prayer requests to us, share that useful knowledge with them as well.
This Sunday, April 19, and next, April 26, I will present a two part teaching series entitled “The Heavenly News Conference” at www.calvarymemorialchurch.com at 10:30 AM. As I was watching one of  Governor Pritzker’s daily broadcasts I began to wonder, “What if God gave a news conference? What would He have to say to His children in a crisis like this?” Then I remembered one of my favorite Psalms, the ninety-first. This, I decided, is what He would say and exactly what we need to hear. Give it a read between now and Sunday morning and then tune in to hear what God wants to communicate through me to you about this marvelous piece of Hebraic poetry.
Until we are reunited, please know that we deeply appreciate your gifts sent to us online through our website or mailed to our church office at: Calvary Memorial Church ~ 2715 N. Alpine Rd. ~ Rockford, IL ~ 61104. Important lessons about God’s great plan of redemption and our part in it are being learned. Your continuing participation will aid us in putting these lessons to work for God’s glory as soon as we are again allowed to gather. Be praying with me as I am longing for all of you . . .
With the affection of Christ,

Pastor David Petty                                                                                                                                                                                     Philippians 1:7, 8

Today is one of the most sacred of days on the church calendar and yet we must recognize it somewhat disconnected. Perhaps it is also a good time to remember that I must come to the cross to resolve the problem of my sin alone. Remarkable to think, isn’t it, that if you were the only sinner, or if I were the only one in need of redemption, He still  would have suffered there to set you, to set me free.
None of which, of course, would mean anything if it were not for the fact that, on the third day, He rose in  victory  over  sin  and  guilt  and  shame  and  death  which  we  will celebrate  this  Sunday  on  Easter. We plan to live stream our Resurrection Day worship at 10:30 AM on our website at www.calvarymemorialchurch.com. What a great time to connect with us on the internet if you haven’t done so already as Pastor Ed presents the final lesson of his Lenten series: “CREDO: WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE.” You can also catch up on His first three lessons there when you do.
In cooperation with our Governor’s mandate we are suspending all small group meetings (School Of Discipleship/Men’s Breakfast/Daughters Of God/Membership Orientation/Elder Board) and special ceremonies such as water baptism and communion, as well as continuing to live stream our worship throughout the month  of April. 
On the 19th and 26th David will preach a two part lesson series entitled “THE HEAVENLY NEWS CONFERENCE” and based on the reassuring words of Psalm ninety-one. Please join your pastors in praying that we will be able to resume physically meeting together in some form or fashion in the month of May. Until then, you can be assured that we miss you all so very much and are remembering each of you in prayer daily.
To those who have given financially during this time, thank you so much. I have been blown away by your gracious generosity and faithfulness. For those of you who haven’t done so as of yet, you can mail your tithes to us (2715 N. Alpine Rd. ~ Rockford, IL ~ 61114) or give online through our website (www.calvarymemorialchurch.com). Either way, we will make sure that you are credited accordingly.

Until we meet again,
Pastor David Petty                                                                                                                                                                                     Philippians 1:3-6

On April 1 Illinois governor Pritzker extended the “Stay at home” order throughout the month as a needed response to our current health crisis. As good citizens and concerned Christians we will, of course, cooperate as fully as we are able by adopting the guidelines that have been established and continuing to creatively remain connected with those who need our help.
To this end we will plan to live stream our worship services on April 5, 12 (Easter), 19 and 26 at 10:30 AM. You can view these presentations on our website at www.calvarymemorialchurch.com. We are working hard to prepare and display these in the most effective manner possible. If you watched our first (March 22) and second (March 29) attempts, I am sure that you noticed a big improvement.
Also, if you need to meet with any of our pastors individually for prayer or counsel, we remain available to do so either over the telephone or in person if you are not currently exhibiting any symptoms of the virus. Also, you can communicate your prayer requests to us through our website and we will include them in our pastoral prayer as we live stream. Covid-19 is a serious problem to be sure, but our God is greater. I know that He will keep us safe and give us the victory as we put our trust in Him.
To those who have given financially during this time, thank you so much for your gracious generosity and faithfulness.  If you haven’t done so as of yet, you can mail your tithes to us (2715 N. Alpine Rd. ~ Rockford, IL ~ 61114) or give online through our website (www.calvarymemorialchurch.com). Either way, we will make sure that you are credited accordingly.
Please join your pastors in praying that we will be able to resume physically meeting together in some form or fashion in the month of May. Until then, be assured that we miss you all so very much and are remembering each of you in prayer daily.
Sincerely yours,

Pastor David Petty

    Philippians 1:3-6