Patti and I press on, even though our Lord has called us to the world of suffering (Psalm 46:1-2).

As I ponder last year's ministry, I do so with much emotion that in spite of my weakness, God has chosen to bless. The truth is, we All need encouragement from others to make it in daily life. Calvary Baptist Church is a place where the hurting, depressed, frustrated, and confused can find help. If you're hurting, we'd love to show you God's love by helping you in any way we can. God wants nothing more than to heal whatever has wounded your heart.

We pray that you will find Calvary a safe place to bring your hurts so that you can begin to see God heal your hurts through Sunday School class, small group support groups, MOSAICS, etc.

We experienced a fabulous Vacation Bible School, where about 12 children trusted Christ and several others rededicated their lives. I wish all of you were involved and could experience the blessing. It is humorous to see these children with their T-shirts coming down, covering their ankles. The ministry of Ruperto Johnston, Audrey Pennant, Bill and Cathy Boyd, and Sharon Shah was awesome.

The children's Sunday School is not just growing; but, now is multiplying. Our teachers are the best in the city (with apologies to Randi Weingarten); and, the Drs. Jim and Cathy Canary, and the Administrative Team supervisors.

The Adult Ministry is also growing in both the Sunday School and Small Groups. One example from Sunday School is When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, taught by the Boyds, subtitled Aiming Yourself in the Right Direction.

All adults in these ministries receive a monthly encouragement letter organized by the wonderful Patti Roberts.

We also were blessed by afternoon seminars and book clubs, reading and discussing such titles as the Christian classic by Charles M. Sheldon, In His Steps (What Would Jesus Do?) which has sold over 100,000,000 copies worldwide. An afternoon seminar featuring Rick Warren, pastor of the fastest growing church in America and author of The Purpose-Driven Life.

Last spring, an afternoon seminar, The Next Door Savior, was facilitated by Kyle Quercec and myself. We have been enriched by T. W. Hunt's The Mind of Christ and From Heaven's View.

Pastor Dave Epstein has tasked Christian Education to follow up referrals who have made commitments to Christ through the Billy Graham Crusade to be held in June 2005.  In addition to Dr. Graham's materials, we hope to supplement them with Max Lucado's Experience the Heart of Jesus.

Patti, Angela Starks and I are planning to bring out, by popular demand, The Prayer of Jesus, perhaps in the summer and fall. Every new member should be involved in this.

Somewhere down the line, we hope to offer again, by popular request, Philip Yancey's What's So Amazing about Grace?. Philip Yancey's The Bible Jesus Read is being considered for a small group as well. Many heartfelt thanks to Peter Anselmini, David Babick, Ama Brooks, Rodney Carson, James Ford, Anissa Gibbs, Dick Gowey, Stephanie Lutz, Dr. Annie Mundeke, Daisy Soto, Anita Wiener, Dr. James Canary and the Christian Education Committee of the Board of Elders, Claude Hurt, Fred Eisenmann, Audrey Pennant, and all the office support team, including Dee Breland, Cerez Grant, Marilyn Lebowitz, Lisa Ledlow, and all the rest of you who have supported Christian Education by your prayers, attendance and contributions.

Many thanks to Cindy Galdal of Oasis Ministries for her adult ministry here. She and I will teach the combined Sunday School this summer: "Tearing down Strongholds".

Also last year we hosted three marvelous seminars led respectively by John Woodward, Bill Freeman, and Dr. J. Gordon Henry.

    Respectfully and humbly submitted
    Dr. Roy Roberts
    Pastor of Christian Education
    and Growth Groups

P. S.: Per Bob Chancia's exhorting Calvary to reach out to New York celebrities, Patti and I reached out to Sad? Baderinwa (WABC-TV) and Martha Stewart. Below are their responses.

"Dear Roy Roberts,

I hope this finds you well.

This brings my sincerest thanks for the lovely card you sent. Your kind thoughts, well wishes and prayers have meant a great deal. Truly. They helped my recovery. For this, I am forever grateful.

Thankfully, I am doing well and am happy to say that I will be rejoining the Eyewitness News Team at 5, starting December 13th. Hopefully you will join us.

Until then, I wish you all the best and a very Happy Holiday!

Sincerely,
Sad? Baderinwa"

"Dear Friend:

Thank you for writing to Martha Stewart.

While at Alderson, Martha has been receiving many thousands of encouraging letters from supporters like you. She is extremely grateful for your kind thoughts and good wishes.

Due to the heavy mail volume, Martha regrets that she does not have the opportunity to read your correspondence while at Alderson. All letters and cards have been kept for Martha's return.

On behalf of Martha Stewart and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, we thank you for your continued support."