Stepping Into the New Year Together
As we step into a new year, I find myself filled with deep gratitude for this community and for the many ways God’s love continues to take shape through your generosity, faithfulness, and care for one another.
In the coming days, you’ll receive our monthly newsletter, which includes our Mission Report, a fuller picture of how Calvary has been at work in 2025. Even a quick glance tells a powerful story: in just this past month, together we have shared more than $20,000 in mission and love offerings with partners in our community and beyond. Of that, over $5,000 has gone directly to the Frederick Food Bank, helping ensure that neighbors facing food insecurity have access to nourishing food and support.
These numbers represent far more than dollars. They represent compassion in action, meals shared, dignity honored, and hope extended. I am especially grateful for our staff and volunteers who quietly and faithfully helped deliver and share these gifts with our community. Your behind-the-scenes work reflects the heart of Christ in beautiful and tangible ways.
As we begin a new year, I also want to share a simple spiritual practice I introduced with our children during Family Time this week: Star Words. A Star Word is a word or phrase you carry with you throughout the year as a way of staying open to what God may be inviting you into.
I shared with the children that a few years ago, during a season of great change, my Star Word was TRUST. Last year, my word was LISTEN. This year, I’m still prayerfully discerning what my word will be, but I promise, I’ll have it by Sunday.
I invite you to begin wondering what your own Star Word for the year might be. You don’t need to have it figured out yet. Let it emerge slowly through prayer, reflection, and everyday moments. On Sunday, I’ll invite everyone, children and adults alike, to share their Star Word by placing it on the Chapel doors, a visible reminder that we are all growing, listening, and learning together.
In many ways, this practice reflects what we are doing as a church: paying attention, trusting God’s leading, and stepping forward with intention. The generosity and care reflected in our mission giving are signs of a community seeking to live out love not just in words, but in action.
Thank you for the many ways you show up, for your generosity, your prayers, your service, and your willingness to walk this journey together. I am deeply grateful for each of you and for the ways Calvary continues to shine as a place of compassion, hope, and grace in the year ahead.
Until Sunday and all the days between,
Dr. Hutton