Calvary Baptist Church

07/31/2026

Why do you go to church? You don’t have to go to church to go to heaven.

They’re right. Going to church doesn’t save you. Jesus does.

But let me ask you this… the next time you’re sick, don’t go to the doctor and see how that works out.

I go to church because I need it. I need the fellowship. I need the encouragement. I need the conviction. I need the reminder of who I am and whose I am.

Because I know sometime this week—probably sooner rather than later—I’m going to fail. I’m going to lose my patience. I may say something I shouldn’t say. I’ll fall short of the standard God has called me to.

I’m not perfect. Never have been. Never will be.

That’s why I go.

Church isn’t a place where perfect people gather. It’s a place where broken people come to worship a perfect Savior. It’s where we encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens, and grow together in our faith.

That building isn’t the church. It’s just a building.

The people inside who have been redeemed by the grace of God—that’s the church.

So no, I don’t go to church because I think it earns me a place in heaven. I go because I need a reset. I need to be reminded that I’m a sinner saved by the grace of God. I need to worship, to learn, and to be challenged to become more like Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to forsake assembling together. God knew we would need each other.

So I’ll keep showing up—not because I have to, but because I need to.

What’s your reason?

07/31/2026

07/29/2026

Sunday morning service, July 26, 2026 music used by permission CCLI # 1839164

07/26/2026

Church Spotlight:
Buddy & Tinker Danford

Buddy and Tinker Danford have been married for 55 wonderful years and are blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

As charter members of Calvary Baptist Church, their roots run deep. After living in Eufaula for more than 20 years, they recently returned home to Cottonwood and have become actively involved once again in the ministry of Calvary. Buddy faithfully serves as the church’s sound technician, while Tinker serves as the pianist.

For many years, Buddy and Tinker traveled throughout the Southeast sharing the Gospel through their Southern Gospel music ministry, New Life. Together they ministered in churches, revivals, and special events, with Tinker singing and playing the piano while Buddy faithfully managed the sound. Their ministry has touched countless lives through music and a heart for serving the Lord.

Over the years, Tinker has also provided music for numerous weddings and funerals, using her God-given talents to minister during both joyful celebrations and times of sorrow. Buddy has always been by her side, faithfully supporting each ministry opportunity.

Both Buddy and Tinker retired from Southern Company at the Farley Nuclear Plant. In addition to her career, Tinker taught piano for many years, and it is a blessing that many of her former students now serve as church pianists and musicians in their own congregations.

Early in their marriage, Buddy coached pee-wee football while Tinker served as a cheerleader sponsor, investing in the lives of young people in their community. Throughout the years, Tinker has served many churches as pianist, organist, choir director, and music director, while Buddy faithfully assisted as the sound technician.

One of Tinker’s greatest joys was directing a 60-member community youth choir made up of young people from the Cottonwood area. She also directed a 30-member high school choral group while teaching at Ashford Academy. Both groups traveled to share music and represent their schools and communities through performances and ministry.

Buddy and Tinker are grateful for God’s faithfulness throughout their lives. They count it a privilege to continue serving Him at Calvary Baptist Church and look forward to many more opportunities to worship, minister, and encourage others. Their lives are a testimony that faithful service to the Lord is one of life’s greatest blessings.