02/12/2026
Dear Friends of Calvary UMC,
Grace and peace to you.
I have been thinking about you this week — about the many faces and stories that make up the extended family of Calvary. Whether it has been a little while or a long while since we have seen you in person, please hear this clearly: you are missed. Your presence matters. Your gifts matter. Your voice, your prayers, your laughter, your talent — they are part of what makes Calvary whole.
There are several beautiful opportunities coming up in the life of our church, and I would love for you to be part of them.
Tonight — Bishop’s Night
Galilee UMC, Englewood — 7:00 PM
Tonight we gather with our district for Bishop’s Night at Galilee UMC in Englewood at 7:00 PM. It is always a meaningful time to hear from our episcopal leader (Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi) and to be reminded that we are part of something larger than ourselves — the connectional body of the United Methodist Church. They will be taking an offering which will be split in between Pastor's salaries in Tanzania, as well as helping with immigration concerns here.
This Sunday — The Baptism of John Morris
This Sunday will be especially sacred as we celebrate the Baptism of John Morris.
In the United Methodist tradition, baptism is not a private family ceremony — it is a covenant moment for the entire church. When someone is baptized, the congregation takes vows too. We promise to surround that child or person with love and forgiveness, to help them grow in faith, and to do everything in our power to nurture them in Christ.
Attending a baptism is not just witnessing a ritual — it is renewing our own baptismal covenant.
Romans 6:4 reminds us:
“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”
Every baptism is a reminder: God is still making things new. And we get to participate in that newness together.
Wednesday, February 18 — Ash Wednesday
7:00 PM in our Sanctuary
(Combined service with United Methodist Church at Demarest)
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent — a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. This year we will gather at 7:00 PM for a very special combined service with our sister church, United Methodist Church at Demarest.
There is something powerful about beginning Lent together — marked with ashes, grounded in prayer, reminded that “from dust we came, and to dust we shall return.” But even in those solemn words, there is hope. Because the cross traced in ash is the same cross that leads to resurrection.
March 8 — Interfaith Seder Dinner
5:00 PM at United Church at Demarest
We are invited to participate in a meaningful interfaith evening of education, conversation, and shared sacred experience.
Rabbi Gabe Cohen will guide us through the beauty and depth of the Passover Seder — exploring its symbols, rituals, and enduring story of freedom. Through teaching and demonstration, we will learn how Jewish families remember the Exodus and pass this sacred story from generation to generation.
As neighbors in faith, we gather with humility and gratitude to listen, learn, and reflect together.
What to Expect:
Introduction to the structure and meaning of the Seder
Explanation of the symbolic foods and rituals
A rabbi-led Seder meal experience
Time for thoughtful reflection and conversation
Fellowship among neighbors of different faith traditions
This is a beautiful opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen relationships, and remember that the God who led Israel out of bo***ge is the same God who continues to lead all people toward freedom.
A Word of Hope
In Hebrews 10:24–25 we read:
“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”
We gather not out of obligation, but because something happens when we do. Faith grows stronger in community. Hope becomes tangible. Isolation gives way to belonging.
If you have been away, I understand — life is complicated, schedules are full, seasons change. But please know this: there is still a place for you here. There always has been.
Calvary needs your presence.
Calvary needs your wisdom.
Calvary needs your gifts.
And perhaps — you need Calvary too.
As we enter this sacred season together, my prayer is that we would rediscover the beauty of showing up for one another — at the font, at the table, under the ashes, and around shared meals of freedom.
I hope to see you soon.
With gratitude and hope,
Schuyler Berdan
Pastor
Calvary United Methodist Church
185 W Madison Ave, Dumont, NJ 07628
C: 201-686-6571
O:(201) 384-3630
