Mt. Calvary Church is a small congregation of African-American Baptists who have been worshiping on Morgantown Road in Ivy since shortly after the Civil War. Historical evidence strongly suggests that many of the founders of Mt. Calvary had worshiped at St. Paul’s during the time of slavery.

In 2009, Mt. Calvary plans to demolish its old building, which is in disrepair, and begin construction on a new church at the same site. The capital campaign has been well supported by the congregation, the architect’s plans are complete, and the contractor is close to starting work. When several Mt. Calvary members came to St. Paul’s vestry meeting a couple of months ago with their pastor, the Rev. Tracy Daniels, the only remaining problem was where to worship while they’re between buildings.

St. Paul’s clergy and vestry enthusiastically endorsed the idea of sharing our facilities with our neighbors during construction. We look forward to welcoming Mt. Calvary to the use of the parish hall on Sunday afternoons beginning early in 2009, and we hope this will be the beginning of an ongoing relationship between our congregations. Be on the lookout for news as this arrangement develops; plans are in the works to welcome our guests and celebrate our friendship with a meal together in the parish hall in the coming months.

“Where is Home?”

Women, mark your calendars for the Women’s Retreat coming up the weekend of February 27-28, 2009. It begins late that Friday afternoon and lasts through Saturday afternoon. The Rev. Pamela Webb, currently director of alumni affairs at Virginia Theological Seminary, will lead the retreat which will be held at the Elston Inn at Sweet Briar College which is about an hour from Ivy. Pam brings a great depth of experience in leading retreats as she explores the theme of “Where is Home?” You can sign up for singlesrooms ($125) or double rooms ($90). The fee includes room, meals and the program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know some of your fellow parishioners better in a relaxed environment. There will be time for the program, meals, centering prayer and even a little yoga! You can participate in as much or as little of the activities as you like.

Sign ups will begin in mid-January. Look for the sign-up board in the back of the church or contact Debbie Scott at DJScott@aol.com or Shelby Owen at spivyowen@aol.com for more information.

The Men’s Group is thriving! Formed in the late fall of 2008, The St. Paul’s, Ivy Men’s Group meets for fellowship, service, and to hear talks interesting to Christian men. The group is always open to any interested parishioner.

The December meeting, a Saturday pancake breakfast, attracted 25 members to hear Mac McDonald speak about his experiences as a radio announcer for UVa sports events. Upcoming events include a Sunday luncheon in January with Calvary Baptist Church, a work weekend at Shrine Mont March 20-22, and a Mothers’ Day lunch at church. We will choose officers and a permanent meeting time (Saturday breakfast or weekday evening dessert and coffee) early in 2009.

We are particularly pleased to have our own parishioner, Dr. Mark Williams, speak at our next monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, January 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Dr. Williams is the Ensminger Distinguished Professor of Geriatric Medicine at UVa and has been widely recognized as one of the best doctors in America. His book, The American Geriatrics Society’s Complete Guide to Aging & Health is sometimes called “The Dr. Spock for Older People”. Please plan to attend!

Questions about the Men’s Group? Contact Steve Thornton or the church office at spivyva@aol.com .

Just added! St. Paul’s Ivy is scheduled for three work days at our Habitat house on Paton Street. The plumbing work has started and we need to finish up the soffit and fascia board outside. Next will be the siding, and after the plumbing and electrical work is finished, we will start on the dry wall. There is much left to do!  Work Days: January 24, February 28 and March 28 - please sign up to help!

St. Paul’s, Ivy is taking a leading role in building it’s fourth Habitat House with Region XV of the Diocese of Virginia. We began work in August and construction continues in the new year. The house, which will be a duplex, is going up on Paton Street for the Hassan and Khawa families. We hope to complete the work in about 4 more months. Steve Thornton is acting as the volunteer coordinator for this project. We will need to provide about 10 volunteers each workday, those with construction experience and those just willing to help. No one under age 16 can be on the jobsite when power tools are in use. Please contact Steve or the church office at spivyva@aol.com  if you have questions, would like to volunteer as our food coordinator or to volunteer for any work day.

Bread Ministry volunteers are needed to deliver bread to visitors and newcomers to St. Paul’s, Ivy as a token of hospitality. Anyone who enjoys welcoming newcomers to St. Paul’s is invited to join. You may be asked to call on a visitor and take some form of bread/muffins (homemade or store bought) 3 times a year. For more information please contact Elisabeth Greenbaum.