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Calvary Baptist Church Celebrates Pastor Thomas' Anniversary By Web Staff Members of Calvary Baptist church gathered together on Saturday, November 14, 2009, to celebrate the 22nd anniv ersary of their Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Gregory E. Thomas.
More than 100 members, family, friends and supporters attended the dinner and dancing event, held at the North Andover Knights of Columbus Hall. DJ Steven Riddick provided the evening's musical entertainment.
 Attendees were served a scrumptious six-course dinner, which included a fresh garden salad, vegetable soup, glazed b aked chicken, with honey-glazed carrots, steamed rice, warmed rolls and chocolate cake. The meal was served by a team of Calvary youth, decked out in crisp, white, shirts and black bowties. The kitchen staff included Calvary members James Boyd, Larry Hill, Tammy Mayo, Audrey Rucker and Ericka Wilder. The event was hosted by the church's Pastor's Aide Committee, and led by Committee President and chief chef Deacon Jimmie Rucker.
 Members of Calvary danced, laughed and had a wonderful time showing Pastor Thomas and First Lady Janie Thomas how much they appreciated their more than two decades of dedicated service and leadership. Following the event, a thank you note to the congregation from Pastor was posted in the church bulletin. ". . . It has been our privilege to serve the Kingdom of god here in Haverhill, at Calvary Baptist Church, and in so doing, we have had the unique opportunity to observe and share in the miracles of daily living so many (of you) have been victorious in. Through times of disappointment and challenge, we have been in God's care. Your kindness this past weekend is further evidence of God's grace and providence.
  "I especially want to thank Deacon Rucker as a point of leadership (during this celebration). A special shout out has to also go to all of the help in the kitchen; thank you Cristina Dorestant for the creative programs. Everyone on the respective boards and different ministries, we thank you for your kind gifts and expressions of care. To Audio/Video; Diaconate; Communications; Ushers; Music Staff; Stewardship Board; and to every member of Calvary - thank you! (And to all others who worked in the kitchen - Vielen Dank!)" That's German for "Many Thanks!"
The following morning dawned bright for the worship services that crowned this Anniversary Weekend. Pasto r was in his pulpit, preaching with his characteristic "anointing", delivering a sermon titled "….And what's your excuse?"
The afternoon brought the Pastor's Anniversary Service, attended by Calvary members joined by visitors from  several churches. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Frank Murray, Sr. Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Roxbury, MA, after which followed a procession of persons wishing to personally express their love and gratitude to the man who has been Pastor, shepherd and friend to so many over the past twenty-one years. It was a great weekend, and a time to be remembered.
On Sunday, May 23, 2010, Calvary Baptist Church commissioned six members as Stephen Ministers. A Stephen Minister is a congregation member who comes forward, or is selected, trained, commissioned and supervised by Stephen Leaders to provide one-to-one lay Christian care to individuals in need.
[Click title bar for full story and photos] The Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry was the recipient of a generous donation by Shaw's Supermarkets. The donation comes at a critical time in the operation of the Food Pantry.
[Click on title bar for story and photos] On June 28, 2009, members of Calvary Baptist Church gathered to honor Calvary's First Lady, Sister Janie R. Thomas. They were joined by many of Sister Thomas' colleagues, friends and admirers.
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