DREAMING GOD SIZED DREAMS: REBUILDING FAMILIES IN 53206
Address from Pastor Walton
Dear Beloved Congregation and Calvary Friends,
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Grace and peace to each of you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As the days grow a little shorter and the warmth of summer gently gives way to the promise of early fall, my heart is filled with both excitement and gratitude. We have so much to look forward to as our church anniversary approaches in September! This is always a special time—an opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness, reflect on our journey, and step forward together with renewed hope for the future.
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In a season when so many churches have had to close their doors, we give thanks to God that we are still here 131 years old in September — gathered, standing, and pressing forward. Our vision is to rebuild families for God’s Kingdom is as vital as ever. Each of you plays a part in this ongoing story of resilience, faith, and love. Through challenges and triumphs, God has kept us, and together we move ahead, trusting in Him and supporting one another. Let us celebrate God’s goodness to us as our church turns 131 years old and celebrates throughout the entire month of September. We will be blessed with great preaching, service and fellowship opportunities. Let us be intentional about participating in our church anniversary by praying for each service and event and planning to attend and participate in the scheduled events as well.
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I encourage everyone to savor these closing weeks of summer. Enjoy the sunshine, the laughter, and the unique fellowship opportunities that this season brings. Whether it’s a picnic at the park, a friendly conversation after service, or simply sharing a meal with loved ones, let’s treasure the moments and the connections that make our church family so special.
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As a church, let us also lift up our schools in prayer as a new academic year begins. Let’s remember the teachers, children, administrators, parents, and all the community partners who labor to make education possible. The development of our children’s minds is a precious investment in the future of our communities. In every school, let us pray for a positive and welcoming spirit—one that fosters learning, leadership, and citizenship in our young people. May God grant a safe, productive, and inspiring school year for all.
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Finally, I want to remind each of us of our calling as Christians to be encouragers. Whether in your family, at work, within the church, or out in the community, your encouraging words and actions make a difference. Don’t grow weary in this good work! Let’s pray together that God would raise up even more encouragers among us—so that more hearts might be uplifted, burdens eased, and spirits strengthened.
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Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and your love. I am truly blessed to serve alongside you. Let’s continue to be a church that moves forward together, trusting God to do great things in and through us.
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With love and anticipation,
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Pastor John Richard Walton, Jr., D.Min
Reverend Dr. John Richard Walton, Jr.
The Reverend Doctor John Richard Walton, Jr. is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and has served as the senior pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Milwaukee for the last 22 years. Pastor Walton is well-respected and sought after as preacher, pastor to pastors, lecturer, and spiritual, biblical, and academic authority in the training and discipleship of deacons and church leadership.
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PRAYER DEVOTIONS:
August 2026 Focus:
Intentionally centering our hearts and
minds on praising God for who He is and for daily blessings.
Dear Calvary Members and Friends,
Let us pray with confidence and boldness knowing that He hears and is faithful.
Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of all,
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As we open our eyes to this new day, we thank You for the gift of life, for breath in our lungs, and for the many blessings—seen and unseen—that You have already poured out, what You are currently pouring out, and for what You will pour out upon us, Your children. Help us, Lord, to focus our hearts and minds on Your goodness, not on the challenges or discouragements that may come our way today. Strengthen us against the enemy’s attempts to overshadow our joy, and remind us that our hope is anchored in You, our Big G God, who holds every circumstance, situation, and relationship in Your mighty hands.
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Lord, open our eyes and spirit to see each moment as an opportunity:
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To recognize Your blessings, even in small or unexpected places
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To learn from every situation, knowing You use all things for our growth and our good
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To praise You regardless of what we face, trusting Your wisdom and love
Let our gratefulness be genuine, and bold, a living testimony to Your greatness. May our attitude of gratitude and praise be infectious—lifting others’ spirits and drawing them closer to Your Kingdom. Today, let us be a ambassador of Your joy, Your peace, and Your light.
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In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Gracious God, our Refuge and Strength,
As we lay down to rest, we pause to count the blessings of this day. Thank You for Your presence in every moment—the easy and the hard, the joyful and the stretching. Forgive us for any times we let discouragement or comparison steal our peace. Help us to surrender every situation and every person to You, knowing You are working for our best and Your glory.
Teach us to see Your hand in every lesson and every blessing. Let us gratitude rise up like incense, filling our hearts and home with praise. May our attitude of thankfulness encourage those around us and be a witness to Your faithfulness.
Lord, prepare our hearts for tomorrow. Guard our minds from negativity and give us eyes to see the possibilities You set before us. Use our lives—our words, our actions, our praise—to build up Your Kingdom and spread Your love.
Thank You, Lord, for being greater than anything we encounter from day to day. Tonight, we rest in Your promises and Your Love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
