In 1956, the world was shifting. You might picture Elvis taking the stage or President Eisenhower paving the way for the interstate highway system. You might remember the quiet power of the Montgomery bus boycotts — a moment that reshaped our nation’s conscience. As memorable as those iconic moments were, we are gathering this fall to celebrate a different kind of movement that began in 1956: the birth of Calvary Lutheran Church. In sleepy Richland Hills, on the corner of Baker Boulevard and Booth Calloway, members of Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Fort Worth envisioned a church plant to serve the growing northeast suburbs. What began in an elementary school quickly put down deep roots on the corner where Calvary stands today. While much has changed over seven decades, our foundation has remained steadfast. Dedicated pastoral leaders and faithful members have guided Calvary’s steady growth. In recent years, expanded facilities and staff have strengthened the very mission set forth 70 years ago: sharing the Good News with our neighborhood and the wider church. That same energy and passion still echo through our halls today, telling the story of our faithful past while keeping our eyes fixed on the future.

Just as classic records get played on repeat, Calvary has spent 70 years celebrating its own King— joyously proclaiming “Christ is Risen!” again and again. Roads and highways may change around us, but Calvary has remained on its corner: a steady presence guiding people through life’s highs and lows and pointing them toward Christ.

For 70 years, we have listened for God’s call and striven to "proclaim and work for justice and peace in all the earth." Through countless baptisms and confirmations, we have affirmed this calling, sending forth disciples to embody God's promises in the world. We remain rooted in Scripture—from "In the beginning..." to the Gospel promise, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

On Reformation Sunday and All Saints Sunday, we will give thanks for 70 years of God's faithfulness at Calvary. We look forward to welcoming special guest preachers and gathering for festival worship featuring our choir, orchestra, and handbells. Pastor Phil Heinze will preach on Reformation Sunday, October 25 and Bishop Erik Gronberg will preach on All Saints, November 1.

Together, we will honor the saints who built this congregation and prayerfully look ahead to our calling for the years to come.

We hope you will join us in celebrating where we’ve been - and in stepping faithfully into the next 70 years.