Six months after arriving at Enumclaw’s Calvary Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Lynell Caudillo is discovering a warm, welcoming congregation with a call to serving.

“I found a church of people that really love each other and love their community. I love the way Calvary is connected to the community,” she said, rattling off a list of programs and projects like hosting Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation’s weekly Full Bellies meal program and the upcoming Oct. 17-18 Faith in Action, where Calvary members leave the pews and hit the streets to become the hands and feet of Christ.

Before her arrival in Enumclaw, Caudillo served as co-pastor with her husband in Des Moines, and, earlier in her career, was an interim pastor in White Center. She also has worked part-time with the Highline School District.

“I’m enjoying Enumclaw,” she said. “The people are very welcoming and very warm. It’s been a very positive experience.”

Caudillo would like to meet more people from the community as Calvary opens its doors to all Sept. 12 and 13 with free events for all ages.

The kickoff begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 with Contemporary Worship, a casual, come-as-you-are service at the church, 1725 Porter St., followed by a dessert social. Caudillo said it’s an opportunity to learn about Calvary’s service and volunteer programs, gather information about services for those in need and discover classes offered to encourage spiritual growth.

Those opportunities also will be offered Sept. 13 at 8:30 a.m., starting with a light breakfast before the 9:30 worship service, kids activities and games. Sunday School for all ages at 10:45 is also available, along with a staffed nursery. The senior high youth program meets later that evening at 6:30. Middle school students meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday after Full Bellies.

The following weekend, the elders and deacons will gather for a retreat to plan the future of Calvary.

Caudillo said with everyone plugged into technology today, the weekend will provide a time to turn off the “voices speaking into our ears” and pray and listen to the Lord about Calvary’s future.

“I’m excited about what may be revealed. The people here are deeply committed to Christ and the community. Calvary’s been here a really long time, well over 100 years, so there’s a long connection with the community,” she said, noting its founding in 1892. “The goal is to stay relevant and fresh to what the needs are now. We want to move forward in ways that are meaningful today.”