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Caro United Methodist Church
670 Gilford Road
Caro, Michigan 48723-1011
Telephone: (989) 673-2246
Mission Statement of Caro United Methodist Church:
Through God's grace and our faith in Jesus Christ, Caro United Methodist Church is called to listen to and act on God's priorities locally and globally. Because we have experienced God's love, we serve, build up, encourage, and share Jesus Christ with all people using our God given gifts and abilities.
First Worship Service - 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages - 9:30 a.m.
Second Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.
Child Care available 8:30 AM until end of 11:00 AM Worship Service
Ministerial Meandering
Advent is a season through which we don't know quite how to live Traditionally it is a time of waiting preparation, yet in another way, another tradition, it becomes a time to "get right down to it," quickly and soon. We decorate early in part I think because we so much enjoy the lights and sights attached to the season. We begin hearing the music of the season even before Thanksgiving, and we are glad to be singing the carols once again when we worship. All which tells us that we are not all that good at waiting or patiently preparing.I suppose we all have certain personal and family traditions tied to this time of the year. One of my favorite things to do is to not only read the Biblical story which catches me always when I once again find it written, "and she gave birth to her firstborn son... and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn," but to revisit the meditations of Harold Kohn. Harold Kohn was a pastor of the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix who retired early due to ill health, but who continued to write in his retirement. Many of his best loved devotional books were published by The Upper Room and are set in the season of Advent.
One takes up the theme of darkness as this time of the year has more hours of dark than any other time. Each Sunday as we light the candles in our Advent wreath we symbolically acknowledge the presence of darkness which is gradually, patiently overcome bit by bit in the lighting of a new candle each week until on Christmas Eve we light the Christ candle, the One who is the Light of the World.
Things seem a little darker this year, I suppose, with all the economic news. Kohn writes however: "Most of us tend to be more perceptive, more aware of some things in darkness than in light. Prosperity and success tend to lower upon our existence a haze that obscures life's central questions and its basic answers. In the daylight of success and triumph we may seem self-sufficient, but in the night of trouble we see the importance of others. More important, in the darkness we sometimes encounter the God who has been near us all along but unnoticed. Our light-dazzled eyes did not notice God's presence. The story of the first Christmas tells of Christ getting his start in the world in darkness. It may well be dark this Advent, and yet `Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Elsewhere in this issue of The Hilltop you will find announcements for all the events of Advent. A UMW gathering, four special mission offerings during the season, a Christmas program, Christmas Eve services of carols, communion, and candlelight, and a UMM sponsored caroling event. Plan to make them part of your Advent as we wait and prepare for the announcement of Christ's coming, the Word made flesh and dwelling among us.
A Blessed Advent and Christmas, and a Joyous New Year, From the members of your Church Staff: Donna, Gary, Roger, Jo, Barb, Ronda, Brenda, Nancy, Ray, and Jerry.
Jerry
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Worship in December
Worship at 8:30 A.M. and 11 A.M.
Sunday School for All 9:30 A.M.
Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8
Message: "Preparing for the Future"
December 14 - 3rd Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Message: "Can We Be a Witness"
December 21 - 4th Sunday of Advent
Luke 1:26-38; 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
8:30 am Message: "God With Us"
Christmas Program 11 a.m.
December 24 - Christmas Eve Carols, Candlelight and Communion 7 & 11 p.m.
Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
Message: "Born In a Barn"
December 28 - 1st Sunday after Christmas, 11 a.m. only
Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Message: "Fail and Rise"
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United Methodist Women
United Methodist Women's Christmas Family Potluck will be December 3 at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Calling all United Methodist Women Circle Members and United Methodist Women at large and their families to come and usher in the Christmas season. The Bell Choir will be our special guests. Come as we honor our Five Star Women and Special Mission Women. Bring a dish to pass and your table service.Thank you to all the Caro pie makers. On November 7, we had a wonderful Ham Supper (thanks to Jane McCracken and her many helpers) topped off with homemade pie of your choice. Our Caro women furnished 28 pies. The auction and supper were a success and lots of fun. The proceeds gave $700 each to the Mission Committee, United Methodist Men, and the United Methodist Women for Mission projects.
Thanks to Margaret Hamilton and her many helpers who prepared and baked the delicious pasties on November 5-6. This group of women made a profit of $678 for the United Methodist Women's pledge to Missions.
To All God's Children: I am very pleased to announce that everyone has been very busy in the year 2008 doing the Lord's work in helping the youth and United Methodist Women. We have given 3,325 box top Labels for Education to Grand Rapids, United Methodist Community House, which amounts to $332.50. Our VG's slips brought in $1,082.86 for the United Methodist Women, helping us pay our budget for the year of helping others. Thank you so much for the grand total. Jesus is well pleased! Diane Noble-Hepfer
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United Methodist Men
Fourteen men and one woman joined together for breakfast and business meeting.Breakfast was prepared and served by Ron Laeder and Patrick Hess.
Meeting was called to order by Richard Blakley at 8:35 AM
Devotion and prayer given by Richard Blakley.
Richard "Rick" Coleman spoke on the mission and work of the Gideons International and told us of the powerful work of God´s word through the Bibles that are distributed by the Gideons. He challenged us (Caro UMM) to get involved by providing funds to purchase Bibles for distribution by the Gideons.
Richard Blakley read the minutes from the October meeting, Motion by Bill TerBush, second by Jack Smith to accept the minutes as read — motion carried.
Bill TerBush, treasurer, reported that $46 had been collected today and approximately $240 was in the UMM account — motion by Kevin Wightman second by Jack Smith to accept the report — motion carried.
Bob Weisenreder reported on the upcoming November 7 dinner and auction. The responsibility of the UMM would be to collect auction items and to assist Todd Fritz, our auctioneer, during the auction.
Mark McCracken reported that the ceiling for pavilion would be installed on November 4th.
Ray Karr reported on the continuing work to sub-divide the Saginaw Bay UMM District to increase sharing and communication between UMM and men´s groups in our District. Ray said that by using the new web site www.sbdumm.org we could make others aware of what was happening around the Saginaw Bay District. Bill Bortel moved and was seconded by Jack Smith to have Ray Karr report on District UMM at the December meeting — motion carried.
Richard Blakley reported that approximately 70 VG´s Turkey Bucks have been collected. Motion by Kevin Wightman second by Jack Smith to purchase four turkeys to give to the Good Samaritan Fund.
Mark McCracken reported that the youth will be raking leaves for church families tomorrow (Nov 2nd) and need help from the men. Pop and pizza will be provided to workers.
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United Methodist Youth
Upcoming EventsDecember 7 - Living Nativity - leaving the church at 5:15 p.m.
December 14 - Adopt-A-Family Christmas Party
December 20 - Youth making cheeseballs
December 21 - Cheeseball sales
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Special Announcements
UNIQUE ADVENT GIVING OPPERTUNITIES
Share the blessings you have been given with those who are in need
December 7 Woman's Crisis Center, Caro Wish List: monetary donation or unwrapped toys, wrapping paper, laundry supplies, bath towels, diapers, baby wipes, hygiene products, gloves and scarves, pjs and underwear for women and children, chapstick, hair care, shaving gel, curtains white or with white liner, lotions.December 14 Church World Service's "Best Gifts" Gifts to assist people in the world's poorest countries. Can select a specific gift in one of 5 areas (Agriculture and livestock; Emergency preparedness; Care for vulnerable children; Water and the environment; Women's empowerment) or donate money towards a gift. Posters will be available that show gift items. They range in price from $10 to $1,000. Examples of items that may be purchased are: livestock, seeds, blankets, shelter kits, health items, literacy class, water cans, wells, micro-loans, sewing machines.
December 21 2009 Mission Trip Monetary donation
Christmas Eve Good Samaritan Fund Increasing need for funds for emergency assistance. Monetary donation.
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LOVE WELL
The money that was collected for a well in Pelaguas, Honduras is being re-designated to purchase household water purification units for the homes in Pelaguas. Rotary International has developed a program that provides these units, that cost $50 each, to homes in developing countries. Dr. Whiting has contacted Rotary and they have agreed to ship the units to Honduras. We currently have $490 in the well fund. We will collect money from now until the end of the year for this project. The Mission Committee would like to give Dr. Whiting at least $1000 to purchase 20 units before he returns to Honduras in January. Your donations are appreciated.**********************************************
The Mission Committee, United Methodist Men, and United Methodist Women would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the church dinner and auction on November 7. Whether you came to the dinner, donated items for the auction, or purchased items at the auction, you generosity helped us raise $2042.52 that evening. The money will be evenly divided between the three groups and used to support various mission projects over the next several months.**********************************************
The Peace Pipe money collected in September, October, November, and December will be sent to support the Haiti Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund. Your donations each Sunday are greatly appreciated!**********************************************
The Caro United Methodist Church will be caroling on Saturday, December 20 from 3pm - 5:30 p.m.. We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 3:00 p.m. and travel in small groups to visit our members and friends who are homebound. Please join us so we can wish all a Merry Christmas!WANTED: Christmas cookies, goodies, small gifts (table-top decorations), or devotional booklets to deliver to shut-ins while caroling on December 20.
Anyone who can help with this project or has questions, please contact Lisa Wightman. Please call if you need items picked up. THANK YOU in advance for your help in caring for our shut-ins or somewhat confined families. There are sign-up sheets on the Welcome Center in the Gathering Area for caroling and for goodies, fruits and gifts. Lisa Wightman
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CHRISTMAS EVE
Communion Carols Candle lighting
We will be offering services with communion at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. We are hoping that our whole church family, along with the neighbors and friends, will gather in memory and celebration of the greatest gift the world has ever been given. There is no night more holy or beautiful than the night our Savior was born. Please join us.**********************************************
"AWAY FROM THE MANGER"
An Advent Musical
Sunday, December 21 - 11:00 am
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Dear Friends of Caro United Methodist Church, It's hard to find adequate words to express my appreciation for your support of City Rescue Mission. That's because I suspect you may not realize the full impact your generosity has on the people we serve. Your prayers and donations make possible everything we do to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and help transform lives.I may be at a loss for words, but my heart is Full of thanksgiving for your recent gift of S300.00. And since God tells us to "...share your food with the hungry and...provide the poor wanderer with shelter" (Isaiah 58:7), I believe His heart is also touched by your generosity.
May He bless you for being a living example of His love--and for answering His call to make a difference in our community.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Streeter Executive Director
City Rescue Mission of Saginaw
www.rescuesaginaw.org
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topGood Samaritan Fund
From the Good Samaritan Fund of the Caro Area Churches
Assembly of God ~ Caro United Methodist
Colwood United Brethren ~ Community of Christ
First Presbyterian ~ Kingston United Methodist
Lighthouse Baptist ~ Living Waters Chapel
New Creation Community ~ Restoration Outreach ~ Sacred Heart
Shabbona United Methodist Church ~ St. Paul Lutheran
Wahjamega Country
November 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008
We want to thank everyone for their continued support. It means so much to the people and families being served. During the month of November, 2008 your dollars and donated food items helped many in need. For that month we dispersed a total of $3711.08 plus 3648 pounds of food, serving a total of 68 households (249 persons)! The food given out in November went to 58 of those households (222 persons).Thanks once more for your generosity!
Total number of households served 68. Total number of people served 249 (men 67 women 72 children 110). Total money dispersed $3711.08, (Gasoline Cards - $20.00) (Housing - $1550.00) (Medical Supplies - $Zero) (Utilities - $1205.83) (Other Items - $935.25) Total of 3648 pounds of groceries given out, Going to (58 of the 68 Households/222 of the 249 Persons served)
~Income & Expense Report~ Total Deposits $1891.00 Total Expenses $42.37 (CenturyTel for phone service - $42.37)
Reported by Bernard Kreh
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Prayers and Praise
THANK YOU, SYMPATHY & CONGRATULATIONS
- Your sympathy and thoughtfulness will always be gratefully remembered and deeply appreciated. The family of Steven Nicholas Kish. Thank you for pulling together the very nice luncheon that you did on such a short notice. In Jesus' Love, Mark and Charlotte Kish and Steven and Loraine - Dear Church Family: Thank you so much for the sympathy cards for the passing of Ben's sister, Shirley Bader. They meant a lot to us and God Bless. Ben and Elaine Watson - Congratulations to Don and Louise Hill on the birth of a great grandson, Jake Sterling Fergeson, on October 27. Parents are Matt and granddaughter Alana Fergeson of Davison, MI.
Baptism
Luke Jacob Joslyrn, son of Michael and Michelle (Roller) Joslyn, on November 2. Grandparents are Pat and Judy Joslyn, Stuart and Sue Roller, and great grandmother Rose Nlantey.**********************************************
Our sincere sympathy to the following families on the loss of loved ones.To Julie Roe and family on the death of her brother, Fred Hyde, on September 21.
To Mark and Charlotte Kish and family on the death of Mark's father, Steven Kish, on October 3.
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Ministry Team
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Ministers: Our 427 members
Pastor: Jerry Smith
Pastoral Asst: Ray Karr
Administrative Asst: Donna Pouliot
Organist: Nancy Reim
Choir Director: Brenda Stein
Custodians: Jo Emery & Gary Corkins
Treasurer: Ronda Timmins
Financial Secretary: Barbara Gaul
District Superintendent: Louise Ott
Bishop of Michigan Area: Jonathan D. Keaton
Our Covenant Districts in Liberia:
Cape Palmas (D.S.: H. Nyenorsee Hinneh),
Garraway (D.S.: Robert Sieh, Sr.),
Kru Coast (D.S.: Zachariah K. Sweh)
Our Covenant with Haiti: Rev. Raphael Dessieu, President of Methodist Church of Haiti
Bishop of Liberia UMC: John Innis
Missionaries in Liberia: Herbert & Mary Zigbuo