Good News From the Hilltop - February 2012
The Pastor's Page
 According to a poem I memorized as a long ago school assignment, "February brings snowy cheer". Snowy cheer was a real possibility back then, since it might mean a snow day (and any day off from school was a source of cheer) or building a snow fort or snow man. As an adult, "snow" and "cheer" are seldom part of the same sentence or thought. Winter is not my favorite time of year. I don't enjoy being cold and snow usually goes hand-in-hand with shoveling and hazardous driving conditions.
What February does bring is more hours of daylight and the promise of Spring (a season I do enjoy). For the romantic among us, February also brings Valentine's Day-complete with sentimental notes or cards, boxes of candy and candlelight dinners. (Of course February also brings Presidents' Day, which might excite the postal workers and bank employees among us, since it means another Monday holiday...)
But for most of us, I guess the image that comes to mind when we think of February is a heart-shaped Valentine. The first Valentine I can ever remember really giving any thought to was for Linda Cargill. We were in Elementary School together and rode the same bus. I was convinced we would be married and have twelve children (Linda was a Catholic) and live happily ever after. I spent my own money on the biggest Valentine's Day card I could find.
I was nervous and excited as I gave it to Linda and watched her open it. She blushed and giggled and said, "Thank you," but that was about the extent of it. No budding romance, no marriage, no house-full of children-no "happily ever after". Ah well, Linda was neither the first nor the last to receive my unrequited love.
No matter how disappointing-or spectacular-our love lives might be, there is one Love we can always be sure of: God's Love. God loves us even when we are least lovable, even when we don't act like we love him. God's love isn't based on how we look or act or how we compare to anyone else. God's love is constant and eternal. It really can result in living "happily ever after" - for all eternity!
Enjoy and appreciate the warmth of God's love on these cold, winter days. Accept God's love for yourself and share it with the people whose lives you touch - not just on Valentine's Day, but whenever the opportunity arises.
Pastor Gregg Mayberry
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Worship Opportunities in January 2012
February 5th - 5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Communion
8:30 and 11 AM Worship with Rev, Gregg Mayberry
Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 40:21-31, Epistle Lesson 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
and Gospel Lesson Mark 1:29-39
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 11 AM Worship
February 12th - 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
8:30 and 11 AM Worship with Rev, Gregg Mayberry - Sunday School for all ages 9:30 AM
Old Testament Lesson 2 Kings 5:1-14, Epistle Lesson 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
and Gospel Lesson Mark 1:40-45
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 11 AM Worship
February 19th - 7th Sunday after the Epiphany - Transfiguration of the Lord
8:30 and 11 AM Worship with Rev, Gregg Mayberry - Sunday School for all ages 9:30 AM
Old Testament Lesson 2 Kings 2:1-12, Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
and Gospel Lesson Mark 9:2-9
February 26th - 1st Sunday in Lent
8:30 and 11 AM Worship with Rev, Gregg Mayberry - Sunday School for all ages 9:30 AM
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 9:8-17, Epistle Lesson 1 Peter 3:18-22
and Gospel Lesson Mark 1:9-15
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 11 AM Worship
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UNITED METHODIST MEN
UNITED METHODIST MEN'S MEETING January 14, 2012
Attendance: Robert Dicks, Mark McCracken, Josh Blakely, Scott (Josh's friend), Chuck Hollen, Art Randall, Mark Graham, and Kevin Wightman
Prayers and Concerns: Chris Dicks and his newborn baby girl (Robert Dicks is a great uncle - again). We pray for our political leaders. As we go through a political year, we pray that with the beginning of this new year, people will build a foundation with a relationship to God. Josh asked for prayer to go out to his family in their travels. Prayers go out to the Timmins family as they heal from their loss.
Treasurer's Report: Mark McCracken:
General fund currently is $570.64; pole barn fund is $$966.33; took in today $40.
I want to thank the members for their thoughts and giving to the Good Samaritan Fund for food: Thanksgiving $180.00; Christmas $200.00. Thank you all you men!
Secretary's Report: No minutes to report since 11/12/11.
New Business:
Found an old archive - a picture frame with General Commission on United Methodist Men Charter from March 15, 1957. We are looking for men who were members then. A few names were mentioned who were signed on the Charter Roll Call. I'm going to try to get names and organize a reunion by March 15. If anyone has information, please contact me, Robert Dicks. I want to thank Mark Graham for that great idea on the reunion.
Also discussed a fishing trip up to a cabin in the spring. Will continue the discussion in the February meeting.
If any, I mean any, men of the church have any ideas or want to help with anything we have going, please contact me or come to a meeting - always the second Saturday of the month, time 12 noon, place and meal is decided at meetings.
Decided to have outing to John Chapin's "shack". He said it would be O.K. We had fun bringing a caravan back to the church as the "shack" was all locked up! But we want to thank John for the effort! Last month we had our meeting there and we had a good time - good food and good fellowship. Thank you, John Chapin, for the use of your "shack".
The next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 12 noon at my garage - address is 2130 Wagner Dr. in Caro, 3 miles west of the Caro city limits, left on Wagner Dr., first house on the right. Bring a dish to pass.
Motion to adjourn at 2 p.m. by Mark Graham, second by Chuck Hollen, all agreed.
I want to thank all the men for helping me "clean house", meaning all the old paperwork held for UMM. Now my briefcase is easier to carry!
Thank you to all,
Robert L. Dicks
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Event for February 5th Cancelled
Due to uncertain weather conditions, the trip to Midland City Forest for tobogganing, sledding and skating on Sunday February 5, 2012 has been cancelled.
However, a potluck brunch will be held Sunday, February 12th in Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 a.m. service. Table service and drinks will be provided. Hope to see you there.
Thelma Dicks, Kevin & Lisa Wightman, Coni & Al Bahr
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CARO UNITED METHODIST MISSION COMMITTEE
2011 SPOTLIGHT CHURCH REPORT
Following are the projects and ministries Caro United Methodist Church supported during 2011:
Apportionments Paid - 100%
Ministry Jubilee Projects:
Mayville Area Share Shop - $217.63
New Life Community Center and
The Helping Hands Thrift Store - $328.51
Youth Involvement - $150.00
Missionary Salary Support:
Sonya Luna - $200.00
Kathleen Peterson - $200.00
Charissa Shawcross - $200.00
Mary Zigbuo - $200.00
General Advance Ministries - Global or Specific Countries/Regions:
Medicine Box - $910.00
General Advance Ministries - U.S.A.:
Henderson Settlement - $130.00
Baldwin Church & Center - $150.00
UMCOR Special Programs and/or UMCOR World Hunger/Poverty Projects:
Japan Emergency - $480.06
Disaster Response, U.S. - $780.00
(CWS) Blankets - $737.00
OGHOS - $428.00
Conference Covenant Partnership: Haiti and Liberia:
Hot Lunch Program (Haiti) - $150.00
Water for Life (Liberia) - $150.00
HENDERSON SETTLEMENT MISSION TRIP
The Mission Committee and Youth of the church have chosen to go back to Henderson Settlement this summer for a week of mission work. Anyone interested in being part of the group is encouraged to attend our first meeting on Sunday, February 12 at 12:15 in the Fellowship Hall. We will begin the meeting with a family potluck. Bring a dish to pass. Table service and drinks will be provided.
Spoonfuls of Plenty Meal
The Caro United Methodist Church will be providing a meal for the Spoonfuls of Plenty meal site in Caro every other month in 2012. To help you plan ahead, the dates for the meals are listed below.
You will have the opportunity to sign up to help at the meal at the Welcome Center in the narthex a few weeks before each meal.
The dates for 2012 are February. 15, April 18, June 13, August 8, October 10, and December 12. We have also set a goal to give a $200 donation each month we serve to help pay for the meal.
Donations to Spoonfuls of Plenty can be given at any time by putting your donation in a separate envelope and marking it SPOONFULS OF PLENTY MEAL. Thank you for your help with this important community ministry.
The Mission Committee will meet on Monday, February 13 at 6:30 pm in the parlor. We will start with a potluck dinner. New members are always welcome.
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Detroit Annual Conference News
"Imagine a world…" to be theme of 2012 annual conference session
"Imagine a world … healing, hope-filled, whole" will be the theme of the 2012 Detroit Annual Conference session, which will take place on Thursday-Sunday, May 17-20. FULL STORY
Student loan and scholarship applications being accepted.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry announces that they are accepting loan applications for the 2012 Spring Term, and scholarship applications for the 2012-13 academic year will be open and accepted from January 4-March 1. Visit the links below for more information.
Loan applications for the 2012 Spring term are now being accepted: go here to apply.
Scholarship Application
Scholarship applications for the 2012/2013 academic year will OPEN and be accepted from January 4 through March 1 at this website. This is an earlier deadline than previous years, so apply early! We have a new scholarship application process which is being implemented. All references and documents (including essay and transcripts) will be submitted electronically. Applicants: please collect your pastor's and lay person's email addresses; they will be notified via email to complete a new reference for you. Renewal applicants: be sure to apply for the same scholarship program as received in 2012.
VOLUNTEER-IN-MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Visit www.detroitconference.org/volunteeropportunities to view and submit mission trips originating from the churches of the Detroit Conference.
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Special Announcements
One Great Hour of Sharing
On Sunday, March 18 our church will join with many churches around the world in supporting the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. In 1946, One Great Hour of Sharing began as a special effort of the Episcopal Church. In 1949, the observance became ecumenical. Today many different denominations celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing in a cooperative spirit. This once a year offering is designated to help with the administrative costs of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) so that 100% of the gifts designated to specific programs can go to those programs. Think about how you can set aside something each day during this sacrificial time of lent to assist our church in supporting this critical ministry. Look for more information to come your way in the Sundays leading up to the One Great Hour of Sharing on March 18.
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Journey of Faith
In our Open Door Parlor Class we are beginning to study 1 Chronicles. As I was doing some pre-study, I came across a passage that said "1 Chronicles is an invaluable reminder of the necessity for tracing our Christian roots and beginnings and thus rediscovering our spiritual foundation or backgrounds." And as we read it we should trace our own Godly heritage and recommit ourselves to a Christ led life. So here's my story or journey so far.
As a young girl I did not come from a family who went to church every Sunday. 1 had twin friends who invited me to go with them on Sunday and off I went. Eventually every Sunday I walked the three blocks to the St. Charles Methodist Church on my own. In my family I was known as the "religious one". My parents were wonderful and supportive and never discouraged me. I simply loved Sunday school, VCS in the summer, and later MYF.
Reverend Charles Dibley, my Pastor at St. Charles for years, always had an open alter call on palm Sunday So on April 3, 1955, when I was 17 years old I went forth and was baptized and accepted the Lord into my life.
Years passed and after marriage, Bud and I joined and were active in the St. Johns Methodist Church and then in 1972 transferred our membership to the Caro Methodist Church.
Over the past 40 years my faith and love of the Lord has become stronger through worship, singing, fellowship with other Christians, the Emmaus weekend, the tape ministry, but the one greatest reason that has made that possible is studying God's Word - the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16, say it best "All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God (or woman) be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
We all know there are ups and downs in our Christian lives; it's not always peaceful and happy, but reading and obeying God's Holy Word and living the truths it holds has helped me get through many difficult situations.
"God's Word is a great treasure of wisdom and knowledge" Psalm 119:162 This is my Journey (so far) but no matter where I am on this heavenward pilgrimage, if I'm walking with Jesus I can rejoice.
In Christian Love
Mary Beth Jarvis
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A special gift of a 2'x 3' copper and wooden cross has been donated to the Caro United Methodist Church by Rose Mantey. The cross is located on the wall by the elevator in the West entrance and was made by Rose's son-in-law Tim Bauer. The "Cross Guy", Tim Bauer, is a carpenter, missionary, husband, father, grandfather, musician, and most importantly, a Christian with a passion for the message of the cross. Proceeds from the sale of his crucifixes help to fund his mission trips that range from Alaska to Honduras and numerous places in between. A flyer with additional information is posted on the bulletin board in the church office hallway.
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DECLUTTERING YOUR LlFE
Self Examination: What Are You Giving Up For Lent?
Give Up: To desist from; To abandon oneself from a particular influence or activity; to withdraw from a course of action
In keeping with the Holy Season of Lent, we will be offering, a five week series of Group Sharing and Interaction, beginning Feb 29th through March 28th, Wednesdays, 7 P.M. in the Parlor.
The focus of this group will be to support each other in letting go of 'STUFF' that weighs us down and holds us back from truly enjoying our lives, and living fully without that extra weight we carry around and store either in our psyches or in our dwellings. We will teach you to let go of the Stuff of the Past of unresolved Hurts, Resentments, Unforgiving of ourselves and others, Unrealized dreams or Expectations of ourselves or other family members. Burdens that we carry that we need to or want to let go of.
This will be a Christ-centered group. We will begin and end each meeting with prayer, and we will also keep whatever is shared in the Group, within the Group. Confidentiality is a Given.
We will be using the best-selling book 'It's AIR Too Much' by Peter Walsh. Feel free to purchase the book if you wish.
Please put your name on the sign-up sheet in the lobby if you are considering or planning to attend this class.
If you have questions about this class, please feel free to call us.
Anita Hollen, Mental Health Tech
Chuck Hollen, Psychologist
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VISITING ANGELS MINISTRY
We have many shut-ins who would love to receive visits, but we don't have enough Visiting Angels to cover them all. Some of our shut-ins do not have family here in our area. It's a win-win situation! Both the confined person and the visitor get a lift and a dose of love. If you are willing and able to be a Visiting Angel, please let us know.
We need to keep track of our church members who are home bound or in nursing homes. If you are currently visiting any of our CUMC shut-ins, please write your name next to the name(s) of those persons you are visiting on the list in the hall next to the church office. Thank you!
Anita and Chuck Hollen
LaDonna Redman
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Please notify the church office if you or a family member are hospitalized. Some hospitals do not notify the church due to privacy laws.
If you have a prayer request or wish to start someone on the Prayer Chain, please call Debbie Boitel. If she is not available, please call Joan Morrison or the church office at 673-2246.
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MISSIONS CANDLE 
YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR CHURCH'S MISSIONS WORK WHILE HONORING OR REMEMBERING AN IMPORTANT PERSON OR EVENT IN YOUR LIFE BY MAKING A DONATION TO LIGHT THE MISSIONS CANDLE ON THE ALTAR. WHEN YOU MAKE A DONATION:
• THE MISSIONS CANDLE WILL BE LIT AT THE MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES ON THE SUNDAY YOU CHOOSE.
• A NOTE ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR DONATION WILL APPEAR IN THE BULLETING ON THAT SAME SUNDAY.
• YOUR DONATION WILL BE USED TO SUPPORT OUR CHURCH'S PARTNERS IN MISSION FUND.
This is a fund which receives voluntary contributions from church members. It is separate from the church operating budget to which you make your annual pledge. It is used to support numerous local, national, and international mission projects as nearby as Caro and Saginaw, as far away as Liberia and Haiti and at many points in between.
To make a donation and light the Missions Candle, pick up a brochure on the Welcome Center. Fill it out and give it to Donna in the church office.
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The Good 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 ~ Caro Sacred Heart ~
~ Shabbona United Methodist ~ St. Paul Lutheran ~ Wahjamega Country ~
Report for
January 1 - 31, 2012
We want to thank everyone for your continued support. It means so much to the people and families being served. Your dollars and donated food items helped many in need.
To help pay bills: We dispersed $2526.14 serving 12 households (46 persons).
From the food pantry: We dispersed 3835 pounds of food serving 80 households (244 persons).
Thanks once more for your generosity!
Summary of Totals
Total number of households served 91. Total number of people served 285 (Men 91 Women 102 Children 92) (Some receiving both - Bills Paid and Food).
Groceries given out 3835 pounds.
Total money dispersed $2526.14 (Gasoline Cards - $70.00) (Housing - $Zero) (Medical Supplies - $Zero) (Utilities - $2211.27) (Other Items - $244.87)
Income & Expense Report
Total Deposits $3999.01
Total Expenses $43.76 (CenturyLink for phone service - $43.76)
Reported by Bernard Kreh
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THANK YOU, SYMPATHY AND CONGRATULATIONS
Thank You
Dear Church Family: Thank you for all of the support over the past 22 years! I have been so lucky being able to have such a great church family. I have become the person I am today because of all my experiences at Caro UMC. I will be sure to keep you updated on my future. Love, Jonathan McCracken
Thank you for a pleasant afternoon when the church carolers came and sang, then gave us a delightful gift bag filled with a Christmas ornament, The Upper Room, delicious cookies and candy! Blessings to you all. With Love and Gratitude, Darl and Freida Spaeth.
Thank you to the United Methodist Women for honoring my years of service to Caro United Methodist Church. (And I finally received the pin to prove it, too!!) This is especially meaningful to me now as I embark on my 30th year at CUMC. Nancy Reim
Our sincere sympathy to the following families on the loss of loved ones
To the family of Jean Henning Hanel, friend of Nancy Reim
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OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Ministers: Our 396 Members
Pastor: Rev. Gregory Mayberry
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: Rev. Dr. Jeffery Maxwell
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
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| Last Sunday after the Epiphany<br/>8:30 AM and 11 AM Worship - Sunday School for all ages 9:30 AM<br/> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=2+Corinthians+3:12-4:2;+Luke+9:28-36">2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2; Luke 9:28-36</a> - Message: "I Can See Clearly Now"<br/>Scout Ministry Sunday<br/>Valentine Cookie Sale by Youth |
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