Good News From the Hilltop - August 2011
The Pastor's Page
I'm heeeere!
Just yesterday someone asked if I was all settled in at the parsonage. I told them I haven't unpacked all the boxes, yet, but I feel "at home". Many of you have participated in helping me feel at home here in Caro - from my very first day in Caro, when people delivered a welcoming meal (complete with paper products, so I wouldn't have locate the box with my dishes!) and delicious desserts or stopped by to offer assistance with moving heavy boxes or arranging furniture.
I was treated to lunch after church on July 3rd, where the "Lunch Bunch" treated me like we were old friends. The pantry shower arranged by the Staff/Pastor/Parish Relations Committee not only stocked my pantry, but warmed my heart.
The Trustees did a great job painting my office, preparing the parsonage and lugging that HEAVY old desk from the church to the parsonage basement-and immediately addressing the issue when the parsonage air conditioner conked out during last week's heat wave.
Donna, Nancy and Jacob have been so patient with me, when I don't do things exactly how and when Pastor Jerry did them.
What fun it was to witness Charlotte and her arm, of volunteers bring Bible stories and the love of Jesus to life for some of the youngest members of our Church Family during Vacation Bible School "Holywood" style.
Now I'm getting ready to scoop ice cream during the camp-out Ice Cream Social and experience the Outdoor Service on Sunday. It looks like I'll be the new Dinner Dean at this year's LOGOS, beginning in September.
And what will we do with the generous Bower bequest?...
Stay tuned for further updates as the "settling in" process continues-and thanks for all you have done and are doing to help facilitate a smooth transition.
Pastor Gregg Mayberry
Go To Top of Page
Worship Opportunities in August 2011
August 7 - 8th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 AM Worship with Rev, Gregg Mayberry
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 37:1-28, Epistle Lesson Romans 10:5-15,
and Gospel Lesson Matthew 14:22-33
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 9:30 AM Worship
August 14 - 9th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 AM Worship with Rev. Gregg Mayberry
Old Testament Lesson Genesis 45:1-15, Epistle Lesson Romans 11:1-2, 29-32,
and Gospel Lesson Matthew 15:10-28
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 9:30 AM Worship
August 21 - 10th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 AM Worship with Rev. Gregg Mayberry
Old Testament Lesson Exodus 1:8 - 2:10, Epistle Lesson Romans 12:1-8,
and Gospel Lesson Matthew 16:13-20
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 9:30 AM
August 28 - 6th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30 AM Worship with Rev. Gregg Mayberry
Old Testament Lesson Exodus 3:1-15, Epistle Lesson Romans 12:9-21,
and Gospel Lesson Matthew 16:21-28
Kids Kingdom (Children's Church) during 9:30 AM Worship
Go To Top of Page
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
Education News August 2011
Loving this weather? I sure am!! Of course this is my kind of weather. Well enjoy it while you can because we all know it will be gone before we know it and the boots will be on.
Children's church - Kid's Kingdom will continue thru the summer months during the 9:30 church service. We will be studying Baptism and Communion; the two sacraments celebrated in The United Methodist Church. It will be divided into 2 age groups - ages 3-5 and grades 1-3. 4th may attend as well. It will be a summer of great fun and knowledge.
We finished studying Baptism - ask your child about the 3 different ways to become baptized as we demonstrated them all and explained at all age levels what the differences would be. We
also discussed how they need to continue to ask God to forgive their sins and how a big sin is the same as a little bitty sin.
Beginning July 24th will begin our hands on study of Communion and the children will take home their books on baptism. Remember children are always welcome to bring a friend.
VBS July 11-14th 6:00-8:30 p.m. HolyWord Studios! We had 38 Star in The Greatest Story Ever Told then go out into the Big World to share God's Holy Word with their family and friends. Cast Members, Film Crew Leaders, teens, parents, grandparents Jake, Mr Kreh, Mr McCracken, all the Prop makers, and all the doanors - God Bless you! Thanks for your important role in helping Kids Star in God's Story!! WE CAN NEVER DO IT WITHOUT YOU! Closing night the children did star in God's story thru song, skit, and a slide presentation with popcorn and cotton candy to top it off.
We are still striving to have a two row section for students to set in church with the older youth as
mentors for our younger youth that are a bit to old for Kid's Kingdom but would like the independence of sitting from their parents. Contact Char in Education for more information
We will be starting up the interpretive time with children once we get back to the fall schedule. It is from right after Sunday School until beginning of Church time. ALL children are welcome!!
WE would like to participate in church at least once a month or two with some form of song. bells, mlme or signing. More info to come.
Go in Peace, Stay with God
For more information contact
Charlotte or Donna in Office 989-673-2246
God Bless
Charlotte Kish Christian Education (email Charlotte)
Go To Top of Page
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Thanks to everyone who helped with the rummage sale. Gary for the extra tables, Diane for measuring all the men's pants, all those who donated items or bought items and to the many great helpers who worked everyday on setting up and packing up. We made around $1500 for mission. It was one of our most successful sales. It was a lot of work but the fellowship is always so rewarding and worth every minute of our time. We can always use more help, we look forward to next years sale and some new faces and of course to all of our faithful helpers.
We welcome all women to come join UMW (United Methodist Women). Our goal is to raise money for mission. Come and join us for good fellowship, our meetings are always published in the bulletin. We also have two circles that all women are welcome to join. We have programs that might be of interest to you or you might just enjoy the company of Christian women working for God's kingdom. If you have any questions contact Virginia or call Donna in the church office, 673-2246.
I will need your reading logs in August so finish up on your reading goal. If you are looking for a good book Queen Noor might be a good choice. It is an autobiography about an American born woman of Arab decent who falls in love and marries the King of Jordan. The King wants peace in the Middle East without war. It describes many of his meetings with world leaders and several of the presidents of the United States. It gives one a better understanding of the politics of our world. An interesting read that at times saddens one about how our country handles foreign policy. It looks like a thick book but really is an easy read. If you like love stories this might qualify as one. Keep reading, we have so much to learn and enjoy from the many books in the UMW reading library.
Virginia Shay
Go To Top of Page
The All Church Camp Out was a great success. We had lots of fellowship time and enjoyed meals, ice cream social, swimming, games and movies together. 
It was a pleasure to again worship God in His great outdoors and after worship, to enjoy breakfast provided by the United Methodist Men.
A big thank you to the the Family Ministry Team.
Thelma Dicks, Lisa and Kevin Wightman, Coni and Al Bahr
Go To Top of Page
CARO UNITED METHODIST MISSION COMMITTEE
The Noisy Offering for June, July and August will be given to UMCOR for the Advance to help victims of the recent tornadoes across the south. If you write a check, please make it out to the church
with "Tornado Victims" on the memo line.
Thank you in advance for your help.
The Mission Committee will meet Sunday, August 14 at 10:45 am in the parlor. New members are always welcome. MARK YOUR CALENDAR.
CAR WASH
Saturday, August 13
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bell-Wasik Buick GMC
On the corner of M-24 & E. Dayton Rd. in Caro
The car wash is sponsored by the
CARD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MISSION COMMITTEE.
All proceeds will benefit mission projects in the area
and around the nation.
Go To Top of Page
The start of the LOGOS program in September is an exciting time and the leadership team is working hard to have everything in place.
We are currently working on calling to this ministry those adults and youth who have a heart for love and service to children and who can make a commitment to be part of this weekly program. If you receive a call to be part of the LOGOS experience, we hope you will prayerfully consider the opportunity.
Training for current and new LOGOS staff will take place on Sunday. August 21 immediately following." the church service in the fellowship hall. We will include a LOGOS-style meal as we cover the philosophy and unique approach of the LOGOS program. If you have questions about LOGOS, please contact Suzann Petersen or Linda Gierhart.
Go To Top of Page
Special Announcements
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS and PARENTS
Please let us know your address for this Fall so you won't miss our mailings from the church. Place your information in Ron Laeder's church mailbox or notify Donna in the church office. Also include your e-mail address if you will have one at college. We need to hear from you even if the address is the same as last year. Thanks for making our job easier.
**********************************************************************************
Stewardship
Funny how a $100 "looks" so big when taken to church, but so small when taken to the mall.
Funny how long it takes to serve God for an hour, but how quickly a team plays 60 minutes of basketball.
Funny how long a couple of hours spent at church are, but how short they are when watching a movie.
Funny how people can't think of anything to say when they pray, but don't have difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend.
Funny how people get thrilled when a baseball game goes into extra innings, but complain when a sermon is longer than the regular time.
Funny how hard it is to read a chapter in the bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a best selling novel.
Funny how people want to get a front seat at any game or concert, but scramble to get a back seat at church services.
Funny how people need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a church event into their schedule, but can adjust their schedule for other events at the last moment.
Funny how hard it is for people to learn a simple gospel well enough to tell others, but how simple it is for the same people to understand and repeat gossip.
Funny how people believe what the newspaper says, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, or to think, or to say, or do anything.
Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
FUNNY, ISN'T IT?
**********************************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************************
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS:
During the months of June, July and August, the church office will be closed on Fridays.
**********************************************************************************
Calling All Acolytes!!
If you would like to be an acolyte for the 2011 - 2012 season and are going into 1st grade and up, please leave a note in Jennifer Aleksink's church mailbox. Thank you.
**********************************************************************************
ELECTRONIC GIVING IS A NEW OPTION
Caro United Methodist Church has recently added the option for church members to give to the church through the electronic transfer of money from a checking or savings account. It is a safe and reliable method for members to give regularly to the church and you can enroll by completing the Authorization Agreement For Automatic Withdrawal of Funds form that can be found inside this issue of the "Hilltop." The form also includes a section that provides answers to some common questions about electronic contributions. If you are interested in signing up just complete the form from the Hilltop and place it in a sealed envelope and place it in Barb Gaul's (Financial Secretary) church mailbox. Once processed, Barb will let new enrollee's know when to expect the first withdrawal from their account to the church. Barb can also answer questions you may have as well.
Several members have already enrolled to give electronically and have found it safe and convenient.
**********************************************************************************
WANTED: The church is in need of photographers - anyone who likes to take pictures of church activities. If this is you, please let the church office know and carry your camera every time you come to church so that we have photos to share in the church and on this website.
**********************************************************************************
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.
PICK UP A BROCHURE IN THE WELCOME CENTER TO READ MORE ABOUT THE MISSIONS CANDLE AND NOW YOU CAN DONATE TO MISSIONS IN THIS WAY.
**********************************************************************************
Dinner for Eight 2011 - 2012
Please accept my apology for not getting our groups organized last year. New groups will be assigned in September. I hope you will join Dinner for
Eight as it is a great time of fellowship.
Dinner for Eight is a group of eight people singles or couples who get together four times a year to eat and fellowship with each other. It is a good way to get to know your fellow church members. They will become your church family. It is so much easier to pray for people you know.
Each group decides when they will meet. Even if you leave for the winter you can still join a Dinner for Eight group. People with special dietary needs have also joined our group. They either tell their group or some have just brought their own meal with them. They said they didn't want to miss out on this special fellowship just because of their allergies.
All that is required is that you host one meeting. It can be in your home, at a restaurant or in a park. Just pickup a form on the Welcome Center at church and turn it in to the church office or put it in Virginia Shay's mailbox. I am hoping for many new faces as 1 would like to get to know more of you.
**********************************************************************************
A GREAT EXPERIENCE:
A bus trip to the "biblical creation Museum" on September 23 & 24, 2011.
The tour description and registration forms are on the Welcome Center in the Gathering Area. Check the website creationmuseum.org for greater details. We have sent letters to other churches and we will be accepting reservations on a first come basis. Contact the church office today.
Nancy and Bill Bortel, Adult Coordinators
Go To Top of Page
**********************************************************************************
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 ~
July 1 - 31, 2011
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 $3837.29 serving 11 households (38 persons).
From the food pantry: We dispersed 3246 pounds of food serving 73 households (243 persons).
Thanks once more for your generosity!
Summary of Totals
Total number of households served 83. Total number of people served 279 (Men 97 Women 100 Children 82) (Some receiving both - Bills Paid and Food).
Groceries given out 3246 pounds.
Total money dispersed $3837.29 (Gasoline Cards - $80.00) (Housing - $Zero) (Medical Supplies - $81.18) (Utilities - $3576.11) (Other Items - $100.00)
Income & Expense Report
Total Deposits $1322.00
Total Expenses $80.51 (CenturyLink for phone service - $80.51)
Reported by Bernard Kreh
To: Pastors and member congregations
Date: July 15, 2011
Each month we send you a report on the ministries that have been accomplished by the resources made available by contributions and grants that we have received. These ministries have become a vital part of sustaining folks among us who have found themselves without basic living needs.
With government assistance programs lacking funding, there has been an increasing pressure put on local sources of assistance. The agencies have been sending the needy to sources such as the Good Samaritan Fund to secure their needs.
In June, our last reported month at this date, we distributed 4859 pounds of food, probably the most for a single month ever. We did this in spite of a restriction of only providing food once in two months. We also paid out $4232.00 in utility shut-offs etc. and that we limit to once per year per client.
The bottom line is that this huge demand is taxing our reserves and they are dwindling rapidly. We are sending this memo hoping that you make your congregations aware of the need for their generosity to provide for the poorest among us.
Thanks you for your assistance,
Your brothers and sisters in Christ
Go To Top of Page
THANK YOU, SYMPATHY AND CONGRATULATIONS
THANK YOU
- - Dear Caro United Methodist Church: Thank you so much for the wonderful gift for my graduation. It will definitely come in handy. I would also like to thank you for the breakfast and the memorable graduation program. Yours truly, Gabe Raymer
- - Dear Church Family: A heartfelt thank you for your cards, prayers and concerns during my recent surgery. Fred Peter
- - I wish to thank my church family and friends for their cards, concerns and prayers during my recent fall. I am very fortunate to have a loving and caring family and a special husband who has given me the best care. Ann Ruggles
- - Thank you to our church family for the cards, prayers, calls, and concerns on the loss of our grandson, nephew and cousin, Kyle Allen Balzer. Margaret and Bill Hamilton, Lisa and Kevin Wightman, and Kayla and Jake Wightman
- - Thank you to my church family for the gifts and support for my graduation Open House. Jackie Dicks
- - Many thanks for your prayers, cards and concerns for our family during and since our mother and grandmother's journey to be with the Lord. We felt your prayers and support even while we were with her and the rest of the family in North Carolina. With grateful hearts, Linda, Dave, Amy and Alex Gierhart
Our sincere sympathy to the following families on the loss of loved ones -
- - To Virginia Lanway and Rob and Jill Moen and family on the death of husband and grandfather, Donald Lanway, on July 2
- - To Janet Taggett and family on the death of her husband, Gene Taggett, on July 5
Farewell to a Dear Friend:
Jann Lutz was a true lady and a great friend to many.
She always had a smile - and "I'm fine" or "awesome" even though she wasn't.
Her many talents were shared with everyone. The beautiful poems she wrote,
The cards and messages of love she gave to so many.
Her love of family was always evident.
We both loved everything about angels and now she has joined them watching over us.
So until we meet again Jann, we'll see you down the road.
Love you,
Mary Lou Earl
Congratulations:
Nicole and Pat DeGain of Bloomington, IN are blessed with another daughter, Lila Maye DeGain, born May 26. Grandparents are Teri and Rick Hill and great grandparents Don and Louise Hill
Go To Top of Page
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Ministers: Our 400 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
Go To Top of Page
|
News
