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September 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

9/2/2026

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Friends-
I have been waiting for inspiration for this letter, and I got it this morning from my cat Sasha.  Both she and Gus,  our other cat, are usually right out of our door in the morning, waiting for us to pet them, brush them, love them, for as long as we will.  They are relentless.  It was no different this morning, although Sasha was particularly insistent.  It's sort of sweet, but it can be annoying for me, especially if I want to be alone with God to start my day.

And that's what hit me:  I need to be more like Sasha and Gus.  I need to let God know I need him, want him, love him.  I need to be a bit more insistant- not that God is ignoring me.  Rather, it is clear from scripture and my own life that God is seeking intimacy with me far more than I am seeking it with him.  What's the great commandment?  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength."  

In any good relationship, there is reciprocity- both sides attempting to please the other.  God has more than shown the depth of his love for us, and continues to do so.  What about me?  What about us?

This morning, once I got rid of Gus and Sasha, I left everything else, got alone with God, and said, "All I want is you!  I want to sit in your lap.  I want to love you, and experience your love for me."  And though I had to fight other distractions, mental and otherwise, once I settled in, it was wonder-full!!  God desires us more than we desire him.  Ask him to deepen your desire.  Ask him to pour his love in you.  He will!  And then you will be ready for whatever the day brings. "Oh God, you are my God, and I long for you... Your steadfast love is better than life itself, and so I will praise you!"  (Psalm 63)

Be like Sasha!
Gary

 Calendar
Wednesday - 9/16 - The Wednesday Bible Study will resume on this date at 7 PM via Zoom.  Talk to Rita Gilette if                                             you have questions.

                            9/30 - Carpenter's Place Meal Prep - 10 am - Church Basement.

Thursday - 9/3 - Church Board Meeting via Zoom - 7 PM

                    9/17 - Carpenter's Place Benefit Garage Sale - Set Up -  More information below.

Friday - 9/18 - Carpenter's Place Benefit Garage Sale - 9 am - 6 PM - 614 Constitution Drive in Candlewick.

Saturday - 9/19 - Garage Sale continues - 9 am - 4 PM. 

Sunday - Worship Service every Sunday - 10:30 am - in person only. 

                    9/6 - Communion Sunday

                      9/20 - Garage Sale Last Day - 12 noon - 4 PM and Clean up after 4 PM. 


Other News - 
Zoom Link - Zoom is used for the Wednesday night Bible Study and for the Church Board Meetings.  Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link.

Carpenter's Place Fundraiser - Friday  9/18 - Sunday 9/20 - We are going to be a part of Candlewick's Fall Garage Sale.  Karen and Jessica have graciously invited us to sell things at their sale at 614 Constitution. We need your donations to be able to do this.  We are looking for good quality items to sell.   We are asking you to price your items and bring them to the church basement.  Place on tables at the far end.  If you can't get them priced, we will still take them! We will need helpers during the sale.  We will also need help on Thursday 9/17 to load up things at the church (including tables) and get them over to the sale.  And help after the sale to pack up and get the tables back to church.  Please look for sign up sheets in the fellowship room. You can volunteer to help, you can donate items to sell or you can come and shop! Saturday and Sunday is open to the public.  Friday you must be called in by Karen or Jess. 

Carpenter's Place Meal Prep - Wednesday 9/30 - 10 am. - We are looking for volunteers to make sack lunches again for Carpenter's Place.  We will meet in the basement at 10 am.  Hope to see many of you there. Talk to Diane Upton if you have questions. 

Miscellaneous Collections - We are still collecting non perishable food in the front entry way.  These go to a local food pantry.  We are also collecting backpacks for Carpenter's Place in the fellowship room.  If you forgot your coins last week, you can bring them on Sunday 9/6.  These go in our benevolence fund.  And of course we are looking for garage sale items to sell at our fundraiser.  See above for more information on that. These are a lot of different possibilities.  No one should feel like they have to participate in all of them, but pick one or two that you really would like to help with. 

Altar Flowers - Thanks to everyone who has brought their beautiful flowers for the altar this summer.  We would love to see more if you have any late blooming flowers.  Or may be you just have a pretty centerpiece you would like to share.  We would love that as well. 

Sunday Fellowship - Be sure to take a turn and sign up to bring some simple treats for our Sunday fellowship time. We thank those of you that have recently signed up.  This is a good time to get to know each other better. 

Finances - Don't miss the offering plate as you walk into the sanctuary.  Our offerings continue to be lower than what we need to make our budget. So let us prayerfully consider this need. 

Prayer Warriors- 24-7 Prayer National Gathering is in Chicago, September 30- October 2.  Gary plans to attend.  There is a fee, and you're on your own for lodging.  If interested, go to 24-7 Prayer's website:  [email protected]
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August 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

8/1/2026

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Friends-
"What did you expect?"  We usually say that in a negative way when something doesn't go as planned- something was omitted, or forgotten, somebody messed up, or didn't show up, and we say with some derision, "Well, what did you expect?"

When it comes to God, what do you expect?  Should you expect anything?  Paul says we should.  He says, "He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine..."  (Ephesians 3:21). He also says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."  (Philippians 4:13).  You should expect a lot of God, and of yourself...    IF you are abiding in Christ, fully his, living for him.

Are you?  If not,...   Well, what did you expect?

Have a great month!
Gary

Calendar
Sunday - Worship Service every Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - in person only. 
         
                   8/2 -  Communion Sunday 
             
                   8/9 - Outdoor Worship - weather permitting.

                     8/16 -  Rain date for Outdoor Worship - weather permitting.  

                     8/30 - Coin Collection Sunday for Benevolence

Wednesday - Bible Study - Every Wednesday via Zoom - 7 p.m. 

Thursday - 8/6- Church Board Meeting via Zoom - 7 p.m. 


Other News -
Zoom Link - Zoom is used for the Wednesday night Bible Study and the Church Board Meetings.  Contact Gary at [email protected] for the link. 

Outdoor Worship - 8/9 -  We are so blessed to have a beautiful big yard at our church.  If the weather cooperates we will meet out under the oaks for worship on Sunday August 9.  Bring your own chairs if you want to use them.   There will also be folding chairs available.  Under the Oaks is always a little more work for this to happen, so come early or stay afterwards to pitch in.  If we have to cancel, we will try again on Sunday August 16. 

Carpenter's Place  August Collection - We are collecting new or gently used backpacks for the clients of Carpenter's Place for the month of August.  Please bring them to the bin in the fellowship room.  Apparently the store 5 Below has them for $5.  Or many other stores sell them as well.  There are often many good ones at Thrift stores too.   Just make sure they are clean and in working order. 
     
Food Pantry - We are still collecting non perishables for a local food pantry.  There is a bin in the entry way. 

Thanks to our own Brittni Zick who brought the message on Sunday July 26 while Pastor Gary was away celebrating his mom's 100th birthday. thanks to anyone who helps make the service happen when Gary is gone.  Thanks to everyone who helped with our July Carpenter's Place lunches, either by donating your time, your money or needed items.  It was all appreciated. 

Flowers for the Altar - We have had some beautiful flowers during church this summer.  If your garden is still blooming, please consider sharing some flowers with us on Sunday morning.  Just bring them in a vase and place up front during church.  Thanks!

Sunday Fellowship - There is a sign up sheet in the fellowship room if you are interested in bringing treats on Sunday morning.  They can be simple as some cookies or donuts or cheese and crackers.  It is totally up to you.

Coffee and Connections - Unfortunately our planned August event had to be cancelled.  

Looking Ahead -
Garage Sale Fundraiser - 9/18 - 9/19 - We would like to try a new way of making money for our Carpenter's Place lunches.  Candlewick Lake has a fall garage sale and Jessica and Karen have graciously agreed to let us sell items at their sale. The money we would raise will be designated for groceries and supplies we might need.  The fall date are Friday September 18 and Saturday September 19. (possibly the afternoon of September 20)

We are looking for your donations and also people to help with set up and the sale.  We are looking for GOOD QUALITY items such as holiday items, kitchen equipment, dishes, books, home decor,  jewelry, working small appliances, tools, toys, unique items, gifts you don't want, etc.  For this time we have decided no clothing.  So start looking around your house during August.  Starting in September we will collect them in the basement.  We will have a sign up sheet in September for helpers. 

       Making Sack Lunches - 9/30 - Our next scheduled date to make sack lunches for Carpenter's Place is Wednesday September 30.  We will meet at 10 a.m. in the church basement.  Hope to see many of you then. 
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July 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

7/1/2026

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Friends-
Happy 4th of July!  I hope you have a fun and safe celebration of the founding of our nation.  Just remember this:  ultimately, our freedom does not come from a declaration, or a constitution, or a bill of rights.  Those are all important for us as a nation, and I pray we will lift them up and live by them.

But they are in place to protect the freedom that God intends for all his children, and which he won for us by his death on the cross.  By that one act, Jesus broke the power of sin, death, and the devil, and set us free to live life abundantly as his sons and daughters,

I love America, and I am forever grateful that I get to live here.  AND I will never let loyalty to my nation or any other entity take precedence over my total devotion and loyalty to Jesus.  He alone is the Truth, and the Truth sets us free.

Fireworks, Yes!  Cookouts, Yes!  Gathering with family and friends, Yes!  And never forgetting that it was because Jesus said Yes! to his father's will, that we have the freedom we enjoy.

Love you all!
Gary

Calendar
Sundays - Worship Service Every Sunday - 10:30 a.m. 
                  7/5 - Communion Sunday  
                        - Last day to bring donations of Kleenex, cash, and 33 or 35 gallon garbage bags

Tuesdays - 7/7 - Packing Lunches for Carpenter's Place - 9:30 a.m. - church basement

Wednesdays - Bible Study - Every Wednesday via Zoom - 7 p.m. 

Thursdays - Church Board Meeting will not be held in July.  Next meeting is August 6 at 7 p.m.


Other News -
Zoom - Zoom is now used for the Wednesday night Bible Study and the Church Board meetings.  Please contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link. 

Upper Room Devotionals - The July/August Upper Rooms are now available at the church.

Carpenter's Place Meal Prep - Tuesday 7/7 - 9:30 a.m. - We are looking for volunteers to come to the church basement to make lunches for Carpenters Place. We have a great system and it goes quickly with lots of helpers.  The lunches will be delivered this same day along with the items we have collected. Thanks for all the donations!  

Food Pantry - We are still collecting non-perishable food in the entry way of the church for a  local food pantry. 
Many thanks to those who have brought food and to those who have delivered it. 

Sunday Fellowship - If you are interested in bringing some treats for our after worship coffee hour, there is a sign up sheet in the fellowship room.  

Flowers for the Altar - We would love to see some of your garden flowers on Sunday mornings.  Please consider bringing a vaseful to put up front during worship. Thanks!

Thanks - Thank you to Curt for removing the old piano from the basement.  If others helped, thank you as well. Thanks to everyone who helped in some way for the outdoor worship and picnic on Sunday June 28.  It was a wonderful day.  Great worship out under the oaks and then amazing food to celebrate our countries 250th birthday. 

Looking Ahead -
Coffee and Connections - We had a wonderful luncheon at Judy Murphy's on June 26. Thank you to Judy for hosting 15 women.  It was a great time of food and fellowship. Hoping to have another event in August.  Watch for more details.
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June 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

6/3/2026

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Friends-
Summer is upon us, and I'm loving it!  I really do love all the seasons, but I have to admit that summer is my favorite.  One of the cool things happening for us this summer is that all of our sons with their families will be here this summer- soon!  Do I have a favorite son?  Of course not!  I love them all differently as they are different men... but I love them all equally as much.

The great news is that God feels that way about all his kids, too!  He loves us all.  He even loves the people that I find very hard to love.  Why?  Because he IS love.  It's not a choice for him.  He loves us, each and everyone.  David wrote, "Your steadfast love is better than life itself!"  It is!

With everything else that summer brings, be sure to take time- daily if you can- to jump into that love, however he presents it to you.  You will never regret it!

Have a great month and a great summer!
Gary


Calendar
Wednesdays - Bible Study - Every Wednesday via Zoom - 7 p.m.

Thursdays - 6/11 - Church Board Meeting via Zoom - 7 p.m.

Fridays - 6/26 - Coffee and Connections for Women - Garden Luncheon at Judy Murphy's - 11 a.m. 

Sundays - Worship Service - Every Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - In person only. 
                 
                   6/7 -  Communion Sunday 

                   6/28 - Outdoor Worship - Weather permitting

                   Every Sunday - Collecting items for Carpenter's Place - see list below. 

Other News - 
Zoom - Zoom is used for the Wednesday night Bible Study and the Church Board Meetings. Please contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link. 

Folding Chairs - There are still some folding chairs available for sale. These are the lightweight white ones. The cost is $5.00 per chair.  Please talk to one of the trustees if you would like to purchase any chairs. 

Coffee and Connections - Friday 6/26 - Attention all women of the church!  You are invited to Judy Murphy's for a garden luncheon on Friday June 26.  Feel free to arrive by 11 and we will eat around 12. Please RSVP to Judy. 

Outdoor Worship - 6/28 - Summer gives us a chance to occasionally worship out under the oaks. If the weather cooperates, we will try to be outside on Sunday 6/28.  Bring your own lawn chairs or feel free to use a folding chair from church.  These outdoor services require a little more work, so we can use help before and after. 

Carpenter's Place - There is a new exciting plan for Carpenter's Place.  We would like to try make lunches every other month. On the off months we will collect cash and a couple of specific things from their critical needs list. The cash could be used to help pay for the food for the lunches, or if there is enough, to buy more from the critical needs list.  June's collection will be: Kleenex, toilet paper, and 33 and 35 gallon garbage bags. If you would like to donate any items, place them in the fellowship room.  We will make lunches on Tuesday July 7 at 9:30 a.m.  Please talk to Diane Upton if you have questions or want to participate. 

Sunday Fellowship - The sign up sheet for Sunday morning treats has worked fairly well so far.  Thank you to those of you who signed up and provided them in April and May. We will continue with this method.  The sign up sheet is in the fellowship room.  It is totally up to each person to bring whatever works for them.  When no one is signed up, there is always a few prepackaged snacks.  And of course coffee!

Flowers for the Altar - Do you have flowers growing in your garden?  Please consider sharing some of them with us on Sunday mornings. Bring a vase of your flowers, and place them up front of the sanctuary.  We would love to see them this summer. 

Thanks - Thank you to so many that helped with our farewell lunch to Joel McGinnis.  Many of you brought food for that day.  We had a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship. Also thanks to those of you who sent food, snacks, cards, cash and gift cards for his road trip.   We will miss him and pray God's blessings as he moves to Texas to go to school and be with his dad, Mike.  He made it safely there, so we are very thankful.

Church Finances - Everyone should have received an email recently about the church finances.  If you didn't receive it, please let us know and we can get it to you.  Please prayerfully consider your part in helping us with the church budget.

Looking Ahead - 
Carpenter's Place Meal Prep - Tuesday- 7/7 - 9:30 a.m. - We will gather in the church basement to make lunches to deliver to Carpenter's Place.  Please come if you are able.
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May 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

5/1/2026

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Friends- 
The word "may" always reminds me that I have choices:  I may do this, or I may do that.  Every day, I have a lot of choices and thus, decisions to make.  And as we always told our kids, every choice has a consequence.  Good choices usually produce good consequences. And bad choices... well, you get the picture.  Those consequences are not necessarily immediate.  They may take a long time to emerge.  But they will.

Another thought related to this is something a friend told me once that stuck with me.  "Every 'Yes' is a no, and every 'No' is a yes." That is to say, whenever I make the decision to say yes to something, I am saying no to something else.  For example, if I say yes to skipping exercise, I am saying no to being in shape.  You get the picture.

We are faced with choices in our spiritual life every day.  And what we decide will determine whether we have a strong faith and are closely following Jesus, or not.  You need to know that God will never force his will on you.  He loves you too much for that.  He will show you the way, point you in a good direction, and remind you that he loves you.  But he will not make you do anything.  You have to decide.  You have to choose.

The best and most important decision each of us needs to make is whether or not to submit to Jesus.  To make him Lord of our lives.   Once we have done that, the other decisions get easier, because all we'll want or need to do is whatever pleases him.

I don't know what choices you are facing, but God does.  He also knows what would be best for each of us, and if we ask, he will help us figure it out.  But he'll never force you to do things his way.  You may, or you may not. Your call.  

Happy May!
Gary

Calendar
Saturdays - 5/2 - Garden Trellis Sale - outside at the church - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sundays - Every Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. - In person only. 

                   5/3 - Communion Sunday

Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Thursdays - 5/7 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. via Zoom. 

Other News -
Zoom - Sadly, Sunday morning worship will no longer be available on Zoom.  The Wednesday night Bible Study will continue to meet via Zoom. The monthly church board meeting will also continue to be via Zoom.  Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link. 

We are very thankful to Mike McGinnis, Joel McGinnis, and Rita Gillette, who have made it possible for us to use Zoom on Sundays for all these years.  Thanks for your dedication to making it possible. 

Trellis Sale - 5/2 - Tim Murphy will be selling his handmade garden trellises at the church from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. this Saturday, May 2.  The money raised will be given to the church. Each trellis is unique. Be sure to stop by if you are interested. Tell your friends about it. 

Missed Church? - Gary sends out a weekly devotional that is usually based on the Sunday sermon.  You should get that in your email.  It is called Strong Spirits.  If you don't, let Gary know. He also does a brief video every week that is also based on the sermon.  You can go to the church Facebook page, Caledonia Congregational Church, and watch it. 

Upper Rooms - The May/June Upper Room Devotionals are now out at the church.  Be sure to get one. 

Sunday Refreshments - We now have a sign-up sheet for Sunday morning treats.  Thanks to many of you who have already signed up!  If you are interested, please add your name to the sheet in the fellowship room. Any kind of treat is appreciated. It is totally up to each individual to bring whatever works for you. When we don't have anyone signed up, we will either just have prepackaged snacks. Try to stop in after worship for a chance to catch up with each other. 

Sympathies - We extend our sympathies to Dave and Bert Hixson.  Dave's sister, Mary, passed away on 4/29. 

Thanks - Thank you to all who provided food for our Maundy Thursday soup supper.  It was excellent as usual. Thanks to all who helped make and deliver sack lunches to Carpenter's Place on April 10.  Thanks to everyone who helped clean the church on April 25. Very much appreciated. 

Looking Ahead -
Coffee and Connections - 6/26 - Garden Luncheon at Judy Murphy's. -  All women are invited to Judy's for lunch on Friday, June 26.  Watch for more details in the June newsletter, but for now, get it on your calendar.
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April 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

4/1/2026

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Friends-
In the midst of the chaos, the wars, the crime, the inflation, the personal woes- in the midst of all of it, God remains God.

And God is good.  All the time.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

This first week of April, we celebrate the proof of that.  Jesus, come from God to be one of us, shows his unconditional love for the world and everyone in it by doing about the craziest, most reckless, most selfless thing we could imagine.  He died for us.  He allowed sinful men (there is no other kind) to whip him, beat him, then put him on a cross to die.  All for love.  See, sin comes with a price tag: Death.  "For sin pays its wage- death; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 6:23)

Don't miss this.  Don't let everything else that's going on drown this out.  Don't let distractions or lame excuses keep you from kneeling at his feet and worshipping this one who loves us so much.

The only eternal life apart from union with Jesus is too horrible to describe.  

Accept his gift.  Crown him king of your life.  Worship him with all your heart.

God remains God.  And he loves you. 

Let him!

Blessed Holy Week, Easter, and forever.
Gary

Calendar
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Thursdays - 4/2 - Maundy Thursday Soup Supper - 5:30 p.m. and Communion Worship Service - 7 p.m. 

                      4/9 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. via Zoom. 

Fridays - 4/10 - Packing lunches for Carpenter's Place - 10 a.m. - church basement. 

Sundays - Every Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom.

                  4/5 - Easter Sunday with Communion

                  4/28 - Coin Collection Sunday


Other News
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link.

Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and Communion Service - 4/2 - We will gather downstairs at 5:30 p.m. for a soup supper.  Then at 7 p.m. we will gather in the sanctuary for our Maundy Thursday communion service. Everyone is welcome to the supper whether you bring something or not.  We tend to have plenty of food.  If you can't make the supper, please plan on coming to the service. 

Easter Sunday Worship - 4/5 - 10;30 a.m. -  Join us for worship on this Holy day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. This is a good day to invite family or friends.  We hope to see everyone in person this day. 

Carpenters Place Meal Prep - 4/10 - 10 a.m. - We will be making sack lunches once again for Carpenter's Place. We will gather in the church basement to get them made and ready to deliver.  We had a very good system last month, so we should be pros this time around. Donations - This time we are collecting cash to help pay for the food. You can still put money in the offering on Easter and earmark it for Carpenters Place.  Thanks- Thank you so much to those that helped in March.  Special thanks to everyone who purchased so many supplies to donate to Carpenter's Place. Also thanks to Joyce Loewecke who has been on the point for this. Everyone appreciates all her organizational skills.   We had done this years ago, so it is very nice to be serving again this way. 

All Church Spring Clean-up - This event has been postponed until a later date.  Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Sunday Refreshments - We will be trying a sign up sheet for Sunday morning treats.  If you want to furnish something simple for a Sunday morning then pick a date and sign up for that morning.  When no one signs up we will still have some simple prepackaged snacks and always coffee. 

Seeking Refuge - Concerning the wise, look at the following verses. Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 27:1-40, Hebrews 12:3-17, 2 John 4-11,Psalm 39, Proverbs 13:20, 16:7, 16:16, and 16:21

Thanks - Our St. Patrick's Day party was a huge success. A special thanks to Tim and Judy Murphy for decorating the basement and the tables. Thanks to those of you who brought all the delicious food . It was a great time. 

Coffee and Connections - 4/22 - 9:30 a.m.- All women are invited to gather together for a time of fellowship over a morning coffee.  Sundays don't seem to allow enough time to really visit, so we have been trying occasionally to meet at other times. This time we will just meet in the church basement for coffee and some refreshments.  Please RSVP to Leslie.
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March 2026 at Caledonia Congregational church

3/1/2026

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Friends-
It's Saturday.  In Spanish, Sabado.  Which is also the word for Sabbath in Spanish.  A day of rest. The traditional Jewish day of rest.  A good idea!  But more... one of the 10 commandments!  Apparently, God wants his people to rest.

I don't know about you, but we are usually pretty busy on Saturdays, if it's supposed to be a day of rest.  There are lots of things to do and to get done.  Like this newsletter, for example. No worries!  Let's not be legalistic here.  We'll make a different day, the day of rest.  Traditionally, Christians have made Sunday the sabbath day to honor Jesus's rising from the grave on Sunday.  We worship on Sundays.  But do we take the rest of the day to rest, to relax, to spend time with loved ones, to spend time with God?  Do we take much of any day to actually stop our busyness and rest?

Jesus did a lot of work on the Sabbath and got in a lot of trouble for it, from legalists and lawyers.  He said he was working because his father was still working.  He said that Sabbath was made for humans, not the other way around.  We also know that Jesus took time away to pray, to rest, to recharge.  Sabbath.  Do we do that?  Do you?  Do I?  Is it ever ok to stop and do nothing?

I just did.  Sitting in the recliner reading, my cat Gus decided to join me.  Hard to do much with a lunk like him on your lap.  I found myself recalling some good memories.  One followed another, and then another...  It was a joyful, relaxing.  It made me smile.  It was a bit of sabbath.  Not too long, you understand!  I've got a lot to do!

So do you, I know.  But the more you have to do, the more you need the gift of sabbath.  Slow down.  Stop.  Find some sabbath.  Relax.  You won't be disappointed.

Happy March!
Gary

Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday Worship Service -10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom.
              
                   3/1 - Communion Sunday 
                          - Collecting items for Carpenter's Place
                   3/15 - Special St. Patrick's Day Fellowship downstairs after worship
                   3/29 - Palm Sunday 

Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom

Thursdays - 3/5 - Packing lunches for Carpenter's Place - 9 a.m. - church basement
                            - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. - via Zoom
                      4/2 - Looking ahead -  Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and Communion Service 

Saturdays - 3/7 - Daylight Saving Time begins tonight - Set your clock ahead one hour before bedtime.

Other News
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom links.
Upper Room Devotionals - The March/April Upper Rooms are now available at the church.  Be sure to pick one up.

Carpenter's Place Donations - 3/1 and 3/5 - There are 2 more chances to drop off items for Carpenter's Place.  This Sunday, or the day we make the lunches.  We are collecting: deodorant, men's disposable razors, 8-ounce coffee cups, travel-size shampoo, coffee, sugar, non-dairy powdered creamer, and 16-ounce disposable bowls.

Carpenter's Place Meal Prep - 3/5 - 9 a.m. - We will be making sack lunches to deliver to Carpenter's Place.  We will gather in the church basement to get them made and ready to deliver, along with all our collected donations.  Many of you have signed up, so we will see you then. 

St. Patrick's Day Fellowship - 3/15 - A lot is going on this month and in early April, so we will not do a full-on potluck this year.  But we will still gather downstairs after church and have a special fellowship to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  Anyone who wants to bring something Irish to share to eat, that would be great. Just be sure to stop down. Talk to Judy or Jennifer if you have questions. 

Coffee and Connections - This is a time for women to come together for coffee, conversation, and connecting with one another.  We hope to gather later in March and will announce that if plans are made.  Stay tuned!

Looking Ahead -
4/2 - Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and Communion Service - This will sneak up on us quickly in April. So we want to plan now and get it on your calendar.  We will gather downstairs for a soup supper at 5:30 P.M. We will head up to the sanctuary for a 7 p.m. communion service. A sign-up sheet for the dinner will go out later in March.  Please put your name down initially for one item.  This allows more people to sign up.  Everyone is invited, regardless if you bring something for the meal or not.  Don't miss this beautiful time of fellowship over supper and a meaningful service with communion upstairs. If you can't make the meal, please come for the service at 7 p.m. 

4/3 - Good Friday Service - The Willow Creek Presbyterian Church has invited us to attend a Good Friday Service at noon. This will be held in the chapel at the Scottish Argyle cemetery. Let Gary know if you are interested. 

4/5 - Easter Sunday - This is a glorious day of worship.  Plan on coming, and think about who you might want to invite.
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February 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

2/1/2026

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Friends-
I never expected this.  I thought we were just doing the usual Christmas readings for Christmas eve- the Luke 2 passage.  Classic.  Everyone knows it.  We could probably recite it by heart. 

But I sensed God saying to me, "Keep going".  And so I did and  will continue.  Jesus dedicated at the temple.  Jesus in the temple as a kid. John the Baptist.  The baptism of Jesus.  The temptation of Jesus.  We are in Luke 4 now and God keeps saying, "Keep going"  And so I will.  And this question keeps coming up for us to consider, "Who is this?" Who is this person that changed the course of history forever?


I think maybe what God wants is for us to know Jesus better.  Wants us to know him well.  Wants us to know his story.  Ultimately, wants us to know him personally.  If I could give each of you a gift, that would be it: a rousing, joyful, transforming, loving relationship with the One who knows you best and loves you most. That's what I want for you and for myself.

I pray to that end, and ask you to join me in that prayer.  What if the Valentine's gift we give each other is the love of the One who IS love?  How might that change our world?

Love you all!
Gary

Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom. 
                          2/1 - Communion Sunday
                                - Installation of Church Board Members
                                - Baptism of Scott Decker
                          2/8 - Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off following worship. 

Mondays - 2/9 - Every Monday except 2/2 - New! Seeking Refuge Bible Study  - 6 p.m. - Details below. 

Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom
                        - 2/18 - Ash Wednesday - Lent begins 

Thursdays - 2/5 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. via Zoom
                      2/26 -  Coffee and  Connections - 11:30 a.m. - Ocellos Restaurant      

Saturdays - 2/21 -   Men's Breakfast - 8 a.m. - Church basement      

Other News - 
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom links,

Board Installation - 2/1 - This years Church Board members will be installed during the worship service on February 1. Please pray for them and Pastor Gary as they work together to guide, lead and care for our church.  Feel free to contact them if you questions, concerns , or ideas.  

Board Members - The 2026 Church Board consist of Traci Montoya as clerk, Dave Walker as treasurer, and Nathalie Lyford as financial secretary.  The Deacons are Brittni Zick, Kyle Zick, and Judy Murphy. They are charged with the spiritual side of the church.  The Trustees are Bob Lyford, Tim Murphy, and Curt Moore. They oversee the physical building and budget. The communion preparers are Hannah Foley and Angela Green. The member-at-large is Diane Upton. That position helps to fill positions for the next year.  Thanks to Rita Gillette for her service as the clerk in recent years.  We appreciate your work Rita!

Baptism - 2/1 - We will celebrate the baptism of Scott Decker on Sunday February 1. 

Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off - 2/8 - This event is coming up soon!  We are still looking for some competitors!  Even if you have won in the past maybe you want to defend your title? We are always looking for new entries as well.  Check out the sign up sheet in the fellowship room.  There might be a few other random things we still need.  You do not have to bring anything to come, just be sure to come!  It is always a good time. Come hungry and with discerning taste buds to cast your vote!

Seeking Refuge Bible Study - 2/9 -  A new study, Seeking Refuge, will be held on 8 Monday nights starting Monday February 9.  This will take us through Lent and end on the Monday of Holy Week.  It will meet in the church basement at 6 p.m. The topics will be Seeking God, The Fools, The Wise, The Evil Doers, The Temple, The Broken Hearted, Refinement, and Refuge. Very casual, just looking at the Bible on these topics and discussing them. Talk to Brittni Zick or Gary if you have questions. If you are going crazy from being in the house this winter, this is the perfect reason to get out!

Men's Breakfast - 2/21 - All guys in the church are invited for breakfast on Saturday 2/21 at 8 a.m.  We will meet in the church basement.  Sounds like Swedish pancakes will be on the menu and other delicious food as well. Please let Gary know if you are coming by Thursday 2/19. Looking for a few people to help cook as well. 

Coffee and Connections - Thursday - 2/26 - 11:30 a.m. - Women are invited to meet for lunch at Ocellos in Poplar Grove. It is located in 13555IL -76.  Sunday mornings never seem to allow enough time to really to get to know each other.  So join us  for a time of good food and conversations. RSVP to Leslie at 815-985-6533.

A little help?  Here's an idea that might make a difference.  Gary is  looking for 7 people who will pray once a week for our church.  You can pray for anything else you're led to as well, but specifically that.  Pray for our church.  Why 7?  I'd like somebody praying each day of the week. Not just one week. I want someone to pray once a week, all year long.  No set time or length of time.  That's between you and God.  Please pray about this, and if you want to give it a try, let me know.  No one else will know.  Men.  Women. Young. Old.  Who's in?  Let me know... Thanks!

Looking Ahead -
Carpenter's Place - We hope to be making sack lunches to send to Carpenter's Place and also collecting items they may need. Watch for details. 

3/7 - Daylight Savings Time Starts - Turn your clocks ahead one hour tonight before you go to bed. Spring ahead!

3/15 - Possible St. Patrick's Day Potluck - We did this last year and it was great fun.  Is there interest to do again?
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January 2026 at Caledonia Congregational Church

1/1/2026

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Friends-
For a long time, I have used this time around the end of the year to look back at the previous year, and ahead at the year to come.  Sort of a common practice I suppose.  And in some ways, kind of pointless.  I mean, I can't change anything that has happened in the past, and there is no way to know what the future will bring.

I think why I do it is to consider what lessons God may have taught me in the past year, what ones he might still be teaching, and what they might mean for me and the work I do going forward. And to remember all the ways he has blessed me.  Because I keep a journal, this process is fairly easy.  And I am always amazed at what I find...

What I find, pretty much every year, is that the year that is ending has been packed with lessons, blessings, adventures, struggles, and insights.  God has been so good to me and to us!  I shouldn't be surprised.  After all, God is love, and his promises are sure.  Apparently, he is also patient.  Because it seems that I need to keep relearning some of the same lessons!
  
The new year is just a date on a calendar.  But it helps me pause to consider what and how I'm doing.   It reminds me we are moving ahead towards a wonderful future- life forever with God!  This world can be great, or it can be hard, but the promise of eternity with the one who loves me most is keeps me eager to see what each new year, new month, new day holds for me.

I encourage you to ask God if there is anything he wants you to work on in this new year.  Or maybe something he wants you to leave behind.  He'll help you with all of it.  He loves us so much!  We can't know what the future holds.  But we can know the one who holds the future.

Happy and blessed new year to all of you!  
I love you all!
Gary


Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom.

                   1/4 - Communion Sunday 
                         - Still time to bring in your coins for benevolence. 
                   1/11 - Pack up and put away Christmas decorations after worship service.
                   1/18 - Potluck and Annual Meeting after worship service

Wednesdays - Every Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Thursdays - 1/8 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. via Zoom.
                      1/29 - Coffee and Connections for Women - 11 a.m. Anderson Gardens 

Other News -
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link. 

Packing Up Christmas Decorations - Sunday 1/11 - Our church looked so beautiful again this holiday season.  But it is time to take it down and pack it away.  Please stay after worship and help if you can. 

Annual Meeting and Potluck - Sunday 1/18 - Plan on staying after worship on Sunday, January 18 for a potluck and our Annual meeting. Bring a dish or two to share for the potluck. Everyone is invited to stay and participate in the meeting.  We will  look at the past, the present and the future. Watch your email for the minutes of the 2025 meeting.  Please read them ahead of time.  We will vote on accepting those minutes. The new lift makes it possible for everyone to attend now. So we hope to see you January 18. 

Coffee and Conversation - Thursday - 1/29 - Here is a fun opportunity for women to connect with each other over coffee and food and listen to beautiful music in the background at the same time.  We will meet at the restaurant at Anderson Gardens around 11 a.m. Megs Daily Grind takes over for the winter months.  They offer a simple menu of sandwiches, pastries, coffees, and other hot drinks.  This day the music is two violinists from the Rockford Symphony. Please RSVP to Leslie at 815 - 985 - 6533 by 1/28. We need to know what size table to get, so please let us know. 

Thanks - Thank you to Judy Murphy for the wonderful fellowship event we had on December 14. Thanks to the board for taking bags of goodies to our shut-ins. Thanks to Tim and Patrick Murphy for setting up our outdoor nativity set. Thanks to anyone who brought treats for Christmas Eve.  Thanks to Gary's office at Anderson Gardens for donating our beautiful poinsettias this year. They will be looking for a home after church this week, so feel free to take one. Thanks to anyone who we forgot to list here!

Keyboard - We will miss Evelyn the next couple of months as she and her husband are down in Florida. We so appreciate her music, so will look forward to her return. 

Baptisms - Anna and Griff Zick were baptized on Sunday December 28. It was a beautiful service followed by a great lunch.  We were blessed to have so many of their family and friends join us that day.  If you would like to be baptized, be sure to talk to Pastor Gary about it. 

Looking Ahead - 
Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off - Sunday 2/8 -  Get those chili and dessert recipes ready for our annual Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Bake-Off .  Our friendly competition will be on Super Bowl Sunday after worship.  Or Souper Bowl as we like to call it!  We will head downstairs right after church.  Look for a sign-up sheet later in the month.  If you don't want to compete. there is other things that you can sign up to bring.  Be sure to bring a big appetite!
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December 2025 at Caledonia Congregational church

12/1/2025

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Friends-
Take a deep breath...  Now let it out slowly...  Now do it again...

You might need to follow these instructions a few times- maybe a few times a day- in these days heading up to Christmas.

No matter how we say we are going to simplify our holidays- fewer gifts, fewer parties, less travel - it seems that the frenzy finds us, and we get caught up in it without really knowing that we have.   Take a breath... let it out slowly...

I want to make a case for building silence and stillness and slowness and maybe solitude into your preparations for, and celebration of, Jesus' birth.  It really is holy time.  It's why keeping the sabbath is one of the commandments.  You didn't know that?  It is!!  It's why Jesus invites us to come to him for rest.  He knows we need downtime.  And holidays tend to steal it away.  And leave us feeling drained, or frustrated, or even empty.

Don't let that happen.  Make sure that Jesus is in the middle of all you are doing to celebrate his coming.  Listen and obey when he tells you to take a break.  Help out those who seem to be overwhelmed.  Even mere moments can be revitalizing when they are used to remember that the God who is with us- Immanuel- really is, and longs for us to be peace-full, rested, joyfull, childlike, and full of wonder and awe.

So make your plans, make your preparations, look for the perfect gift for your nephew- and focus on the one who invites us to rest, to be renewed, to remember.  And who offers us the best gift of all... Himself.  Take a breath... let it out slowly... now do it again...

Eager to celebrate these days with you!
Gary

PS  Normally, I find a time during the week to come out to the church to pray, prepare, etc.  During advent, I'm coming out late afternoon/early evening, to savor the beauty and peace of the sanctuary.  It's one of the ways I'm grabbing peace during the season, and I encourage you to join me... no program, no music.  Just silence and beauty.  Or come on your own.  It's really too beautiful to savor only on Christmas eve.  Don't have a key?  We can get you in...


Calendar
Wednesdays - Bible Study - 7 p.m. via Zoom.  Every Wednesday except 12/24 and 12/31.
 
                        12/10 - Women's Book Study - 6 p.m. - Church Basement.

                        12/24 - Christmas Eve Service - 4:30 p.m. - in person in the Sanctuary and via Zoom. 

Thursdays -   12/4 - Church Board Meeting - 7 p.m. - via Zoom. 

Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. in person and via Zoom. 

                         12/7 - Second Sunday in Advent Worship and Communion Service.
                                 - Congregational Meeting after worship.

                         12/14 - Third Sunday in Advent Worship Service
                                   - Special Christmas Fellowship in the basement after worship. 

                         12/21 - Fourth Sunday in Advent Worship Service

                         12/28 - Final Worship of 2025 and Final Coin Collection of 2025
Zoom - Contact Gary at [email protected] for Zoom link.

Other News -
Advent devotionals  We have quite an assortment of Advent devotionals available to anyone who would like to borrow one for the season.  They will be on display in the library.

Congregational Meeting - 12/7 - Please plan on staying for a short congregational meeting after worship this coming Sunday, December 7. Decisions on the budget, specifically the Pastor's salary, will be discussed. Grab some coffee and a treat, then head back into the sanctuary. Everyone's input is valuable. 

Special Holiday Fellowship - 12/14 - Judy Murphy is planning a special time of food and fellowship to celebrate the season after worship on Sunday, December 14. She will be hosting this in the church basement.  This will be a wonderful time to enjoy one another's company and to enjoy some holiday treats. We have access to the basement now for everyone with our new lift. So use the stairs or the lift if you need to, but just come on down. Talk to Judy if you want to help. 

Holiday Helping - We have several ways to help during the holidays. Pick one or all to participate in. 

1. We are collecting non-perishable food for the food pantry.  There is a bin in the entryway of the church to drop off your donations. 

2. We want to send a few baby gifts to Stephanie Taylor for her new daughter, Georgia.  That bin is in the fellowship room.  Gift cards are welcome too. 

3. We typically help a family from the Caledonia School.  Tim Murphy has been working with the school and has been in touch with a family that the school suggested.  The mother is a single mom of two, who is out of work as a school bus driver due to a broken wrist. Her kids are 9 and 17 years old.  The mom is asking for a gift card so she can pick out the gifts and food that are needed. If you want to help, we are looking for monetary donations.  We will accept those in the offering plate.  Just be sure to designate that it is for the Caledonia School family Christmas gift. 

4. Also, did you know that every year the church board puts together baskets to deliver to our shut-ins and anyone who might benefit from this kind of gift? Such a generous act for people who might feel left out. 

Christmas Eve Service - 12/24 - We will gather together for our Christmas Eve service at 4:30 P.M. this year. It is always a beautiful time to hear the Christmas story, sing favorite carols, and enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary.  We hope to see you there.  It is the perfect time to bring guests. 

Coin Collection - 12/28 - Our last coin collection of the year is Sunday, December 28.  This collection is used for our benevolence fund. Please bring your coins.  Bills accepted too!

Thanks - Thanks to the faithful few who helped decorate the church for Advent/Christmas. It is beautiful as usual.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, Joel McGinnis has a new laptop to use for Sunday morning Zoom worship. Thanks to Joel for his faithful commitment to that endeavor. 

Our lift celebration and PieLuck were a huge success.  Thanks to everyone who helped make that day a very special day. Thanks again to all the trustees who made the lift happen. Thanks to Tim Murphy, who did lots of extra cleaning before several events in the basement. 

Looking Ahead - 
Annual Meeting and Potluck - 1/11/26 - We will gather for our annual meeting and potluck after worship on Sunday, January 11. If you attend this church, you are welcome and encouraged to attend. We start with a potluck and then follow with a business meeting.  We look at 2025 and do some planning for 2026. Everyone's ideas and input are needed. Plan on bringing a dish or two for the potluck. More information will be in the January newsletter.
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    Gary Schwerin, pastor

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