New Worship Schedule
Beginning Sunday, November 22 | 10:00 AM
As we are now into October and we look deeper into the fall, there is a change coming to our worship schedule. Starting on Sunday, November 22 (Ingathering Sunday) we will be moving to one worship service at 10 AM. Over the last few years, we have really tried to emphasize cultivating deeper relationships here at Castleton, and this is a move that continues in that direction. It is our hope that by moving to one worship service, there will be opportunities to create relationships between those who attend the two services and will bring a sense of unity with our focus on Christ and being a Christ-centered church. We look forward to bringing our church family together for the holidays and into the new year.
CUMNS Kids Fundraisers
There are two upcoming opportunities to help support the CUMNS Kids program.
Dine at CR Heroes on Wednesday, October 14, and 15% of your check will go to CUMNS Kids.
Order handmade wooden lanterns build by a CUMNS family small business, Make Your Mark Woodshop, and a portion of sales will be donated to CUMNS Kids. Ordering and payment details are included in the flyer below.
CUMNS Kids Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 16 | 5:00 PM
CUMNS Kids is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on October 16. CUMNS Kids students, Castleton Kids, and their families are all invited to participate.
You are invited to volunteer by helping in the following ways:
- Host a trunk
- Host a game or activity at the event
- Monetary donations and/or candy donations (can be dropped off at the CUMNS Kids office, weekdays 7:30-5:30)
Click the button below to sign up to help!
Castleton UMC Charge Conference
Monday, October 26 | 6:00 PM | Sanctuary
On October 26 at 6pm in the sanctuary, we will hold a Castleton UMC Charge Conference for the purpose of allowing our membership to vote on listing and selling the Ministry Center building. At our September meeting, the Governance Board reviewed all the information, options and financials, and voted to bring this to our church members for a vote. Our ultimate goal is to shift our congregation from surviving to thriving; from a fear based approach to a vision-inspired approach for ministry and mission. Retiring our debt will allow us to balance the budget and to plan and invest in our future. Our District Superintendent Rev. Dr. In Suk Peebles will officiate the conference.
As most of you know, the Governance Board and the Debt Reduction Committee have been wrestling, praying and discerning this decision for over a year. Things we considered included:
1). Our church has operated at a deficit for the last 6 years, despite cutting our budget and staff to “bare bones”.
2). Another consideration is that over 15% of our budget ($174,000 yearly) is dedicated to paying down debt. Our current cash reserves total only $71,000. Our tithes and offerings are going to debt payments that are serving the bank, and not our missions or our neighbors.
3). The Ministry Center, as a self standing building, is the only asset that can easily be sold. It is an aging building for which a study has identified possibly $370,000 in major repairs we could incur over the next 5 years. (The same study identified an additional $397,000 in repairs and deferred maintenance expenses for our main campus over the next 5 years).
4). Everyone loves Stillwaters. Diana, her staff, and church volunteers do a wonderful job. We have established a team of church members and SWADC volunteers, who along with Diana, are looking at different options for sustaining Stillwaters both operational and financially. We will continue to share as we explore the next steps for Stillwaters.
This is not an easy decision but it is a decision that will affect the future of CUMC. As such, your voice and vote is important because this is your church. This is not a decision made by a board, committee or staff, but by our church members, so please plan to attend on Monday October 26.We will share more information as well as “frequently asked questions” via email over the next weeks prior to the conference.
Art & Craft Fair Thank You
The Craft Fair Committee and all of our wonderful vendors want to extend our deepest gratitude to our Administration Officer, Marret Cantrell as she steps down from her role after ten incredible years of service. Thank you for your immense passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to this special church community event. Your hard work behind the scenes has been the backbone of our success year after year, and your presence will be greatly missed. We love you and wish you the absolute best as you enter this well-deserved time of relaxation and rest!
Save the Date & Special Announcements
- Current Worship Series: Good and Beautiful and Kind | Find study guides & Table Group info HERE
- Habitat for Humanity Multifaith Build | Saturday, October 17 | 8:30 – 11:30 AM or 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Second Presbyterian Church | SIGN UP LINK
- GIMA Township Judge Candidate Forum | Held at Castleton UMC | Wednesday, October 28 | Details HERE