Welcome to

Crete United Methodist Church

Located in downtown Crete, IL.
1321 Main Street
708-672-8353
Worship Service is
Sunday mornings at 10 a.m.
MASKS OPTIONAL
Pastor Kristen Larsen
Admin. Assistant: Diane McGarel
Sunday's Sermon
Our Mission
is to be Christ centered, teaching and learning community, dedicated to reaching out to all in a spirit of caring and sharing, a community where growth in Christ inspires us to be joyful sharing people.
Weekly Devotion
The coolest thing happened the other day. I was working on my computer when there was a small thump on the window. I looked out to see a baby bunny, stretched up to the windowsill and staring at the window. It was just big enough to look at its reflection; at least that’s what I assume he was doing because he dept at it for a while – going back down on all fours, then coming up again and giving the window a soft bump with its nose. And then, once he got bored with it, he went away.
I don’t remember ever seeing a young bunny that close up and personal before. He was brown and his ears were kind of round, a bit large for his head. I looked around to see if his mom or dad was close by but I didn’t see one. I wonder if young bunnies are on their own once they leave the nest. Or – maybe the mama or papa really was there – lurking in the bushes, sight unseen, there for him if needed.
Which brings me to parents. Well, actually, fathers in particular. I hope you men had a happy Fathers Day. I called my dad on Sunday and we got to have a nice chat.
My dad turns 95 on July 1st. I’ll be flying out later this month to the Pacific Northwest spend a week with him and my family, then fly back on July 2nd.
My dad helped raise 6 daughters. And on a Pastors salary, no less. He raised us through the throws of childhood and adolescence. He helped make us the people we are today.
I’m so thankful for him – for his kindness and wisdom, for his deep abiding faith in God, for showing me that I have worth and value in God’s eyes and that in response to that, I can bring God’s light and love into the lives of others.
Dad’s always kept an eye out for us, offering his love and support. He’s always stayed close – calling us on the phone no matter how far away we live.
Come to think of it, if my dad had been a father rabbit, he would have been one of those who hid in bushes, keeping an eye out, never hovering, never controlling but always there should the need arise.
God bless him and God bless all you dads who navigate the awesome gift and responsibility of fatherhood.
Yours in the journey,
Pastor Kristen
Announcements:
SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND IS PENNY-PANTRY SUNDAY.
The 4th Sunday of each month, we as a church collect throughout the year for 4 different charities which are The Bishop's Appeal, The Crete Food Pantry, PADS, and the Helping Hands Ministry. This month, till the end of June we are collecting for the Crete Food Pantry.
The Crete Food Pantry provides groceries twelve times a year to families in need who are residents of Crete Township on Wednesday mornings from 9-11a, at 1367 Wood Street, in Crete, IL.
Thank you in advance for your generosity to contributing to Penny- Pantry Sunday, June 22nd, for the Crete Food Pantry. Next month, in July we will start collecting for PADS for three months.
Farmers' Market will be held on this Monday, from 4-8p, in the parking lot of Exchange & Main, rain or shine. All are welcome, free admission.
In July the Women's Club is planning another game night. Stay tuned for more information. Date to be announced.
The next United Methodist Women's Club meeting will be held on Monday, July 7th, at 1:30p., in the narthex. All are welcome to attend. The Women's Club meetings are held the first Monday of every month.
On Sunday, June 29th, hotdogs & chips will be served by the Women's Club, right after church service, in the narthex, approximately beginning at 11a. All are welcome. Please invite your friends to service and lunch at Crete UMC on Sunday, June 29th.

Crete UMC's Women's Club next Meeting will be held on
Monday, July 7th, 2025
in the narthex
1:30p.m.
They gather the first Mondays of every month.

Farmers Market Monday nights
June 16 --- August 4th, 2025
4-8:00 p.m.
RAIN or SHINE
in the parking lot of Main & Exchange Street, Crete, IL
Market Coordinator - Somer Snow


Hosted by the Crete United Methodist Women's Club.
You're invited to join us after church service
Sunday, June 29th for an afternoon treat of hotdogs and chips.
Approximately beginning at 11a
Art & Craft Fair this year, 2025
will not be at Main & Exchange this year
instead
this event will be on the grounds of Crete Public Library
at 1177 North Main Street, Crete, IL
July 11, 2025
Click here to learn more and download an application for
the Crete Woman's Club Annual Art & Craft Fair

Crete UMC hosts an on-line worship sermon that is available on our Facebook page, our YouTube Channel, and can be e-mailed directly to you if you join our e-mail list.

Before and After School Program
will resume in the Fall of 2025
School is out for the summer
Kathy Carter Young
Director of the Before and After School Program
Email: klcy6000@aol.com for further information.

Beginners class meets
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 7:30a- 8:15a
10 children per class
Advanced Class meets
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 7:30a- 8:15a
10 children per child
Recital Tea was held on Saturday, May 17, 2025
Enduring Strings
began on September 3, 2024 and has ended.
The program will resume in the Fall of 2025
Program runs on CM201U School Schedule Cost: $50 a month per child Sept/May in 2024-2025

Recital Tea- May 17, 2025

Online Giving
Secure, reliable, and convenient! Give a one-time gift (no account needed), or schedule recurring giving using your checking account, debit, or credit card. (See our SCHEDULE YOUR GIVING help page, or contact Diane at 708-672-8353, if you have questions!)

Crete
The Pantry is open on Wednesday mornings
from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m.,
It's only Available to Crete Township Residents
pick up and drop off of food is at
1367 Wood Street
Crete, IL 60417
To receive, come into the building located at 1367 Wood Street to register. Proof of residency is required.
"Even as phase four is taking place, we are bombarded with ”virus” news. Life does go on and many people face unemployment and hard times. The Crete Pantry is continuing to serve any one who comes for food on Wednesday mornings. This is straining the budget of the Pantry.
If you are able to help financially at this time, your gift will be put to immediate use.
Any monetary gift is tax deductible and can be sent to either The Crete Pantry, 1367 Wood Street, Crete, Illinois 60417 or at Crete UMC
If you are dropping off food at the Township, please contact the Crete Food Pantry directly at the Township to make your donation. The Township's Phone number is 708-672-8279 to schedule a time to make your donation.
Located at
1367 Wood Street
Crete, IL 60417

At Crete United Methodist Church we realize that there will be times in our lives where problems and circumstances seem overwhelming. It is at these times when we may want to isolate ourselves and hide.
We want you to know that you are not alone!
There are many who share your struggles. Crete UMC's Spiritual Themes in Recovery (S.T.I.R) helps those who are struggling with the addictions of Alcohol and is designed to provide an opportunity for you to share and interact with others and find encouragement and support that you may need. To attend, please call
(708) 672-8353 or email office@creteumc.org
for information
Quick Links
Contact
MASKS OPTIONAL
While masks will not be required, those who feel more comfortable masked are invited to do so. We ask, as a good faith effort, that if you have not been vaccinated or if you are feeling a bit under the weather, that you personally chose to wear a mask while in the church buildings.
Worship Services:
Sunday mornings
at 10:00 a.m.
Phone: 708-672-8353
Email: office@creteumc.org
Phone: 708-672-8353
Email: office@creteumc.org
Diane McGarel, Admin Asst.
Office Hours
are Monday thru Friday from 8-1p.
Office Hours: In-person
Tuesdays, 8-1p
Fridays 8-12p
Calls received during non in-person office hours are forwarded and answered remotely. Your call is very important to us so if the line is busy please leave a message as Diane, the Office Admin Assistant will return your call as soon as possible.
Located at 1321 Main Street, Crete, IL 60417


©2022 Crete United Methodist Church
All Rights Reserved.
Created by Diane J. McGarel