YOUTH COMMISSIONING ~ The Youth Mission Trip is almost here!  Our Youth Mission Team will leave on Sunday, July 11 for Chatadupa, Jamaica. They will be commissioned for their trip today at the 9:30 worship service and will be recognized at the 11:00 service.  Catadupa is a hill village near Montego Bay and our Youth will mainly be working on home repair and community childcare.  Thank you for all of your support that has made this trip possible and please remember to keep them in your prayers during their trip, July 11 – 19.

INDEPENDENCE DAY “God and Country” Worship Service – Sunday, July 4th!
Plan to be at church next Sunday when Mt. Carmel will celebrate Independence Day with a special combined worship service at 10:30 a.m.  There will be a patriotic theme and music by both the 9:30 musicians and our adult choir. Mark your calendar now! (No Sunday School.)

CANCELLATION ~ Please note that the Covered Dish Lunch that was scheduled for July 4th has been cancelled since so many members of our congregation will be out of town or have other plans for Independence Day. 

BRUNSWICK STEW STILL AVAILABLE!  If you need another side dish for your 4th of July celebration, pick up a couple of pints of Brunswick Stew from the church freezer!  They are $4.50 each and the Men’s Club will appreciate your support!

NCM UPDATE ~ Thankfully, due to a large USDA food donation, the pantry at Norcross Cooperative Ministry is full at the moment!  The main need at this time is for school supplies and personal care items.  And of course, monetary donations are always welcome also. Just make checks out to Mt. Carmel, marked for NCM, and drop them into the offering plate.  Thank you.

Description of Catadupa

It is a  small village in the mountains of Jamaica. Catadupa is only about 20 miles south of Montego Bay, but because of poor winding roads and a somewhat indirect root it is about an hour and twenty minute drive. While it may be near to the beaches and resorts of Montego Bay, it is an entirely different world. In Catadupa, you are far from the bright lights in a very relaxed, friendly, and close knit community. 

The natural landscape is mountainous jungle, and the lush tropical vegetation increases the intrigue of the environment. All throughout the area are fabulous vistas. The land is rich in resources from the natural springs and the fertile soil to the fruit trees and bamboo. Local fruits and vegetables include mangos, pineapple, banana, coconut, lime, sugar cane, starfruit, jackfruit, guineps, and breadfruit among other things. It is rainy much of the years and torrential downpours can occur; however, volunteers very rarely rained out for an entire day. The island paradise would be complete if only it was not hot and humid and full of mosquitoes. Nonetheless, this is a beautiful part of Jamaica that most tourists never get to see. 

Catadupa developed around the train line that ran through the center of town. Much of the town was employed by the railroad, and even more residents depended on tourists to by crafts and handmade items. However, in the early 1990’s the railroad system was shutdown, leaving the community devastated economically. Today the railroad station is growing dilapidated, and the train tracks have become overgrown with weeds and brush, yet the community lives on. Many locals still make crafts and clothing, which they are quite eager to sell to volunteers! Others commute to Montego Bay by public bus, and many live by farming. It is evident by the worn out buildings that the community is economically oppressed, but Catadupa is full of life. You will see this when you interact with the locals, and you will help to bring encouragement and hope.

Pictures and blogs from other mission trips to Jamaica