2020 Annual Report and 2021 Ministry Plan

Tosa Cares Gary and Kathy Roesch
• With the extraordinary challenges of 2020, the
members of Mt. Carmel came through with
strong support of Tosa Cares this year.
• Early in the pandemic, Tosa Cares did not
accept contributions because of the fear of
contact transmission of the virus. When it was
realized that aerosol spread was much more
significant than contact, contributions of food
and clothing began again. Through the many
food drives that Mt. Carmel held throughout
the year, many dozens of bags of food were
delivered to Tosa Cares, much more than in
previous years. Tosa Cares extends their
heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous
support by Mt. Carmel this year.
• In addition to the food donations, clothing and household goods have been donated and given to the
Tosa Cares clients.
• Cash donations are used to purchase items like frozen turkeys at Thanksgiving, additional canned
goods, fresh fruit, and paper products.
• With the help of Mt. Carmel, other congregations, and civic organizations, Tosa Cares has been able to
provide a box of nonperishable food items, fresh meat, bread and paper goods to an average of over
250 families per distribution this year. The number of families supported has significantly increased due
to the pandemic. Each box is designed to feed the client family for about 2 weeks.
• With the steadfast support of Mt. Carmel’s dedicated members, Tosa Cares continues to grow and fulfill
their mission. Your generosity is greatly and sincerely appreciated!
Women’s Ministry Pastor Pam Lange
As with many other events of 2020, the annual highlight of Mount Carmel's women's ministry - the hosting
of our retreat featuring Dr. Karoline Lewis - was cancelled as travel and group gatherings were restricted by
the pandemic. We will continue to monitor the course of the spread of this disease to determine if an event
like this, which involved over a hundred women, might become possible at all in 2021.
Even so, it is clear that the ministry undertaken by faithful women is stronger than ever. In speaking with
women regularly, I hear how you are caring for parents, children, grandchildren and neighbors. I know that
you are reaching out to those around you and within the congregation to check on and cheer on those
feeling most isolated and vulnerable at this time. Your phone calls, notes, emails and front porch visits are
indeed the hands and feet of Christ in this critical ministry. In your daily work, you have become a source of
strength to your organization and demonstrated resilience and creativity. I also hear how you are leaning
into the Word of God...how time alone to pray, ponder and simply rest in the promises of God continues to
rejuvenate you and steady you along the way. In all that you do, the love of God is made known in the
world. More than ever before, that work is needed and that work matters. Be blessed as you are a blessing
to us all.
17