Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A few notes of thanks...

We extend our sincere thanks to the Ladies Aid Society for their generous donations. We are grateful for their kindness and partnership in ministry!

A great big "Thank You' to all who volunteered their time during the week of VBS! Also, thank you to all members who so generously contributed all the needed supplies. Thank you to our secretary, Patty for snapping so many great shots and to Vyonne Gillen for the wonderful pictures she took of the chilren's craft time and the group shots.

Green Thumb Committee

If you love to work outdoors in the sunshine and enjoy the sweet scent of the earth...
please give us a call!! We are looking for volunteers to work together in keeping our church grounds beautiful during the spring, summer and fall seasons. If interested, please call Patty (610-759-7363) or Sherri Lutz (610-653-5730).

Monday, July 26, 2010

Third Grade Bible Class to be Held

Pastor John will lead a brief (about 45 minutes) Bible orientation class on Sunday, September 12th after the 10:30 a.m. service in the Fellowship Hall. Pizza will be served! This class is open to all students who will be entering 3rd grade this fall. It is a way of preparing them to receive their copy of the Holy Bible which will be presented to them by the Church School on September 26th. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend this class. Please fill out the registration form which can be found in the August newsletter.

Confirmation Class Meeting

A meeting will be held on Sunday, September 12 at 9:15 a.m. for all parents and students who will be entering 7th, 8th or 9th grades this fall. The class format for 2010-2011 will be presented at that time.

Attention all 7th graders-Please fill out the registration form which can be found in the August newsletter and return it to the office no later than September 5.

Church Council Highlights - July 14

Nine members and Pastor John were present; three members were absent. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Glenn Mann and opened with prayer by Pastor John.

The June minutes were accepted as amended.

The June Treasurer's Report was received and approved.

The Pastor's Report was accepted as information.

Committee Highlights

Property -
  • Storage building repair - 3 columns with plates and/or angles would be a quick and effective way to repair.
  • Office make-over will be addressed at the August meeting.
  • Caulking has been purchased and will be installed as time allows.
  • Weed pulling volunteers are scarce. May be time to resurrect the "Green Thumb" Committee.
  • Mower chute clogs. Council would lit to return the bagger and get a mulching kit.
  • Air compressor has been purchased.
  • The Sanctuary/Narthex flooring will be cleaned and refinished on August 6th and 7th.

Christian Ed -

  • On 7/12 Marlene Werkheiser met with the leaders.
  • On 7/18 Marlene will meet with teachers.

Spirit for Life -

  • A report was given on the 7th grade Confirmation class carnival.
  • Marlene Werkheiser will be meting with available teachers and leaders on July 18th at 10:45 a.m.

Youth Ministry -

VBS went well with about 100 youth in attendance.

Special Committee -

Task force will be scheduling a meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled b=for August 11 at 7:00 p.m.

August Worship Schedule

August 1 - Pentecost 10 - Holy Communion
The Gospel passage for this morning, from Luke 12, reminds us that in God's reign, the "rich will be sent away empty." Jesus uses a parable to warn against identifying the worth of one's life with the value of one's possessions rather than one's relationship with God.

Join us for worship and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion today. So great is the grace of God; so caring is the love of our Lord Jesus!

August 8 - Pentecost 11
In the continuing reading of Luke's 12th chapter Jesus encourages disciples to invest their hearts and live fully into God's reign. Instead of facing life with fear, those who know God's generosity are always ready to receive from God and to give to others.

God sent Jesus to our world that all who believe in him might have eternal life. Join us as we celebrate that Good News!

August 15 - Pentecost 12 - Holy Communion
As is often the case in life, accepting Christ as one's Lord and Savior may lead to conflict with others - even within one's family. Jesus delivers harsh words about the purifying and potentially divisive effects of obedience to God's call in the final portion of Luke 12. The way of the cross often leads followers to encounter hostility and rejection, even from those they love.

We will celebrate the Lord's Supper and share in the grace our loving God proclaims...please join us!

August 22 - Pentecost 13
Our Gospel readings switch to Luke 13. In this morning's passage we read about how Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, offering her a new beginning for her life. When challenged by a narrow reading of the Sabbath command Jesus responds by expanding "Sabbath work" to include setting people free from bondage.

In Jesus we come to know the truth...the truth that will set us free! Please worship with us today!

August 29 - Pentecost 14 - Holy Communion - Please not the change!
The issue of one's "greatness" is forever a stumbling block for each of us; "self-absorption" is legendary! Jesus observes guests jockeying for position at the table. He uses the opportunity to teach his hearers to choose humility rather than self-exaltation. Jesus also makes an appeal for hosts to mimic God's gracious hospitality to the poor and the broken.

We will celebrate Holy Communion THIS Sunday and NOT on Labor Day weekend - September 5.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Carnival!!!

Don't forget to come and join us for our first annual Carnival this Sunday, July 11 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

There will be grilled food, snacks, games and exciting prizes.

Bring all of your friends and family. Ages 3-12 years welcome. There might be a surprise in store for you!!!

All the proceeds will benefit Feeding America.

2010 Graduates

We extend our congratulations and best wishes to all our graduates! May God ever bless and guide their lives as they go forward on their journey along life's road!

Welcome Aboard!!

At their June meeting the Church Council approved hiring Marlene Werkheiser as our new Youth Ministry Coordinator. Marlene has a wealth of experience and a diverse "portfolio" of ministry gifts to bring to Holy Cross. We are very excited to have her join our staff in July! She is anxious to meet our congregation and looks forward to beginning a meaningful time of ministry with our Church. Please join us in making her feel at home at Holy Cross!

Church Council Highlights - June 9

Eight members and Pastor John were present; four members were absent. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened with prayer by Pastor John.

Mutual Ministry Committee recommended Marlene Werkheiser as the candidate for hire to fill the position of Youth Ministry Coordinator. The recommendation was approved by Council.

Eagle Scout Justin Smith presented a project proposal to do landscape work along the tree line on Johnson Road. The project was approved.

Tom Frack was approved to complete Mark Losagio's remaining term. Welcome Tom!

A correction to the May minutes should reflect that Russ Phillips was not present at the May 12 meeting. The minutes were accepted as amended.

The May Treasurer's Report was received and approved.

The Pastor's Report was accepted as information.

Committee Highlights
Property
  • The storage building has had some structural damage. There were two proposed solutions to correct the problem. Council approved erecting a wall-divider and support.
  • Copier's Inc. has been contacted regarding a proposal for the upgrade of equipment for the offices.
  • Diefenderfer's submitted a bid for caulking. Sherri will call to schedule.
  • The locks on the front door and the side door have been swapped.
  • A "weed-pulling party" has been scheduled for June 26 at 8:00 a.m., rain date July 10.
  • The new mower will be serviced by Bob Sandt. Hilltop will check it for a problem.
  • Purchase of an air compressor was approved.
  • Jim Carlson made 4 signs telling people to clean up after their dogs when walking on the church grounds.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 7:00 p.m.

July Worship Schedule

July 4 - The 6th Sunday after Pentecost - Holy Communion
God is the source of our nourishment. Our Lord's invitation to "take and eat...take and drink" is a repeated one. In the holy Eucharist, in the Word read and proclaimed, in the Assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.

We will celebrate the Lord's Supper at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. this morning. Please join us!

July 11 - The 7th Sunday after Pentecost
To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God's mercy in responding to one's neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the "gospel that has come to you" - namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today" at the font, at the altar, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.

Please join us for worship!

July 18 - The 8th Sunday after Pentecost - Holy Communion
Perhaps the church, at its best, is "all ears". Almighty God urges the faithful, again and again, to "listen up!" - to heed the Word from above. So it was with Abraham and Sarah, with Mary and Martha, and the early church at Colossae. So it is today as we join the assembly to hear the Word of God, the words of life.

Holy Communion invites us to recall the great gift God provides for us - Eternal Life through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. But it never stops there. With our sin forgiven and guilt taken away we are entrusted with a tremendous task. We are called to be the feet, hands, and voices for the risen and ascended Lord.

We will celebrate the Lord's Supper at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. this morning. Please join us!

July 25 - The 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Persistence in prayer evoked the admiration of Jesus and wins the attention of the Lord when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized - to be rooted and built up in Christ, Jesus the Lord - is to be rooted in prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God's own. "When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me."

Join us for worship at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.