The Check in the Mail There are many different ways in which people might use the economic stimulus check that has come (or will be coming) in the mail. For some it may serve as welcome relief, in helping to pay for needed food, fuel, medicine and the like. For others it may provide a means by which to get out from under a heavy burden of debt. If you are in a position to do so, however, another possibility would be to give a portion of your check to help others -- whatever form that may take, be it to the church or some other charity. The challenge in this particular instance, as in regard to all the financial resources with which we are entrusted, is to include prayer in the decision making process -- and to then act as the Holy Spirit provides direction.

Summer School is beginning  Over the last few years, I have missed having an Adult Forum during the summer, so this year we are going to try something new: Church Summer School.  Over the next eight weeks, I will lead a ‘directed self-study’ of Hebrews.  The goal is to encourage regular Bible study through the summer in a format that works with our schedule. The format will be as follows:  Week one a brief historical overview, weeks 2-5 directed old testament readings that help elucidate Hebrews, weeks 6-8 a brief look at how Christ surpasses all.  You’re all invited to join in for these 20 minute sessions (held between the morning services in Luther Hall).  God Bless, Mike Scott

Vacation Bible Camp Mark your Calendars - Vacation Bible Camp is June 23-27!   Group's "Power Lab" promises to be a blast!  Meet New Friends, Make Amazing Crafts, Eat Wacky Snacks, Mind Blowing Adventures, Hyperspeed Games, Incredible Music, and Explosive Experiments!   We are looking for folks to help June 22 (after late service for set up, and June 23 thru June 27 (for VBC itself).  We need Group Leaders, Crafters, Snack Makers (and eaters too!), Decorators, and Cleaner-uppers!  Can't make the whole week? That's OK too!  Come by when you can and we'll put you to work! Call Tammy Krampetz for more information.

Social Concerns Craft Day The next craft day will be held on Saturday, June 28th, from 9-1, lunch
included. We will continue work on our projects for the August Blueberry Festival that will raise funds for local and world hunger. No talent needed. Contact Linda Gaidimas  for further information.

The next Chick Flicks will be held on Saturday, June 28 starting at 11:30 am. We will be meeting at Ricetta's for lunch and then back to church for a desert of ice cream sundaes and to watch the movie 13 Going On 30 starring Jennifer Garner. We will be done in plenty of time for the service at 5:30. The sign up is on the board in the Narthex.

Disaster Relief  The Social Concerns Committee is sponsoring a fund drive for aid to those who have been victims of many severe natural disasters throughout the world. The committee has placed a coca-cola bucket in the narthex for your donations. We are asking that you give up a cup of coffee or a soda and donate that money instead to our offering for Lutheran Disaster Relief. We will be designating half of the funds for the earthquake in China and half for domestic floods/tornados/fires.

The Crier Deadline beginning with the August Crier will be the second Tuesday of the month.  For August. The deadline will be July 8th.  This is a “hard” deadline that will allow for the Crier to be edited, printed and mailed well in advance of the beginning of each month.  Please watch the deadline!

Young at Heart Our annual garden party at the Rotvig's will be held on Sunday, July 20th, at 4:00. Bring something to share. Sign up on the board in the Narthex.

Women's Summer Conversation Group -- From July 9th - August 20th, each Wednesday night at 7:00 we will be having a discussion group for women in the middle stages of life. Meeting in the Sunday School area where it is nice and cool, we will share dessert, conversation, and prayer about both the joys and challenges of living as Christian women. Come when you can but please sign up in the Narthex so we can plan for desserts. Karen will begin the discussion, but others are encouraged to keep it going.

Carpooling -- With the price of gas continually rising, we don’t want anyone to not come to worship or other events happening at church due to the expense of driving or for other transportation issues. Therefore we are trying to develop a list of people who might consider carpooling. Karen is developing the list and would appreciate your contacting her or the church office if you are interested in carpooling. Please indicate which service you usually attend, where you live, and whether you would need a ride, be willing to drive someone else, or be willing to take turns driving. She will then get back to all who respond and try to make it work. There is also a sign up sheet on the board in the Narthex.

Greeters:  Anyone who would like to serve as a Greeter at any service in the next few months can sign up on the board in the Narthex.  Sign up for one or multiple serves on Saturday or Sundays.  A list of duties is also provided, with contact information for any questions.

 Share the Bounty: On the first Saturday of every month, from 4:30 to 6:00, Holy Cross offers a free meal to the community at large of home made baked beans, hot dogs, cole slaw, bread and desert.  There is usually live entertainment offered by our own musicians.  Everyone is invited to come share in a wonderful meal.  If anyone from Holy Cross would like to help with preparing the meal, serving or cleaning up, please see Ann or Mike Scott. 

Prayer Partners:  Prayer Partners (a group of about 25 members of Holy Cross) are committed to lifting up your requests before God - prayers of concern as well as of celebration.  Prayer requests can be made by phone to the church office or to the prayer e-mail address for e-mail.  The prayer list are those who during the Sunday morning worship are lifted up by name for healing of mind, body, and spirit.  To have a name included on the Prayer List, please contact the church office.

Church Revenues: Please see the bulletin board in Luther Hall for the Treasurer's Report.
 
Altar Flowers: The Worship Committee would like to remind everyone that there is a sign up sheet in the Narthex for altar flowers in the Sancturary on Sundays. Please fill out the envelope you will find there or in the pew racks and place it with a check in the offering plate, or drop it off at the church office.   Flower offerings may be made in any amount comfortable for you, with or without a dedication, or you may bring your own.  More than one dedication may be given for a particular Sunday, which is why there are two lines for each date on the Narthex sign-up sheet.

Tuesday 8:30 A.M. Bible Study: This group, along with care and prayer, has begun a new study on Amos.  All are welcome to join us for prayer and study!

Healthy Living Support Group:   Meeting once a month on the first Tuesday at 6:00 pm.  Please come join us to learn about and get support around a healthier lifestyle!!

Harvest Cafe: The "Harvest Cafe" serves a dinner every third Thursday of the month that is open to everyone in the surrounding community. On average, 60 or so people come each month to enjoy good fellowship and great food. Additional people who could help with food preparation from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon would be much appreciated. (This would involve cutting up lots of vegetables). The work takes place in the Holy Cross kitchen. If you can help, please contact the church office.