From the Pastor …

In a recent sermon Vicar Karen made mention of the fact that Holy Cross "has a big heart." I couldn't agree more. I think that is an accurate description for our congregation.

Having a big heart has a couple of dimensions. One is the degree to which the people of Holy Cross care for one another. Sharing in each other's joys and sorrows. Being there to provide help and support. Lifting each other up in prayer. Making phone calls, sending notes, preparing meals. Encouraging one another in times of struggle and congratulating each other in times of celebration. Many different ways, big and small, in which we live in relationship with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Sharing with each other the sacrificial, "other-oriented" love that we ourselves have received so abundantly and so freely from Jesus. Though we can always grow in our expressions of care for people in our congregation, Holy Cross does, indeed, have a big heart in this aspect of our life together.

Another dimension of "big heartedness" has to do with the care that is shown for people who are not members of our congregation. The ways in which we reach out into the wider community, with the love and grace of Jesus. Inviting people to come and take part in the life of our church -- and providing a warm welcome to those who are newcomers in our midst. Also the many ways in which we provide material support, money, and encouragement for those who are in need. Backpacks and school supplies for Caring Unlimited, socks for The Outdoor Church, canned goods for the food pantry and Holiday Food Baskets, animals for the Heifer Project. Along with funding for Florence House, Camp Calumet, Biddeford Free Clinic, Pastor's Discretionary.

Then there are also the free meals that are served each month at Holy Cross, to not only feed people in body, but also in spirit. The Share the Bounty bean supper on the first Saturday of the month, and the Harvest Café dinner on the third Thursday of the month, have both been in existence for quite a while, with many "regulars" in attendance at each. Very recently a third opportunity has been added, with a Friendship Lunch on the second Tuesday of the month. The Friendship Lunch got off to a great start in October, serving a selection of five different soups (!) to a group of 26 people (another person came too late, after the meal had concluded, but said she would be back in November!). Each of these meals is made possible by many different people giving generously of their time and energy, in ministering to the needs of those in our wider community.

Other specific examples could be cited to support the description of Holy Cross as having "a big heart," but those already mentioned are certainly indicative of the character of this congregation. Making note of the many ways in which love and care are demonstrated by the people of Holy Cross, toward both those inside and outside the church, is not for the purpose of patting ourselves on the back, or becoming prideful. The purpose is, instead, to highlight and to celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our midst! Not by our own strength, but by God's, are we able to live faithful lives of service. The blessings God bestows upon us, which make such service possible, are cause for deep thankfulness and gratitude.

I am glad to be serving as pastor alongside all of you, as we work together to share the good news of what God has done, and continues to do, through his son Jesus. Following in the footsteps of our Lord, who has the biggest heart of all, our heart for serving others will continue to develop and become even stronger, as will our spirit of thankfulness and gratitude.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Rich