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WELCOMING COMMITTEE

As some of you may know (or will hear about in the near future!), the Evangelism Committee has been working on new activities to expand evangelism education and activities in upcoming months. These activities, however, should not be confused with building membership at Holy Cross. In hearing of some of the evangelism plans at Council, I began to see an opportunity to also enhance and deepen both the present membership relationships at Holy Cross and to expand welcoming actions for visitors and prospective members. I have some ideas of my own, and would like to form a subcommittee of the Evangelism Committee, tentatively named the Welcoming Committee, to work on these opportunities. If you are interested in becoming involved in planning and activities, please contact me. Peace, Catherine Morrissette

The Good News Garage (GNG) is a program of Lutheran Social Services of New England that provides low-income individuals with inexpensive automobiles, which enables them to access job and other economic opportunities, thus helping them to achieve economic independence. The original GNG was founded in Vermont in 1996 and has since expanded into New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. They are interested in offering this service in Maine and are looking for 10 to 12 committed individuals from four to five organizations (churches or community groups) who would be willing to take on this project. A large part of the commitment is to raise at least $123,000 to cover the first year costs and even more the second year. This money will be raised through donations, grants and matching funds. If there are any individuals from Holy Cross that would be interested in volunteering to help this worthy cause, please see a member of the Church Council or the Social Concerns Committee.

The ELCA World Hunger Appeal helps hungry people at home and around the world through relief, long-term development, education and advocacy. Trusted partners, such as Lutheran World Relief and the Lutheran World Federation, provide food to refugees of war and famine and help people escape the "silent disaster" of extreme poverty through sustainable development. Once again this year, we are having a fund raising drive for ELCA World Hunger during the month of August. On the Sundays of August 7th, 14th, and the 21st, there will be envelopes in the bulletins to collect money to be sent directly to this worthy cause. More information will be provided closer to August. If you have any questions, please see a member of the Social Concerns Committee.

As of the writing of this article, there are some schools that arent even done for the summer. But, since this is the only Crier for the summer, the Social Concerns Committee wanted to let everyone know about an important, annual event coming up this August. Once again this year, we are collecting backpacks and school supplies for the kids at Caring Unlimited. Last year, 144 backpacks were collected in partnership with three other churches (Holy Cross collected 44). It would be great if we could top that number this year. The children of Caring Unlimited have a lot to deal with and starting school with a brand new backpack will make their lives that much easier. Beginning the first Sunday in August, there will be a large box in the Narthex in which to put the backpacks and/or school supplies. For the last couple of years, some people have put personal notes in the backpacks wishing the kids luck in the upcoming year. That is a nice touch that is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please see a member of the Social Concerns Committee.

Coming on Saturday, October 1st.....APPLEFEST!! This is a festival celebrating all things apple. There will be apple crafts, apple foods (pies and other deserts), lots of fun things for the kids including bobbing for apples and much more!! Orders will be taken during the last couple of weeks in September from anyone who would like to have a bag of apples but really doesn't have the time to go out to an orchard to pick them. Then on September 25th, a group of people (anyone who wants to join in the fun) will go to a local orchard to pick apples. On Friday night, September 30th, we will have a bake-a-thon to create the mouth-watering apple creations to be sold the next day. All proceeds will go to benefit Habitat for Humanity with matching funds provided by Thrivent. The Social Concerns committee is "sponsoring" this but we would like it to be a church wide effort. In that interest, we are challenging every committee to contribute to this event. If anyone has any appley ideas, please share them with a member of the Social Concerns Committee.

The Social Concerns Committee is pleased to invite members and friends of the church to a potluck supper on Monday, July 11th. Our special guest will be ELCA medical missionary to China, Judy Perry. Holy Cross has been sponsoring Judy for five years in her work with Evergreen Ministries in mainland China. Judy has visited with us on several occasions over the years and we are delighted to have the opportunity to fellowship with her and hear first-hand about the work in China. Sign up sheets are in the Narthex. Please sign up by Sunday July 10. If you have any questions or would like to help set up for the potluck supper please contact Julie Clapp or Cheryl Mills.

By now you have probably heard that the youth of the church will be performing Godspell Jr. this summer at Holy Cross. Mark your calendars for performance dates of Friday and Saturday, August 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday August 21 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The congregation of Holy Cross is invited to a special open dress rehearsal on Thursday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of tickets for this special performance, donations will be accepted.

Twenty Holy Cross youth, ages 8 through 18, will be performing in this youth adaptation of the famous musical Godspell. Many adults are assisting in the production under the leadership of Vicki Cherry, director, Jane Lauder King, producer and Warren King, musical director.

One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, Godspell is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. Featuring a sparkling score by three-time Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz, Godspell boasts a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit, "Day by Day." Godspell Junior is a celebration of the life and teachings of Christ, presented through parables brought to life in a production just over an hour long. Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, Godspell Junior is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love.

A production of this magnitude has many expenses. The council has approved the sale of business and personal sponsorship ads in the program to defray production costs and support the HCLC music program. Ad/Sponsorship forms will be available in the Narthex in July. Please see Cheryl Dearman Mills if you would be interested in placing an ad in the program.

Back by popular demand is the summer cookout at the Rotvigs, to be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 4:30. Bring a simple food or drink to share. Sign up in the Narthex and see Helen or Roger for directions. Young at Heart is a group of "55ish" and older who gather on a regular basis throughout the year for fun and fellowship. All are welcome

You may have seen the article about this group from St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, NY, in the March edition of The Lutheran. We have made arrangements for them to come to Holy Cross this summer, performing 2 concerts at church for the community and enriching our worship on Sunday morning. They will also be going to Calumet to perform. They will be arriving at church during the day on July 7th, doing the community concerts on the evenings of July 7th and 8th, performing at Calumet on July 9th, and joining us for worship on July 10th. A fundraiser was held during the month of June, selling books from Augsburg with Thrivent matching funds, to help pay for the trip. Any money raised at the concert will also help defray expenses, with the balance going to the orchestra.

We need help with some simple meals at church and with a reception after each concert. There is a signup sheet in the Narthex to help with meal preparation and/or to donate food, desserts, or drinks. Providing local transportation is also needed. And if you live in Kennebunk and could offer an afternoon shower on Friday for those who are staying in homes some distance from church, please let me know. Karen.

The Board of Deacons is now making visits to those in the congregation who could benefit from visitation, especially those who are ill, shut-in, or absent. If you would like to request a visit or if you would like to serve as a Deacon, contact Karen.

The Wednesday 8:30 a.m. Bible Study group has begun a new series on Women of the Old Testament. Although the study is about women, men are welcome as well. Please join us!

An idea that was born in the Worship Committee and that will now be taken over by Evangelism Committee has come to completion. An attractive blue folder that says "Welcome!" on the cover is now available in the Narthex for all guests and visitors. If you are a member of the congregation, we hope that you will look at the folders but not take them home with you - unless you intend to give them to someone as an invitation to learn more about the church. There is a limited supply and we hope to have them available for visitors or others who are interested in learning more about us. The inside information is easily updated. If you want to make changes or corrections, contact Karen or Carol Olson.

I have a very large, durable pressure treated wood ramp at my home that I will gladly give away to anyone in need, if you come and get it. It would need to be dismantled in sections. See Karen for further information.

The New England Synod's annual workshop event, "Rooted for Life - Journeys of Faith," will be held on Saturday, October 15th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester, MA. Forty-five different workshops will be offered, covering many aspects of faith journeys, led by leaders from other synods, seminary faculty, and local synod staff, pastors and lay persons. Register early to get the best choice of workshops. Before August 31st, the fee is $20 for electronic submission, $25 for paper. This includes continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The fee increases to $30 and $35 after that date. Registration details can be found at www.nesynod.org or on the board in the Narthex. Local housing in homes will be available to first comers with a deadline of August 31st. Last date to register is September 30th. See Karen for further information.

Once again Calumet will be having the best summer ever. Holy Cross has reserved family camping sites for a congregational campout on the weekend of August 5-7. Plan to come for one or two nights. Cost is $35 per night per site. Tents are available if you need one. Or join us for the day on Saturday. We will be having a campfire potluck on Saturday evening around 5:30. There is also swimming, canoes, pontoon boat ride, kids games and playground, hiking trails, evening entertainment, or just lazing in the sun (hopefully!). Sunday worship is in the outdoor chapel at 10:00 a.m. SIGN UP IN THE NARTHEX BY JULY 10TH or see Karen. Contact the camp to make a deposit.

On Wednesday evening, July 27th at 6:00, we will be having a casual meal, followed by an evening of workshops on the arts. If you have a special talent and would like to lead a workshop of about an hour, please let Karen know so that she can put you on the program. There will be separate events for children. Look for further information in the bulletin.

The "Link" is an award winning free publication of the New England Synod featuring news from around the synod. It is mailed to all who would like a copy and is also available on the synod website, www.nesynod.org. If you would like to be on the mailing list, send your name and address to New England Synod, 20 Upland St., Worcester, MA 01607 or call them at 508-791-1530.

An audio diary series featuring one of the chaplains from the New England Synod who was deployed in Iraq has won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for Broadcast Excellence for PBS radio station WSLU-FM, Canton, N.Y. During his 10-month deployment to Iraq, Major Eric Olsen, chaplain with the 2-108th Infantry Battalion of the New York Army National Guard, contributed regular audio diaries from his base north of

Baghdad. The diaries, broadcast by North Country Public Radio (WSLU-FM, Canton, N.Y.), were kept by Olsen and his wife, Susan Nagle, who live in Saranac Lake, N.Y., with their two young sons, Garth and Evan. "The diary was a chance to express the concerns of many of the soldiers that I served with," Chaplain Olsen said. "I could explore their emotions, their feelings and their thoughts about being in Iraq." The national award came as a "shock and a half" to him. Chaplain Olsen, a 1987 graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, is a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Saranac Lake. He leads Sunday services at both Adirondack and Gabriels Correctional Facilities, where he has served as chaplain since 1999. To hear Chaplain Olsen's audio diary, visit www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/iraqdiary.html .

On June 18th we actually managed to surprise Pastor Rich with a dinner and evening of fun and gifts. About 120 people attended this wonderful event. So many participated in making it a success, from peeling potatoes in the morning to putting away the last chair at night. Thanks to all of you who helped and to all of you who attended. Our church family came together to share in a great time and to express our care and appreciation of our fine pastor.

As with many things in the summer, this group will be taking a break and not singing in July. However, in August we will return to the Atria on August 21st from 3:00-4:00. Everyone is welcome to join us, whether to lead in singing or to sit with the folks from the facility, lending a smile and friendly greeting.

Your church council welcomed three new members in June, as it bid farewell to others whose terms have expired. Sincere thanks to Julie Clapp, Deb Rich and Larry Orme who have served faithfully. Although Julie will no longer be on council, she will continue in her role as Treasurer of the Congregation, a position appointed by the council. Roger Rotvig has also been re-appointed as Financial Secretary.

We want you to know a little bit about some of our council members. In the next newsletter we will introduce others.

BRUCE COOK, a new council member, is the principal of Brunswick High School. He and Mary have been married for 37 years and have three grown children and one grandchild. Bruce has been an avid road bicyclist for 15 years.

JACK BATES, another new member, is a retired appliance salesman. He now volunteers two full days at the Goodall Hospital in Sanford. Jack loves to cook and travel. He has 12 grandchildren.

BOB KREIE has been a charter member of Holy Cross since 1971. He is retired with no spare time (too busy organizing my wife!). Bob has been married 44 years and has 4 children, 4 grandchildren and another due by the end of June. He feels blessed by our Lord many times over.

CATHERINE MORRISSETTE has been at Holy Cross (with a little sojourn) since 1979 when she and husband, Art, moved to the area. She works at UnumProvident in disability litigation. In her spare time (what's that?) she likes to read, garden and do a little knitting. She once lived in Brazil for 10 weeks as an AFS exchange student, has been back once with Art and still keeps in touch with her Brazilian family.

On May 28th, Barbara Nurnberger welcomed a new great grandchild, Alyssa Grace, daughter of Sarah Kenyon and Ralph Dubois. Congratulations!

CHOIR NOTES

Here we are, almost into summer when things are supposed to slow down and we have a lot happening here at Holy Cross. Starting right after Memorial Day, we begin rehearsing for Godspell Junior, which will be performed in the sanctuary in August. This is a wonderful production geared toward the youth with the music from the original musical Godspell. We are looking for youth between the ages of 8-18 to perform in the show. There are roles for singing, dancing, speaking. We also need adults who can help us with sets, costumes, scenery, makeup, etc. This show is great opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the wonderful music program here. Contact either Vicky Cherry or me for more information. Also, mark your calendars for the following events. Sept 18 will be the organ dedication concert, Oct 20, a choir from Germany will perform in the Sanctuary. Peace, Warren

Every summer for many, many years, I have spent a week at the family camp at Calumet. It is a wonderful place for adults and children to relax, participate in the many activities offered, meet new friends, and worship in the outdoor chapel with hundreds of others who show up on Sunday morning. For many of those many years, I have gone to camp the week of the July 4th holiday. Every year many of the same familiar faces are on the beach and time is spent with people who have become friends. We have watched our own children grow up there and are now watching others and even grandchildren become part of the Calumet family. Being at Calumet gives you the opportunity to nurture your body, mind and spirit. For me, sitting on the beach or taking a short hike can melt away stress. My mind begins to let go of its clutter as I think about little more than what I will order for lunch at the beach barbecue. In addition to Sunday worship, morning devotions or Bible study and evening vespers on the beach provide opportunities for spiritual growth.

Whether you have never been to Calumet or you are a long time camper like myself, we are providing an opportunity for you to experience the joy of being in the outdoors with other Christians. Join us on beautiful Lake Ossipee for a weekend of family camping, August 5-7. Extra tents are available. Or just come for the day on Saturday - the camp is only a 75 minute drive from Kennebunk. Please signup by July 10th - details are on the board in the Narthex.

Have a peaceful and blessed summer,

Karen

Vacation Bible Camp was held the week of June 27th. The theme this year was "Serengeti Trek, Where Kids are Wild about God!" Many adults, youth and friends of Holy Cross helped with all the activities. The week before Bible Camp began, a very talented and terrific group of kids and adults worked on the props. They spent many hours drawing, cutting, painted and building some fantastic decorations! Many thanks go out to the following for all their hard work and dedication: Ryan Richmond, Kayla Richmond, Jenna Horner, Katie Anderson, Allie Janiak, Michele Janiak, Tyler Janiak, Courtney Janiak, Annie Keating, Jessica Blazas, Jillian Blazas, Jana Blazas, Elaine Ballute, Andrea Ballute, Vicky Cherry and Mary Keating. You are all terrific!

There will be a more detailed article with pictures of Vacation Bible Camp in the Fall edition of the Crier!

Have you noticed how many flowers we've had in the sanctuary lately?  During Easter season, there were flowers on both levels of the reredos, in the open niche, and in front of the altar.  On Pentecost we had four vases of flowers, one pair dedicated by one of our families, and the other dedicated by the entire congregation, as is the tradition here at Holy Cross for Confirmation Day.  The Worship Committee wants to encourage people to donate flowers whenever they feel moved to, and to do so to whatever degree they're comfortable with financially.  This is why we've placed the new Flower Fund envelopes in the pews, with a space for donors to write in the dedication they would like for flowers purchased for a particular Sunday, or to make contributions without a dedication, just to assure flowers when needed.  As our congregation grows, we can expect that some Sundays there may be two or more dedications.  Each dedication will be represented by a distinctive pair of flower arrangements, and the placement representing each dedication will be noted in the bulletin.  When you dedicate flowers for a particular Sunday, you are entitled to take them with you after the second service.  When flowers are not taken home by the donor, we will freshen them to fill out arrangements for the next Sunday, or they may be presented to the elderly or ill.  For instance, Sharing the Joy has taken flowers with them to assisted living facilities.

Worship Committee has asked a group of volunteers, the Flower Guild, to manage the sanctuary flowers.  Flowers are a colorful reminder of the infinite beauty of God's creation, as well as the ephemeral nature of earthly life.  We purchase and arrange flowers with the contributions parishioners make, and we will also help arrange and place flowers parishioners bring in themselves.  We'll even try to meet your flower preferences when you're making a dedication.  Flowers also reinforce the symbolism of the liturgical colors used throughout the church year, such as white during Easter and red for Pentecost Sunday.  Pentecost season, which lasts until Advent, is called "ordinary time" in the liturgical lexicon.  The color designated for ordinary time is green.  Pentecost is a season of growth.  It is the birth of the people of God, the Church.  The green on the altar also symbolizes growth, as God's love grows in our hearts.  Green plants in the niches give us a visual reminder of the growth that takes place during Pentecost.  As the season progresses, you will see how the plants are growing.  

If you would be interested in helping with Flower Guild, please contact Jane King.

The paschal candle which was consecrated on Easter Sunday morning, and which we kept lit throughout the season of Easter, has moved!  Lutheran tradition has the paschal candle move to a less central position after Pentecost, to signify the change in the church seasons.  

According to the ELCA, after the Day of Pentecost, the paschal candle is placed on its stand near the baptismal font as a visual reminder that in our baptism, we are crucified and resurrected with Christ. The candle is lighted at each celebration of Baptism, at which time small baptismal candles are lighted from it for presentation to the baptized or sponsor. This act is a visual reminder of the integral connection between Baptism and Easter.

 For funerals, the paschal candle is lighted and placed in its stand at the head of the casket during the funeral rite. The paschal candle visually proclaims the message of Romans 6:3-5 (used at the beginning of the burial liturgy): "In our Baptism we have already died and been raised with Christ."

NOTE:   There was a question recently as the whether or not someone could receive The Crier by e-mail only, i.e. not receive it by snail mail.  This matter was discussed when we first decided to offer The Crier on-line and by e-mail .  It was discovered that in order for the church to continue to receive the bulk rate at the post office, we would have to continue to mail it to everyone.  It is cheaper to send it to everyone at the bulk rate than it is to send it to fewer people and paying for regular postage. There are also a few items that are not posted on-line such as prayer requests (due to privacy concerns) and any games or puzzles.   We will continue to look into this and, if the situation changes - as in having enough people to cover the bulk rate that we can offer only the electronic version to some people, we will let you know.  Thank you!