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The Crier
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AIM RELECTIONS
It is called mud season with good reason! But in spite of the dirt and grime that spreads itself onto our shoes and into our homes, we are still thankful for the rain that helps to bring forth the beautiful green grass, spring flowers and budding trees.
It is also called the Easter season for good reason! In spite of the dirt and grime of our sin that spreads itself into our lives, we can rejoice in the radiant good news that Jesus not only died to cleanse us from our sin, but also was raised to new life on Easter morning. In the six Sundays that follow Easter Sunday, we hear the wonderful stories that tell us more about the Christ who is risen indeed. We are resurrection people, living in the hope and promise of life with our Lord, not just in the future, but here and now, everyday. I hope that you will join us on each of the Sundays of the Easter season as we continue the celebration of the resurrection and rejoice with Mary Magdalene who announced to the disciples: "I have seen the Lord!" Karen
MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER
In February, Linda Gaidimas and I went to New York City to go to some museums and plays and we attended the early service at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. This church has been in Manhattan since the 1800s and eventually sold its land to Citicorp, but remains onsite, mostly below ground in a very modern and striking facility. It has a special ministry to the jazz community of the city, with Jazz Vespers that has different jazz groups playing every Sunday at 5:00. As soon as we entered the building at a little after eight, one of the pastors greeted us and showed us around. It's a wonderful modern building, with displays by local artists on the walls of both floors - changing every couple of months.
The service was traditional, in a small chapel just large enough to hold the twelve of us, and a tiny organ to provide music. Sculptures on the walls were by the famous artist Louise Nevelson. We were invited to have coffee (of course!) and stay for the Adult Forum. Some of the members of the church were going on a trip in March to Turkey to see Islamic and early Christian sites. A member of the church who works as a docent at the Metropolitan Museum did a slide show and lecture about Islamic art, so the members would know what to look for on their trip. People at the church were very friendly, wanting to know where we were from, what our Parish Ed was doing, and what Holy Cross's theme was for this year. (Our theme this year is "You Are Invited!"). Their theme this year is "Peace and Justice."
On Tuesday morning, I received a warm letter from the Pastors, thanking me for attending. I realize it might be a "form" letter, but it left me with the feeling that my presence at church that Sunday had been valued, even if only as a traveling visitor.
Our new Welcoming Committee is endeavoring to provide a warm welcome to visitors, and everyone can help by noticing new people, helping them navigate the service, find where things are, and just being friendly. Catherine Morrissette
2006 ELCA GLOBAL MISSION EVENT
Mark your calendars now for the 2006 ELCA Global Mission Event (GME) July 27-30 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass. Join missionaries, international church leaders, Episcopalians and ELCA members in celebrating God's mission in the world. Plenary speakers include ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold of The Episcopal Church USA, contemporary Chinese Christian artist He Qi, and the Al-Raja (Hope) Folk Dance Troupe from Ramallah in the Holy Land. With childcare and special programs for children, junior and senior high youth, the GME is great for congregations, confirmation classes, families, singles and youth! It's not just another conference; its a Holy Ghost party! For more information or to register, visit the New England Synod Web site, www.nesynod.org . The event is being co-sponsored by The Episcopal Church USA.
SPAGHETTI DINNER ON MAY 19
Join members of the Social Concerns Committee at the York County Shelters "Mama Mia" dinner on Friday, May 19. "Mama Mia" is an all you can eat spaghetti, pizza and salad dinner and all proceeds benefit the shelter. Dinner is served from 5-7 p.m. The cost is $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children.
The York County Shelter is located at the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred. Directions and a sign up sheet will be posted in the Narthex. If you need a ride or would like to carpool, please indicate on the sign up sheet. Members of the Social Concerns Committee and anyone interested in carpooling will meet in the church parking lot at 4:30 on Friday, May 19.
The York County Shelter provides temporary and transitional housing and training for individuals and families in York County. Holy Cross supports the Shelter in various ways, including the giving of hand-knit hats, gloves and scarves this winter. Join us for a fun and delicious dinner while supporting a worthy cause. For more information, contact Cheryl Mills or Linda Gaidimas.
GOOD NEWS - BAD NEWS
When I started the Jr. Confirmation class at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Duluth in the fall of 1943, Pastor Nelson began with what we would now call a "Good News - Bad News" announcement. His bad news was that before we could be confirmed in the spring of 1945, we would have to perfectly memorize Luther's Small Catechism. His good news was that we would learn it in English, not Swedish.
We used the 1939 edition published by the Augustan Book Concern. Some of our Sunday School teachers were saying that the new wordings were too modern for them and the young people would not be as properly instructed as they should be. For me, it was all "Good News" since I not only did my memory work as expected, but I have never forgotten it, even to this day.
The power of Luther's instructive words keep coming back into my consciousness just when I need it most. To remember his explanation to what "water in baptism means", "that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil lusts, should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance&and that the new man should daily come forth and rise, to live before God in righteousness and holiness for ever", is a reminder without which I dont think I could live peacefully.
And do you want a definition of "Grace Alone" that jumps up and hits you between the eyes? Try regularly playing over in your mind Luther's explanation to the third article of the Apostles' Creed. "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him, but the Holy Spirit has called, enlightened, sanctified and preserved me in the true faith, (just) as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth"
So, pity the poor youngsters today when we do not require that they memorize these great statements of faith that can be with them all their lives. We mistakenly think that memorization is not something they are willing to do these days. If you watched the half-time show at the Super Bowl this year, you should abandon that assumption. A few thousand teenagers jumped up and down for a half-hour, singing, from memory, every word of the songs being sung by the performers on stage. Every word!
Memorization comes through a different vehicle these days than in mine. Teens today have song words etched forever in their minds through repeated listening to the lyrics and singing along as their I-Pods and other equipment drum it into their brains.
What we should be doing, is having parts of the catechism, as well as of scripture, down loadable onto their latest electronic equipment and encourage the young people of the Church to commit a few minutes every day to the process of allowing the Holy Spirit to etch these life giving truths into their very receptive minds. Roger Rotvig
HOLY COMMUNION CLASS
On Palm Sunday, the following young people from Holy Cross received the Lord's Supper after completing the Holy Communion class. They also wrote some of the petitions for the prayer of the church, included below. Learn more about these fine youth and keep them in your prayers.
KAYLA CREELMAN is in the third grade at Wells Elementary School. She was born at the Air Force Academy in Co. Her favorite activities include gymnastics and soccer and she is on the soccer travel team. She also loves dogs, math, piano and gardening. She has an older sister Mariah. In her prayers, Kayla wrote: Dear God, thank you for bringing all the people together when we have Communion. Also, take care of those who are fighting in Iraq. Amen.
MARIAH CREELMAN is in the 6th grade at Wells Junior High School. She was born at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Her favorite activities include track, piano and flute. She also loves animals, especially birds, and neopets.com. She has a younger sister, Kayla. In her prayers, Mariah wrote: Dear God, please help Uncle Jeff recover from his surgery. Also help the people that have AIDS, other diseases, the sick, and the poor people. Amen.
JEDD DILL is in the 5th grade at Sea Road School. He loves to read and play saxophone. He is an avid downhill skier and also plays football, basketball and baseball. He is kind and has a great sense of humor. He has an older sister, Haley, and very much appreciates his family and friends. In his prayers, Jedd wrote: Please help the starving people on earth, the homeless, and the poor. Help me donate to those needs. Amen
ANDERS JEPSON is in the 4th grade at the Wentworth School in Scarborough. He plays lacrosse and soccer, as well as the piano. His favorite classes in school are art and gym. He also loves to read. He has a younger brother, Camden. In his prayers, Anders wrote: Dear God, please help the people who are not as fortunate as us by giving them basic needs. Amen.
CALLUM MALOY is in the 4th grade at John F. Kennedy School in Biddeford. He loves football, baseball, visiting his grandparents on the lake, and anything outdoors. He is a twin brother to Maggie and he has an older brother, Clint. Cal loves life in general! In his prayers, Callum wrote: Dear God, I hope Eugene will get better and get to know how to talk as good as me or better. Amen
MAGGIE MALOY is in the 4th grade at John F. Kennedy School in Biddeford. She loves gymnastics, cheerleading, visiting her grandparents on the lake, and anything outdoors. She is a twin sister to Callum and she has an older brother, Clint. Maggie loves life in general! In her prayers, Maggie wrote: Dear God, I ask and pray for my great grandmother, Banana, and keep her well. I would also like to pray for Gramma that she does not get sick from her surgery and pray for others in need. Amen.
ZACK PETERS is in the 4th grade at Waterboro Elementary School. He enjoys piano, drama, soccer and basketball. He especially loves to play basketball with his twin brothers, Michael and Ryan, and looks forward to weekends when his sisters, Sarah and Katie, can come home. In his prayers, Zack wrote: Dear Lord, help Oma Oswald and Oma Peters to get to see us more so they won't be lonely. Amen.
YOUTH SUNDAY
Our annual Youth Sunday will be held on May 7 at both services. Youth will be leading worship by ushering, reading, singing, and a skit. The pre-K through third graders are practicing a song in Sunday School. Those in fourth grade and older can sign up on the board in the Narthex for other positions of leadership including parts for the skit. A skit rehearsal will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 -11:30. (This rehearsal is only for children in the skit.) That is also church cleanup day, so bring your family to help with beautifying our church while lending us your kids to practice for the skit. Contact Karen if you have any questions.
BLESSING OF THE EASTER SEASON AND OUR RISEN LORD!
Easter Sunday, April 16th this year, begins the season of Easter, which will extend through the end of April and the entire month of May. The celebration of Pentecost on June 4th will be our transition into the Pentecost season, the longest season of the church year. One significant observance during the Easter season is the celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord, during the last week of May. After Jesus' resurrection and visitations to the disciples, he met with them on a mountain in Galilee, and spoke to them in His physical form one last time. It was in His parting words that they - and we - received the Great Commission: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16: 15-16
Hearing these words has sometimes troubled me greatly. Who am I to preach the news of Jesus? I'm shy - much more a follower than a leader. I would never go door to door or stand in a public place to profess my faith. Does bearing witness and teaching about Christ have to be done in bold and outspoken ways? Not all of us have the gift to speak confidently to people who don't know, or may know to be unreceptive. Isn't there something else I can do?
God has granted to each of us our own special gift, and in Romans 12 we find these words: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Here I have found that "bearing witness" and living out God's Great Commission can be accomplished in a variety of ways, by each of us according to our own gifts.
And, in the event we are called upon to speak for Christ in a moment of uncertainty, we have only to remember Jesus' own words found in Luke 21: "For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life." May these words be a comfort to you, as they have been to me. Cathy Hammond
YOUNG AT HEART TEA
Back by popular demand and to celebrate the 95th birthday of Dorothy Klinefelter, a tea will be held at the home of Mary Keating on May 12 at 1:00. Please contact Karen or sign up on the board in the Narthex.
"Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?"
Job 12:12
Happy 95th birthday, Dorothy!!!
"GROWING THROUGH DIVORCE"
Beginning on April 27 for 6 weeks, a support group will be held for single adults who are in the process of obtaining a divorce or who are already divorced. The focus will not be on "going" through a divorce, but rather on "growing." There will also be a concurrent group for their older children and child care for younger children. The evening will begin at 5:30 with a simple family meal and end at 7:30. A donation of $5 per family per week includes the meal, classes and childcare. Please register in advance by contacting Karen or leaving a message with the church office.
HELP WANTED: If you can help to prepare, serve, or cleanup a simple meal for the Divorce Group on Thursday evenings, please sign up in the Narthex. Donations of soup, salad, etc would also be appreciated.
FATHER AND SON BANQUET
Last year we advertised this event to mislead Pastor Rich - instead we actually had a surprise celebration of his 20th anniversary of ordination. This year we plan to have an actual Father/Son banquet on the eve of Father's Day, Saturday, June 17 at 6:00. This is no joke - it will really happen! Put this date on your calendar now. And ladies - we will need your help! Contact Karen.
SHARING THE JOY
We will be singing along with the residents of Atria on May 21 at 3:00. Come and join us as we sing old hymns such as "In the Garden" and old favorite tunes such as "Darlin' Clementine" and "Wild Irish Rose". If you don't want to sing, come and help to turn pages or to visit with our Atria friends. All ages are welcome including children and youth.
REQUEST FROM THE COUNTERS
The devoted counters have a simple request of the congregation. It will make their job much easier if a member's envelope number is written in the memo line of their check if the member is not using an offering envelope. Thank you!!
SPRING CLEAN UP DAY
Spring has sprung,
Grass is riz,
And what a mess,
The churchyard is!
Spring clean up day will be May 6, 2006 from 8 am to noon. Bring your rakes and cleaning supplies and let';s get the church and grounds fixed up for the summer! Coffee and donuts will be provided to get everyone going. Many hands make light work!!
MOTHER'S DAY - MAY 14TH
Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
SOUL JAM 2006 AT FUNTOWN USA, SACO
Saturday, May 27th
Presented by Light of Life Ministries.
Four stages - Over 20 bands & artists - Thrilling rides
Funtown USA and Light of Life Ministries invites you to enjoy a fun-filled day of Christian music and ministry with family and friends. For more information, please see Elaine Ballute.
What a way to kick off your summer fun!
PARISH ED NEWS
Sunday School classes will meet for the last time this year on May 28th. Come celebrate the friendships you have developed over the school year and share good wishes for the summer break.
Don't forget to sign up for Vacation Bible Camp!
The dying Jesus is the evidence of God's anger toward sin;
but the living Jesus is the proof of God's love and forgiveness.
- Lorenz Eifert
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