Maybe it's because I can still hit the high (for a man) D note that starts the music, but I think it is the beautiful combination of words and music that marks the high point of the Liturgy to me.

Knowing that I am a traditionalist through and through, someone asked me what was for me the most meaningful part of our Green Book liturgy. It took me a while to think this through, but I finally settled on the section on page 62 where the congregation rises and sings an introduction to the hearing of the Gospel.

In this world today where so many people tell us they have the answers to lifes problems, these 13 words, set to a haunting bit of music have, in a nutshell, the question and answer of the ages.

"Lord, to whom shall we go?"

"You have the words of eternal life."

Introduced with an Alleluia and concluded with two more, it is a brief, but beautiful way to declare ourselves prepared to hear the reading of the days Gospel and the Spirit led Sermon.

Roger Rotvig

MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER

I love doing puzzles of all kinds. I always have. So I was very pleased when I learned (at Healthy Living) that doing puzzles can help prevent dementia. Here is one that you can try to begin your dementia prevention program.

Fill in the blanks by answering the questions. All answers are books of the Bible.

1. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ He was left at Ephesus by Paul
*
2. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ These books deal with lots of sins
*
3. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ He forgave Onesimus
*
4. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ The book of love
*
5. __ __ __ __ __ He was in charge of the church on Crete
*
6. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ He had the vision of the valley of dry bones
*
7. __ __ __ __ __ __ She became Xerxes' queen
*
8. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ He had a vision about the destruction of Edom

9. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ He led the third return to Jerusalem after the exile in
Babylon

.Unscramble the first letters of the answers to get the name of one of the seasons of the church year:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

The starred {*} letters spell the gift associated with this season:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

Answers in the next Crier. Happy puzzling! Ann Scott

ADOPT A GARDEN

Have you noticed the improvements in our church landscaping? Flowers and ornamental plants are springing up everywhere!

As of the date this is written, 12 of the 18 plots have been "adopted," with visible improvements. If you would like to adopt an area of the grounds to give special attention to, just sign up on the whiteboard in the Narthex, and take the plan of your plot to help you design your space.

In connection with the garden adoption program, local author Allan Swenson, who wrote Flowers of the Bible, has agreed to make a presentation on the subject for us. His presentation is scheduled for September, which will be a good time for planting perennials, and for planning annual plantings. if you'd like to read up on the subject, his book is available at major booksellers.

NEW ENGLAND SYNOD ASSEMBLY

I had the wonderful opportunity from June 8-10 to attend the New England Synod Assembly in Worcester, MA. This was my very first (and, hopefully, not my last) assembly and I found the whole experience fascinating. Since Holy Cross is the only Lutheran Church in York County and we don't really do anything with the other churches in the general area, it feels like we are an isolated group of Lutherans and all by ourselves. Attending the assembly with hundreds of Lutheran from the New England area opened my eyes that we are not alone, i.e. there are other churches and other Lutherans in the area who have the same beliefs and doctrine that we do.

That said, one of the fascinating aspects of the assembly was the differences in the churches. For example, for the Friday night Festival Eucharist service, the pastors were told that, if they were processing, they were to wear red stoles since that is the festival color. Seeing what Pastor Rich wears on Sunday morning, it is easy to think that is what everyone wears. Watching the pastors process, it was interesting to see the different robes that they wore and how they interpret a "red" or "festival stole". There were different shades of red, different designs and some were striped in different colors. Some pastors looked very formal while others were a little more casual in appearance.

The other difference I noticed is the use of the new red hymnal that will be available this fall. Some church's members seemed very familiar with it and easily followed when we were using it for devotions or the services. Others, like myself, didn't know it at all, and, even though it was easy to learn, wasn't as comfortable with it as with the old order of service.

In addition to observing the other New England Lutherans, there was also business to be done. We had a nominating vote first thing on Thursday for the Bishop since Margaret Payne's term was over. She was up for re-election but the floor was open for other nominations and many votes were scheduled on the agenda. After the first vote was tallied, Bishop Payne had 365 votes. Since she only needed 325 to be re-elected, that was the end of the voting. Everyone gave her a standing ovation to welcome her to her next six-year term.

I wont go through all the other business that was taken care of at the assembly since it involved a great number of reports, treasurer reports and presentations. But there was one other interesting discussion that I would like to mention. There was a resolution to consider changing the meeting days of the Synod Assembly from Thursday through Saturday to Friday through Sunday. This lead to some strong debate and strong opinions on both sides. Some discussion was what to do about Sunday morning services since all the New England pastors will be at the assembly. On the other side, it would be easier for more people to attend the assembly if they didn't have to take two days off of work in order to be there. After going back and forth, a vote was taken and the resolution passed. This change will now be considered for the 2008 assembly (the 2007 assembly has already been scheduled).

All in all, I very much enjoyed the whole experience. The worship services were beautiful (ask me about the Taizé service - wow!), the displays and bookstore were interesting to browse through and, as I mentioned, being with fellow Lutherans was an eye opening experience. I would like to thank Holy Cross for this opportunity and would be honored to represent our church again. Julie Clapp

A MISSION OF MERCY TO NEW ORLEANS

The writers of the New Testament used one word consistently to describe Jesus reaction to the human condition - "compassion". In Latin "compassion" means, "to suffer with". Jesus enters the world to suffer with his creation in order to redeem it.

The Mission of Mercy to New Orleans, I hope conduct in October, is a response to what Jesus has done for us when He became incarnate. On July 12th at 7:30 pm there will be a exploratory meeting at St. Ansgar Lutheran Church to discuss the feasibility of such a mission from the Lutheran churches in Southern Maine. I will share with some pictures of the conditions we encountered there in April. I will share with you my theological understanding for the mission. There will be an open discussion and time for questions. If there's sufficient interest, well begin making plans to bring the mission to reality. Even if youre remotely interested, or would just like more information please come. If you have questions or concerns (unable to attend the meeting but interested), please call me. Rev. Norm Bumby

The following persons were received into membership on May 28th:

BRUCE ANDERSON - is a native of Iowa and has lived in the Midwest and Vermont. He works as a health care architect. He likes to fix up houses and gardening. With his wife Patti, they have adopted abandoned pets - 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a new puppy.

PATTI BERG-ANDERSON - grew up in San Diego and went to the same elementary school as Pastor Horner, one year ahead of him!! She has lived all over the US. She has worked as a flight attendant for 27 years, for Pan Am and now Delta. With her husband Bruce, she loves adopting abandoned pets.

BRIAN CREELMAN - is a native of Auburn, WA. He has served on active duty for 20 years with the USAF. He is stationed in Portsmouth NH as commander of the squadron of Air Force recruiters for coastal New England. He met Janet at their first assignment in Great Falls MT. He likes outdoor activities.

JANET CREELMAN - is a native of Crookston, MN. She retired from the USAF in March 2005 after serving 20 years as nurse officer (emergency room, flight nursing, OB/GYN/Labor and Delivery, aerospace medicine). She is taking time out from nursing to spend more time with family. She also enjoys outdoor activities.

MARIAH CREELMAN - was born at Scott AFB, Belleville, IL. She is 11 years old and will be in the 7th grade at Wells Junior High School. She plays piano and flute and runs and high jumps on the Wells JHS Track Team. She loves Neopets. Along with her sister Kayla, she is looking forward to summer - VBC, swimming and going to the beach.

KAYLA CREELMAN - was born at the US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. She is 9 years old and will be in the 4th grade at Wells Elementary School. She plays piano and soccer and loves to sing. Along with her sister Mariah, she is looking forward to summer - VBC, swimming and going to the beach.

SANDY HAMEL - moved from Gardiner, MA in order to live near her daughter in Kennebunk. She worked many years as an oncology nurse. She and her husband, Ernie, raised sheep and were beekeepers. Among other things, Sandy loves to quilt and bake. She brings her delicious chocolate silk pie to the bean supper and other events.

BILL MCGARY - lived in Caribou, Maine for 40 years. He has worked as a golf pro for 35 years, currently at the Cape Neddick Country Club part time. Along with his wife Sharon, he enjoys spending time with two grandchildren.

SHARON MCGARY - taught 3rd and 8th grade for 38 years in Caribou, Maine. She works part time at a childrens boutique in York. Along with her husband Bill, she enjoys spending time with two grandchildren. Sharon helps to collate and mail the Crier and serves on our Welcoming Committee.

TOM MOYER - grew up in York, PA and now works as a psychologist with a practice in York, Maine. He used to be a farrier (horse-shoe expert). He likes to kayak. Tom has become an active participant in the Mens Group.

JENNIFER MOYER - grew up in Babylon, Long Island, NY. She used to work as an Occupational Therapist in local schools. She is now raising her children and volunteering in the Kennebunk schools.

DAN MOYER - is 19 and will be a sophomore at Providence College, majoring in biology and business. This summer he is busing at Stripers restaurant and taking an EMT course at YCCC. He loves to fish.

DAVID MOYER - is a graduating senior at Kennebunk High and was on the tennis team. In the fall, he will be attending Northeastern University with a major in Engineering. This summer he will be working at Bennetts Store.

TIMMY MOYER - is 7 years old and was a 1st grader in Mrs. Janiaks class at Kennebunk Elementary. He likes gym and the Rolling Pebbles. At home he loves to slip and slide and to play video games.

SOUND EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH WORSHIP RENEWAL GRANT

We are in the process of acquiring some additional sound equipment that will especially enhance our first service musicians and their instruments. New speakers and related equipment will be purchased with some of the Worship Renewal Grant funds. Later in the year we will be acquiring some additional microphones with Grant funding. The Worship Renewal Grant was awarded to us by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

CREATIVE WRITING

Do you have stories or memories of faith and church life? We all remember moments that, if shared, would inspire others. Im conducting a four-week series of creative writing workshops at Holy Cross as part of my stewardship gifts this year. The workshops are condensed versions of courses I have taught in an adult community education format. At Holy Cross, I'm teaching this course each Wednesday night in July from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Lord Street House.

You don't need to be a professional writer, just have the desire to share your memories and lessons about faith and life. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact me. May God inspire you, Donna Simmons, author, teacher, and choir member

ALTAR FLOWERS

According to The Altar Guild and Sacristy Handbook, endorsed by ELCA, "flowers are part of the beauty and frailty of creation, and are thus symbolic of our joy in Christ as well as earthly finitude." In recognition of both our joy in God's creation, and our understanding of the fleeting nature of earthly life, altar flowers are appropriate at all times except for the penitential seasons of Lent and Advent.

If you'd like to donate flowers for the altar, envelopes are available at the Narthex whiteboard and in the hymnal racks on the back of the pews. Just complete the envelope with your name, phone number, date you want the flowers, and dedication, enclosing whatever amount you feel moved to give; then place in the offering plate or give it to Beverly in the office. If you will be providing your own flowers, please provide us with that information along with your dedication. Undedicated donations of any amount are especially welcome to help us provide flowers on Sundays when there are no dedications. After the late service, the flowers are yours to do with as you please.

ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC

On Sunday, July 30, after the second service, everyone is invited to the annual Holy Cross Church Picnic. It will be at the home of Violet Stephens, Kennebunk Pond in Lyman. There is a fenced in yard, toys, life jackets, canoe, paddle boat, two kayaks. etc. Bring cold picnic lunch for each family, folding chair if desired, towels, and sweatshirts (in case it gets chilly). Maps are available on the white board in the Narthex. .Any questions, please see Vi.

EXPERIENTIAL WORSHIP

How can we move beyond the worn out categories of "traditional" and "contemporary" into a more biblical and complete approach to worship? How can we plan and lead worship that is more than just a "head trip" on Sunday mornings? How can we help people experience God in a way that will move them to love him with heart, soul, mind, and strength? We will address these critical questions in this interactive seminar on Experiential Worship. The seminar will include:

• Multimedia teaching by author and pastor Bob Rognlien

• Practical ideas on how to implement this approach in your church

• Opportunities for questions and discussion

• Lunch and refreshments; child care available

• Free copy of Bob's book, Experiential Worship: Encountering God with Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength

Bring your whole team for this practical day of learning and discussion!

Registration Deadline is July 15th
Further information: 207-985-4803 or info@kennebunklutheran.org.

Seminar Leader
Bob Rognlien is Senior Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and author of Experiential Worship: Encountering God with Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength.

"Experiential Worship . . . will be a great resource for people across the range of Christian denominations and worship styles, a book to read and recommend to others." --Brian McLaren, Generous Orthodoxy, A New Kind of Christian

"In this milestone book for the church in the 21st century, Rognlien shows how worship can integrate the great traditions of the rational and the experiential." --Leonard Sweet, Post-Modern Pilgrims, AquaChurch

"Bob Rognlien's passionate offering in this book is nothing less than a reality check." --Sally Morgenthaler, Worship Evangelism

SHARING THE JOY

We will be taking a break for the summer. There will be no singing events until September when we will resume on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

YOUNG AT HEART

This group for those who are 55ish or older will be enjoying their annual summer party at the Rotvigs on Saturday evening, August 12th at 5:00. Bring something to share and enjoy food and fellowship in the lovely yard of Helen and Roger (or indoors if rain). Sign up in the Narthex.

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.

~e.e. cummings