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AIM RELECTIONS
I came away from the weekend of the Experiential Worship workshop with Pastor Bob Rognlien filled up in heart, mind, soul and strength. What made the weekend so dynamic was that it was experiential - which speaks to just how powerful it can be to engage our total being in worship and in the rest of our lives.
As I reviewed the written comments made by those who attended, several themes became apparent: The concept of change is good and necessary, although difficult for some. Being intentional about planning worship by using teamwork and creativity offers many wonderful possibilities, even though at times resources may be stretched. Thematic worship, whether done as a series or done in the context of a single service, is very appealing. The expression of emotions during worship, the use of our bodies in different ways, the use of our hearts to be missional, and stretching our minds to be open to new things - these were all mentioned as exciting challenges.
Bob left us with a great gift, not just to be appreciated on a weekend in July, but to be used to shape the mission of our church. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to work among us, wherever and however it moves.
Serving you with heart, soul, mind and strength,
Karen
MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER
Did you ever notice that the punchline of a joke usually hits us because it contains a kernel of unexpected truth? I heard a joke recently that hit me that way. A team of scientists had been working on the problem of creating life and came up with a process. They put a call in to God to let Him know that they now knew how to create life and wanted to show Him. A meeting was set up and God arrived. They said, "We know how to create life and want to show you!" He said, "Fine, show me." One of them bent down, picked up some dirt, and started working. God said, "Just a minute! Get your own dirt!"
Funny but true. We sometime think we are in charge and the plans we make are our own. But there is an old saying: Man plans and God laughs! We are moving ahead with some exciting new plans and processes, starting with the Natural Church Development process. We will be receiving the results soon from the survey that 30 of our members and the Pastor took in June, which will show us areas to work on and what we do well. Many members also attended the Experiential Worship workshop, which opened eyes, ears, minds and hearts to new ways of thinking of and preparing for worship. Attendance on Sundays at Holy Cross rose on average over 10% for the first half of 2006 against the same period of 2005 and we have a lot to be excited about. Exciting challenges lie ahead - we just have to remember that it's not our "dirt," it's God's, and he has plans that may surprise us, and even make us laugh! We all need to pray that the plans, tasks and work ahead will be God's will and that he will lead and bless them. Catherine Morrissette
ANSWERS TO THE PUZZLE FROM ANN SCOTT
Here are the answers to last month's puzzle:
1. TIMOTHY
2. CORINTHIANS
3. PHILEMON
4. SONG OF SONGS
5. TITUS
6. EZEKIEL
7. ESTHER
8. OBADIAH
9. NEHEMIAH
SEASON OF THE CHURCH YEAR - PENTECOST
GIFT - TONGUES
NEW ORLEANS/SLIDELL MISSION OF MERCY
Since my return from the New Orleans area (in early May) where I was working with a Lutheran Disaster Relief team, I have been visiting the six Lutheran congregations in Southern Maine. My intention has been to provide the congregations with my observations and information about the work that is necessary so that families will be able to return to their homes and churches be brought back together. I also hope to gather enough men and women to make another journey to the New Orleans area to aid in the rebuilding effort. Another purpose of my visitations has been to unite the six congregations in a common mission of mercy. Together, we can make a difference in the world where there is so much violence and destruction. We can bring hope to the despairing and strengthen the bond of Christian compassion with those who suffer. I see this mission as participation in death and resurrection.
In April, our team worked in four different homes (each of the homes had been under 4 to 10 feet of surge water); each was at a different stage of rebuilding. There were groups before us who prepared the stage of work that we were to do, and we prepared the homes for the groups that would come after us to complete the job. In the eight months (that was April) since Katrina, Lutheran Disaster Relief has restored 200 plus homes. There's a long way to go, considering the estimate range from 400,000 to 450,000 homes in need of repair or replacement. I've heard estimates of 12 years or longer, and even then it will never be the same. For me, it was an unbelievable experience - the pictures you've seen on TV are inadequate for portraying the real situation. If you choose to go (or whatever level of support you can give), it will be an experience you'll treasure and talk about when the mission team returns, and for years to come
On July 12th I conducted a meeting at St. Ansgar to explore the feasibility of a return mission. It was the consensus of that group of 15 men and women to proceed with the planning. Since that meeting others have volunteered to help us, our group is growing. We will need all of you to help us in whatever way is possible for you.
We hope to receive donations (from whatever source) to fund the air and ground transportation (October 22nd - October 29th) for 10 to 12 men and women - estimates range from $4,000 to $5,000. I have received $550 in unsolicited gifts. If you are interested please talk with your pastor or call me.
The hymn I've chosen for this mission is 752, "I the Lord of Sea and Sky".
Pastor Norm Bumby, Retired Chaplain
MISSION OF MERCY YARD SALE
At Holy Cross a Yard Sale to benefit the Mission of Mercy will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2006. Please start setting aside your good quality used items to be included (no beds, couches or upholstered chairs please). Thanks!!
CHOIR NOTES
Jane and I got back from Philadelphia last week after attending a 2 day choral and organ music seminar held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ardmore, PA. It was led by Anton Armstrong who is the choral director of St. Olaf's Choir, and John Ferguson was the organist. I came back with a wealth of materials and ideas that I think will greatly enhance the music here at Holy Cross. If you want to find out more, you are welcome to attend choir rehearsal beginning Sept. 14 at 7p.m. in the Sanctuary. Anyone who is interested in contributing to the music at Holy Cross is welcome to become part of the music team. We need singers as well as instrumentalists. Please see me after services or call. I am looking forward to another exciting year of music at Holy Cross. God's peace. Warren
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: At the writing class taught by Donna Simmons in July, a number of really wonderful stories and poems were created. It was requested that these stories be shared with the church. Over the next several months, Donna will choose a couple of stories/poems each month to place in the Crier.
THE END OF THE CHURCH PICNIC
BY HELEN COLLAMATI
The end of the Sunday picnic at Silver Lake brought surprises. While most of the church picnickers had gone home, my father and the remaining men were on the lakeshore using the flat end of oars to slap down on unsuspecting frogs with loud whoops. A frog legs feast was planned. Melting butter sizzled in frying pans on the open fire. Familiar smells and anticipation of promised delights filled the early evening air. Finally the men brought their ready catches and spread them out for the fry. Salads, deserts, homemade bread and lemonade were also ready.
One person lagged behind. I impatiently walked back to the shore to see what the holdup was. As I approached, the person lifted a carbine aimed it at the water and pulled the trigger. A dull pop from the gun and a plick in the water were followed by Henri's quick lunge forward to retrieve a five-foot snake from the water. Just as quick as the lunge Henri whipped the snake around in an arc.
I saw the flying serpent come my way then felt the cold wet critter brush against my leg. When I came to, the feast had lost its appeal.
REDEEMED AND LOVED
(written to the tune of "Just As I Am")
BY JULIE CLAPP
To be redeemed, to be set free,
For sin's stain to be made clean,
O Blessed Savior my prayer will be,
Thank you, Dear Lord, I pray - I pray.
Once lost and broken on the ground,
By fear and sorrows we were bound,
But grace and mercy we have found,
Thank you, Dear Lord, we pray - we pray.
We walk through our lives each day,
Numerous people met on the way,
So burdened by the world, they say,
Help us, dear Lord, we pray - we pray.
You are so loved, we must say,
God, our Father, hears us pray,
And gives us blessings every day,
For this, Dear Lord, we pray - we pray.
May I, Dear Savior, be straight and true,
To all Your guidance and Your word,
To help all others see the Truth,
Lord, to Your glory, I pray - I pray.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?
Recently, we sang the hymn, "El Shaddai," at worship, and it got me wondering what the translation of the Hebrew words in the song might be. With a little research, I learned that El Shaddai is one of the names of God; a combination of two Hebrew words: "El" which means God, and "Shaddai" which means Almighty; thus El Shaddai is translated as "God Almighty". Also in that hymn is the phrase, "El Elyonna Adonai" Elyonna means in the highest, and Adonai means Lord, so the phrase translates to "God in the highest, Oh, Lord". The word "Erkahmkana" in the hymn means "We will love You".
There are some other Hebrew words we use frequently in worship. "Shalom" means "peace", and is used as both a greeting and a farewell. "Hosanna" derives from the Hebrew "Hosana", meaning "deliver us", but we generally use it to express praise for the Deliverer. "Hallelujah" translates literally from Hebrew as "Praise Yahweh", Yahweh being the pronounceable version of the Hebrew name of God which was never to be said.
In Latin, Hallelujah' is spelled, "Alleluia", and so it also means "Praise God". The series of short petitions to Christ that we usually sing before Communion is called the "Agnus Dei", Latin which literally means, "Lamb of God". Christ is known as the Lamb of God because he sacrificed himself for us, just as lambs were ritually sacrificed to God in the old Hebrew temples. Another word from Latin that is a part of every service is the benediction. "Bene" is Latin for the adverb "well", and "diction" comes from the Latin verb, "dicere", meaning "to speak", so benediction means "well spoken", and it is when we are blessed and wished well before we depart from the service.
There is even a little Greek in our traditional liturgy. The sequence of repeated petitions known as the "Kyrie" is named for the Greek phrase, "Kyrie Eleison", which means, "Lord have mercy". In the old Latin mass, this part was sung in Greek to honor the upper class worshippers who spoke the sophisticated language of Greek. In the Mass, "Kyrie Eleison" was repeated three times, followed by "Christe Eleison", meaning, "Christ, have mercy", and then three more repeats of "Kyrie Eleison". Although we sing mainly in English, keeping the original Greek and Latin names for parts of the liturgy helps to connect us to the centuries of Christian worship before us. Jane King
YOU ARE INVITED....TO ATTEND THE FALL BIBLE STUDY
Susan McCarron, a Precepts Leader, will return to Holy Cross to lead another Precepts Upon Precepts class. This new 10 week course is on Paul's letter to the Ephesians and will guide you to discover how we are to live in unity as a body of Christ.
EPHESIANS -
The Church: Rooted in Love, Walking in Power
A PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT Bible Studies
date: First class & orientation - Monday, August 28th
time: 7 pm
location: Luther Hall, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
cost: $25 for workbook and video
contact: Elaine Ballute OR Susan McCarron (instructor)
Precept Ministries International " P.O. Box 182218 " Chattanooga, TN 37422 " www.precept.org
Precept Ministries International is an interdenominational organization.
Give this opportunity some thoughtful prayer. Bible Study is a wonderful time to grow individually in your faith and also as a member of the Church of Christ.
ADULT FORUM SERIES ON PRAYER
Beginning on Sunday, September 17th, we will begin our Adult Forum series which is held every Sunday between services. The classes are coordinated by Rich Euler and taught by a variety of facilitators. Prayer was one of the top responses to the survey that was recently conducted, so we will begin this year with a five week series on prayer. In addition to learning about prayer, we will also be using different forms of prayer as part of the class. The class will be led by Karen and Pastor. All are welcome.
THRIVENT AT HOLY CROSS
Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans is the largest Fraternal Benevolent Society in the country. It provides insurance and financial products for members of the Lutheran Church and their families.
On the benevolence side of things, they give away hundreds of millions of dollars annually to church and community causes. They are the largest corporate sponsors of Habitat for Humanity. Not a single Lutheran college, seminary, camp or agency has not been a beneficiary of their gifts.
For Holy Cross in Kennebunk there are two Thrivent programs that continually assist in our work. Each year $1,450 is available for what is called "Care in Congregations" activity. Thus far this year the coffee service equipment in the Narthex, funds for Bible camp and a tower fan for keeping the organist cool (as if Warren was not "cool" enough) have been supplied by Thrivent. The Local contacts for this program are Dorothy Haws, Wes Fraser and Helen Rotvig.
On a statewide basis, Thrivent provides about $20,000 for "Care in Communities" programs, usually as a matching grant program for fundraising and volunteer efforts for community, not congregation, actions. In 2006 Holy Cross has received $300 in matching grants for the monthly free bean supper, $500 for the Harvest Café and will receive $750 for the York County Shelter through the SERRV Fair to be held in October.
Anyone interested in helping either of these programs, especially as the Maine Chapter Treasurer, please contact Roger Rotvig. Roger is in his fourth year as a Maine Chapter Leader and cannot continue to serve because of Thrivent tenure policies.
WHITE SOCKS
We have collected about 200 pairs of white socks to give to a ministry in Cambridge, MA for homeless people. Donations will be accepted through August 25th. We will be taking them to Cambridge on Sunday, August 27th, with plans to join this ministry as it worships in the park. If you would like to come along, contact Karen who is coordinating the trip. Thanks to all of you who shared something so simple for us who have so much and so essential for those who have so little.
CALLING ALL WILLING HANDS
Gather in Luther Hall on September 16, 2006 for an old-fashioned quilting bee. The Social Concerns Committee is hosting a work and fellowship day to make small quilts for hospitalized children. No previous sewing experience is necessary to participate, simply a heart willing to work and share with others. Everyone is welcome.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. and well work until 2 p.m. Come for all or any part of the day. Morning refreshments and a lunch of soup and bread will be served. The Social Concerns Committee will provide all the necessary materials for the quilts. We will need several portable sewing machines. If you are willing to bring yours, contact Cheryl Mills or Linda Gaidimas. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex.
Board of Parish Education
RALLY DAY - SEPT. 10
BEGINNING AT 9:15 A.M.
Our 7th Annual Pancake Breakfast in Luther Hall
will kick off the new school year.
Everyone is invited to join the celebration!
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Early Church service
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Pancakes will be served to all ages and
Sunday School registration for ages 4 through grade 12
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School classes for youth and Adult fellowship in Luther Hall
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Late Church service
"Now to [God] who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
LITURGICAL ARTIST WORKSHOP
Save the weekend of October 27-29th for an artistic extravaganza! Anita Miller, liturgical artist from Columbus, Ohio, will be facilitating our second workshop made possible by a grant from Calvin Institute of Worship Renewal through Lilly Endowment Inc. Anita will begin on Friday night with a meditation and reflection of our congregation and community, helping us to create an artistic vision for Holy Cross.
On Saturday she will help us to create that vision in various art forms. On Sunday, Reformation Sunday, she will join us in dedicating our art work to the glory of God. Anita assures me that children and adults can participate and that everyone has talents that can be utilized.
WHEN WE GET TANGLED UP IN OUR PROBLEMS, BE STILL,
GOD WANTS US TO BE STILL SO HE CAN UNTANGLE THE KNOT!
SHARING THE JOY
Join us on the third Sunday of the month as we sing along with the residents of local residential facilities. Our repertoire includes old favorite hymns as well as oldies-but- goodies such as On Top of Old Smokey and Darlin Clementine. You do not have to have musical talent you can visit and help turn pages as well as sing. Instrumentalists are also welcome to accompany the piano. On September 17th from 2:00-3:00, we will be singing at the Atria on Rt. 1 in Kennebunk. On October 15th from 2:00-3:00, we will be singing at Wardwell in Saco. On November 19th we will be back at the Atria. We do not sing in December.
If you are looking for a way to serve others, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to the lives of those who no longer live at home.
YOUNG AT HEART
This group for those who are 55ish or older gathers on a regular basis for fun and fellowship. On Tuesday, September 5th we will be cruising to the Isles of Shoals from Portsmouth Harbor. Carpool from church at 12:30, return at 5:00. Cost is $21. Raindate will be September 8th. On Friday, October 13th we will be making our annual trek to Acton and the Potting Shed. Overlooking the fall foliage, we will have breakfast and fellowship together. Carpool from church at 8:30. Sign up sheets for both events are on the board in the Narthex.
FALL DATES TO REMEMBER FOR "LOGOS"
Parent's meeting Wednesday September 20, 2006 in Luther Hall.
Wednesday October 4: LOGOS will begin.
4th-6th Grade: 4:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
7th-8th Grade: 5:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
*Please Note: The Wednesday night LOGOs will now be open to youth beyond the membership of Holy Cross. We encourage everyone to invite their friends.
HOLIDAY DINNER AND AUCTION FOR WORLD HUNGER
Mark your calendars now for a Holiday Dinner and Auction on December 9th to benefit the World Hunger Appeal. The Social Concerns Committee will put on a pasta dinner and host an auction to help you with your holiday shopping. All proceeds will be given to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. More details will appear in the next issue of the Crier.
The Committee is seeking donations of quality hand-crafted items, gift certificates and promissory notes (such as a note for a home baked pie on an agreed upon date). If you are willing to support the auction in this way please contact Cheryl Mills.
BIBLE STUDY
The Wednesday morning Bible Study is continuing with unit 2 of the No Experience Necessary series. This study uses Bible readings to generate discussion about how Gods Word impacts our everyday lives. We meet every Wednesday morning from 8:30-9:45 and all are welcome.
THANK YOU NOTES
To my new church family at Holy Cross Lutheran: My heartfelt thanks for your prayers, cards, and messages of condolence at the time of Ernie's death. His last time to church was May 28 as he came in his wheelchair with oxygen to be there for me as I was welcomed into membership that day. I have felt God's presence in my life during this difficult time through your support and caring. With sincere appreciation, Sandie Hamel
Dear Friends of Holy Cross:
During the last several weeks, my family and I have been faced with my having a significant illness. I have been debilitated and my condition for some time defied diagnosis. I am recovering, but challenges lay ahead.
I am so grateful to our brothers and sisters at Holy Cross for love and support through prayers, phone calls, hot meals and a prayer shawl. I have been blessed by Pastor Horners visit to the hospital and phone calls. My mailbox has overflowed with cards full of get well wishes, and I have received warm hugs at church.
Thank you, all who have kept me and my family in your thoughts and prayers. Your loving support has been a warm and wonderful comfort to us.
With love and gratitude, Wendy Nile Black
SHARE THE BOUNTY
Share the Bounty is a free community bean supper served on the first Saturday of each month. Volunteers are needed for preparing and serving the food and to donate home made deserts (generally pies since they seem to be the most popular desert). Please, if you would like to help out, sign up on the sheet in the Narthex so we can plan on how many servers we will have and the number of deserts that will be donated. See Ann or Mike Scott or Julie Clapp if you have any questions. Thank you!!
We are each of us angels with only one wing,
and we can only fly by embracing one another.
~Luciano de Crescenzo
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