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ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY REFLECTIONS In our Wednesday morning Bible Study, we have been using Kelly
Fryer's series on No Experience Necessary. For the past couple of weeks
our focus has been on prayer and the different ways in which God
answers prayer. Although He does not always give us exactly that for
which we ask, He always answers our prayers, sometimes in surprising
and amazing ways.
I know that many prayers were uttered recently for God's will and guidance regarding our church's mission
for 2007. In particular, many were praying for the congregation's
financial support of a budget that would maintain current staffing
levels. In one month's time, a seemingly unattainable budget challenge
became a blessing of abundance. God gave us all that we needed
financially to move forward. Thanks be to God!
God's blessings
always come with a challenge to use His gifts wisely, not just for our
own benefit, but also to be a blessing to others. Having staff to
provide leadership and support is essential, but all the members of
Christ's body in this congregation are called to ministry and mission.
A healthy budget is a good foundation that enables us to live out our
lives in Christian community: regular worship attendance, participating
in studies or groups where we strengthen our faith, outreach to those
in need, inviting and welcoming all, sharing the Good News with others,
nurturing our youth, being in fellowship with one another, daily
prayer.
I want to share my sincere gratitude for all of you
who participate in the ministry and mission of Holy Cross. Your
financial support is so appreciated. Using your gifts of time and
talent, as you are able, is also important. My ongoing prayer is for
God's guidance and direction as we move forward together as the church
of Christ in this place.
Serving you with heart, soul, mind and strength. Karen SINGING IN THE SHOWER
They say that even people who claim not to be able to "carry a tune in a bushel basket" have been found trying to sing in the shower. There is something about the hard surface of the small-enclosed area that makes them think they might still have a chance at the "Met" some day.
The stair well at the back of Holy Cross, leading to the Choir Loft, has many of the same characteristics of a shower. A hard surfaced small-enclosed area, in this case, two floors tall.
At least half of the 15 or so choir members at Holy Cross, sit with their families through most of the service. You see them leave for the balcony during the Hymn of the Day or the Creed since their anthem is usually sung during the time of the Offering.
As the anthem ends, the ushers bring the plates forward to the chancel while the congregation stands and sings a very meaningful Offertory, usually the one that begins; "Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord..." and the choir members descend to return and join their families.
If the Offertory is meant to be a congregation's response and commitment to God for what He has given us, then the six or so choir members singing these words to the tops of their lungs as they descend to the main floor in our very special stairwell echo chamber, must surly be a sound that even the Angelic Host surrounding the throne of God will stop and listen to with heavenly delight. By Roger Rotvig A MESSAGE OF CONCERN TO ALL THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
The New England Synod of the ELCA has a "partner" relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, whose bishop is one of the signers of this letter.
As Leaders of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem concerned at the present situation in the Palestinian Territories we feel we must voice our anxiety for all our people -- Christian and Moslem alike -- at the deteriorating relations between Fatah and Hamas leaders and the armed forces.
It would appear that all kinds of mediation and attempts at reconciliation have so far failed resulting in a dead lock in the situation. The latest allegations and threats which have been aired through the local and international media have resulted in some large scale fighting which soon will be very difficult to stop. Added to this, the threatening language of the last few days by representatives of both movements and other related parties are both unprecedented and very aggressive. Such occurrences can only bring a civil war nearer by the hour. The outcome would be so drastic that it will obscure the real priorities of the whole Palestinian issue.
So we feel the time has come to call for intense prayer to Almighty God for peace and an opportunity for calm in order that all parties can consider carefully the various issues at stake. Instead of hurling accusations at each other we would urge everyone to pray for their neighbors in the widest possible sense. It is surely time to unite rather than collide. Fighting and kidnapping opponents will not bring down the Security Wall or end the embargo on the Palestinian people.
We believe we have an obligation to change course especially for the sake of all our children and young people who deserve a better future devoid of hatred and bitterness. Bloodshed and violence will not bring peace it will only further destroy family life and further endanger the economy of our land. The time has come for all out effort to unite our people and so concentrate on working for Independence together with the opportunity for all the people of this Holy Land - Christian, Moslem and Jew, -to know security and peace.
We are ready to play our part in attempting to end the present situation as quickly as possible as mediators or in whatever role deemed necessary and helpful by our people. It is vital to bring a real sense of unity in government; to unite the security forces; remove arms from our streets and encourage the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to return to the negotiating table.
In conclusion we would remind everyone of the words of our Blessed Lord: "Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God." (Matt. Ch5v9.)
Signed by: + Bishop Mounib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.+ Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate+ Patriarch Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarchate.+ Patriarch Torkom II, Armenian Apostolic Orthodo Patriarchate.+ Fr. Pier Battista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land+ Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate.+ Archbishop Swerios Malki Mourad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate.+ Abune Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate+ Archbishop Paul Nabil Sayyah, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate.+ Bishop Riah Abu Al-Assal, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem & the Middle East.+ Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate+ Bishop George Bakar, Greek Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate.+ Fr. Raphael Minassian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SHOES
We recently adopted a dog from the West Kennebunk Animal Shelter. He is a German Shepherd / Pointer mix around eight years old named Nick. We were surprised that several people at church knew all about him, but that is a story for another day. He is well-behaved and acts like we have been owned by him all his life. He loves to ride in the car and would rather take a beating than be left behind.
About a week after we brought him home I noticed that he got really excited when I picked up my shoes and socks. He raced around, jumped up and down, and looked at me with the most imploring expression. If he could talk he would be pleading, Take me! Take me! Please, please, please! Now, I never set out to teach him that putting on my shoes and socks meant that I was going out. He just figured it out by watching me.
Anyone who has taken a dog to obedience school or tried to train it on their own knows that it is not easy. You usually have to resort to some sort of bribery or coercion and then act like an idiot by getting all excited and saying Good dog! Good dog! Thats the best dog-sit I have ever seen! when he finally puts his butt on the floor. And it will probably be another week before he does it again and a month before he will do it the first time you say Sit! Yet Nick knew all about the shoes within a week, and I wasnt even trying.
My mother would sometimes say Do as I say, not as I do when pointing out the difference between what people said and what they actually did, usually when what they did was wrong. The lesson was that the actions speak louder than the words. Nicks behavior is an example of how easy it is for our behavior to convey a message even when we do not intend it to.
Christ says, in Matthew 5:14 16, You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
As we begin another church year at Holy Cross I hope that we can all be a light on the hill and shine for our children, our friends, our community, and especially the strangers in our midst, remembering all the while that it is all about the shoes.
Canine Owner-in-Training
Ann Scott
CHRIST HAS A FEAST WAITING FOR US ALL!
(inspired by Bobs workshop on experiential worship)
by Betty Kreie
His Banquet
I can not come to the banquet; dont trouble me now.
I have married a wife; I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum.
Pray hold me excused; I can not come.
(A song remembered from Sunday School)
It wasnt until I was in my forties and married to the wonderful son of a Wisconsin Lutheran minister with children of my own that I had a glimpse of Gods Presence. How did I miss this with all my years of learning, dedication and service?
During a Bible study at that time my pastor said, Lets suppose a man comes along and sees our lights on. Be ready to give account for the Hope that is within you, he spoke from I Peter 3:15. The stranger comes in and asks, What are you all doing here at Holy Cross? Why are you Christians?
I sincerely believed all I had learned as a child and as an adult to this point was certainly true. But what would I say to this stranger. Was there more I was missing?
There was more. As I studied scripture privately and in small groups I began to see and feel my Lords touch as His forgiven, redeemed child. He could give me all I longed for. This was the beginning of an adventure and Im so grateful for those along the way that not only spoke of Jesus love but lived it.
Christ has a feast waiting for us all. The Banquet is ongoing and I long to share this feast with whomever God puts in my path. What would you say to the stranger at the door?
UNSUNG HEROES
There are many people volunteering at Holy Cross Lutheran Church who quietly do their work with very little thanks or praise. Not that they are doing it for thanks or praise. On the contrary, they are doing it as a service to God who, in turn, will offer them much thanks and praise when they one day reach their heavenly home.
That said, and not to detract from storing up treasures in heaven , it has been requested that maybe some thanks should be given. So once a month there will be a feature article on a member of Holy Cross who has contributed to the life of the church. If you know of anyone you would like to nominate as an Unsung Hero, please let Pastor or the editor know.
This past September, Tammy Krampetz began serving as the head of the Sunday School. This is not an easy task in that she has to be available every Sunday and make sure that each class has everything they need in materials and in teachers. She even fills in whenever a teacher needs a Sunday off. She also checks on each class, counting heads and helping out wherever needed. For example, if one of the "little ones" needs to go potty and the teacher can't leave the others......Tammy does it. If copies of something are needed at the last minute and the teacher can't leave their class ...Tammy does it. Some of the teachers have nominated Tammy as an Unsung Hero and would like to thank her for her service! Thank you, Tammy!!!
LENTEN SERVICES
FEBRUARY 21 AT 7:30
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE WITH IMPOSITION OF ASHES
MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
THURSDAY EVENING MID WEEK SERVICES
6:00 BREAD AND SOUP
each week except March 15th (Harvest Café)
6:30 LENTEN SERVICE SERIES: CHRIST ON TRIAL
APRIL 1 AT 8:00 AND 10:45
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE WITH PROCESSION OF PALMS
APRIL 5 AT 7:30
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE WITH HOLY COMMUNION
APRIL 6 AT 7:30
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
APRIL 7 AT 7:30
EASTER VIGIL SERVICE
APRIL 8 AT 8:00 AND 10:45
EASTER SUNDAY FESTIVAL COMMUNION SERVICE
VACATION BIBLE CAMP
GREAT BIBLE REEF Vacation Bible Camp is coming this summer! Plan now for the adventures of Diving deep into Gods word! There will be the opening celebration, Coral crafts, Deep sea storytelling, Great barrier games, Reef tunes, Seawater Science and Snacks! VBC will be held the last week of June, from the 25th until the 29th in the morning. If you are interested in helping plan VBC or would like to volunteer during VBC, please contact Mary Keating.
PEACE CORP VOLUNTEER
Have you ever heard of a place called Vanuatu? Did you know that it is a group of 83 islands in the South Pacific Ocean?
Did you know that our own Jessica Sleeper, daughter of Cathy Bansmer, is a Peace Corps Volunteer at Vanuatu?
I know that Jessica would truly enjoy hearing from her friends at Holy Cross. So, if you would like to send her a card or letter, please contact her mom, Cathy Bansmer or her Aunt Dot.
Jessica's Proud Aunt....Dot Bois
YOUNG AT HEART
Join us for our second annual Valentine Tea at the home of Mary Keating at 12:00 on February 14th. Mary is such a gracious hostess with her collection of teapots and cups and wonderful tea and lunch. You are invited to come dressed for high tea if you choose, but this is optional just be sure to come dressed! Bring some valentine cards to share, just like you did waaaay back in 1st grade! A valentine box will be available. The signup sheet is on the board in the Narthex.
LITURGICAL DRAMA WORKSHOP
Our third workshop that is being funded by our worship renewal grant will be held on March 23-25. John Steven Paul is the Program Director and Professor of Theatre - Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts at Valparaiso University, a Lutheran college in Indiana. His liturgical theater group, Soul Purpose, has performed throughout the Midwest. He will be accompanied by an alumnus of this group, Dan Cobbler. They will teach us how to develop and perform liturgical drama. We will present the drama that we create on Sunday morning. There will only be 20 spots for participating in the drama, although others are welcome to observe. Registration flyers are available in the Narthex.
Writing on the need to make family worship as important as Christian Education, Marilyn Sharp says:
"Faith is caught more than it is taught"
SHARING THE JOY
We will be singing at the Wardwell Home in Saco on February 18th from 2:00-3:00. Join us as we sing along with the residents. They love the old favorite hymns and songs. Come to sing or to offer fellowship. Carpool from church at 1:30.
GRIEF AND LOSS GROUP
If you are someone who is dealing with grief and loss through death, divorce or a move, or a loss of health or a job, or any other kind of loss, consider attending the six week Grief and Loss group that we will be offering this winter on Thursday afternoons from 4-5 in Luther Hall beginning February 1st. The group will be co-led by our Associate in Ministry, Karen, and by one of our members, Donna Simmons, who has published a book on grief. What we discuss in the group will be held in confidence. If you wish to participate, contact either Karen or Donna or leave your name in the church office. Members of the community are also welcome to attend.
SERMONS AVAILABLE
I will be the first to admit it, there are times, I would like to say rarely but cant, when my mind wanders during the sermon on Sunday morning. Thoughts creep into my head about what needs to get done, a movie I might have seen the night before, is it possible to clean the tops of the ceiling fans in sanctuary&things like that. I sometimes feel I missed an important point that Pastor was making. There was a time, long, long ago, when the opportunity to catch what I had missed would not be available. But thanks to our wonderful audio system and the wonderful people who run it, we have the sermon available in several formats. It is available on tape, which are stored on the shelf in Lord Street House, and can be picked up (on loan) anytime the church office is open. It is also available on-line at http://www.kennebunklutheran.org/sermons.cfm in audio format. We have sermons saved dating back to June 2005. There is also a CD of the entire service available at Lord Street House and Beverly will be happy to show where they are stored. So, if you are plagued with a wandering mind like me, feel free to utilize any of these resources to catch what you may have missed. Julie Clapp
HOLY WEEK/EASTER SERVICE: HELP WANTED
The Worship Committee is looking for people who might be interested in helping to plan for Holy Week/Easter services. Working groups were formed for Reformation and All Saints last fall, and these groups would function in a similar manner. If you would like to participate, or would like to talk more about what would be involved, please contact Pastor Horner.
LOGOS
LOGOS fees are now due for the second half of the program year (February-May). 7th-8th grade fees are $65. 4th-6th grade are $35. Checks should be made to Holy Cross with LOGOS on the memo line. Please give the checks to Deadra D'Addeo rather than place them in the offering.
SHARE THE BOUNTY
On the first Saturday of every month, from 4:30 to 6:00, Holy Cross offers a free meal to the community at large of home made baked beans, hot dogs, cole slaw, bread and desert. There is usually live entertainment offered by our own musicians. Everyone is invited to come share in a wonderful meal. If anyone from Holy Cross would like to help with preparing the meal, serving or cleaning up, please see Ann or Mike Scott.
Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown
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