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FROM THE PASTOR Here is a document I wrote up on behalf of the third service planning team (Elaine Ballute, Jack Bates, Karen Indorf, Warren King, Karen Lienhard, Ann Scott, and myself). It then went to the Worship Committee, where a few revisions were made. Next it was presented to the Congregation Council. And most recently it was passed out during an information session on Sunday morning following worship. I am including it in this month’s Crier as well, in the hopes that it will help people to better understand how a third service would “fit in” with the worship life that already takes place at Holy Cross – i.e. some of the similarities, as well as differences, in comparison to our two existing Sunday morning services. A key component in moving forward with this service is the formation of a Worship Band – musicians and singers. We continue to pray for people with such gifts to be raised up, and will soon be posting flyers to get the word out. Please let us know if you are aware of anyone to whom we should extend an invitation. Thanks, Pastor Rich
The OVERALL GOAL for each service at Holy Cross, is that people enter into the worship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as fully as possible with their Heart, their Soul, their Mind, and their Strength. The following represent three distinct ways of seeking to achieve that overall goal.
8:00 am Sunday Service
1. Aimed (primarily) at those who have some appreciation for Lutheran liturgical tradition, but also a preference for using new elements in worship on occasion. Liturgical music* and worship texts** change seasonally.
2. Music style tends toward the blended genre, utilizing keyboard and guitar as primary instrumentation (also with flute, saxophone, and bass guitar if available).
3. Worship leaders wear robes.
4. Weekly communion.
10:45 am Sunday Service
1. Aimed (primarily) at those who have a deep appreciation for the Lutheran liturgical tradition, and prefer greater stability of liturgical form. No changes used for liturgical music and worship texts, other than those involved when using a different traditional setting included in the ELW.
2. Music style is largely traditional, with organ as the primary instrument for accompaniment.
3. Worship leaders wear robes.
4. Weekly communion.
5:30—6:15pm Saturday Service
1. Aimed (primarily) at unchurched members of our wider community who have little or no experience with traditional Lutheran liturgy, and prefer a less structured (more informal) service format than either of our current services. The service format would be simpler (i.e. it would not include all the elements listed below under “liturgical music” and “worship texts”), and the music/texts that are included would change more frequently – monthly, or even at times, weekly.
[Note: A secondary group at which this service is aimed, are those within and outside the congregation who have work/family/youth sports conflicts on Sunday morning.]
2. Music style will be more contemporary than current services, perhaps with some rock genre influence. Primary instrumentation to be keyboard, guitar, drums (with bass guitar and other instruments if available).
3. Worship leaders will not wear robes.
4. Regular communion (though not necessarily every week)--also done more simply and informally.
5. Likely use of a projector to display images, film clips, song lyrics, and/or scripture readings.
[Note: projection may also be used with the other two services, but not in a way
that would change significantly the over all “character” of each, described above.]
6. Possible inclusion of some personal sharing of faith journeys.
7. Meeting space would be in the sanctuary, but perhaps with the pews reconfigured.
* “Liturgical music” includes such elements of the service as: Kyrie, Hymn of Praise, Gospel Acclamation, Offertory Hymn, Sanctus, Agnus Dei.
** “Worship texts” include such elements of the service as: confession, greeting, offertory prayer, post communion prayer, blessing, dismissal.
In Christ, Pastor Rich ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY RELECTIONS
By the time that you have received this newsletter, our Celebration of Gifts on Reformation Sunday will be over. But as I write this article in anticipation of this event, I am confident that there will be much to celebrate. We are a congregation that has been blessed with many gifts and a congregation that is filled with generous people. As our theme for Celebration of Gifts Sunday indicated: “Look at all of the good things that I have given to you. Be generous, take care of them, share them.”
Join me with the psalmist in giving thanks to the giver of all good things: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O most High. (Psalm 9:1-2)
Serving you with a thankful heart for all of God’s good gifts.
Karen
MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER
Sometimes, the most direct answer is not only the most accurate answer but the most useable one. From Table Talk:
“ I admonish every pious Christian that he take not offence at the plain, unvarnished manner of speech of the Bible. Let him reflect that what may seem trivial and vulgar to him, emanates from the high majesty, power, and wisdom of God. The Bible is the book that makes fools of the wise of this world; it is only understood by the plain and simple hearted. Esteem this book as the precious fountain that can never be exhausted. In it thou findest the swaddling-clothes and the manger whither the angels directed the poor, simple shepherds; they seem poor and mean, but dear and precious is the treasure that lies therein. “
“ That matrimony is matrimony, that the hand is a hand, that goods are goods, people well understand; but to believe that matrimony is God’s creation and ordinance, that the hands, that the goods, as food and raiment, and other creatures we use, are given and presented unto us of God, `tis God’s special work and grace when men believe it. ”
“ When I am assailed with heavy tribulations, I rush out among my pigs, rather than remain alone by myself. The human heart is like a millstone in a mill; when you put wheat under it, it turns and grinds and bruises the wheat to flour; if you put no wheat, it still grinds on, but then `tis itself it grinds and wears away. So the human heart, unless it be occupied with some employment, leaves space for the devil, who wriggles himself in, and brings with him a whole host of evil thoughts, temptations, and tribulations, which grind out the heart. ”
“ Some one sent to know whether it was permissible to use warm water in baptism? The Doctor [ Luther ] replied: ‘Tell the blockhead that water, warm or cold, is water’. “
“ Everything that is done in the world is done by hope. No husbandman would sow one grain of corn, if he hoped not it would grow up and become seed; no bachelor would marry a wife, if he hope not to have children; no merchant or tradesman would set himself to work, if he did not hope to reap benefit thereby, etc. How much more, then, does hope urge us on to everlasting life and salvation? “
Not from Table Talk :
A man sat reading his bible in an airplane. The passenger next to him asked, “You don’t really believe that do you?”
The man replied, “Yes”.
“All of it?”
“Yes.”
His questioning neighbor persisted, “Even Jonah ? --- Why, how could he possibly survive three days and three nights in the belly of a fish?”
“Well, I don’t know how he could survive that --- I’ll ask Jonah when I get to Heaven.”
“What if he’s not there?”
“Then you ask him.”
Submitted by Ed Morin
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
This is typically the time of year when we alternate between praising the wonderful weather, with clear cold nights for sleeping, and bright sunny days for work and play, or complaining that the days are shorter with the rain colder. Whether you heat with oil, wood or gas you wonder why you live in Maine and not Florida. But then another spectacular fall day and all the questions about why disappear.
I begin to think that we treat many aspects of our life in this manner: we complain when we don’t understand. Our frustration helps us to imagine that if only… fill in the blank… were to happen, everything would be ok. But would it?
St Paul tell us that we are asked to live out our lives, no matter our station, remembering that Christ died for our sins, and rose again inaugurating the life of the world to come. So what does this mean for us in our day-to-day life? That we can walk through walls? Fundamentally we know that evil exists, both natural such as earthquakes, and the personal kind like muggings. Our job is quite simply to do what we can, wherever we find ourselves, to put the world to rights. That sounds so easy but in practice it is so hard to do.
But what happens when we hear one of our fellows with the same questioning and complaining attitude. Too often we dismiss them out of hand, since we tend to accentuate the negative, we think that most of our friends and acquaintances do the same as we do; so we end up ‘dissing’ the questions by not responding.
Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if we took complaints to be a form of question, or a call for help on which we acted? If I ask you why the service is so long, maybe I’m unsure what our liturgy means and want to learn but am to embarrassed to ask. Maybe when I say that kids today don’t respect the Church, I’m really saying I need help to understand what is important to them so that I can talk intelligently with them. And maybe sometimes, like Mr. Scrooge, when I complain, I am really hiding behind gruffness in the hope that someone will take the time to care for me like Scrooge’s nephew.
So overall we should remember that a concern expressed is often a call for help or knowledge. If we don’t know the answer, we should say so while pointing the person to someone who does.
Submitted by Mike Scott
CHOIR NOTES I would first like to thank all of the people of Holy Cross for their generous gifts enabling us to purchase the new Lutheran music resource book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (cranberry hymnal). In very little time at all, enough donations came in to supply the church, the choir, musicians' accompaniments, a lectionary, and the altar volume. It is a wealth of resources that certainly has enhanced our worship experience already. I very much enjoy introducing new music at both services and will continue to do so.
Thanks too to all the good people who helped out with presenting the Leipzig musicians' concert October 12, and those who attended. The turn out was good, and the music was excellent.
I am in the process of putting together a concert with community carol singing for Christmas. It will be held on Dec 16 at 5 p.m. I so far have commitments from Coastal Brass Quintet and Breakwater Wind Ensemble. If anybody would like to join in, I hope to begin rehearsals beginning Thursday November 1 at 7 p.m. in the balcony. If you are interested, please see me after services or call me.
Peace,
Warren
PLEDGING
Who should pledge….
We who enjoy the worship and fellowship opportunities provided by Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Both members and friends, should respond to our many blessings.
Give to others and God will give to you. You will receive a full measure, and a generous helping, poured into your hands – all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one God will use for you.”
Luke 6: 38
How much should I give…
No one should presume to tell another what he or she must give. Let your gift show your love for our Savior Jesus Christ.
Most pledges will reflect a weekly amount; however, others may pledge by the month or year. Some may want to give a one time gift. Gifts of stocks and other securities may be transferred to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Other tangibles of value may be considered.
“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5: 14, 16
Sacrificial Giving…
Sacrificial giving implies more than just giving out of your surplus. It means reaching out of yourself to help a larger group of people. It is sacrificing one thing of value in order to acquire something else we consider more important.
“Remember this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
II Corinthians 9: 6-7
Care enough to pray, pray enough to know, what your gift will be!
As you examine your pledge, look to your heart and mind for guidance. With your mind, remember all the blessings God has bestowed upon you, and the many blessings still to come. Then, with your heart full of thankfulness and faith in God’s care, determine what your gift will be.
With prayer to guide you, only YOU can set your goal in the pattern of giving on the sample Pledge Card. As you pray for guidance in making your decision, consider that what you do will help others to be brought to Christ through the extension of our witness and ministry at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
“As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
I Peter 4: 10
HOW I GOT TO BE A LUTHERAN
by Donna Simmons
I was born to a pair who never went to church. I remember once when I was too young to know better, I was asked what religion I was. I said ‘Public’ since my neighborhood friends went to Catholic school and I went to public school. I’m sure that was as upsetting to my maternal grandmother, Mammaw, as it was to my Godmother who was Episcopalian, and my paternal grandmother, Mommom, who was Presbyterian.
My first memories of church were summer vacations with Mammaw. Unlike my older cousins who had driver’s licenses, I walked the five blocks to the Methodist church on my skinny 5 year-old legs; my hand clutched in Mammaw’s wrinkled one. She said, “If God meant us to drive he would have given us wheels instead of feet.” She was a staunch Methodist, made my crinoline dresses on her treadle machine, and set my hair in rags to produce ropes of ringlet curls on Sunday morning. She also taught me my first hymns: Jesus Loves Me, Onward Christian Soldiers, and Rock of Ages Cleft for Me. She told me God loves the voices of all his children and I was to sing loud as a gift to him.
I remember sitting in a hot church on my summer visits, trying to be quiet and fanning myself with a short-handled piece of rounded press-board decorated with a Bible verse on one side and a scene from Jesus homeland on the other. I’d seen pictures like it in Mammaw’s Bible. The fans were kept in the pews for very hot days. I don’t remember a cold day.
When Mammaw went to live with Jesus, I was eleven. Summer Sundays at the Methodist Church stopped. It wasn’t like I was without religious education. I got plenty of that helping my Catholic friends learn their catechism. Without ever having stepped inside a Catholic church, or any other church, for the next two years, I learned Hail Mary, Full of Grace before the Lord’s Prayer.
All of that stopped when my parents decided I needed to pick the religion I wanted to be. Mind you, they never intended to participate in my education, nor would they attend any services. The decision was mine to make at the ripe old age of thirteen. There wasn’t a Methodist church in the town where we lived. That would have been too easy. I planned out a strategy to pick a church based on geographical location, as I believed I would be walking. The Catholic church was five blocks from my house, but I remembered what my friends said about sitting in a hot confessional booth telling Father all their sins.
I crossed that off my list. One block further stood the Baptist church. My mother dropped me off on the first Sunday. I learned a Bible verse from Deuteronomy in Sunday school and then sat in a pew in the back staring at the big bath tub on the altar. The Baptist pastor said my whole family would have to be baptized again – in that tub. My panic grew to nightmare proportions. For once I was grateful for my parents stand on religion.
In the center of town, a mile or so from my house, stood the Lutheran church. I knew I was running out of choices, but much to my surprise, Holy Trinity Lutheran had a catechism class starting soon and a junior choir looking for new members. Their choir master could pick me up on Sunday mornings, I didn’t have to walk, or confess my sins in tiny dark box, and no one was going to drown me in a tub on the altar.
I have been a Lutheran for forty-eight years. For Mammaw, I still sing loud to Jesus because he loves me . . . the Bible tells me so.
OUTDOOR CHURCH VISITS HOLY CROSS
On December 16, 2007, Pastor Jed of The Outdoor Church of Cambridge will be visiting us at Holy Cross. It should be a great opportunity for us to hear first hand how this type of ministry is developed, and to learn how we might be called to help the needy in Cambridge. Perhaps we will get some insights that will make us more effective right here in York County.
Many of you have contributed socks, or toiletries or time in visiting The Outdoor Church of Cambridge. This ministry offers an outdoor worship service in Cambridge to homeless men and women. Along with two services on Sunday, The Outdoor Church provides a light snack of a sandwich, juice and fruit for many of the homeless that inhabit Harvard and Central Squares of Cambridge. During the week, Pastor Jed Mannis is attempting to grow the ministry to serve his flock in hospitals, jails and shelters.
I know you will join me in welcoming him to Holy Cross to preach and lead the adult forum. Mike Scott
Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God. ~Ray Stannard Baker
THANK YOU!
Dear Members of our Holy Cross Family -- The past five weeks or so have been a very turbulent time for us. It started in late September, when I made an emergency trip to San Diego because my Dad had gone into the hospital. Ten days later Dad's physical condition had improved significantly, and we had managed to get Mom and Dad moved to Salem, Oregon. Despite my father's dementia, my parents both seemed to be settling into their new home at an assisted living facility near where my sister lives. When the news came last week that Dad had died, it was a real shock! Of great consolation, though, is our knowledge that Dad was perfectly ready for this time to come. He was deeply appreciative of all the blessings he had experienced throughout his 83 years. The love of Christ sustained my father during his lifetime, and it comforts us to know Dad has gone on to be with God for life eternal. We so very much appreciate all the prayers, cards, kind words, and understanding that have been showered upon us during these past weeks. The reception held this past Sunday, too, was so thoughtful and a wonderful time of remembering Dad. We can't thank everyone at Holy Cross enough for all of their support -- it has meant the world to us. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Rich, Barbara, Todd, Drew, and Jenna Horner
SIMUL – LUTHERAN VOICES IN POETRY
Collected and edited by Mark Patrick Odland
Just out is an anthology of 140 honest poems from the hearts of 140 Lutherans. This collection exceeds the vision Mark Patrick Odland, a pastor of outreach from Alexandria, Minnesota, first planned when he contacted 8,000 congregations, 28 colleges, and 8 seminaries this past spring asking for submissions. He received over 1,200 poems from pastors, professors, and dozens of everyday Lutherans from all walks of life. He selected poems that he felt best fit the goals of the anthology.
It was Odland’s hope that this project would not only bring together the best poetry the Lutheran church has to offer, but also encourage Lutherans around the country to explore their creative gifts. From Odland’s statement in his poetry guidelines, he said: “The name of this anthology reflects Martin Luther’s observation that as children of God we are both fully saints and sinners simultaneously. The goal of SIMUL is to reflect this paradox, and explore the complexity, beauty, and messiness of the human condition. The poems submitted need not be ‘religious,’ but they must be honest. Laughter and tears, faith and doubt, hope and despair all have their place in this unique publication.”
I am privileged to have one of my poems included in this anthology. If you are interested in ordering a copy of the book, please contact me. Peace to you all, Donna Simmons BABY ITEMS NEEDED
We are collecting some baby items for Rebecca Thomson who is expecting on Thanksgiving. She thinks the baby will be a girl. In addition to the following specific items, any donations are welcome: infant car seat, a crib mattress, newborn disposable diapers, a snow suit, and a sleep sack/gown. Please contact Bob Kreie if you have a donation so that we can avoid duplications. Rebecca also has some boxes in a storage area and it would be helpful to her if she could relocate them to someplace that does not cost money. So if you have storage space, please contact Bob Kreie with that information.
HOLIDAY FOOD BASKET
As the community approaches the holiday season, area churches once more are being asked to help neighbors in need by contributing to the Holiday Food Basket program. Monetary donations should be made out to “Holiday Food Baskets” and placed in the offering plate. Food items needed are: pudding, canned green beans, evaporated milk, potatoes, canned peas, pie crust mix, boxed stuffing, canned fruit, Jell-O, potatoes, and onions. Help is needed Sunday, Nov 19th to deliver our donations to Christ Church no later than 1:00 pm, and Monday Nov. 20th at 9:00 am at Christ Church to help pack the boxes and at 11:00 am drivers are needed to help deliver. Interested volunteers are asked to call Gail Preble by Nov. 13th (her phone number is available at the church office).
FALL CLEANUP
Saturday, November 10, from 9:00 am to 12 noon, the Trustees will hold our annual Fall Cleanup of the church buildings and property. All are invited to come and help with housecleaning and yard work. Everyone is welcome, whether you can contribute for a little while or for the entire morning. There will be plenty to do, both inside and out. Many hands make light work!
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to the Social Concerns Committee for organizing the recent food drive and to the congregation for their overwhelming response. We collected more than 200 items, which will be distributed to those in need.
Henry Perkins, Church Community Outreach Services, Inc. (Food Pantry)
HELP WANTED
Apprentice sound technician for the 8:00 a.m. service. No experience necessary -- training will be provided. Please contact Warren King.
COMMISSIONING OF ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY
Judith Hakanson Smith, daughter of Natalie and Joe Hakanson, will be commissioned as an Associate in Ministry, Sunday, November 11, at 5 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Stafford, VA. Judy will coordinate Christian education, music ministry, and youth activities at St. Peter’s. She is a frequent visitor to Holy Cross and well-known for her musical leadership at various Calumet workshops and retreats, She also served as our music consultant to our Third Service Retreat this summer. If you would like to send her your well wishes, mailing information is on the board in the Narthex.
SHARING THE JOY
We will be singing again at the Atria on Sunday, November 18th at 1:30. Come and join us as we bring the joy of music and fellowship to those who reside in assisted living. No musical talent is necessary, just enthusiasm and kindness. See Karen for further information.
COOKIES AND CARDS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
The morning Bible Study will continue their tradition of sending cards and Christmas cookies to our college students. This is a fun service project as we bring our treats and create an assembly line of goodies to fill the boxes that get mailed in early December. If you have a college student(s) in your family, please give their name and mailing information to Karen or to the church office.
YOUTH GROUP: SALEM TROLLEY “CHRISTMAS CAROL”
For those of you who went to this event a few years ago, you probably have memories of great fun and a unique way to experience this classic tale. Told on a trolley ride through Salem, MA with stops at the home of Tiny Tim, visits by ghosts, a walk in a haunted cemetery, and the melting of the heart of Scrooge, we all were participants in the story. We have purchased a block of tickets for Saturday, November 24th. Tickets are $22 and must be paid for in advance. We will spend some time visiting Salem and having dinner before attending the 7:00 performance. All high school and college students are welcome (this is Thanksgiving weekend), as are friends, but once the tickets are gone, there will be no more, so buy yours early. A signup sheet is in the Narthex. For further information talk with Barb Horner or Karen.
HELP WANTED: BAKERS OF THANKSGIVING PIES
Holy Cross youth are raising money to help with expenses for their upcoming holiday activity. Ten percent of what they raise will be used to support a family from the Christmas giving tree. You can help! The youth are taking orders for Thanksgiving pies. Your donation of a Thanksgiving pie (to be delivered to church by noon on Wednesday, November 21st) would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to purchase a pie (to be picked up on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 21st), please sign up on the board in the Narthex.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
As Holy Cross Lutheran Church is quickly approaching our 35th anniversary, we want you to participate in a “snapshot in time” recording this history. All Holy Cross members and friends are invited to sign-up for individual or family portrait appointments.
Olan Mills will be sending Maine photographer Greg Hatt to set up a portrait studio setting in Luther Hall on the following dates: Tuesday, November 13th and Wednesday, November 14th. Appointments begin at 3:00 pm and run every ten minutes with the last appointments scheduled at 9:20 pm. Sandie Hamel, chair of Church Life, will be in charge of maintaining the portrait appointments. If you have any questions, please contact Sandie.
Immediately following your portrait appointment, an Olan Mills representative will present you with digital results on a video monitor. From these views, you can select whichever portraits you would like reproduced, in a variety of sizes. The final results will be mailed directly to your home within 30 days. Plus every individual or family photographed receives a free 8x10 full-color portrait and a free Holy Cross Pictorial Directory!
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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