Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Sometimes the doldrums of winter can set in during the month of February, especially with the kind of snowy winter that we have had in Maine. However, I have to take exception to that trend this year at Holy Cross. Some very exciting events have happened that will hopefully have a lasting impact on our congregation. What a wonderful evening we had at our auction, in spite of messy weather. As we gathered with friends for a delicious meal, the food and fellowship served to warm us in preparation for the main event. A great time was had by all, filled with lots of laughs and good-natured bidding for the wonderful donated items. Raising over $2000, we were able to supplement our worship renewal grant to purchase a video projector and software. At our grant sponsored Audio/Visual consultation, we then learned to use the projector and software, as well as how to locate information on the internet and to create power point slides. We are so grateful to the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship which, through the Lilly Foundation Inc., has funded this grant.

And finally, after much planning and prayer, our first Saturday worship service will have happened by the time you receive this newsletter. Please continue to pray for this new worship opportunity, not just for members of the congregation, but also for those in our community who cannot worship on Sunday, or those who might be looking for a church home. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

As we approach the 35th birthday of Holy Cross, my early experience here comes to mind. Art and I moved to Kennebunk in November 1979. We started canvassing churches in the area to see what might be our new church home. We split up for greater efficiency. I was brought up Presbyterian, but that denomination is even rarer in New England than Lutherans. Art is a former Catholic (priest), but in the years leading up to 1979, we had attended Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Congregational and Episcopal churches. Art came home one Sunday after going to Holy Cross and said, “I’ve found the church for us.” A Lutheran church happened to be the one denomination I had never attended. The next Sunday we went together, and found about 25 people in the sanctuary, sitting on (very chilly) metal folding chairs. The Narthex was in the back of the sanctuary, flanked on one side by a small kitchen. The pastor could not really have an office onsite, due to no heated space available. The people were incredibly friendly, especially Gail O’Neil, who has become a lifetime friend, now living back in Minnesota. The pastor and his wife immediately invited us for brunch at the parsonage, and for two lonely “newbies” in town, this was warmth we really needed. We felt loved.

With so few members, we were quickly absorbed into the activities. Early on, I became Treasurer and Council meetings were fraught with important issues such as whether we had enough money to buy some toilet paper. We were a Mission church and Bob Isaacson was our Mission director. Without his warm guidance, I don’t know where we would be. Times were hard, but we always managed to pay the bills and move forward (even the month when I lost the monthly Mission support check and was afraid to tell anybody). Without the new wing or Lord St house, we had to be pretty creative, but the up side of having no pews was that we could use the whole sanctuary as activity space. We also used the parsonage for events. I think Betty Kreie, Deanna Ross, Irene Bancroft, Ruth Bentley and I might be the only ones to remember the Liver Lovers Luncheon – people came from miles around to eat liver! (Not me!) We had a candlelight Valentine’s Day dinner at the parsonage (we could all fit in the living room) to honor our faithful church secretary, Evelyn Moran, with a crown and robe. A couple of years later when the well in our new house ran dry and we had to wait two weeks for a driller, many people in the church offered us showers – we had a regular schedule, and I especially remember Deanna Ross opening her bathroom at any time!

One very important aspect of our church life at the time was the life of small groups. Bible studies were numerous in people’s homes (due to the blessing of not having any useful space in the church), building strong, warm and trusting relationships with each other and building the Spirit. Almost all the people involved in those are gone, scattered to the winds, but it’s refreshing to see that the church is awakening again to the possibilities that small groups can bring.

At a later point and for a number of reasons, we decided to leave Holy Cross for a time. But after a few years, we realized we really missed our first church home, and for better or worse, this was “family” for us. I will probably always be a closet Presbyterian, and still think the organizational structure of that denomination is better than the Lutheran church’s, and Art is still pining a little for “folk masses” of the ‘60s, but here we are - we can do no other. Can’t wait to see what the next 35 years bring!

What is it that we yearn for? To be heard? Really listened too? Our Bishop's article in The Crier really hit me. Reinforced my strong belief that we all need to be listened to as well as to listen to our Heavenly Father. How does this happen? Small groups. Yes, this is what I believe our Lord wants. First a relationship with Him as we learn to listen and spend time with Him. Second to be a friend to those He puts in our path. To share our ups and downs, learning from and supporting each other. While on this train on thought, I want to express how very grateful I am for all the loving support I received through Dad's time of preparing to meet his Heavenly Father. We will have his celebration at church on August 17th, which is his birthday. (No chance of snow)

Bob and I are enjoying our church home here. I especially as this is the church I was confirmed in (1957). Being Missouri Synod I am more comfortable with the theology. We go to the contemporary service at 9:00, because I love that, but I am also singing in choir at the 10.30 service. The choir sings between the lessons and Bob sits in the car and reads the paper until I'm done. Then we are off to pick up Uncle Jack and head to our traditional Sunday lunch at “China Dynasty”.

Two Sundays ago, as we entered church, Marge (who knew me as a teen) was handing out bulletins. She lit up and asked “would you sing? They really need someone as one girl has laryngitis and the other a bad head ache”. Well those of you that know me know what I'd say. I've always wanted to sing with a mike so now I'm in the band.

This happening brought to mind how important it is to ask others to partake in any area of ministry . For example, three years ago after the service, I went up and spoke to the piano player (director). I mentioned how I loved the music. Now I was hoping to be invited to sing with them. She didn't hear me. In her defense she didn't know me. Yet I felt unheard. I feel that it is important to see that enabling and encouraging and listening beyond the words spoken, to maybe what is not being said, is important for us to see as a truth. God is asking us to be His ears and listen. Betty Kreie

The saying I remember as a child is: March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. After the snows of February this year, I have my doubts about the latter. Unlike most years, this time its not completely in Lent. This year, March blows in with solemn discipline and cold arctic winds; and it sails out with the joyous praise of the Easter season and Jesus' gift for us. Although I believe we may be worshiping sunrise service on a mountain of white, I look forward to the first signs of spring somewhere under the huge piles of snow in my dooryard.

Biddeford Free Clinic is accepting donations of unused prescription medications that are not outdated to be distributed by their pharmacy. If you have left-over meds (NOT liquids; NOT narcotics) and would be willing to donate them to be used for patients who otherwise cannot afford to buy their prescriptions, please be in touch with Sandie Hamel. Our church has contributed financially to Biddeford Free Clinic and this is one more way we can help. Thank you, Sandie

On March 1st, the Calumet Staff Alumni is hosting the Calumet Auction at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester at 7:00 pm. The event features a Live Auction, a Silent Auction, Appetizers, Dessert and a Cash Bar. Babysitting is available and parking is free.

This year we have some fantastic items! We have an African Safari, a Stay n' Play Package for New Hampshire, Red Sox Tickets, a Recliner, Pampered Chef Packages, video game systems, gift certificates, and much, much, more!!! All Funds raised at the Auction proceed Calumet's Annual Fund which helps to keep the cost of camp
affordable for kids and families. It also supports our programs such as our Urban Day Camp programs
which are run throughout New England.The thing is...this event isn't just for Alumni of Calumet. This is an event for anyone who loves Calumet, and anyone who wants to see what Calumet is all about! So, come, bring your friends, and help us to support Calumet at this fantastic gathering.Tickets purchased ahead of time are $15, you can contact Calumet to purchase them. Tickets purchased at the door are $20. Contact Calumet if you would like to take advantage of babysitting or if you need a hotel room.

HANDICAPPED PARKING

Just a reminder that there are designated spots for handicapped parking in the Storer Street lot.
Please be courteous and only use these spots if you are handicapped, especially on Sundays or
during other major events. Some of our handicapped folks have been unable to find parking nearby
on Sunday mornings. Thank You!

The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size. ~Gertrude S. Wister

LENTEN SERVICES

February 14th, 21st, 28th and March 6th & 13th

THURSDAY EVENING MID-WEEK SERVICES

6:15 BREAD AND SOUP

– each week except February 21^st (Harvest Café)

7:00 LENTEN SERVICE SERIES

HOLY WEEK

MARCH 15TH AT 5:30 PM

SATURDAY SERVICE OF PALMS

MARCH 16TH AT 8:00 AND 10:45

PALM SUNDAY SERVICE (WITH PROCESSION OF PALMS)

MARCH 20TH AT 7:30

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE WITH HOLY COMMUNION

MARCH 21ST AT 7:30

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

MARCH 22ND AT 5:30 AND MARCH 23RD AT 8:00 AND 10:45

EASTER FESTIVAL COMMUNION SERVICE

EASTER FLOWERS

You may have noticed that there are no flowers on the altar during the season of Lent. The reason is that Lent is more of a penitential season than one of celebration. The celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Easter Sunday marks the return of flowers to our worship space. In keeping with our tradition the altar area will be awash with the color of Easter lilies, daffodils, narcissus, tulips, hyacinths, and the flower-bedecked cross. The Flower Guild will soon be providing order forms for your convenience. You will be able to select potted plants or flowers for the cross. If the contributions for loose flowers exceed what is needed to decorate the cross any excess will be used during the Easter season (Sunday, March 23rd to Pentecost Sunday, May 11) to provide altar flowers, as needed.

The Worship Committee

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

The new Holy Cross Pictorial Directory is in progress! The last seating by Olan Mills was Dec. 16 and now Patti Berg Anderson and I are working to compile the format, activity pages, and roster of names and addresses that will be part of this 35th anniversary issue. We wish to include photos of the new 3rd service scheduled to begin on Sat. Feb. 23 and then plan to submit our completed pages to Olan Mills for publication. Looking ahead, we hope the directories will be available for distribution to our people by the end of April. Thank you for your patience as we work to put together what we hope will be an accurate and complete new directory. Sandie Hamel

Additional Notes on the Pictorial Directory: Holy Cross Families with young adult children living away from home for work, school, or other reasons: If you would like a separate listing in the 2008 Pictorial Directory Roster for your family member, please provide the info to Patti Berg Anderson, by March 10. The listing may be a complete address, with or without phone number, or simply a city, state or name of educational institution, city, and state. If anyone is a service member in the U.S. military, a special page may be designated by Olan Mills, publisher of the Directory, at no charge to Holy Cross. We are aware of one individual in our congregation who is active in the armed forces. Are there others? Please let Patti know by March 10. Thanks!

SOCIAL CONCERNS FUEL TANK

In response to the prohibitive cost of fuel faced by some this winter, the Social Concerns Committee has placed a "fuel tank" in the Narthex as a means of helping those who are having a difficult time heating their homes. A donation toward this effort can be placed in the tank or by putting a check in the offering plate designated "fuel assistance" on the memo line. Any requests for fuel assistance should be brought to the attention of Pastor.

PRAYER PARTNERS

In addition to responding to on-going prayer requests, we invite anyone to join us for an hour of prayer at 10:00 AM on the third Saturday of the month. March 15th will be our next gathering. If you would like to join us, please just come.

YOUNG AT HEART

We are inviting everyone in the congregation to join us for a luncheon after church on Sunday, March 2nd at noon. Following our meal, Cathy Bansmer will be doing a video presentation of her trip to Vanuatu last summer. Please bring either a soup or a plate of sandwiches or a dessert to share. A sign-up sheet is on the board in the Narthex.

THIRD SERVICE SPONSORSHIP

If you would like to provide some "above and beyond regular giving" type financial support for the new, Saturday service starting on February 23rd, it would be most welcome and appreciated. As a reference point, of sorts, the budget for the new service is $150 per week. The third service planning group thought people might like to "sponsor" a week of the service -- but of course please feel free to give any amount you might choose. Should you feel led to make a donation for this purpose, please indicate clearly that it is designated as a "third service sponsorship" so it can be properly accounted for. Thanks!

Enjoy a game at Portland watching the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) playing the Trenton Thunder (Yankees). Come see the future Red Sox players!! Last year we saw Clay Buholtz and Jacob Ellsbury. Barbara Nurnerberger has tickets for July 19th at 6:00 p.m. - $7.00 each.

After several years of service, Julie Clapp is resigning as Treasurer of Holy Cross. We are in need of a new Treasurer as soon as possible. The ideal candidate should have a knowledge of computers and, preferably, Quickbooks. Training will be provided. If you feel you are called to serve the church in this very important position, please see Pastor, Mike Scott, Barbara Weldon-Morin or Julie Clapp. Thank you!

ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY REFLECTIONS