Holy Cross Lutheran Church

“Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable...

“Bishop Hanson, what is your number one priority for the ELCA?” The question was addressed to me recently with great clarity and a desire for specificity. My answer? That we be an evangelizing church. The questioner nodded with what I took to be a gesture of agreement and walked away.

I am curious how my questioner would have responded to his own question. And I am interested in your response. I wish we could have had further conversation, because the question is both important and urgent. The urgency was brought home again this week by the Chicago Tribune headline that read, “Many in U.S. leave their churches.” Research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life documents a decrease in U.S. adults who identify themselves as Catholic or Protestant and an increase – doubling to 16 percent – in those who are not affiliated with a religion.

I have growing commitment to, and appreciation for, the fact that we boldly declare that we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. With that name it's tempting to distinguish ourselves from “those other evangelicals” but I prefer to make a consistently clear and constructive affirmation of what it doesEvangelical Lutheran Church in America. mean that we are the

How are we doing as an evangelizing church? That is an important question to ponder as we seek to hold each other accountable.

The challenges of this moment in history can be discouraging, especially if we succumb to the great pressures on us. Rostered leaders serving congregations are expected to attract and hold members in an increasingly competitive and consumer-oriented religious market place. Many of you are serving congregations that have experienced significant losses. which often can lead to a nostalgic longing for an
idealized past that depletes energies for ministry today. You face the challenge of supporting mission beyond the congregation when resources are diminishing or inadequate. We can lose ourselves in discouragement when we view ministry as if it were all about us.

Rather than wondering anxiously “how are we doing?” by ourselves, I invite you to take a fresh confident look at where we are by asking the question out of your daily baptismal renewal: “What is God doing with and among us?”

On the cross all of our self-absorbed attempts to “survive” or save ourselves are crucified. Through the gospel the Holy Spirit claims, gathers, and sends us into a new life as an evangelizing church for the sake of the world. The Holy Spirit is the source of our power, strength, and gifts as together we proclaim Christ and engage in God's mission for the life of the world. In this mission we follow the way of the cross, losing our lives for Christ's sake and for the sake of the gospel. A cruciform ministry with brokenness, vulnerability, and forgiveness at its center invites us together to seek to discern the mind of Christ and to live as an evangelizing people. As a result, an evangelizing church will be present where people are being persecuted for their faith, where the reality of poverty and violence diminishes abundant life, and where the creation groans in travail. An evangelizing church will be present, proclaiming Christ and bearing witness to all, including those who claim “no religion.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is and will be an evangelizing church. I invite you to join me in embracing and celebrating this call with new energy and passion.

“Christ is Risen Indeed, Allelujah!” And so we began our Easter morning proclamation. Progressing from the utter darkness of Good Friday, both literally and in our souls, to the dawning light and joy of the resurrection, we gathered in community to proclaim this good news. On Saturday evening, we also came together in community to worship and celebrate the redemption that is ours in the risen Lord. The season of Easter will continue into May as we are reminded again of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, teachings, and commissionings. The good news continues, the songs of joy are repeated, the light of the world shines on. My hope and prayer is that you will be an active participant in our community of faith as we go forward in this season of Easter, proclaiming that “Christ is Risen Indeed. Allelujah!” Karen

I have never made a secret of the fact that I think the youth of today, are the Church of tomorrow. To that end, I would like to share a few thoughts regarding a couple of the ministries here at Holy cross that I hold near and dear to my heart:

First, I would like to share with you a little about our annual Youth Ski trip. I have been going on this trip as an adult (I use that word very loosely here) chaperon, for the past five or six years. As in years past, we have opened up the trip to any youth in our congregation from middle school all the way up to seniors in high school, as well as their friends. Now, ordinarily, most folks would not consider a ski trip to be a ministry of the church, but I am amazed every time that this trip happens, with the outreach that occurs. Take this year for example. We had almost 20 youth participate, ranging from age 11 to 18, and the mix was about 50/50 members and non-members of our church. In most social situations, most adults might think that the talk of religion and God don’t happen with the youth of today, yet every where I turned, conversations were Christian centered. Another example would be that when we attend worship service on these trips, all of the youth participate in the service. This year, we attended the Sunday River Christian Ministry right at Sunday River Ski Area. When I looked around the room where we were gathered, I was amazed at the actual amount of participation. Youth were smiling, singing, and worshiping together. I truly felt that the hand of God was upon us that weekend while about 25 or so people were living together as a Christian family, with no arguments, or “situations” that would make the trip any less enjoyable.

Second, I would like to touch on our Vacation Bible Camp here at Holy Cross. I have been a part of VBC for 3 years now, and I feel like I am learning just as much as a leader, as the participants learn! I love the enthusiasm and pure energy that this ministry elicits in both the youth and adults that participate. This year, I am privileged to have some insight into the program that we will be using for our curriculum. It will be Group’s Power Lab VBS, and it appears to have a high potential for excitement, fun, and learning more about our Awesome God. Through various activities, everyone will learn that Jesus gives us the power to be thankful, to help others, to be brave, to live forever, and to tell others about God. I invite each and every one of you to come on down during our VBC week (June 23 – 27, 2008) to see what it’s all about. I would also like to encourage you to help out in any that you may feel called to. We’ll all be hearing more about Power Lab in the coming months, so keep tuned!

More than anything, each and every ministry here at Holy Cross needs your support. First and foremost, we need your prayers that our ministries remain successful, and continue to show Gods love to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Secondly, I would encourage you all to get more involved within these ministries, either volunteering on a regular basis, or once in a while as you are able. We at Holy Cross have a strong commitment to share God’s love with everyone around us, and by volunteering, you are helping to spread that love as well.

Heavenly Father
Even as we slept
You prepared this day before us
Filled it with surprises
Colored it with Joy
Placed within each one
Living Waters of your grace
Your presence
Your care
You've sent prophets to meet us
To point out things
We might have missed
Words of wisdom
Instruction
Correction
Old friends will greet us
New friends will smile
We'll give hugs
Get hugs
Today, Dear Jesus, we'll chat
Listen to silence together
Sing poetry from our hearts
We'll dance
Laugh
Lament our woes
Discern your plans
And be thankful.

Early spring reminds me of the science project we had at school when I was young. Either a lima bean, or pea, or green bean seed was soaked in water and nurtured as it sprouted. Once our seeds were started in water, we nestled them in a Dixie cup of soil. The seedlings grew with gifts of earth, water, fresh air, and the constant attention we gave them. When our spindly little plants were ready, we transplanted them into the garden watching over them as they leaned with other seedlings toward the warmth of the sun. Eventually they produced food for our table and brought us joy in the knowledge that we grew this vegetable ourselves.

This memory of creation brings me to what it must be like for our Father in Heaven. He plants the seeds of his Love in us, nurtures and guides us and offers us a chance to interact with others. Given the right guidance in a time of worship, we develop a sense of strength and renewal. We leave His house each week with the direction to “Go in Peace and Serve the Lord.”

Be a seedling of His creation. Spread His Love, Joy, and Peace to the ever widening gardens of your life.
Donna Simmons

Do you know the difference between a refugee and an immigrant? A refugee has been forced to flee her or his homeland because of a ‘well founded fear of persecution.’ Internal political or religious strife in the homeland invariably creates victims out of various groups, who then become homeless in order to save their own lives. Many refugees end up in camps in neighboring countries, where the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees determines their eligibility for refugee status and qualifies them to establish a new home in a new country.

An immigrant is someone who applies to move to the U.S. Many immigrants have local sponsors, usually family members. Refugees qualify for a basic package of LSS resettlement services that include help with housing, medical care, employment, and language classes. Immigrants may also take LSS language classes but are otherwise self-sufficient. The majority of all refugees and immigrants embark upon the path to citizenship once they reside in the U.S. If you want more information about LSS Services for New Americans, or any LSS services, visit our website at www.lssne.org

You are invited!
GLOBEL GOURMET GALA: A celebration of International Cuisine and Culture
Thursday, April 17, 2008, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Kimball-Jenkins Estate (266 North Main Street)
CONCORD, NH
Tickets: $25, or $30 at the door.
Sample gourmet delicacies from around the world – enjoy international entertainment – learn more about LSS work with citizens of the world. Call to reserve your ticket! (Call the Holy Cross church office or see a paper copy of The Crier for the phone number).

We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers. ~Seneca

If you would like to be a greeter, please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Feel free to sign up as individuals or families and for as many or few services as you like. If you have never been a greeter, the duties are:

Beginning Sunday, May 4th, a four week study in the Book of Acts will be undertaken in Luther Hall during the Adult Education hour.

Acts is part 2 of a two fold work, Luke-Acts, written by the same person, probably a Doctor named Luke who accompanied Paul on some of his later journeys. Written to explain the rise and expansion of Christianity to a prominent Greek, Theophilus, it is the most complete and reliable record possible.

The name of the Book, “The Acts if the Apostles” was ascribed to the manuscript about a century after it coming into common use. “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” would have been a better name since the Apostles fade away early in the record and a whole new cast of characters comes onto the scene.

The issues that changed as the primary personalities changed will be the heart of the study. Roger Rotvig will lead the 4 sessions. A complete syllabus will be available at the end of the course.

GRIEF AND LOSS GROUP

Holy Cross will be hosting a support group for anyone in the congregation or community who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Healing the pain of loss is different for everyone and can sometimes take a long time. But for anyone who needs support and caring, a small group can be helpful. We will be meeting on each Thursday in May from 5:00-6:00 in Luther Hall, except for May 15th when we will meet at 4:30 downstairs so that those who wish to join in a meal at Harvest Café can do so. Please register with the church office or speak with Karen or Donna Simmons who will be co-facilitating the group.

YOUNG AT HEART IN APRIL

Join us for a potluck luncheon on Friday, April 11th at noon in Luther Hall, followed by a movie. Sign up sheet is on the board in the Narthex.

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.

Coming on Sunday, May 4th – a matinee at Biddeford City Theater – “The Secret Garden.” Tickets are $15. We will carpool from church at 1:00. Please sign up on the board in the Narthex by April 18th.

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

Social Concerns will be sponsoring its second annual Blueberry Festival on August 9th to benefit world and local hunger. A work day will be held on Saturday, April 12th from 9-1 in Luther Hall, lunch included. Join us as we make all sorts of arts and crafts that will be sold at the festival. Come with your ideas and supplies or just show up to learn a new skill or lend a helping hand. To learn more, contact Linda Gaidimus, Jenny Gallo, Cathy Norwood, Sharon Lantigua, Ruth Bentley, or Joe Hakanson or sign up in the Narthex.

The Tuesday 8:30 Bible Study has begun a new series on Baptism. All are welcome to join us for on Tuesday mornings for prayer and study from 8:30 to 9:45.

We will be singing at the Wardwell Home in Saco on Sunday, April 20th at 1:30, celebrating Dorothy Klinefelter’s 97th birthday.

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!

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 almost done compiling the format, activity pages, and roster of names and addresses that will be part of this 35th anniversary issue. 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

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!