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From the Pastor …

It is quite appropriate that during the same week we are celebrating the 35th anniversary of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, we have also received the results from the second survey that was done as part of the Natural Church Development (NCD) program. This timing is fitting, because an anniversary isn't just for looking to the past, but also an event that encourages envisioning what is still to come.

Being part of the Christian community we celebrate the past and look to the future believing that both are in the hands of the Lord. Everything we have done, and everything we will yet do, is empowered by the Spirit of Christ working in us -- heart, mind, and soul.

Spending time together over the anniversary weekend, affords the opportunity for members and friends to share stories, reminisce, fellowship, worship, pray, and sing -- rejoicing over God's presence in our midst down through the years, and remembering how richly we have been blessed by God.

Calling all of that to mind, also serves another purpose: it gives rise to a feeling of eagerness, as we anticipate God's continuing activity among us. An awareness of how meaningful and exciting our prior experience has been, leads us to trust in Jesus more deeply, and commit our lives to him more fully.

The survey results from NCD similarly provide a chance for looking backward, as well as forward -- counting blessings and being energized for ministry that is still to come.

Each time a congregation takes the survey, they receive a score between 1 and 100 on eight characteristics of congregational health: empowering leadership; gift-oriented ministry; passionate spirituality; effective structures; inspiring worship services; holistic small groups; need-oriented evangelism; and loving relationships.

When the survey was first administered at Holy Cross in July of 2006, our average score on those eight characteristics of congregational health was 48 -- a number our NCD "coach" told us was a pretty strong starting point. The second survey at Holy Cross was taken in March of 2008, and the average score has risen to 53. Once again our coach has indicated that this is a very positive result -- a sign of significant growth.

As was mentioned recently in the Sunday adult study on the book of Acts, early Christians were sometimes called "People of the Way." A description that remains quite apt. We've been "on the way" for 35 years as a Christian community called Holy Cross. As we begin the next 35 years, we'll continue to be "on the way" by following Christ and serving others -- empowered by the Holy Spirit to keep growing in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God.

In Christ,

Pastor Rich

ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY REFLECTIONS

The challenges of being a woman in the middle years of most lives can be overwhelming or exhilarating or any place in between. Whether single or married, divorced or widowed, parent or not, busy with work or family or other activities, one is often left with little time or opportunity for sharing with other Christian women the joys and sorrows, ups and downs, successes and challenges of life in 21st century America. As women we are often the caretakers of others rather than ourselves. Not only are good nutrition and exercise important for self care. So are friendships and social networks, chances to talk and sort things out, time for listening and sharing, for reflection and perspective. This summer we will be having a “Women’s Summer Conversation Group” every Wednesday evening at 7:00 from July 9-August 20. I will initially begin and guide the conversation, but others are encouraged to keep it going. We will always begin with a devotion and end with prayer. I hope that you will join us and come when you can, just as you are. Karen

MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER

As I sit here thinking about a topic for this article, I am also reading the lessons for the next Sunday’s worship services, and as I read the second lesson, the phrase “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19a) keeps coming to the surface of my thoughts. This got me to thinking about exactly what Jesus meant by “Go and make disciples”.

We at Holy Cross are very blessed with the many opportunities we have to “make disciples of all the nations.” First and foremost, we have a rich worship life. This in and of itself is a very important way that we all can make disciples. But the options do not end there. We have many outreach (or dare I say evangelistic) programs available that anyone is welcome to participate in. These run the gamut from attending a Bible study at church to lending help to a stranger in need, and anywhere in between. Most people don’t like to “step outside of their box or comfort zone” when deciding where they feel they are most needed, but the truth is that we are all needed everywhere, especially when we are talking about Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples of all the nations. How then are we to make disciples, in the hectic day to day of our own lives, when most of us still have doubts about our own discipleship?

The answer to that question depends on where you are in your faith journey. For me, it is to pray unceasingly, and then act upon what I hear the Spirit telling me. Sometimes, all we can do is to sit with somebody, and say nothing at all. Other times we are called to be a very active participant in another person’s journey. But for me, the short and sweet answer to this question is to listen. Listen to God calling your name. Listen to Jesus telling you that he loves you. Listen to the spirit as He guides you along Life's pathways. It has been my experience that the Spirit will lead us to assist in the Great Commission, and present opportunities for us to fulfill this very important task that Jesus has set before us.

It is my prayer for you that you listen when you hear the Spirit calling you. You may be the one person that someone else needs to help them decide to become a disciple of Christ Jesus.

Dan Krampetz,  Council Member

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us,

but that we will hear Him. ~William McGill

(HOW TO SOLVE) THE GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS

The cover story on one of my weekly news magazines had the above banner this past week. The answers are very complex but the crisis is very real. A combination of world wide bad weather for crops, the diversion of some food crops to ethanol and the world wide inflation rates have turned a usually difficult food availability situation into a global food crisis.

Holy Cross has always contributed a lot to hunger, especially when asked for certain specific causes. This year, under the direction of the Social Concerns Committee, a four-fold outreach will be carried on to raise at least $4,000 for hunger causes. Thrivent would add an additional $1,333 to that amount if we reach our goal.

Phase one will be done by the children in Vacation Bible Camp and on into the Sunday School year beginning in Sept. Coin banks will be used to raise funds for “God’s Global Barnyard”, a program of the ELCA and Lutheran World Action to make farm animals available to families in Africa. The children will be setting goals for sending chickens, ducks, lambs and pigs to families so they can develop a sustainable animal food source. Adults who want to join in the coin collection will be welcome. Banks will be put in the Narthex.

The annual “Blueberry Festival” has pledged half of its total income to the Food Crisis goal. The other half will go, as usual, to the York County Shelter.

During the month of July, when we are basking in the blessings of God’s creation, we will have ELCA World Hunger envelopes in the pews and emphasize the need to give to that cause. Perhaps many of our visitors will also learn a little of our concern and response and may help our efforts or bring ideas back to their home congregations.

The program will conclude with the special emphasis on giving at our Thanksgiving time in November. The envelope in the weekly envelope boxes may be used or the special ELCA World Hunger envelopes will again be available.

Finally, in an effort to meet some of the responsibility for hunger needs here in our own part of Maine, the Social Concerns committee has determined that 15% of everything raised will be sent to programs in York County with the rest going to the ELCA-Lutheran World Action projects. That 15% could amount to $800 if our goals are fully reached. For more information, contact Roger Rotvig.

SAVE THIS DATE

The annual Young at Heart potluck will be on Sunday, July 20th, at 4:00 at the Rotvigs.

Please see Helen or Roger Rotvig or Karen for more information.

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.

~Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly, 1874

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!

VACATION BIBLE CAMP

Mark your Calendars! Vacation Bible Camp is June 23 – 27!! Group's "Power Lab" promises to be a blast!

Come Discover Jesus' Miraculous Power! Meet New Friends, Make Amazing Crafts, Eat Wacky Snacks, Mind Blowing Adventures, Hyperspeed Games, Incredible Music, and Explosive Experiments!

Sunday, June 1st: Register for VBC between the services! Please check out our display in the Narthex!

Remember, there is no charge for VBC so please invite a friend or neighbor to attend. Make sure you give them a registration form to fill out!

For more information, Please contact Tammy Krampetz. Thanks!

We look forward to another GREAT YEAR at VBC! Hope you'll join us!

***HELP WANTED***

Do you have some time to share? Are you interested in learning about Jesus in our everyday lives? We are looking for folks to help in this year's VBC, June 22 (after late service for set up), and then June 23 thru June 27 (for VBC itself). We need Group Leaders, Crafters, Snack Makers (and eaters too!), Decorators, and Cleaner-uppers! Can't make the whole week? That's OK too! Come by when you can and we'll put you to work!

VBC DONATIONS NEEDED

The leaders of the “Wacky Works Crafts & Missions” (otherwise known as the Vacation Bible Camp craft team) are busy planning the crafts for VBC. The following is a wish list of things we would like to have for our “campers”. Donations can be left in the box marked “Wacky Works Crafts” in the Narthex of the church. We would like all donations no later than Sunday June 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Deadra D’Addeo.  Thank you for your help!

Donations for Vacation Bible Camp Crafts

**We are making small first aid kits at VBC for the homeless. We need the following items for this project:

New plastic soap containers (used for traveling) Travel size hand sanitizers

Individually wrapped “Wet Ones” Assorted Band-Aids

Individual packages of antiseptic wipes Small tubes of salve (like Bacitracin or Neosporin - store brands are fine)

We are also looking for monetary donations this year for the following craft kits:

Power Lab “Buddy Beaker” kits $13.99 for a package of 10 or $1.40 per child

“Brainy Boppers” kits $11.99 for a package of 10 or $1.20 per child

“Incredi-ball” kits $6.99 for a package of 10 or $.70 per child

SHEPHERDING

As I reflect on our 35 years at Holy Cross, this sentence keeps echoing in my thoughts:

In the

Beginning there was a NEED

In the middle there was a NEED,

Now there is a NEED

And in the future there will be this same NEED.

What is this NEED? It began with a need to worship in a familiar style and tradition called LUTHERAN. Seeking fellowship of other Christians. Living together as a family seeking God's will as a congregation and as individuals. I see this NEED ongoing today. We have grown and the family is larger. It's our challenge to carry out our mission to bring the Living Christ among us. Studying scripture together. Worshiping together. Serving together. Sharing our joys and sorrows as we work together. Small study groups and a shepherding program comes to mind as a means for this to bless us. We have been truly blessed with our three pastors as our shepherds.

I came across the following and felt it speaks to all of us sheep:

A Look At The 23^rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd.

That's Relationship!

I shall not want.

That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul.

That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.

That's Guidance!

For His name sake.

That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

That's Resting!

I will fear no evil.

That's Protection!

For Thou art with me.

That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil.

That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over.

That's Abundance!

Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.

That's Security!

Forever.

That's Eternity!

BIBLE STUDY ON AMOS

Beginning Tuesday, June 3rd, the morning Bible Study group will be studying the book of Amos. We meet weekly from 8:30-9:45 and include time for prayer and care as well as the Bible Study. All are welcome.

DISASTER RELIEF

The Social Concerns Committee is sponsoring a fund drive for aid to those who have been victims of many severe natural disasters throughout the world. The committee has placed a coca-cola bucket in the Narthex for your donations. We are asking that you give up a cup of coffee or soda - or two - and donate that money instead to our global offering for Lutheran Disaster Relief. We will be designating half of the funds for the earthquake in China and half for domestic floods/tornadoes/fires.

Join us for brunch on lucky Friday the 13th of June at Merriland Farms in Wells. We will meet there at 9:30 or carpool from church at 9:15. This is a lovely place nestled among the trees with indoor or outdoor seating and scrumptious food. Please sign up in the Narthex.

YOUTH GROUP SUMMER FLING

All of those who are going into 8th – 12th grades are invited to join us for a summer retreat at the Ballute’s home in Sunday River the weekend of July 25-27. (This is where the ski trip was held.) Friends are welcome. Cost will be $30 for meals and snacks. Recreational activities may be extra. Look for further details soon. There is limited space so first to sign up in the Narthex with a non-refundable $20 deposit will secure a spot. Financial assistance is available through Pastor.

CARPOOLING

With the price of gas continually rising, we don’t want anyone to not come to worship or other events happening at church due to the expense of driving or for other transportation issues. Therefore we are trying to develop a list of people who might consider carpooling. Karen is developing the list and would appreciate your contacting her or the church office if you are interested in carpooling. Please indicate which service you usually attend, where you live, and whether you would need a ride, be willing to drive someone else, or be willing to take turns driving. She will then get back to all who respond and try to make it work.

HOLY CROSS FEEDING FRENZY FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Your Social Concerns Committee is sponsoring a feeding frenzy for a Habitat project on June 5th. The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building a house in a week, all of the work to be done by professional contractors. The house is located in Alfred and is being built for a family with four children. Local churches have been asked to provide a day of food for the workers. Holy Cross will be feeding the workers on Thursday, June 5th. If you are willing to make a pot of chili, donate sandwiches, muffins, cookies, etc, a sign up sheet is on the board in the Narthex. We also need a couple of people who can help Dick Eaton on that day to deliver and assist with the meals. Thank you for your assistance with this project.

WOMEN’S SUMMER CONVERSATION GROUP

From July 9th - August 20th, each Wednesday night at 7:00 we will be having a discussion group for women in the middle stages of life. Meeting in the Sunday School area where it is nice and cool, we will share dessert, conversation, and prayer about both the joys and challenges of living as Christian women. Come when you can but please sign up in the Narthex so we can plan for desserts. Karen will begin the discussion, but others are encouraged to keep it going.

CELEBRATION PICNIC

We will be having a picnic supper for all who attend the Saturday Service on June 14th at 6:15, after the service.  This will be a chance to share a meal and celebrate God's many blessings that have come to us through this Saturday worship service.

CHICK FLICKS

The next Chick Flicks will be held on Saturday, June 28 starting at 11:30 am. We will be meeting at Ricetta's for lunch and then back to church for a desert of ice cream sundaes and to watch the movie 13 Going On 30 starring Jennifer Garner. We will be done in plenty of time for the service at 5:30. The sign up is on the board in the Narthex.

After several years of service, Julie Clapp has resigned as Treasurer of Holy Cross. We are in need of a new Treasurer since Julie, having resigned, is still doing the job as Treasurer but would like to be able to concentrate on her other duties at church. 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!

NEW CRIER DEADLINE

Starting for the August Crier, the deadline for The Crier will be the second Tuesday of the month. So, for August, the deadline will be July 8th. This will be a hard deadline, meaning, everything must be received by Tuesday, July8th. The Crier will be compiled and edited on the following Saturday, July 12th. It will be delivered to Beverly by Tuesday, July 15th and mailed the same morning. This will enable The Crier to be delivered well before the end of the month so that any information on events or activities that are taking place at the beginning of the month will be available in plenty of time for people to make plans to attend.

This will be announced in the bulletin throughout the month of June and announced at the beginning of the services starting in July so that everyone should be notified in plenty of time to submit items that need to be in the August Crier.

If you have any questions, please see Pastor Rich or Julie Clapp. Thank you!!!

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.

~Robert J. McCracken

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!