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From the Pastor …

I am a person who can definitely appreciate the benefits that technology often has to offer.

After many years of using a VHS type machine to record TV shows, I recently purchased a DVR (digital video recorder). No more tapes to misplace or sort through in order to find the right show. They are all kept in a digital memory bank where they are easy to find, and you can even more quickly skip through the commercials.

I was recently loaned a portable GPS unit, to use in the car while driving my daughter to college in Montreal -- a city I had never before visited, with signs in a language (French) I cannot read. The mechanized voice telling me precisely where to make each turn was a BIG help, as we navigated our way to the campus.

I am trying out some new software that automatically synchronizes information (calendar, addresses, etc) between my computer and my phone. No need to remember to periodically hook the two up with a cord to transfer data. So far it seems to work pretty well, and keeps both devices more accurate.

At the same time, though, I am well aware that technology also carries some real dangers.

One such potential pitfall, is that technology can contribute to people becoming isolated from one another: by spending too many hours alone, playing video games; or by communicating too often via electronic means (email/text messaging/online chat) rather than through face to face interaction; or because the amount of time spent with our ear buds plugged in, and our eyes staring at a screen (be it a computer, phone, television, IPOD, or portable DVD player) is so great that our ability to interact with other, real, live, breathing human beings begins to wither away.

I don't know that the Bible says much of anything DIRECTLY on the topic of modern technology, one way or the other. But I do know that Scripture speaks often about our having been created to live in RELATIONSHIP -- with God, and with one another. One such passage was read at a wedding ceremony I recently conducted: "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man [Adam] to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him [Eve].'" (Genesis 2:18) Other such passages abound, highlighting the value God places on togetherness and community amongst His children.

May we all recognize that what God wants for us are strong, personal connections with friends, family members, classmates, fellow church members, neighbors, co-workers, team mates, etc. Don't allow technology, or anything else, to inhibit the development and strengthening of those all important, God-intended relationships.

In Christ,  Pastor Rich

ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY REFLECTIONS

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the cooler, yet still warm sunny days. The beautiful panorama of God’s creation spreads across the hills and through our neighborhoods as the changing colors are ablaze in glory. The delicious smell of burning leaves and the sight of pumpkins on doorsteps remind me that summer is truly over but that we still have a reprieve from winter.

I also love fall in the life of the church. New beginnings are everywhere – the startup of Sunday School, Logos and choir, a new morning Bible Study, regional fellowship events, a new projection system, training for Worship Leaders, and other activities. But not all is new. Our informal worship service on Saturday, the monthly bean supper, activities for Young at Heart, important work of council and committees, the response to needs by the Deacons, and the daily prayer and support of one another is ongoing. But whether what we are doing is a new beginning or a familiar routine, it can be transforming if we ask God to be a part of it. Let us surround all that we do in prayer, inviting Him into our midst.

Continuing in God’s service. Karen

 Message From the Council President

We are beginning our annual budget and stewardship campaign. As we start this process I want to share one thing with you and ask you for another.

Over the last year I have been blessed to see so many of the generous activities of our members. At the most recent event, the September Bean Supper, well over twenty volunteers served, cooked, brought home made desserts and muffins (all of which were baked with that special spice called love) and washed floors. It literally brings a tear to my eyes as I thank God for your willingness to help and care for others But there are so many other ways you live out the Gospel, socks and blueberries come to mind, along with altar flowers, gardens for the needy, youngsters who willingly give up a Sunday to help clean an attic or serve the needy, prayer shawls and gifts for an expectant mom.

So as we begin this years budget season I know that you will bring the same love and Christ-like concern for others to that process It could be a trying season, given the costs of things and that brings me to my request.

Please keep Holy Cross and our needs in your prayers, public and private. As we learned from Matthew's Gospel (18:19) "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." God Bless you for all that you do, Mike

THANK YOU FROM CARING UNLIMITED

August 28, 2008

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the children, their moms, and the staff of Caring Unlimited, we thank and salute you for your continuing generosity in support of the annual backpack and back-to-school supplies drive. We are happy to report to you that we broke last year’s record-breaking number of 135 donated backpacks, and Holy Cross, as usual, played a big part in taking us over the top! Not only did we manage a supply a new backpack, loaded with schools supplies, to every child in need, but we did so in the grace-filled way that has been a hallmark of this endeavor: every child got his or her first selection of color!

Wishing you all the best in the year ahead.

Gratefully, Pam and Bob Cloutier, Volunteer Organizers

The Miracle of the Loaves and Stocking

By Roger Rotvig

Well, maybe it’s not a real miracle. But in our age, when diverse personal and economic systems bend and respond to human need, it has to be seen as the kind of miracle of which we are privileged to be a part.

The Holy Cross Social Concerns Committee, a couple of years ago made contact with a street ministry in Cambridge, Mass. When we asked what best a suburban congregation could do to enhance this work, we were told, “give white socks”. The street people have few opportunities to wash cloths. They wear white socks until they are no longer wearable and then throw them out and look for a new pair.

We have nice pictures of a hamper over full of white socks at our altar that the people of Holy Cross contributed in 2006 in response to our request. The problem is that other needs impinge on the Cambridge need. Back packs for young people returning to school, feeding programs, shelter support, world hunger and other needs seem to peak as summer turns to the coming of colder weather and the increased cost of responses.

I was walking in Marden’s in Biddeford a couple of weeks ago. This large lot discount store had a rack full of white socks at $2.84 for a three pair pack. On inspired impulse, I picked up a pack and asked to see the manager. I explained what we were doing for street people and asked if she could assist us with a price reduction. She asked how much I intended to expend and I answered on impulse, $100. She said we could have that many at half price or $1.42 per three pack. My quick math told me that that would be about 70 three packs or 210 pair of white socks.

I bought one three pack, saying I had to check with the people in charge of the funding and the project. Both said yes. The member that regularly drives a group to Cambridge said "go for it". The Thrivent Congregational Coordinators said yes to the $100 request.

I was feeling so great when I walked back into Marden’s with the manager’s business card and the authority to spend $100. The manager came over to the sock rack with the biggest plastic bag I have ever seen. I proceeded to pull three packs off the wall, counting until I had gotten to 70 packs. Then the manager told me to take 4 more three packs off another pegboard bracket. I said I only had $100 for this. She said, “no problem”. Then she pointed to another bracket and another and another. Eventually, she said “there are only six or seven more 3 packs of this item left. Please take them too.” I think I was tongue tied in my grateful response to this manager.

My estimate is that I had nearly 100 3 packs, 300 pair or 600 white socks before this modern miracle came to a conclusion. I’m an elderly man and in good physical health, but I had one heck of a time carrying this gigantic plastic bag to my car and then into the church when I got them there. I could only think of the 5,000 who were fed and the 12 baskets full that were left over Mt.14:20-21.

Spiritual Sunshine

By Donna Simmons

When our stormy summer left our trees confused with little sunlight, many began to turn their leaves red, orange, and yellow in preparation for the dormant time of winter two months too soon. Their routine solar nourishment deprived.

It got me thinking how sitting in the darkness and isolation without the routine renewal of worship in our Lord’s house, without gatherings with congregational friends and family helping each other and our communities in general, we too become confused. Spiritual nourishment deprived, we slip into a type of dormancy.

In the past, there were times when my moods were low. I didn’t attend worship on a routine basis. I turned inward. With encouragement, I found my way back and I’m now blessed with renewal each week at church, and each day through daily prayer and devotions. With a bounce in my step, I am renewed . . . with spiritual sunshine.

Momism Redux

Mom has been on vacation for quite a while. She recently returned and discovered, much to her chagrin, that we were backsliding in our tidiness duties. So here is a gentle reminder of one of the several ways to keep Mom happy:

You may use “it”, but please put “it” back where you found “it”.

Most of us have borrowed something from someone at one time or another. We ask politely and are usually given permission to use our friend’s wingnut remover of doohickey extractor. Upon completing our removal or extraction we return the borrowed tool. Holy Cross tools and supplies deserve the same treatment.

We have many and varied tools and supplies that lend themselves to multiple uses. Some committee or an individual probably has primary control over most of our stuff and, as such, has designated a place for “it” to live. Most often the “controller” is not available when you need to use “it” or you do not know whom to ask permission of, so you just borrow “it”. Which is okay.

Here is where the process breaks down. I suspect that because you did not ask someone if you could borrow “it” you have not internalized the need to return "it”. Whom do you return “it” to? No one, since no one loaned “it” to you. But the cleaning person expects to find a vacuum cleaner in the hall behind the altar and a Sunday School teacher expects to find a roll of tape in the properly marked drawer. So use what you need, but please return “it” to the place where you found “it”.

Ann Scott, Trustees

 New Church Directories Are Here!

Copies of our new pictorial directories are free to everyone who participated in having pictures done. If you have not yet received one, lease pick up your copy from Lord Street house during office hours: Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 to noon and check your name from the list. Additional copies are available for a suggested price of $5 but the cost would be deferred so that everyone wishing a copy would have one.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos on approval to consider for use in the activity pages representing the life of our church. These photos, now being returned, and can be picked up from top of the piano in Luther Hall.

CALLING ALL YOUTH 4th GRADE AND ABOVE

LOGOS LOGOS LOGOS LOGOS LOGOS

Wednesday OCTOBER 8th is the date for the first session of our LOGOS program for the 2008-2009 school year..

All youth in fourth grade and above are invited to attend this fun and exciting program. AND! Don’t forget to bring your friends. You do not have to be a member of Holy Cross to come to LOGOS. All youth are welcome.

4th – 6^th Grade meets from 4:15 – 7:00 p.m. every other Wednesday.

7^th – 8^th Grade meets from 6:00 – 8:30 three Wednesdays each month

Fresh and above (9^th – 12^th Grade) meets Wednesdays twice each month. Most months there will be additional activities planned for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. (See below)

Meeting schedules will be provided at the first meeting.

The LOGOS staff is ready and anxious for LOGOS to begin. ALL WE NEED IS YOU!

LOGOS FOR HIGH SCHOOL!?

• For anyone who can come

• Twice a month at Holy Cross Lutheran Church/Wednesday nights.

• A three course dinner is provided with activities like flash light tag.

• Once a month there will be an outing! Such as*

*Apple Picking, Fun & Games, Sleep Over!!

Bring sleeping bag & flashlight!

There will be apple picking on Friday night, October 3^rd.

After, we'll return to church to bake for the Bean Supper.

There will be DDR, Sing Star, Guitar Hero, flashlight tag and a movie!

A LOGOS style meal and breakfast is provided.

We'll be sleeping in the sanctuary.

Drop off at the church Friday at 3:30 pm and pickup at the church is Saturday at 10:00 am.

For more information, please call the church office at 985-4803.

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.

There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

The new permanent screen and projector have now been installed in the sanctuary! This will make the equipment considerably easier to use, and also improve everyone's ability to see what is being projected on the screen, no matter where you are sitting in the sanctuary. Saturday services will continue to make use of this equipment to the greatest extent, though there will  be some uses for Sunday morning services too. Our thanks to Warren and Jane King for their work in figuring out how to attach the screen mounting brackets to the wall, and for fashioning and installing those brackets. Thanks are also due for the two generous (anonymous) donations that made it possible to purchase the screen, and to have Daniel Willis from AV Technik do the installation of the projector, along with the running of the necessary cables.

ALL SAINTS DAY

This year we are inviting people to submit pictures of loved ones, who have gone home to heaven, for the creation of a power point to be shown on the screen in the sanctuary on All Saints Sunday. These pictures can be parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, children, friends....anyone whose memory you would like to honor.

Please e-mail the pictures in .jpg (jpeg) format to Julie Clapp. Or leave the pictures at the church office to be scanned in. All pictures that are scanned will be returned. Also, please provide the name of the person(s) in the picture, their relationship to you and your name as that information will also be included on the power point. The deadline for submission of pictures is Sunday, October 19th. Please see Pastor Rich or Julie if you have any questions. Thank you!!

BOOK OF FAITH

“The Book of Faith initiative comes from the ELCA and invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word. The Bible is the written Word of God that creates and nurtures faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and points us to Christ, the incarnate Word and center of our faith. The Bible invites us into a relationship with God, making demands on our lives and promising us life in Christ. The Bible tells the stories of people living their faith over the centuries and, through its demands and promises, forms us as a people of faith. The language of the Bible becomes our language. It shapes how we think and speak about God, about the world, and about ourselves. We become renewed, enlivened, and empowered as the language of Scripture forms our hearts, our minds, our community conversation, and our commitments.”

These words are from the Book of Faith website at www.bookoffaith.org. Holy Cross will be using some of the Book of Faith resources as they become available. You will be hearing more about this initiative in the months ahead. Meanwhile, there is a lot of good information about the initiative on the website. Check it out!

Thank you

I would like to thank you all for all your prayers, good wishes, and the genuine concern for me during my recent bout with cancer. After my operation I am now 100% free of any cancer. It was very comforting to know that so many people were praying for me. Your prayers gave me the courage to face the operation without fear or worry, I knew everything would turn out fine.

Thanks again and God bless..........Jack Bates

SHARE THE BOUNTY

A special thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with September's Share the Bounty! We had 24 volunteers and 18 pies donated. At first this seemed like too many volunteers (pies aren't a problem since there is no such thing as too much pie), but then the guests began arriving. By 4:20, we had 42 guests. Since we don't officially open until 4:30 and our average before August was around 40 to 45 guests the whole evening, it became apparent that we would need every volunteer. We ended up with 78 guests! That is only four less than last month. One time of having that many people may have been a fluke but two months in a row makes it a pattern. At our first bean supper three years ago, we had only one guest (who still comes every month) so our numbers have improved dramatically!

Thank you, again, and please think about volunteering again. Please sign up on the board in the Narthex so we know who to expect. Also, if you haven't volunteered before and would like to, please join us. It is a lot of fun, great fellowship and we even feed you! All for free!

MORNING BIBLE STUDY

The morning Bible Study, which has been meeting on Tuesdays, has change their meeting day to Mondays. We have started a new series on THE PARABLES. All are welcome to join us from 8:30-9:45 every Monday for a time of study and prayer.

COMING THIS FALL TO A HOME NEAR YOU:

REGIONAL FELLOWSHIP EVENT

Church Life Committee will be hosting a series of events this fall, keeping the cost of gas in mind. Instead of inviting everyone to church, we will be inviting all of you to an evening of dessert and fellowship at the home of someone in or near the community in which you live. Signup information is in the Narthex. Please join us and get to know others in your community who worship at Holy Cross.

YOUNG AT HEART

Join us at 10:00 on Monday, September 22nd as we go apple picking at a local orchard and then out to lunch. Sign up on the board in the Narthex.

WORSHIP LEADERS

 On Saturday, September 27th from 9:30-11, we will be having a refresher training for all who serve as worship leaders at any of our three services. This would include Worship Assistants, Lesson Readers, Prayer Leaders, Communion Assistants, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, and Ushers. Even if you consider yourself experienced, some things are changing. We ask that you participate so that we can freshen those skills and review changes and schedules. We welcome new worship leaders as well - come and join us. We will provide training and support for whatever it is that you feel called to do.

Crier Publication Info:

The deadline for the October will be Tuesday, October 14th. Please e-mail articles to Julie Clapp or leave in her box at Lord Street House. If you leave an article in her box, please call her and let her know that it is there. Thank you!

 Also, please submit everything as a Word document in Arial 10 point font. When items are submitted within an e-mail message, they need to be re-typed into a Word document because e-mailed items aren't formatted correctly. Thank you! 

 People see God every day, they just don't recognize him.

~Pearl Bailey