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From the Pastor …

The week prior to the writing of this article, was one of the most turbulent on record for the United States economy. The shaky financial situation in our own country, and around the world too, was reflected in the Dow Jones average being exceptionally volatile, and losing a great deal of its value over the course of just five days. With home foreclosures, rising unemployment, and bank failures also highlighted each evening on the news, the economic outlook has been grim.

After a coordinated, international plan of action for dealing with the crisis was developed over the weekend, the stock market was again very volatile on Monday -- though this time ending on a positive note, by rising more in a single day than ever before.

As to what will happen tomorrow, or next week, or next month -- no one knows. Many people have opinions, but no one is actually able to predict what will come next.

Maybe by the time you read this, further progress will have been made toward solving the current problems, and a sense of economic stability will have been restored. Or perhaps we will have experienced yet another dramatic downturn.

Over the weekend I preached on Psalm 23, with its wonderful imagery of the Lord as our Shepherd. I referred to the upheaval in the economy, as one example of why we are in need of a shepherd. These are circumstances we can't cope with on our own. We need the guidance, support, and love of the Lord to sustain us in the midst of such turbulence.

Having a home in which to live, a job to pay the bills, a nest egg set aside to provide for our needs in retirement -- these are aspects of life that are important, and to which we ought to pay some attention. But if we focus on such things too intently, if we think it is within our own power to secure everything we will need in life, we are bound to go astray. We are bound to be filled with anxiety, and our hope will not be secure.

Turn, instead, to the Lord your Shepherd. Listen to His voice. Follow where He leads. You can trust in Him wholeheartedly. He will never let you down.

In Christ,  Pastor Rich

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY REFLECTIONS

Earlier this month, our Young at Heart group drove to Limerick to have lunch at a lovely teahouse. What a glorious day it was, with the magnificent scenery of the fall colors at their peak, set against a bright blue sky. We were all seated together by ourselves in a lovely decorated room while being served tea and a delicious lunch. Lots of good-natured bantering and warm conversation flowed around the table.

Being a part of the life of the church can mean many different things to each one of us. The spiritual disciplines of worship, prayer, and Bible study are ways to strengthen our relationship with God. Giving food and socks to the hungry and poor, helping out at a bean supper for the community, volunteering for the church or some other organization are all ways to show care and concern for others, But being in fellowship with one another is a way to nurture ourselves. Good self-care is an important discipline. I hope that you will find time to nurture yourself - because you are an important part of God’s magnificent creation.  Serving you in Christ’s name, Karen

MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER

At a recent Stewardship meeting we talked about the rough year many of us have had because of the economy. We all were quite pleased that the committees had been able to hold down the Church expenses and hoped that when the pledge cards were returned later this year, we could have the ability to continue the good works of Holy Cross next year with those pledges. In these times we must all make harder decisions on how to use our hard earned money. Each of us must have shelter, clothing, and food. I see Holy Cross as another necessary nourishment. I see Holy Cross as shelter, clothing, and food for our souls. Holy Cross gives us strength to keep our strong faith in our all-powerful God. It is impossible to separate our physical needs and spiritual needs. Both are so important to our well-being. As each of us decides on how much to give to each, let us contemplate on what could happen if any of these “essentials” were taken away. We all cherish our possessions, but now is the time to decide what is REALLY important to us. I believe that Holy Cross is one of our most valuable “possessions”. And that is why I know for whatever my family gives to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, we will get multifold returns that are far more valuable.

Speaking of giving, I was thinking that now is the time to give many other things, if not money. We can give extra smiles, extra help, extra “Thank yous”, extra sensitivity to others, extra anything that makes our bond with others stronger and richer. Then we all can watch our true wealth of family and God grow each day as we realize that God will always be beside us and guide us if we listen to Him. Rich Keating

THANKSGIVING IN HARD TIMES

The economics of our world at the time of this writing appear to be as bad as most of us can ever remember. Our common response is to hunker down and see how this will play itself out. Not a bad response! At the same time as we see that the hungry of our world are now in even more desperate circumstances as many of the systems they have relied on in the past are also hunkering down. Here at Holy Cross, besides being cautious, we should also be very thankful for all that we still have in abundance. As it should, that thankfulness will translate into our sharing a portion of what we have with others.

Our year long commitment to raise $4,000 for world hunger will climax on the Thanksgiving Day weekend, Nov. 27-30. The children’s coin banks for the purchase of farm animals for Africa in “God’s Global Barnyard” will be turned in. (Adults can use the coin banks too. See the table in the Narthex). The last element in the year long hunger plan will then be seen in the giving of a meaningful Thanksgiving offering. You can use the special envelop for that day in your box of weekly envelopes or use an “ELCA World Hunger” envelope found in the pew racks. Use both if you feel up to it. It will all go to the same two places, 20% for hunger causes in York County, Maine and 80% to Lutheran World Hunger through the ELCA. We expect an additional supplemental grant from the Maine Chapter of Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans. To accomplish this we need to reach our overall annual goal of $4,000. We are about $1,500 short of completion as of this writing. Roger Rotvig

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The prayer shawl ministry quietly came about through two graduates of the first “Women’s Leadership Institute” in Hartford, CT. For one of the women, it started with a hand made gift given to a friend. She in turn inspired her friend. For both it was a desire to reach out to women in times of need as well as celebration. Shawls became their way of giving to others.

Shawls, made for centuries are universal and embracing, worn by women everywhere. They comfort, cover, enfold, warm, shelter and beautify a person. The women and some men who have received these shawls have felt uplifted and affirmed as if truly feeling wrapped in prayer and comforted. All those who have heard of them have been enthralled and inspired by their purpose.

Holy Cross has given over 40 shawls to members, family and friends. We have several members and friends who do the knitting. They are very easy to knit and more knitters are always welcome. Currently the knitters do not meet together to knit, but this is always a possibility. Please consider becoming a shawl knitter.

The pattern follows: 3 skeins of Home Spun Yarn – Size 11 or 13 needles, round needles seem to be preferred – They are a loose comfortable weave when knitted – Cast on 57 stitches and knit every row using about 2 and 2/3 skeins – the remainder of the yarn is used for the fringe.

It is suggested that you pray as you knit your shawl, especially at the beginning and the end of your work. I want to thank all the faithful shawl knitters and encourage you to continue. If you know of someone who needs a shawl, please call the Pastor or Helen Rotvig.

ADVENT

What is it??

According to the dictionary it’s - (noun) the coming or arrival, especially of something Extremely IMPORTANT.

As Lutheran Christians Advent (the four weeks before the birth of our Lord) is the season of preparation for Christmas, not the celebration of it!!!! Advent is looking ahead to our Lord’s triumphal return, looking at His life and ministry and preparing for the Event of Christmas. A period of Anticipation, Waiting , Preparing and also a Penitential time (remembering His suffering and death for us.)

We have the opportunity to make these four weeks a time of focusing on His presence in our lives. In reading the book “the Centered Life” by Jack Fortin, I have discovered new thinking about my faith walk.

This quote from Henry Nouwen on page 40 challenges me.

“To wait open-endedly is an enormously radical attitude toward life. So is the truth that something will happen to us that is far beyond our own imaginings. So, too, is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life, trusting that God molds us according to Gods love and not our fear. The spiritual life is a life in which we WAIT, actively present to the moment, trusting that new things will happen to us, new things that are far beyond our imagination, fantasy or prediction. “

Several copies of this book will be available for our Advent reading and times of discussion will be encouraged.   Blessings as we Wait and Prepare, Betty Kreie

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal.

It's a way to live.

~Jackie Windspear

ANSWERED PRAYERS

During the spring/summer of 2006, our daughter, Kim, began to feel fatigued and tired. Often not being able to complete her daily walks with her dog, Molly. She consulted with her local doctor and received blood tests that showed her blood counts were all down. After a few weeks of attempting to reverse this situation with local doctors, she was referred to The Seattle Cancer Care Center in Seattle, WA for diagnosis and treatment options.

Kim lives in Ketchikan, Alaska, so some of this analysis was done through transferring information between Ketchikan doctors and the Seattle Treatment Center. Kim made many trips to Seattle to consult with physicians there and underwent bone marrow tests. After weeks of analyzing this data, Kim was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder that affects the bone marrow that produces blood cells and is often fatal. At this time her siblings were all asked to have blood work completed to see if any of them would be a possible match in the case a bone marrow plant was necessary.

In November 2006, Kim entered the Cancer Care Center for a treatment that would introduce an antigen into her body that was produced from horse blood. At this time it was also necessary to have living quarters in Seattle for Kim to stay during a six week period while she came and went from the hospital. Kim's family established a calendar of times for different siblings and parents to travel to Seattle to be with her during this time.

It was also in November 2006 that the members of the prayer group at Holy Cross in Kennebunk, ME were asked by Bob's sister, Kathy, who is Kim's step-mother, to add Kim and her doctors and family to the prayer list. This group prayed faithfully for Kim and her recovery – beginning in November 2006 until the present time.

Sometime in early 2007, the group also obtained one of the prayer shawls and prayed over it for Kim and mailed it across country to Kim shortly after she returned home from Seattle. This prayer shawl was a comfort to Kim and made her aware of the people from coast to coast who were praying for her.

After two and a half years and constant monitoring and treatment from Ketchikan to Seattle, in May 2008, Kim returned for her annual visit to Seattle. She underwent a bone marrow test and blood work to monitor her condition. Praise God!!! Her blood counts have all returned to normal – white cells, red cells and platelets. Her bone marrow was clear of disease. There have been 11 cases of this disease treated at this facility. To date, Kim is the only one that they say is cured.

This is a story of the power of prayer and love as written by my sister, Kathy, in Wyoming. Thanks be to God and to the prayer partners here at Holy Cross. Bob Kreie

TRUST

by Donna Simmons

He crouched in hesitation, not feeling safe enough to step forward, but he was hungry. He stayed where he was and watched her walk toward him. She’d seen him before, standing at the edge of the playground. He was thin, his eyes alert, his head down. She approached with the saved last bite of her bologna and cheese tucked into the pocket of her coat.

Before, he’d move back behind the safety of the tree line when she came close. Before, he’d wait until she left the food on a flat rock on the edge of the mown grass.

Today, he stayed where he was with his tail tucked between his hind legs and lay down on the verge. Today, he placed his head on his front paws and looked up. Today, she stooped five feet away and cooed the beginning of friendship. School was over, the children gone home. The principal had called animal control. Today, she offered the stray a home, a safe haven, and the beginning of trust.

This story reminds me of the fear we often have of the unknowns in our scary world and our need to have trust and faith in our Lord’s gifts – gifts of patience, tolerance and love.

FROM THE SUNDAY SCHOOL...

As many of you may know, every year the Sunday School decides what we would like to put our Children's offering towards. This year we have decided to help the Local Food Bank by having a "Can Drive Offering". We hope to help many in our efforts to fill the shelves at the pantry.

Don't forget your coins for the Lutheran World Services "Coin Drive" Every Coin helps to purchase animals for self sustaining resources throughout the world. Help us to help others.

Cans can be dropped off in the Sunday School Room in the Donation Box and Coin Boxes can be dropped off at any of the three services or to Roger Rotvig or Tammy Krampetz.

Thank You for your continued support.....Sunday School Staff and Children

LSS NEEDS

Our two transitional living programs for homeless teen moms and their children urgently need diapers and “Good Start” formula. If you can help, please contact Florence House Teen Living, 12 George St., Worcester, MA 01609. Or Ruth House Teen Living, 553 N. Main St., Brockton, MA 02301,.

*RECEIPTS*

If you glance at the Treasurer's Report hanging on the bulletin board in Luther Hall, it appears that we have not spent as much money as we had budgeted to spend (up until the end of September). At first, this appears to be good news. But in trying to run reports for various committees for the budget planning process, it seems like there has been hardly any money spent by anyone. This is odd since various people throughout the year have mentioned that they have bought this, that or the other thing for church and would be submitting receipts for reimbursement.

In order for us to have a good idea as to what has been spent and what is needed for next year, we need to have receipts turned in as soon as possible. Otherwise, the Finance Committee may end up thinking that everything purchased were all gifts to the church...for which we would be very grateful and would be happy to send you a thank you note.

Please have everything submitted no later than October 31st. If you have any questions, please see the Outgoing Treasurer, Julie Clapp. Thank you!

  ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP

The Trustees are conducting the annual fall cleanup on Saturday November 15th, 2008 from 9:00 AM until approximately Noon. We are looking for any and all volunteers to help prepare the church and grounds for the winter ahead. We will be performing the usual raking of leaves, washing windows and general cleanup as well as some not so traditional fall cleanup items. There are plenty of tasks to perform both inside and outside so all are welcomed and encouraged to join us. If you can only spare an hour or if you can spend the entire time with us we would love to have you. Those lucky folks who stay until Noon will be treated to a pizza lunch courtesy of the Trustees Committee.

Let’s Get the Church and Grounds Buttoned Up for Winter!

PRAYER AND REFLECTION: STEWARDSHIP

During some of our worship services during October and November, the Stewardship Committee is offering “Prayer and Reflection: Stewardship” as the Prayer of the Day. This will include a time of silent prayer during which we will be praying for and listening for God’s wisdom. Bishop Payne, of the New England Synod, has asked all of us to “pray unceasingly” as a focus for our ministry during this year. Whether times are good or challenging, listening for God’s guidance and direction is an important spiritual practice.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT SUNDAY

During the month of November you will be receiving your annual commitment card, which we ask you to place in the offering on Sunday, November 23rd, or mail to the church office. Commitments are your annual opportunity to covenant with God and the church; a time for giving back to God the first fruits of the blessings that you have received from him; a time of prayer for God’s guidance. Even in these difficult times in our nation and in the world. God still calls us to proclaim the gospel, to feed the hungry and to seek justice for the oppressed. Please support God’s mission as you are able.

FRESH AND ABOVE LOGOS TRIP

ROCKCLIMBING!!!

- Leaving the church on Sunday, November 16th @ 12:30 .

- Cost is $10. per person. That includes 2 hours of climbing and the rental gear you will need. All participants must have a waiver form filled out and signed by you and a parent or you will not be able to climb! Waiver forms are available in the Narthex. We will be back at church by 4:30 p.m.

- Please invite a friend if you would like. They must also have a waiver form.

***You will want to bring a lunch to eat before we head out that day, or if you’re coming from home, eat lunch before you come! We will have some snacks and drinks at the rockclimbing gym.

Any parent interested in driving people to and or from the gym, please contact Mary Keating

TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-annointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to him.

Isn't it great to know who is really in control?!!

THANK YOU

On behalf of our entire family I wish to thank all of you for your prayer, cards, comforting words and numerous kindnesses as our family dealt with my father's illness and death in August. The outpouring of support from this congregation gave us strength, consolation and hope through it all and we are most grateful to have been on the receiving end of such love. We are comforted in the knowledge that Dad is at peace in the arms of the Lord after a very long struggle. Sincerest thanks to each of you for sharing our pain and grief and helping us through a very trying time. Blessings & Peace - Connie & Larry Orme

SOCIAL CONCERNS OIL TANK

The Social Concerns Committee is once again placing a mock oil tank on the table in the Narthex, for donations that will support those who are having a difficult time with heating their homes this winter. We suggest that you consider giving up a cup of coffee or downsize your soda in order to contribute to this effort.

HATS, MITTENS, AND SCARVES

On Saturday, November 8th, the Social Concerns Committee will be sponsoring another workday in which we will be making items to be donated to shelters and homeless people who need to stay warm this winter. We will be working in Luther Hall from 9:00-1:00, lunch provided. No talent is necessary – you will be taught what you need to know and there are plenty of jobs for anyone who attends.

WORSHIP LEADERS

We recently had an excellent training and refresher for all who provide leadership with our worship services. Thank you to everyone for your faithfulness. If you were unable to come and have not already signed up, but think that you might be willing to serve as an usher, worship assistant, reader, prayer leader, altar guild member, flower arranger, or singer/instrumentalist, please contact the church office and your name will be passed on to the respective person who leads these various services.

THE CRIER ELECTRONICALLY

Although we need a certain number of Criers mailed in order to receive the bulk mail rate, The Crier is available by e-mail if you have kids away at school or if you would like to receive it electronically as well as by mail. Please send e-mail addresses to Julie Clapp. Not everything in the paper edition is put in the electronic edition (I.e. the prayer list) due to privacy issues, but most of it is included and is a good source of information. Please see Julie if you have any questions. Thank You!

JOKE OF THE MONTH

Submitted by Jack Bates

Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says,

“My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50.

The second boy says,

“That’s nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100.

The third boy says,

‘I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!”

Crier Publication Info:

The deadline for the October will be Tuesday, November 11th at midnight. Please send articles to Julie Clapp via e-mail 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, if e-mailing items, please submit everything as an attached 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. Even if the e-mail is cut and pasted into a Word document, it has to be re-typed since the HTML formatting is cut and pasted along with the text. This becomes a huge issue when The Crier is placed on-line and e-mailed. Thank you for your help in this matter!!

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert