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From the Pastor …

Our New England Synod Bishop, the Rev. Margaret Payne, along with other bishops from the U.S. and Canada, traveled last month to visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. During the trip time was spent visiting with and listening to people whose lives are being directly affected by the all-too-prevalent violence in that part of our world.

The bishops' purpose was a ministry of accompaniment and of advocacy for a just peace for everyone in that troubled region. After prayerful consideration, the bishops decided to make the trip despite the fighting that had erupted just before they were scheduled to depart, between Hamas and Israel. After returning from the Holy Land, Bishop Payne prepared the initial draft of a statement that was put out by the bishops, reporting on their experiences. Below is a lengthy excerpt from that statement.

The awareness of the attacks on Gaza and the unimaginable suffering that they have caused was just beneath the surface of every encounter and every conversation. The strife continued throughout our journey and we heard new reports each day of death and destruction. We experienced a shift away from initial concern for our own safety toward a sharing of the despairing pain, hopelessness, and anger that Palestinians were feeling as they learned the details of the invasion, powerless to save or even comfort those hundreds of people who were killed and injured. We heard the anguish of the Chief Rabbis of Jerusalem who mourned the loss of life. We prayed for an end to the attacks from both sides. As we finished our journey, prayers for a cease-fire were answered, and a temporary unilateral truce was declared by Israel, and then joined by Hamas. We pray that negotiation can continue so that the attacks can be halted from both sides and humanitarian aid can be provided for those who are need food, medical attention, and housing.

If you remove the yoke from among you

the pointing of the finger

the speaking of evil

If you offer your food to the hungry

And satisfy the needs of the afflicted

Then your light shall rise in the darkness(

And your gloom be like the noonday. (Isaiah 58: 9a.-10)

The joint yokes of fear and occupation still are firmly in place in the Holy Land. God calls us, as people of faith, to remove them, to tend to the needs of those who are suffering, and in that way to be a light in the darkness. We pray for the strength to continue our accompaniment, to grow in awareness of the situation and the ways we can help to change it, and to advocate in every possible way for the justice that will lead to the security and shared homeland that is the only foundation for lasting peace. We will be faithful in ongoing visitation to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, determined in our call to be a public church, and communicate with our governments for their intervention in the Middle East, persistent in our efforts to build bridges with inter-religious partners, and courageous in telling the truth of the “facts on the ground” in the Holy Land.

I encourage you to read the rest of what the bishops' report has to say, which can be found at the following link: http://www.elca.org/bishopstatement. And let us join in offering prayers that despite the hurdles that exist, a just and sustainable peace in the Holy Land will take root and grow.

Blessings, Pastor Rich

REFLECTIONS FROM THE VICAR

I am filled with gratitude as I was installed this past weekend as a Vicar for my year of internship toward ordained ministry. First of all, I am so grateful to God for his many blessings that have brought me thus far on this journey. He has led and guided me while accompanying me on this path. His presence brings reassurance and encouragement. I am also grateful for you, the people of Holy Cross, who have supported me in so many ways and who have graciously welcomed me to serve for a year as an intern. It is such a joy to be doing ministry with you and to be serving among you.

In our Sunday Adult Forum, we have been reading Bible stories about God’s people who have received calls to his service, prophets and apostles, young and old, ordinary farmers and fisherman, people who were startled and surprised by the voice of God calling them to ministry. Every one of them had doubts and insecurities, and each of them stumbled along the way. But they all proclaimed God’s word in their particular context, receiving God’s help and guidance. As we discussed these stories and applied them to each of our lives, it became clear that we all receive calls from God. He asks each of us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, whatever else we are doing as workers, parents, students, volunteers, caretakers. Whether we share our faith story with someone else, or demonstrate God’s love through acts of kindness or working toward peace and justice, we are proclaiming the good news.

I encourage you to listen for what God is calling you to do, this week, this month, this year, this lifetime. Most calls are ordinary. Only one story involved God speaking from a burning bush and only a dozen persons received an invitation to literally walk with Jesus on this earth. But we all stand on holy ground before God when we come to him in prayer, seeking his guidance and responding to his will. Being a good employee, a caring parent or child or spouse, a dedicated advocate of those needing help, whatever you do in life, God is calling you to be a faithful servant to him and to others.

Listen, listen God is calling, through the Word inviting, offering forgiveness, comfort and joy. (hymn #513, ELW).  Serving with you in gratitude and joy, Karen

MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER

Not Forsaken, Not Forgotten

“My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The crying words of Jesus to His Father as he lay on the cross may have many distraught Lutherans saying something quite similar today, as they feel alone, with burdens seemingly too heavy to handle. But we must remember Jesus was forsaken so that we might have our sins forgiven, so that we may celebrate our faith in God as we are cleansed of sin. We will never be forsaken!

The world today is not a pretty sight to many of us. I must say I have questioned why so many people are making decisions for money and power today over doing what is best and fair for all. And the results have turned our world upside down. But that does not make me forget or forsake our God. I know that I can always have a private conversation with Him and know He has listened. And I know many of us are having more conversations with Him more than ever! We are in hard times, but if we listen, God will guide us into the Light. Many things may have slipped away from us, but we will always have His love. Though Our Heavenly Father knows we all are sinners, if we have faith, He will welcome us to walk through the Gates of Heaven into His arms. Rich Keating,  Church Council Member

“From Where I Sat!”

Let me share an Epiphany moment !

Shortly after Christmas, Bob and I were attending the Sunday late service. This was unusual as we normally worship at the Saturday evening and the early Sunday service. I was recovering from that nasty bug that affects your voice. It was very difficult sitting in the congregation and not being able to sing.

A peace came over me. I felt so grateful to be apart of this “HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH.” My thoughts went to memories of our first years and what a privilege it has been seeing God's hand at work through these 35 years. Lost in past and present my eyes witnessed a true gift for me.

There was Michele and Sarah serving at the Alter together. Wow! I knew Michele when she was Sarah’s age! Michele (wife and mother) who I first knew as a sweet questioning teen who found Jesus' love at Holy Cross. And there was Sarah. A beautiful teen who I have seen grow in her faith from a small child. My heart was overflowing feeling so privileged to have been a part of each one's Christian walk. I thank God for this treasure. Betty Kreie

It’s Not Just Your Mother’s Sewing Circle Anymore

The Monday Morning Group is undergoing a mini reformation. Everyone (men and women) with some free time on Monday mornings is invited to join us for coffee or tea (and usually muffins or coffee cake), fellowship, prayer, and puttering from 9:30 to 11:30. Bring your craft projects and your talents, or just sit and talk. Those who are handy with tools can help with small maintenance and repair projects around the church. To help coordinate the projects the Trustees will be posting a sheet on the White Board for people to list things that need attention.

Socializing is a big part of what we do. To that end everyone pays a quarter into the Treasury, which is used for monthly birthday lunches and a Christmas party.  Come and join the fun any Monday that you are free. Speak to Vi Stephens or Ann Scott for more information.

A TON OF FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY

The Social Concerns Committee is sponsoring a food drive with the goal of collecting a ton (2000 pounds) of food by Easter. Please consider donating a can or box of food whenever you come to worship or a meeting, or as you are able. Each week the food is weighed at the end of second service and recorded on the chart in the Narthex. In our first two weeks, we have weighed in 200 pounds of food. Thank you for your donations!

Make a Joyful Noise

A few months ago an appeal went out for additional help at the Share the Bounty free bean supper we provide here at Holy Cross on the first Saturday of each month. It appeared that with the worsening economic conditions of the country more people were showing up for a hot meal.

I came with a homemade pie in my hands, grabbed a Holy Cross apron, and found the pleasure of sharing a meal with friends and strangers alike. After the first time I joined the crowd, I knew I was hooked. Now I’m beginning to recognize the regulars, both helpers and guests, and enjoy the camaraderie of the event.

One crew of volunteers cooks, another sets up, a third serves, (I like serving the desserts and making our guests smile), and another group cleans up. Several of us come with homemade pies and a cake or two. Vi Stephens' peanut butter pie is the gold standard and expected by many of the regulars. Without Mike & Ann Scott and Julie Clapp to organize the event I’m not sure where we’d be. And then there’s the entertainment. Art Morrissette and his guitar, singing and playing music I love to sing, sometimes with some of our guests joining in, turning the event into karaoke night at Luther Hall.

I’ve found myself observing the guests as they file in, some coming up for seconds on dessert. And that’s okay. It reminds me of the parable of feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish. We always have enough. I watch people greeting friends and sharing a table. I smile at three generations of waiters and waitresses serving hot dogs and beans, bread and coleslaw. And I see guests walk toward the dessert table loaded with a wide variety of homemade pies and confections guaranteed to tempt anyone. Many have told me that selecting a dessert is the hardest part of the dinner.

This past Saturday, after the last of the guests donned their coats and headed for the door, Art was still playing his guitar. Roger, Mike and crew were washing dishes, and the rest of us were wiping down the tables. Art started playing and singing Amazing Grace. Miriam picked up on it and added her voice. I couldn’t help myself as we wiped up the crumbs from the last tables; I joined in, too. It wasn’t long and we had an impromptu choir going as we worked.

Share the Bounty is more than providing a free supper to the public. It’s a chance to lift our voices to the Lord and make a joyful noise. Peace to you all, Donna Simmons

LENTEN SERVICES

The church season of Lent is a time of penitential meditation and focus on the story of Christ’s passion, and our response to it. We begin this 40 day journey on Ash Wednesday, February 25^th at 7:00, with a Communion Service and Imposition of Ashes. During the next five weeks, beginning March 5^th, we will gather on Thursday nights at 6:00 for a simple meal of bread and soup, followed at 6:30 by a mid-week service. (On March 19^th, there will be no soup supper, but you may attend Harvest café instead.) We will be doing something different this year, using the beautiful and meditative Service of Compline from the ELW, along with a dialogue featuring a character from the passion story. Please join us on this journey to the cross.

GAME NIGHT IN SPRINGVALE

As a follow-up to our fall fellowship events, Linda Gaidimas has offered to host a game night at her home in Springvale on Friday, March 27^th, at 7:00. Those of you who live in Springvale, Acton, Sanford, or other nearby communities are invited to join in. Arrangements can be made for separate activities/supervision for children. Please RSVP to Linda at 490-0205 or the church office. Dessert and guaranteed fun and fellowship will be provided.

Shared Spaces

Remember what your mother said about using rooms or spaces that do not belong to you?

Always leave a space cleaner than you found it.

At least my mother used to say that when we were preparing to leave the cottage we rented in the summer. The next family should not have to clean up our messes before they could enjoy their stay. We should do the same for ourselves and all those who use our facilities.

Counter tops in the Kitchen, the Sacristy, and the Sunday School room should be left clear of clutter. Put it away, throw it away, or take it away with you. Sinks should be washed down with soapy water and rinsed so the next person to use one of them does not have to clean it first.

Many groups use Luther Hall during the week. Nothing should be left on the tables, the piano, or the chairs. If you hand out papers as part of your function please collect the extras and those left behind and recycle them. Please do not leave cardboard boxes under tables or chairs. Store them in an appropriate place or take them with you.

If we all pay a little more attention to the condition of the room we just used by first making sure we have left nothing behind, and then doing one more thing like sweeping the floor or discarding dead flowers left in a vase, we will make our facilities more pleasant for the next group.

Ann Scott, Trustees

JOKE OF THE MONTH

Submitted by Jack Bates

Three friends from the local Lutheran Church were asked, “When you’re in your casket,and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?”

Chris said: “I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.”

Mike commented: “I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people’s lives.”

Jack said: “I’d like them to say, “Look, he’s moving!”

THE VOICE OF GOD

THURSDAY NIGHT LENTEN SERIES

SOUP SUPPER AT 6:00

SERVICE OF COMPLINE AT 6:30

Join us on Thursday nights during Lent, beginning with a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by the beautiful contemplative service of COMPLINE. Each week the message will explore the heart, mind, and spirit of one of the characters in the passion story.

THURSDAY MARCH 5

JAMES IN THE GARDEN

THURSDAY MARCH 12

PILATE LOOKING BACK

THURSDAY MARCH 19

(Harvest Café at 5:30)

THIEF ON THE CROSS

THURSDAY MARCH 26

CENTURIAN AT THE CROSS

THURSDAY APRIL 2

MARY AT THE CROSS

New Monday morning group for seniors!!!

There is a new Monday morning group being added to our existing Monday morning group. We will be meeting every Monday starting March 2nd We will be offering a social time for visiting, games, monthly discussions and lunch for seniors. It will be held in Luther Hall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you know a neighbor, friend, relative or anyone who would like to participate in this time, please let us know! We are also providing transportation for people if they need it. If you would like a ride, we need to know the day before and we can pick you up and then take you back home. You can contact Mary Keating at 985-3006 if you need a ride or have any other questions. If you would like to help with transportation, provide an activity, craft or maybe give a talk on something of interest, please contact Mary. This will be a nice time of fellowship to get through these Winter month!

Vacation Bible Camp 2009!!!!

“Discovery canyon” is coming!

Place: Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Dates: June 29-July 3

Time: 9:00 a.m. until noon

Ages: 3 years old thru high school

The canyon walls are echoing with the sounds of faith-filled activities! explore the wonders of the word! it’s a majestic and awe-inspiring program!

You will get to:

Meet some new friends

Sing “rockin” songs

Create awesome crafts in the cavern

Play games in the gully

Munch on canyon cuisine snacks

Hear stories about Jesus!

More information coming soon…………………………………..

Any questions? Contact Mary Keating, VBC director

PS Remember, you can bring a friend!!

FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On Saturday, February 28th, we will be marking the one year anniversary of the beginning of our Informal Saturday Service. At 6:15, after worship, we will be celebrating with a free (donations accepted) Spaghetti Supper to which all members of Holy Cross, as well as the community, are invited. Jack Bates and Company will be preparing the meal. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex for set up or clean up. If you have never attended a Saturday service, this would be a good time to check it out. Or just come for the meal and worship with us on Sunday. Either way, we have reason to gather as a community to celebrate and to rejoice in the ministry that we are providing with our Informal Saturday Service.

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me.

~Author unknown, variation of an excerpt from "The Serenity Prayer" by Reinhold Neibuhr

HOLY COMMUNION CLASS PRAYERS

Three of our young people recently completed a class on Holy Communion and joined us in participating at the Lord’s Supper. As part of their instruction, they wrote prayers of thanksgiving which were posted on the screen during worship, and read by the youth during second service. In case you missed them, here are their prayers:

KRISTOFER LESLIE

Dear God, thank you for creating the earth. And thank you for my family. I also thank you for my house. Amen

MIKEY STIVALETTA

Thank you God for all of the blessings you give to us. We are thankful for all of our food and clothes that we have. Amen

HANNAH THOMSON

Dear God, thank you for giving me an abode and food to eat. Thank you for giving me a loving family and the church so I can worship you. Thank you God. Amen

HOSPITALITY TRAINING

Do you remember what it was like for you to attend our church for the first time? Or how you were greeted at a church you may have visited? First impressions can have a lasting impact on someone who is looking for a church home or exploring what it means to be part of a faith community. How we welcome newcomers and show hospitality is very important to how we begin to share the good news of the Gospel.

If you would like to explore the possibility of becoming a part of a team of people who welcome our newcomers, please consider attending a workshop in Luther Hall on Saturday, March  14th from 9:00-10:30. Coffee and snack will be provided. The workshop will be co-led by Vicar Karen and by Roger Rotvig, who is a master at welcoming new people before and after worship. Learn how to approach someone you don’t know, how to listen for their story and make a connection, how to warmly welcome them. Some of you may also be willing to make a follow-up phone call or visit. Whatever your comfort level, come and learn about hospitality and where you might fit it. We will teach you and coach you. Please sign up on the board in the Narthex.

The year's at the spring

And day's at the morn;

Morning's at seven;

The hillside's dew-pearled;

The lark's on the wing;

The snail's on the thorn;

God's in His heaven -

All's right with the world!

~Robert Browning

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,

May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

~Irish Blessing