Other Newsletters June 20, 2010 March 29, 2010 January 25, 2010 December 24, 2009 November 24, 2009 November 02, 2009 October 01, 2009 September 02, 2009 July 25, 2009 June 24, 2009 April 25, 2009 February 19, 2009 January 24, 2009 December 25, 2008 November 30, 2008 October 25, 2008 October 05, 2008 August 25, 2008 July 21, 2008 May 27, 2008 May 05, 2008 April 06, 2008 February 27, 2008 February 03, 2008 January 06, 2008 December 07, 2007 November 05, 2007 October 01, 2007 September 03, 2007 July 13, 2007 June 03, 2007 April 28, 2007 April 06, 2007 March 02, 2007 February 04, 2007 January 07, 2007 November 30, 2006 August 19, 2006 July 01, 2006 May 29, 2006 April 29, 2006 April 02, 2006 February 25, 2006 January 28, 2006 January 08, 2006 December 03, 2005 October 27, 2005 October 02, 2005 August 25, 2005 July 01, 2005 May 26, 2005 April 27, 2005 March 30, 2005 February 20, 2005 January 26, 2005 January 03, 2005 December 01, 2004 October 28, 2004 October 09, 2004 September 19, 2004 July 29, 2004 July 08, 2004 May 26, 2004 April 23, 2004 March 27, 2004 November 06, 2003 October 11, 2003

From the Pastor …

In a 2008 survey conducted by Trinity College, over 50,000 people nation wide were asked how they identify themselves religiously. The results show northern New England to be the least religious region in the country.

That statistical tidbit could be cause for hand wringing and discouragement by those of us who are active in church life. It could be interpreted to mean that those who don't go to church -- neighbors, friends, family members -- are adamant in their non-attendance, and there is little or nothing that could be done to change such a situation. Therefore we must resign ourselves to a dire trend, that will inevitably have a negative affect upon our congregation.

There is, however, an alternative way of looking at these survey results: we live in an area with great potential for outreach. We live in an area where many people are not currently experiencing the benefits of participating in the life of the church. We live in a part of the country where many people are missing out on the opportunity to hear the gospel, receive the sacraments, learn more about the Bible, and be part of a supportive, caring, praying, serving community.

We will soon be celebrating once again the central truth and hope of the Christian faith: the victory of Jesus over sin, death, and the devil through his Resurrection on Easter morning. Let us recommit ourselves, personally and as a congregation, to bearing witness to this reality and what it means for others in our New England region. Not by forcing what we believe on anyone, but by paying closer attention to the opportunities God opens up for us -- opportunities to share our faith in ways that are genuine and that have the needs of others at heart. As is written in 1 Peter 3:15: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

The good news of the Resurrection is good news, indeed, for a world in which there is so much despair, violence, frustration, enmity, and meaninglessness. Christ's rising from the dead gives the assurance of forgiveness, renews one's spirit, provides purpose and direction in one's life, and brings hope and joy. The Gospel is truly a gift worth sharing!

May the blessing of Easter shine bright in your life, and may God strengthen you in shining that light upon all whom you meet.

In Christ, Pastor Rich

REFLECTIONS FROM THE VICAR

Worried? Have you been worried lately, if not for yourself, then for someone else? If not, then you must not be listening to or reading the news. Someone once said that one of our best stress management techniques is to turn off the news. But if you have tuned in, you know about the economic crisis in this country, and worldwide, that is affecting everyone in some way. From Wall Street to Main Street, the stories of hardship are everywhere. Some view it as a wakeup call to turn away from the failed gods of materialism, over spending, and mismanagement. Others wonder if it isn’t a call from the God who created us, thinking that he now sits in punishing judgment of our indulgences. Many are waiting for the day when the crisis is solved and we can go back to business as usual, spending freely, using up the earth’s resources, ignoring the lessons of recessions and depressions and wastefulness, worshipping again at the altars made of gold and opulence.

The present crisis is much too complicated to address in a short reflection. However, I do think that it is important that God’s word is weighed in on the matter. God did create us and the world in which we live. Our stories of creation tell us that God put human beings in charge of caring for all that he made. But because of sin, greed and selfishness crept into the world. We have individually and corporately misused and abused the resources that have been given to us by God. We do suffer consequences when we make poor choices.

But this is the season of Lent, a time of repentance. God probably is not happy with our mismanagement of his earth and his gifts. However, he is not out to get us or to ruin us. He is more interested in restoration, not further dysfunction or destruction. If we listen to him, he will guide us in our decisions and behaviors, leading us to transformation and wholeness. He is a tremendously loving God who welcomes us with words of forgiveness and admonishments to love and care for our neighbors and neighborhoods, communities and churches, nation and world.

If you are worried about someone, lend a helping hand, as you are able. If you or your family need help, let it be known to your church family or Pastor. We can’t solve the economic crisis in our nation, but we can lend a hand of love and support to those in our church and community. The grace of God will then shine through us, penetrating the darkness, as we take care of one another, spreading the light of God’s love for his creation.  In Christ’s name, Vicar Karen

MESSAGE FROM A COUNCIL MEMBER

God Answers Prayer

Listening to friends discuss the ways in which God answers prayer, I was reminded of a time when we, members of my former church, found that God does answer prayers, but not always in the way we might think he will.

I was a member for many years of Faith Lutheran Church in Caribou, Maine.  Our church was founded primarily to serve the personnel at Loring Air Force Base.  There were already two Lutheran churches in the area, but it seemed that they were just a bit too far away for the people at the base.  For many years, as the number of personnel at the base dwindled, we were able to "stay afloat" although ti was often a struggle.  However when the base was closed we were constantly in fear of having to close the doors and abandon our ministry.  We frequently prayed for a way in which we could continue our ministry and outreach in the area.

One bitter cold Friday night in November, our church building burned.  One of the first people to arrive - with a key to his church - was Father Bob Smith of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.  On that Sunday, the members of Faith were welcomed to a very meaninful service at St. Luke's and by two weeks later, we were holding our Lutheran service in the Episcopal building.  The support they gave as well as that of so many churches and individuals in the community helped us get through that devasting time.

We had insurance money to rebuild, but if we did so, we would still be facing financial difficulties with not enough money to pay our ongoing regular bills.  At the same time the congregation of St. Luke's, which is part of an Episcopal Cluster, was struggling also.  The answer to the problems of both groups became obvious and both congregations still worship in the same building, and occasionally have joing services.  A close relationship has developed between the congregations and each helps the other with special projects, dinners and outreach.

Out of the ashes of our building came a way for Faith to continue its ministry and for both congregations to work together to bring worship opportunites and outreach in wasy we couldn't do before.

This was certainly far from what any of us had in mind when we prayed for a way to keep our ministry alive and far from our idea of how God should answer our prayers.  It was quite some time before any of us even began to realize that God had, indeed, answered our plea - just in His own way.  God does answer prayer - we just have to wait and have faith that the answer will come. 

Sharon McGary, Church Council Member

HUMAN SEXUALITY: GIFT AND TRUST

The ELCA has recently made available a proposed social statement entitled "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust." This proposed statement is being reviewed by the (national) Church Council during the month of March, and will then come before the Churchwide Assembly in August of 2009. At both stages it is possible for changes to be made. Whatever form the final version takes, it will need a two thirds vote at the Churchwide Assembly in order to be adopted. Social statements are described as documents that provide "an analysis and interpretation of an issue, and set forth basic theological and ethical perspectives related to it. They are … meant to aid members in moral deliberation and moral formation about social issues. In relation to social responsibility, they also set policy for the ELCA and guide its advocacy and other work as a public church."

Another document the ELCA has made available is called "Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies." This document "fulfills the 2007 Churchwide Assembly mandate to the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality to 'address and make recommendations on changes to any policies that preclude practicing homosexual persons from the rosters of this church.'" This document is also provisional in nature, and will be handled as follows: "The Church Council has the authority to pass the recommendation on to the Churchwide Assembly in its present form or to make changes. The assembly then has the authority to accept or reject the recommendation given to it, or to make changes through plenary debate. The final approval or disapproval is by vote of the Churchwide Assembly."

Both documents are available at the following web address: www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/JTF-Human-Sexuality. And/or you might be interested in going to the following New England Synod link where you will find an executive summary and Frequently Asked Question's for each document, along with a statement from Bishop Payne: http://www.nesynod.org/resources/documents_policies/sexuality.php

The New England Synod will also be holding two public forums (April 25th and May 28th, locations to be determined) for discussion and feedback.

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. As we approach our half way mark of 1000 pounds, we thank you for your donations!

RUBY

Have you ever wondered just what happens to the people we pray for on Sundays and those on our prayer list? Here is one answer.

For many years a woman named Ruby lived next door to me. She came with a whole boatload of animals. These were not just any animals; most of them were rescue animals. She even had a bird room in her house where a Macaw called Mackie ruled the roost. He was loud and sometimes very obnoxious. Mackie just loved Ruby (as we all did) and was very jealous of Ruby’s time. When we would come for a visit, he would immediately start squawking “Goodbye, Goodbye”. Ruby had a great love for all of her animals from her braying donkey (at 4:00 in the morning) to her pot bellied pigs. Ruby was quite a character.

Ruby’s barnyard and house became a favorite destination for Paige. One year Ruby took in some rather disheveled turkeys that were obviously in need of some TLC. It was love at first sight between those unsightly turkeys and Paige who was a toddler at the time. Every day we would have to visit the turkeys not once, not twice but many, MANY times. So Ruby made a pen for the turkeys that bordered on our backyard so that Paige wouldn’t have so far to walk. Ruby, you see, had many “fruits of the Spirit” one of which was great kindness. Not only did Paige and I learn about her kindness; Paige learned firsthand how to gobble with the best of those turkeys.

Then Ruby became ill. I asked for prayer from our church and put Ruby’s name on our prayer list. I had my Bible study friends pray for Ruby. Paige and I prayed for Ruby. As Ruby’s health deteriorated, it was decided that she and her husband Leo and some of the animals should move to Nova Scotia to live closer to Ruby’s daughters. It was a sad day when Ruby left but we were able to see Ruby a couple of times before her illness made it impossible for her to travel. We all continued to pray for Ruby for healing or for no suffering. God, however, had other plans for her. Our Ruby passed away on January 30th of this year.

Ruby’s physical body may be gone but her spirit and kindness are a legacy she has left to us. In a dream, Ruby saw an angel floating over her. Here is what she wrote about that dream:

I saw an angel dress in white

She had pellets of white

Praise Jesus I think she healed me.

Praise God for the power in the blood

And for all the prayers that were for me

Praise God for all the friends that helped me through prayer

Praise him for my life.

I know that someday my time will come

I praise him for all the time I have had

And for my family that is so caring

I praise him for letting me see my great grandchildren

Cody, Shaylene, Noah and Celena

I thank him for everything.

If I am not healed, I thank Him

For seeing an angel all dressed in white.

As you can see, Ruby was thankful for all the prayers that were said for her. Paige and I are also thankful for all the people here at Holy Cross who prayed for Ruby. We thank God for these words that Ruby left for us showing us how powerful our prayers for other people can be.

Paige Krampetz and Deadra D’Addeo

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH

PALM SATURDAY/SUNDAY

PROCESSION OF PALMS

SATURDAY APRIL 4 @ 5:30 PM

SUNDAY APRIL 5 @ 8:00 AND 10:45 AM

MAUNDY THURSDAY

HOLY COMMUNION

THURSDAY APRIL 9

7:30 P.M.

GOOD FRIDAY

SERVICE OF SHADOWS

FRIDAY APRIL 10

7:30 P.M.

EASTER WORSHIP

SATURDAY APRIL 11

5:30 P.M.

EASTER BREAKFAST TO FOLLOW AT 6:15 PM

EASTER FESTIVAL

SUNDAY APRIL 12

8:30 A.M. AND 10:45 A.M.

COFFEE AND HOT CROSS BUNS 9:30-10:30

NEW MEMBERS – WELCOME!

We recently welcomed nine adults and one child as new members of Holy Cross. Please extend your personal greeting to each of them. They all had something interesting to share about themselves:

VICTORIA GRANT moved to Kennebunk from Connecticut. She loves to walk and to read and relaxes by listening to classical music every day. She has joined the Wednesday Bible study group.

MICHELLE HAMALAINEN lives in Biddeford with her husband Simon and her 17 year old daughter who is a junior in high school. Michelle runs a day care and in her spare time likes to paint and redecorate.

SIMON HAMALAINEN is married to Michelle and works on submarines at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He likes to jog and work out. He is also a “fixer upper” around his house.

PATRICIA HOLMAN is from Wells. She is married with four grown children. Patti works in banking and loves spending time at a lake in the summer, boating and swimming.

KIMBERLY LEE is a stay-at-home mom to 8 month old Helen. She grew up in Virginia and met her husband on a blind date. She enjoys doing crafts.

SCOTT LEE is originally from Pownal and is married to Kimberly and father of Helen. He works at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. His hobby is motorcycles.

HELEN LEE is the 8 month old daughter of Scott and Kimberly. She attended the Basics of the Faith class and was an absolute delight, always smiling and happy.

RICK SEIDEN is a mechanical engineer and project manager. He lives in Wells with his wife Nancy. In his spare time he enjoys wood and metal arts.

NANCY SEIDEN is married to Rick. She works at Toms of Maine and does volunteer work. She loves to walk and also enjoys making crafts.

ROBIN WALDRON relocated to this area from Georgia in order to support her elderly parents. She has two grown daughters and four grandchildren. She works at Waban and in her spare time loves to garden.

DISCOVERY CANYON

Come and explore in DISCOVERY CANYON!!

Mark your calendar for June 29th  to July 3rd. A week of wonders just around the bend. Vacation Bible Camp is coming!

All kids ages three years old and up are welcome!

Set in the rugged and majestic Discovery Canyon, the VBC has something for everyone. This week of adventure will have kids crafting away in Cavern Crafts, running and jumping and playing in Gully Games, singing a set of new tunes that ROCK and hearing the good news echoing off the canyon walls!

This is the VBC you don't want to miss. It's all about connecting with others, learning, and having fun, of course!

Pre-Registration begins: May 1st.

Bring a friend!

For more information, see Mary Keating, Discovery Canyon Director

CELL PHONES VS BIBLE

Author Unknown: Submitted by Jack Bates

Ever wondered what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket? What if we flipped through it several times a day ? What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of an emergency? This is something to make you go …hmm.. where’s my Bible? And unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

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 27th, 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 or sign up in the Narthex. Desert and guaranteed fun and fellowship will be in abundance.

For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born.

~Alice Freeman Palmer

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. During the Lenten season, we 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 19th, there will be no soup supper, but you may attend Harvest café instead.) We are 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 and Easter.

HOLY WEEK

During Holy Week, the seven days before Easter, special services will be held to mark this time of preparation. On Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th, we will celebrate Palm Sunday (with a procession of Palms on Sunday), followed by a more somber reflection on the coming passion. On Maundy Thursday, April 9th  at 7:30, there will be a service of Holy Communion and stripping of the altar. Good Friday, April 10th, will be marked by a Tenebre Service of dimming lights and darkness. The resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11 at 5:30, followed by Easter Breakfast at 6:15, and Easter Sunday at 8:30 and 10:45, with hot cross buns and coffee between services.

 MONDAY MORNING GROUP

Mondays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., senior men and women can gather in Luther Hall for games, cards, knitting, conversation, etc. for all who would like to participate. Lunch will be served at noon. Monthly parties for special events such as Easter, birthdays etc. will also take place. Please check bulletin for upcoming events. Transportation can be provided, if needed. Ask a friend or neighbor to come along! For more information, please contact Mary Keating, Ann Scott or Vi Stephens.

HIGH SCHOOL LOGOS:

Upcoming high school logos events are:

Friday, March 20th @6:30p.m. : Glow-bowling at the Saco Vacationland bowling. We will meet at the church first and then proceed to the bowling alley. Cost is $15. per person and that is for two games of bowling and shoe rental. Be sure to wear light colors because then they will glow in the dark!!! Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex and you are welcome to bring a friend

During April vacation (the week of April 20th to 24th) we are trying to plan a day trip to somewhere fun. We will announce it as soon as we can!

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE

Do you knit or crochet? "Warming of America" is an organization that encourages people to make 7"X9" squares that are then made into afghans to help keep Americans warm. The square pattern can be of your choice, but remember to keep it "7X9". Some patterns will be on the Social Concerns bulletin board in Luther Hall. The squares will be put together and sent to Warming of American and/or local organizations in need. You can also donate yarn, needles, or hooks. There is a basket to drop off the finished squares in the Narthex.

JOKE OF THE MONTH

Submitted by Jack Bates

Roger climbs to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close enough to talk to God.

Looking up, he asks the Lord …. “God, what does a million years mean to you

The Lord replies, “A minute.”

Roger asks, “And what does a million dollars mean to you?”

The Lord replies, “A penny.”

Roger then asks, “Can I have a penny?”

The Lord replies, “ Sure, in a minute.”

"I know that my Redeemer lives!

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!”

From the hymn I Know That My Redeemer Lives

by Samuel Medley and John Hatton

ELW #619