Holy Cross Lutheran Church

One of the nice things about the summer is that for many people it is a time when their schedule takes on a different quality than the rest of the year. For those with school age children, things may change in terms of not having to be up as early to get ready to catch the bus. There may also be fewer extra curricular activities, so parents don't need to be on the road as much handling transportation. Maybe children even spend a week away from home at overnight camp, or visiting grandparents.

For others, the difference during the summer might be fewer evening meetings at work, more time spent out of doors on the weekends, family or friends coming for a visit, or a period of time when they "get away from it all" by traveling on vacation. In some way or another there is a break from one's normal routine, a kind of breathing space that can help to refresh and renew one's spirit.

I realize such may not be the case for everyone. In fact for some the pace of life might actually accelerate during the summer instead of slowing down. But whatever your personal circumstances might be, for each and every one of us there continues to be a weekly opportunity for spiritual respite, when we gather on the weekend for worship. A time when we can catch our breath, so-to-speak, and reflect upon the awesomeness of God -- His grace, love, and forgiveness that sustain and strengthen us in our faith.

I was particularly struck by one of the songs we sang in worship recently. The tune was very bouncy and uplifting in nature, and the lyrics brought to my mind what a privilege and joy it is to join with fellow Christians in singing praise to God, praying, hearing God's Word, and receiving the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in communion:

Refrain: Let us go now to the banquet, to the feast of the universe. The table's set and a place is waiting; come, everyone, with your gifts to share.

Verse 1: I will rise in the early morning; the community's waiting for me. With a spring in my step I'm walking with my friends and my family.

The picture that came to mind for me, was of people heading to church eagerly and with delight -- anticipating that they will receive spiritual nourishment, both through the sacrament of the altar and through fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. And also that corporate worship is a place where each person brings his or her gifts to share, where each person's presence adds something positive to the experience of the community at large.

Whether you literally "rise early in the morning" to attend worship at Holy Cross, or come a little later on Sunday morning or in the evening on Saturday, I hope you realize that a place IS waiting for you -- a place at the Lord's table, and a place amongst Christian friends. Worship is an opportunity each week for your spirit to be renewed and refreshed by the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby sending you back into the world empowered to serve as a follower of Jesus.

One of the opportunities that I have had in the past month was to spend a week on vacation, camping in a tent – the week when it rained every day, most of the day! Now some of you may be groaning or feeling sorry for me. Please don’t! I had a wonderful time. I am grateful that there was no standing water on the floor of the tent and that my sleeping bag kept me warm in spite of being constantly clammy. In spite of the rain, I was renewed in body, mind, and spirit. There is something uplifting about being in nature, surrounded by the sound of birds, rustling leaves on the trees, and the patter of rain on the roof of a tent, breathing in the cool night air, and refreshed by friends, laughter, and a slower pace. There was more time for reflection and prayer. I only wore one hat instead of several – a rain hat, of course. The only decision I had to make was whether to have a hamburger or hot dog for lunch. Life was good. Thank you, good and gracious God, for the wonderful earth you created and the rest and refreshment that you give to us to sustain our lives. Vicar Karen

Each week we hear about major catastrophes that may befall us; terrorist attacks, economic collapse, rising sea levels, global warming, etc. We appear to have inherited an earth that is dominated by some dishonesty, hypocrisy, unkindness and hate. Down through the ages we have had these periods before, but we seem to have risen above it all and have gone on to greater things. This is the very foundation of our faith. The King of Darkness has not prevailed, and the Prince of Light and Peace has held fort in strength.

This is a time we can show leadership and hold out our hands to others, with a new vision in Christ, who died on the cross for all of us. It calls for peace and harmony, rather than tightness and control. It surely is possible!

Have a faith that transcends all other things. It can and must happen. Our unquestioning trust and confidence... that all ungodly things will pass...this faith will become reality. God bless you all! Dick Eaton

Please accept my gratitude (and pass it along to those who are not on FYI) for the cards, works of art, letters and other forms of communication that you sent to celebrate my 25th anniversary of ordination. I was truly surprised and very touched. The call to serve here in New England has been a gift to me.

Did you catch Hal Colston on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday, May 19, talking about Good News Garage? If you did, you saw the big surprise: Rick Hendricks walking up on stage and handing Hal a gift check plus the promise of 10 “nearly new” 2008 Chevy Impalas as a contribution from Hendricks Motorsports to deserving clients of GNG. GNG has begun a thorough vetting process to identify truly needy potential recipients within the

Program’s states (all New England states except Maine). If you know of someone living in the five states that is in desperate need of a car in order to gain financial self-sufficiency, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with the people making these difficult decisions.

Members and regular attendees of Holy Cross should have received a letter announcing Thursday August 6th at 7 pm as an opportunity for corporate prayer and sharing of thoughts on the two documents that will be coming before the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly August 17-23 in Minneapolis. The Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality developed a proposed social statement for the church, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," and a report and recommendation for a process to consider changes to ministry policies that could make it possible for Lutherans who are in "publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gendered relationships" to serve as ELCA associates in ministry, deaconesses, diaconal ministers and ordained ministers. For those who wish to educate themselves on this proposal, the following links contain the documents themselves (http://www.ELCA.org/faithfuljourney), as well as supporting (http://OT-studies.com) and dissenting (http://www.lutherancore.org) positions.

From the Trustees: We have recently had to deal with a clogged drain in the Luther Hall kitchen sink. A clogged drain is usually not a big problem. In this instance the drain was clogged for at least four days, and maybe a week. It is estimated that at least four groups used the kitchen during this time period, yet no one notified the Trustees that green slime was backing up into the sink. It was only when a Trustee was present when the drain backed up that we became aware of the problem and were able to unclog the drain.

Please, as soon as you notice a major problem with any of our facilities notify the Trustees and the church office. There are forms posted around the church with spaces available for writing down problems that you notice. If the office is closed you can leave a message on the answering machine and Beverly will contact one of us.

If we do not know about it, we cannot fix it. If it does not get fixed, it will only get worse.

“DISCOVERY CANYON 2009” Bible camp was held the week of June 29th. Each day beginning at 9:00 a.m. the campers and volunteers came to start their adventure! They went from station to station learning about God’s word and plans for their lives. The weather was terrible, it rained almost everyday but Friday, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the children or adults! The love of God definitely is felt and shared by all who are involved with this wonderful event!

I would like to thank each and every person who made this week of learning and sharing such an awesome experience! Thanks go to Pastor, Deadra D’Addeo, Ingrid Strange, Susan Landolfi, Wendy Black, Violet Stephens, Sandie Hamel, Helen Rotvig, Elaine Ballute, Andrea Ballute, Ann Marie Gustufson, Cathy Hammond, Barb Leslie, Bob Hores, Bob Kreie, Dot Bois, Dorothy Haws, & Patty Berg Anderson. Your love and devotion to our precious children is truly a gift and we thank you for your time you volunteered to VBC.

I would also like to thank our wonderful youth. We are truly blessed as a congregation to have such amazing and talent kids who give of their time and help out when it is needed. My thanks go to Michelle Thomas, Christina Thomas, Kayla Richmond, Jakob Leslie, Spencer Nolette, Barry Nolette, Erik Leslie, Heather Landry, Jenna Hansen, Sarah Thomson, Ben Cherry, Jonathan Hansen, and Sarah Haws. I’m very proud of all of you. You truly possess the spirit of love and caring that our Lord wants us to show every day! Thank you for making Vacation Bible camp a great success!

I would also like to thank all the people who donated money to help defray the costs of Bible camp! Your gifts were greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for working together with me to make “Discovery Canyon’s Vacation Bible Camp such a great success! Mary Keating, VBC Director

Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile. ~Author Unknown

Where would a Maine summer be without fresh blueberries to mark the season? This year is no different.

Enjoy an opportunity to purchase fragrant freshly baked pies and other homemade, delicious blueberry foods on Saturday, August 8th, at the Third Annual Blueberry Festival to be held in Luther Hall from 9:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m. In addition to savoring a slice of pie or piece of fudge over a cup of steaming coffee among friends, there is the opportunity to buy other baked goods to take home. New, handmade items (sporting a blueberry theme, of course) will be for sale in another section of the table displays. Some items are whimsical, some practical, some quite delicate, but know that a member of Holy Cross lovingly handcrafted each item. For the first time at the Blueberry Festival, tag sale items will also be available for purchase. Tenacious browsing will reveal surprises for even the most discerning “flea market shopper” who loves a great find. And speaking of surprises, the event organizers may still have a few tricks up their sleeves to make the day even more spectacular. Did someone say “Dancing Blueberries” in the parking lot?

Proceeds from festival will be shared between two worthy causes focused on ministering to women in distressed circumstances. The first is Florence House, a center for homeless women, opening its doors to a brand new housing project early next year in Portland. The second is Caring Unlimited, a non-profit organization serving residents of York County, primarily women and children, seeking safety from domestic abuse at home. Caring Unlimited provides an emergency shelter, transitional housing and other resources. For more information about these organizations, please visit www.avestahousing.org or www.preblestreet.org to learn about Florence House, and www.caring-unlimited.org to learn about specific needs and services of Caring Unlimited.

Mark your calendar - Saturday, August 8. Don’t miss out! Stop by with a friend and your wallet. Wonderful blueberries, worthy causes. Thanks! Patti Berg Anderson, Social Concerns Committee

People sometimes wonder how they can make donations for altar flowers – what is the cost and what is the protocol? The answers are actually pretty simple.

There is a poster in the Narthex where people can sign up to provide flowers for a specific date or weekend, perhaps commemorating a wedding anniversary or a loved one’s passing, or really any event at all or no event in particular. There are pink and green donation envelopes for flowers in the Narthex and in the pews, with space for the donor’s name and the date and dedication they wish. Holy Cross is a growing congregation, so sometimes, a given date will be chosen by more than one donor, and that’s fine, a very good thing! We have plenty of space in the chancel area for flowers, so no one needs to feel they can’t dedicate their donation on the date that’s meaningful for them.

We’re a diverse congregation, with members of different ages, life situations, and means. So, flower donations can be any amount that feels comfortable and appropriate to the donor. The Flower Guild will work within the budget determined by the donor’s gift together with undesignated donations that accumulate in the flower fund. The fund for altar flowers and Easter and Christmas flowers is self-supporting; meaning purchases cannot exceed donations. Thanks to the many kind people who donate amounts even as small as a dollar to support the flower fund so that modest dedication donations can be supplemented and we can have flowers even when there is no dedication. Donors can also bring their own flowers, either to arrange themselves, or for the Flower Guild arrange for them.

The donor can take the flowers home after the Sunday late service, or they can ask Pastor or Vicar Karen to take them to a shut-in or take them to a shut-in or nursing home themselves. Please do not remove the vases from the church. Wrap the stems in damp paper towels, or bring a container to transport them. Likewise, potted Easter and Christmas flowers can be claimed by their donors after each particular holiday is over. Unclaimed potted plants are made available to the volunteer church gardeners, to beautify the grounds, and also to provide flowers for the chancel in the future.

The Flower Guild is a small group of volunteers who rotate the job of obtaining and arranging the flower on a weekly basis. If you have an interest in beautifying our worship space in this way, please contact Jane King.

“The Narthex of the church is the entrance or lobby area.” “The purpose of the Narthex was to allow those not eligible for admittance into the general congregation…to hear and partake in the service.” “Later reforms removed the requirement to exclude people from services who were not full members…” Thank the Lord for that!!

The beautiful Narthex at Holy Cross serves the current important function of keeping members current on the many ministries of the church and is the “welcome” center for our many visitors, some of whom we may see only once and others who may continue on as a friend or member of the congregation.

The care and effective use of this space can say a lot to both visitors and friends. With so many things competing for visibility in that welcome/information space, the Church Council has asked the newly re-formed “Evangelism” committee to supervise the use and upkeep of the space which it will do through its Welcome Committee.

We expect the current permanent and seasonal emphases to continue with even more attention to looks, use monitoring and removal at the end of the seasonal use. The giving Tree, Souper Bowl, Bible Camp PR, School Backpacks and a dozen other events are important to the life of Holy Cross and speak strongly to the visitor who stays a while in the Narthex

Information centers will take most of the attention of the new committee. The “Welcome Center” table and coffee service will be important areas to be maintained and improved. The white board where things are held by magnets is meant to be for church activity notices and sign-up lists only. They will be removed when their event is completed. News clippings of activities of members in their every day life can and should be pinned to the cork board in Luther Hall.

The pamphlet racks are the places for the most change in the way the committee hopes to effect. Currently anyone puts things into the rack and no one is responsible for taking things away. A survey of materials in those areas found besides leaflets and booklets on Holy Cross and the Lutheran Church’s auxiliaries, the following materials in quantities: two different Red Cross leaflets; four York County social service fliers and a 5x7 card advertising a home companion and health care services for a fee.

The committee’s request is that any leaflets that members feel should be place in quantity, be given to an Evangelism Committee member for evaluation or left at the church office. The name of the proposed giver should be attached so they can be contacted for more information if necessary. Of course, any emergency announcements and materials that cannot wait to be handled through this process can be set out. Once the time period is over, they should be removed by the giver.

You may notice a small change in our worship space soon. For several reasons, Worship Committee decided not to keep a candle lit in the red lantern in the chancel. According to the ELCA, "it is not recommended to include eternal flame lamps in the worship space." The history of chancel lamps began in the 12th century Roman church, when it was placed in front of left-over consecrated communion elements as a sign of Christ's presence in the sacrament. Lutheran churches don’t store consecrated sacramental elements in the chancel, so the lamp has no theological meaning to us. The candles have an unreliable life span and often burn out before they're supposed to, so it never really was an "eternal" light in any case. For more information and perspective on this issue, see www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship/Learning-Center/FAQs/Sanctuary-Lamp.aspx

Once again, we will be sponsoring our annual backpack drive during the month of August. The backpacks and other school supplies will be donated to children living in Caring Unlimited shelters. They will be picked up on Sunday, August 30th, for distribution. Please bring the packs to the Narthex before that date. And THANK YOU!

Along the pilgrimage of our four-week trip this summer, we were driving the road less traveled usually marked on the map as a single red line, but sometimes gray. Around a bend, shortly after we locked up the house, we came to a minor traffic jam. These don’t always happen on the paths we take, but on this warm summer day, before the rain, a parade had formed in front of us, crossing left to right. Mamma duck and her ducklings were trekking across the road all lined up in yellow fluff. Single file they waddled as good as any infantry troop could march. A car stopped before them on the other side and we all sat there smiling. I had the strongest urge to salute the valiant duck as she continued to lead her babies to safety without rushing a step.

Again just one week later, I saw the brave take on the impossible outside the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. We were visiting our friend, Millie, and decided to visit the aquarium. By a stone wall just outside the front entrance where the beautiful skyline of the windy city meets Lake Michigan we gathered as other tourists did for a photo opportunity. However, a brave little starling had decided to protect her nest of little ones on the other side of the wall. With attacking aerobatics she flew up and dove down attacking any tourist who managed to get too close. Well you know us humans, we all had to see what was going on and we all leaned over the stone wall as her combat tactics revved up. She squawked and flew up and around these giant invaders and attacked as many human heads as she could. Chicago, living up to its windy reputation, had already wrecked our hairdos; but the mother bird was not happy until she had grabbed at as many heads as she could. I really felt sorry for the man with the bald head. He of course had no protection from her fury. We finally got the message and moved clear of her turf.

Further along in our journey we were once more taking the road less traveled through the Appalachian Mountains across the state of Pennsylvania. Roads like US Route 30 are often a challenge for automobile brakes but luckily our next encounter was not on a steep decline. We rounded a rocky patch into a more forested location. In the middle of the road two fawns and a doe stood startled by our approach. Late afternoon sun speckled the road through the trees making them appear to be a mirage. I’m sure if we had not been paying attention disaster could easily have happened. She stayed in the middle of the road not more than two car lengths ahead of us as her speckled babies completed their crossing. Then she turned to us and just stared, still in the middle of the road. I wasn’t sure if she was daring us to hit her or thanking us for waiting. Finally she caught up with her little ones and disappeared into the forest.

Along that same stretch of highway we passed a hand painted wooden sign with an arrow to the road on the right. It simply stated: Flight 93. Bravery isn’t limited to the animals around us. On September 11, 2001 the passengers on this flight gave the ultimate sacrifice in their brave actions. When I think of all God’s blessings we experienced this summer, I’m thankful for selfless acts of courage.

Below is an email from Denise Mitchell, one of the coordinators of the Young Acolytes Steel Drum Orchestra. This group of amazingly talented musicians from a Lutheran congregation in Brooklyn, have twice come to Holy Cross to perform for us and the community. They were originally founded with the goals of keeping young people off the streets and teaching positive values and self esteem, in addition to making music. Obviously they have been successful in accomplishing those goals. Pictures of them in concert and at worship at Holy Cross can be found on our web site photo gallery.

Greetings. I hope this e-mail will find you and the other members of Holy Cross Lutheran in the best of health. We, the members of the band, the congregation, and especially Rudy, are in the best of health. He sends a heartfelt hello to everyone there.

Most of the kids have gone on to college, but ironically, they have not left the band. Osaffo Bishop is studying to become a pilot; Orissi Bishop is majoring in forensic science; Tiffany Lyte and Chanelle Lyte have both decided to become lawyers; Keva Wegman is majoring in mass communication – he also starred in an off-Broadway opera last year; and Jason Hurd graduated from college on May 14th. You cannot imagine how elated Rudy is – he is on top of the world knowing that the kids are doing great.

Kindly give a big hello to your congregation. We look forward to hearing from you soon. God Bless, Denise

Please join us for the kick off of the new Sunday School year on September 13, 2009 for Rally Day and Pancake breakfast. Be sure to stop by the Sunday School registration table to make sure all your info is correct and up to date. There will be a shortened Sunday School on that day in the Sunday School area. The first full day of class begins on September 20, 2009. Hope to see you there!

On May 31st, Pentecost Sunday, six young people gave an affirmation of their Baptism in the rite of Confirmation: Benjamin Cherry, Erik Leslie, Zachary Peters, Christina Thomas, Michelle Thomas, Sarah Thomson. Our prayers are with each of them in their on going journey of faith.

Congratulations to our graduating high school seniors. Andrea Ballute graduated from Bonny Eagle High School and will be attending Boston College in their business honor’s program. Tom Cherry graduated from Kennebunk High School and will be going to York County Community College in the fall with a major in Media Studies. Cody Rich graduated from Wells High School and will be attending the University of Southern Maine where he will run cross country and track while studying to be an athletic trainer. We pray that God’s blessings would be with all of you during this important time of your life.

We will be going to brunch at Merriland Farm Café in Wells on Wednesday, July 29th. This lovely garden setting is a wonderful place to enjoy excellent food and great fellowship! We will car pool from church at 9:45 or meet there at 10:00.

Our annual summer picnic at the Rotvig’s will be held on Saturday, August 15th beginning at 5:30. Bring along a dish or desert to share. There is plenty of room indoors in case it rains, but so far, the sun has warmly shined on this annual event. Thanks to Roger and Helen for once again being our gracious hosts.

During the summer, different committees have been sponsoring monthly fellowship and snacks after each worship service on the 3rd weekend of the month. The Evangelism Team was the sponsor for June and the Worship Committee sponsored July. Social Concerns will be the August sponsor. Some other activities are also incorporated, such as a slide show of congregational events. This is a great time to invite a friend or neighbor or family member to worship. They will be warmly welcomed. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know someone that you see in worship but may not even know their name. Join us after worship the weekend of August 15/16 – and consider inviting someone to come along with you.

Jack and Mary were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning.

Mary said, “You should do it because you get up first, and then we don’t have to wait as long to get our coffee.”

Jack said, “You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee.”

Mary replies, “No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee.”

So Mary fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed Jack the top of several pages, that it indeed says ….. “HEBREWS”

In an effort to encourage the reading and greater understanding of the Bible, the ELCA is producing a series of Bible Studies under what is called the Book of Faith initiative. Our Wednesday morning study group has been piloting one of these studies this summer on the book of Exodus. This coming fall, several opportunities will be available to participate in a Book of Faith Bible Study. There will be a study available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. EVERYONE is encouraged to join a Bible Study this fall. Consider inviting a friend. The tentative schedule will be as follows:

In addition, the Men’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 (except for the 1st Thursday of the month) and Healthy Living does a Bible Study in conjunction with a meal on the first and third Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30. A class on an introduction to the Bible will be held in October. Between services on Sunday mornings is an Adult Forum Study.

Delving into the Bible is an important way of understanding the basics of our faith and deepening our relationship with God. Please give prayerful consideration to joining one of these study groups. Specific details about topics will be announced in August.

The Prayer Group and Bible Study will be continuing throughout the month of August on alternate Wednesdays (Prayer Group: Aug. 12 & 26; Bible Study: Aug. 5 & 19). Vicar Karen will lead the Bible Study using one of the books written by Kelly Fryer who was the keynote speaker at this year’s New England Synod Assembly. The Prayer Group was inspired by a workshop at the Synod Assembly. This is the story behind it as told by Julie Clapp before each service the weekend of July 11th and 12th:

When I was at the Synod Assembly at the end of May, the last workshop I attended was led by an Ethiopian Lutheran pastor. It was on Evangelism and was incredibly powerful and moving.

One of the things he mentioned was that, when he lived in Ethiopia, where there isn't any freedom of religion, people were clamoring to get into the church for services. So much so that they were willing to stand outside to listen through the windows when the church was too full to fit anyone else inside. He thought that when he arrived in the US, where there is freedom of religion, the churches would be packed to overflowing. As you can imagine, he was wrong. The first church he was called to had 26 members. He wanted to see this number grow so he thought that the best thing to do was to pray. He started a prayer group. Within a year they had gained 130 new members.

This lit a fire in me. We are just starting our Evangelism Committee again after it had been dormant for a long time. We have all kinds of practical ideas on how to encourage people to come join us. The signs out front, advertising, suppers, etc. But I believe the one element that we need is a lot of prayer. So I have been inspired to start the Prayer Group.

I encourage each and every one of you to come join us. You know the benefits of Holy Cross. You are here. You know the sense of community we have. The sense of family we have. You know the variety of worship that is available and how Spirit filled and fulfilling it is to come to church each weekend. You know this already. But we need to see how God wants us to share this with the world. Share the secret that is Holy Cross with the world.

The Prayer Group is only for one hour. From 6:00 to 7:00. We have times of discussion. We may read a Bible verse or two. But mostly we will pray. Not only to ask God for the things that are on our hearts but also to listen for His response. His guidance. His will. Don't feel like you need to pray out loud in order to attend. That isn't necessary. You can just come and pray silently in your heart. But please come. Join us. Let's have a conversation with God and see what He wants us to do. Thank you!

Please come join us for a time of fellowship either at the Bible Study or the Prayer Group or both!!

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”