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From the Pastor...

Although this is technically the December Crier, I know it is going into the mail in time for it to arrive in many people's homes before the end of November. So "thanksgiving" is the theme I have chosen for this reflection.

Thanksgiving as a once a year holiday can certainly be a helpful reminder of how important it is to live with a spirit of gratitude. It can be great to connect with family members and friends by gathering for a turkey dinner with all the fixings, enjoying conversation and laughter around the table, and having some relaxed time for watching football or playing a board game or taking a walk together. Such an experience can renew our appreciation for how those relationships add meaning and purpose to our lives -- how richly we are blessed by those with whom we share friendship and family ties.

As wonderful as the Thanksgiving holiday can be, though, living with a spirit of gratitude is so much more than just an annual observance. It is, instead, an attitude and orientation toward life that can be practiced on a daily basis. Not because everything goes well for us everyday, with no problems or difficulties with which to contend. But because we live from each day to the next in relationship with our heavenly Father, through faith in his son Jesus. The undeserved love, grace, and forgiveness that God freely bestows upon us, is what inspires and fuels a thankful heart.

There are many places in Scripture where such a heart is given voice: "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." (Ps 69:30) "Let us come before God with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." (Ps 95:2) "Enter the Lord's gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." (Ps 100:4) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil 4:6) (Emphasis mine)

May the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday be one that doesn't quickly fade away, but instead continues to burn brightly within each of us. May a spirit of gratitude be renewed and strengthened in our lives, as we come to appreciate more fully the magnitude of God's grace. May our own hearts give voice to songs of praise and thanksgiving, in response to the many blessings we receive from our heavenly Father.

As we move from late November into the month of December, we certainly have good reason for continued thankfulness. Throughout the weeks of Advent we prepare to celebrate again the birth of Jesus. An event of epic proportions in the history of humankind. An action on the part of God that fills us to overflowing with thanksgiving, as we consider the lengths to which God was willing to go in order to save us -- actually taking on human flesh and living amongst us. As the Prophet Isaiah writes: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.... And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Thanks be to God! Pastor Rich

REFLECTIONS FROM THE VICAR

As my internship for ordained ministry draws to a close at the end of this month, I want to thank the people of Holy Cross for your generous support and helpful guidance. I have served as an Associate in Ministry and then as an Intern for almost six wonderful years. I know that the Holy Spirit has been moving in this congregation and is evidenced by the ways in which we worship together, support one another, and reach out to others with welcoming hands and big hearts. I think back to major events in my ministry such as the Steel Drum Orchestra and the worship renewal grants and Saturday Service, as well as some of the important everyday ministries such as committee support, Bible studies and other classes, Young at Heart, LOGOS, and visitation.

For whatever time I have left at Holy Cross, I will serve you faithfully. I don’t know what the future will hold or where the Spirit is leading. I have one more semester of seminary and will graduate in May. I will then be eligible for a call to ordained ministry. But you will always remain loved, and near and dear to my heart. Serving you in Christ’s love, Vicar Karen

AT MAMMAW'S HOUSE

By Donna Simmons

Mammaw’s house, a white stucco building, was four stories high countin’ the cellar and the attic full of wonderful treasures. It was perched on a corner lot in a quiet neighborhood right on the bus line that took you into Cincinnati on occasion.

The front yard, shaded by a pair of huge maple trees, and the front walk, fringed in rose of Sharon bushes, kept passersby from peekin’ in. A small roofed-over porch by the front door was big enough for the glider swing where Mammaw and I sat on dark green cushions snapping green beans from the Kroger store.

Seein’ as how the grocery was closed on Sundays, Mammaw always bought fresh produce and deli meats at discount on Saturday afternoon. We’d glide on the seat (Actually Mammaw would glide. My legs hadn’t grown long enough to touch the floor.); and we’d snap beans until we had enough for supper.

Mammaw always managed to feed us all, my cousins and me, my mom, my Uncle Bill, and anyone else who showed up at meal time. She had a heart of gold, a strict Methodist upbringing, and the ability to feed and clothe all of us with next to nothing in her pocket.

One Sunday I remember there were 26 of us around the table for breakfast. Most of us young enough to sit like peas in a pod along wooden planks stretched between a couple of chairs. Her dining room was filled with laughter and the table laden with a big pot of white gravy, a platter full of baking powder biscuits, a tray of bacon cooked crisp, a plate of eggs fried on both sides, and skillet fresh fried mush.

Nestled in the bay window of Mammaw’s dining room stood a treadle sewing machine. Mammaw made us stiff crinoline slips and organdy sundresses with sashes tied into big fancy bows. Saturday nights after our required baths, she’d patiently tie our hair up in rags. By Sunday morning with our organdy dresses, polished shoes and rope curl tresses, she’d walk us to church five blocks away. I begrudged having to walk when my older cousins drove their cars; but Mammaw ignored my pout. She said if we were meant to ride to church, God would’ve given us wheels instead of feet.

I was a mischievous hoyden, I was told, at heart a rebel like my mom. On hot summer days, I played hide and seek in the coal bin, snooped in the eaves of the attic, and splashed down into the new galvanized trashcan full of water from the garden hose. Out in Mammaw’s back yard, I could smell the mint growing by her kitchen door, hear the crickets chirping, and watch the fire flies dance when it got dark.

I didn’t realize it then, but my time with Mammaw was special. No matter what the season, or the struggles she endured, she never let go of her faith in God. She taught me about honor, right and wrong, and the joy of singing to praise the Lord. She taught me thrift and how to persevere when life is hard. She taught me how to love.

I wish all of you Love and Peace this Christmas Season, Donna Simmons

STORIES OF FAITH

You may not realize this but we have the most amazing, talented people at Holy Cross...and you are one of them! We also have the most faithful people...and you are one of them!

We are looking for people to share their talents and share their stories of faith. Please think about how your faith has grown in your life. Who influenced your faith? Were you raised in a church? How did that impact your life? Did you come to church as an adult? How did that impact your life? Have you known one, two or more people in your life who you think are living angels on earth?

In thinking about all this, please consider sharing this as a story of faith. Write one, two or more paragraphs describing your faith journey and/or about the faithful people in your life to be published in future Criers. If you have noticed, we do have articles such as this in each Crier but we would like to expand in this regard by inviting others in the congregation to share in a similar manner. We believe that everyone has stories such as this in their lives and we would love to hear about them.

Please submit your stories to Julie Clapp. One or two will be published each month and you will be told when your story will appear. If you need help or have any questions, please see Julie. Thank you!

FRIENDSHIP LUNCH

"Friendship lunch" is held the second Monday of each month. The next one will be Monday, Dec. 14th at noon. Our first one had 26 people attend and this one in November we had 48! We are looking for volunteers to make food and/ or help during the luncheon. Please contact Mary Keating or Vi Stephens if you are interested! We are also collecting gently used coats and sweaters to have available for anyone who may need one. There is a collection box in Luther hall for these items.

LOGOS – SIGN UP NOW

If you have children attending the Logos program, now is the time to sign up to help with the meals. The sign up sheets are on the Logos Bulletin Board in Luther Hall – a wide selection of dates are available. Pick your dates and have a wonderful experience. Any questions speak to Pastor, Deadra or Jack and Mary Bates.

HARVEST DINNER

Come join us on November 21, 2009, after the 4:30 Saturday Service for a Harvest Dinner, consisting of Smoked Shoulder, roasted vegetables ( potatoes, turnip, carrots, onions etc.), cornbread, assorted pies and apple crisp. Absolutely – no Turkey!!!

If you would like to help, a sign sheet will be in the Narthex. Don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy a hearty fall meal with old friends and friends you haven’t met yet.

SHARING SMILES

We at Holy Cross have become known for our free meals and other community projects and we have another one in the works. It's called Sharing Smiles. This has been re-scheduled for Saturday, January 9th . This was originally scheduled for November 7th but, while planning, it was decided that in order for this to be the incredible event we would like it to be, more planning was needed.

Here's what we have planned so far: we will gather at church first thing in the morning for 12 hours of random acts of kindness and making people smile. You don't have to volunteer for the full 12 hours. There will be opportunities to serve in smaller segments of time (1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). The projects in the works include visiting the children's ward at the hospital to brighten the lives of the kids there; visiting nursing homes to hand out flowers, read to the residents or just sit and visit for a while; help the homeless; or other fun projects that are sure to bring smiles to people's faces. As the plans come to fruition, there will be more information forthcoming. This is a self-funding project, as in it will not be funded from the church budget, so donations will be welcome. Keep Saturday, January 9, 2010 open for a great day of putting smiles on people's faces and putting smiles on our own faces. If you have any questions, please speak with Julie Clapp, Pastor Rich, or Vicar Karen. Thank you!!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

On November 1st, we welcomed the following persons into membership in the congregation. Please take time to get to know them.

BURNELL BAILEY grew up near Pittsburgh and went to Grove City College. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Norway when he met his wife Diane. He currently works as a project engineer at Pratt & Whitney and lives in South Berwick.

DIANE BAILEY is married to Burnell. She grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. She was teaching comparative literature in Norway when she met her husband. Diane and Burnell have two grown children. Jens is in the Army and Rachel attends Gettysburg College.

JACK KUPP grew up in Stowe, PA and graduated from Susquehanna University. He recently retired as a high school music teacher in New Jersey, moving to Maine. He plays an awesome sax and clarinet during our worship services and at community venues.

KAREN KUPP is married to Jack. She grew up in NJ and also graduated from Susquehanna University where she met her husband. She recently retired as an elementary school music teacher in NJ, and loves Maine. She and Jack have a grown son and daughter and two grandchildren whom she baby-sits.

BEA MARKO has recently retired with her husband Ron to Acton. She graduated from Rivier College in Nashua, NH, where she later taught and supervised student practicums in early childhood education.

RON MARKO is married to Bea. He is a retired electrical engineer. He grew up in Michigan and attended Wayne State, Wright State, and NH College. The Markos lived in Nashua and then NJ before their retirement. They have three sons and two grandchildren. They are happy to be Mainers!

BETH RUNQUIST is from Pittsburgh and is working on her doctoral dissertation in literature from Duquesne University. She was just married on August 8th to Matt. They live in Arundel.

MATT RUNQUIST is from Allentown, PA and attended Lock Haven College. He was working with high school theatre students before moving to Maine to attend The Landing Boat School. They would not mind staying in Maine once he graduates!

JASON STRYCHARZ is a Mainer who attended Kennebunk High and graduated college from SUNY Oneonta, majoring in music. He is a wonderful drummer who plays at our Saturday service. He works in short term disability at UNUM. Bicycling and golf are two of his favorite pastimes.

Christmas Concert at Holy Cross

from Beverly Heald, President, Seaglass Chorale

Seaglass Chorale, under the Direction of Jean Strazdes, is most pleased to call Holy Cross Lutheran Church its new home. The rehearsal space is perfect for our 60 member chorus, offering adequate space, plentiful parking, and good lighting. Seaglass has been made to feel welcome, by everyone at Holy Cross, and especially Jane and Warren King, who smoothed the way for our move.

Seaglass had been at Seaglass Place in Arundel for nine years. We enjoyed having it all to ourselves, but the cost of staying there became prohibitive. We wanted to stay in the Kennebunk area, and feel blessed to have found and been welcomed by Holy Cross Lutheran Church. We want to be good stewards of the church, and have a long time association.

On Saturday December 12, 2009 at 7:00 pm. the Seaglass Chorale will present Tidings of Joy, featuring “Laud to the Nativity” by Ottorino Respighi, at Holy Cross. This work will be sung by the Chorale and guest soloists, and accompanied by Kim Karchenes, long time accompanist of Seaglass Chorale. The concert will also include selections from Handel's Messiah, and a festive Carol Sing-along. Admission will be $10.00, and the Chorale will compensate Holy Cross for use of the space.

WELCOME WEEKEND

Our next Welcome Weekend is December 19/20. Refreshments will be served after each service. A slide show at the beginning of worship highlights some of the ministries that are happening at Holy Cross. Please stay for a few minutes after worship to visit with one another. This is also a good time to consider inviting someone new to worship.

SOCIAL CONCERNS GIVING TREE

The holidays are always a time for reaching out to those in need. Local churches will be gathering donations for holiday food baskets. The Social Concerns Committee will be sponsoring their annual giving tree that will be displayed in Luther Hall during Advent. Consider taking an ornament from the tree and purchasing a simple unwrapped gift item for someone at the York County Shelter in Alfred.

COOKIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Wednesday morning Bible study group will once again be packing and shipping cookies to our college students to enjoy during their final exams prior to their Christmas break. If you have a child in college, please give their name and mailing information to Vicar Karen. We will be packing and shipping on December 2. Donations of cookies, brownies, and other goodies are welcome, as is money for postage. We have been sending out about 25-30 packages each year. This is a wonderful way to let our young adults know that their church family is thinking of them.

COMPLIMENTARY COMMUNITY MEALS

Our congregation is now offering two complimentary meals for our members and for the community. On the first Saturday of the month, we have our popular bean supper from 4:00-6:00. Homemade beans and pies are featured, along with entertainment.

On the second Monday of the month, a Friendship Lunch of soup and bread is held from 12:00-1:00.

We are also holding quarterly suppers after the Saturday Service.

Harvest Café serves a meal at Holy Cross on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30.

EVANGELISM TEAM DOOR KNOB HANGERS

Thanks to an anonymous donation, the very active Evangelism Team has been able to print doorknob hangers that welcome people to worship with us during Advent and Christmas. We will be distributing them to several areas in Kennebunk and Wells on Saturday, November 28th. There is also a supply available in the Narthex if you would like to take some for your neighborhood. Please contact Vicar Karen if you would like more information or if you could help us out on November 28th..

STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT CARDS

If you have not turned in your 2010 Commitment Card, please do so as soon as possible so that we can have accurate figures for the budget hearing, which will be held between services on December 6th. Extra cards are available from an usher. They can be put in the offering plate or mailed to the church office.

The Three Wise Women

You do know what would have happened if it had been three wise Women instead of men, don’t you? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought disposable diapers as gifts!

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Sunday, December 20th, Children's Christmas Pageant during the 10:45 am service

Thursday, December 24th, Candlelight Christmas Eve Communion services at 7:00pm (with children's message) and 11:00 pm.

Saturday, December 26th, 4:30 informal service with Christmas carols;

Sunday, December 27th, 8am and 10:45am services with Christmas carols and special reception in honor of Vicar Karen at 9:30am.

ELCA GOOD GIFTS CATALOGUE

Tis the season for giving gifts. How often have you wondered about whether your gift is the right size or color, whether it is appreciated or re-gifted, if you spent too much or too little, or if Christmas needs to be simplified and less about materialism and more about Jesus. A wonderful solution to these problems can be found in the ELCA Good Gifts Catalogue, copies of which can be found in the rack in the entry hallway. The concept is that instead of buying another toy, tie, fruitcake or CD for someone, use that money to purchase a “good gift” or donation in the name of the intended receiver. The catalogue is filled with suggestions for helping those who are living in poverty, from goats and chickens to school supplies to medical equipment to funds for world hunger or disaster relief. It even includes a card that you can send announcing your donation. Have fun shopping – in the Good Gifts Catalogue!

HOLY COMMUNION

On November 15th, we welcomed four of our youth to Holy Communion. Joshua Bois, Ryleigh Bois, Natalie Gustafson, and Brendan McBrine completed Holy Communion instruction with Vicar Karen. They each wrote a short prayer which was used as part of the prayer of the church and is printed below. The most important thing they learned in the class is that God loves them!

JOSHUA BOIS

Dear God, thank you for church so I can talk to you because you will understand and forgive me. Please help me to do good things when I grow up. Amen.

RYLEIGH BOIS

Dear God, thank you for this cool day. And thank you especially for my dog Rusty. Amen.

NATALIE GUSTAFSON

Dear God, thank you for giving us your son Jesus in the bread and wine. Amen

BRENDAN MCBRINE

Dear God, I am sorry for the mistakes I made and I am grateful for what I did right. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Amen.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:11-12 (King James Version)