Other Newsletters June 20, 2010 March 29, 2010 January 25, 2010 November 24, 2009 November 02, 2009 October 01, 2009 September 02, 2009 July 25, 2009 June 24, 2009 April 25, 2009 March 21, 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

REFLECTIONS FROM THE ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY

Beginning in January, I will be transitioning back into my role as Associate in Ministry for the time that I have left at Holy Cross. I am very excited to be taking a one week class from the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg, which is being taught at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle, a part of our country where 95% of the population is unchurched. In addition to the academics, I will be participating in a program of the church called “The Way,” training clergy and laity in the formation of new Christians as well as welcoming people back to faith. I will be sharing what I have learned with the Evangelism Team.

Meanwhile, the birth of Christ is soon to be celebrated here at Holy Cross and around the world. May you all be blessed by the coming of the One whom we worship and adore, the baby Jesus, whose birth changes everything for us and our lives. Peace and joy be with you. Karen

A Gift in January

by Donna Simmons

Winter sky is often gray sky, waiting to unload its snow. Crisp air freezes our breath so cold it brings tears to our eyes too frigid to spill over. Hands in gloves, scarves around our necks, hunkering into our thick insulated coats we go about our business, thinking of the hope of spring.

We recently had a day, much like this. The season was still barren, dried leaves littered the ground, tree branches naked, a black silhouette against the sky. I could smell the snow and I could feel the ache of it in my joints. Although there is excitement at the first snow, the pristine look of white covering a dreary landscape, I was sad looking at the gray day around me. Then the cloud cover broke up and the sun fought its way through, beaming light off the cumulous puffs that had moments before been a gray blanket of cold. A smile crept across my face.

I’m of mixed emotions about winter. In Maine, the challenge of the season brings new sports and excitement to those who ski and skate and sled. But it’s also a time when those who have not enough heat, food, warm clothes, and shelter struggle to survive. I think of my warm winter coat, hats, scarves, thick furry gloves and insulated boots. I scurry from my car to my house and stand by my woodstove thawing out. Where do those less fortunate go to get warm, to fill their stomachs, to find shelter from the storm?

In the beginning of January we continue to celebrate the Christmas season and the gift of God’s son. The gift I so want to give, is of warmth to someone cold, food for someone hungry, hope for someone lost.

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther

An Epiphany For Jimmy

By: Helen Collamati

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. We are always looking for volunteers to help prepare food, help set up, clean up and serving to the community on these days. If you are interested please contact Mary Keating or Vi Stephens. The lunch has been very successful and a wonderful feeling to greet and see people from our community! Please come and try it, you'll enjoy it! We serve at noon, but many people start coming at 11:30.These are the dates for the next couple of months: Jan. 11th, February 8th, March 8th and April 12th.

Day of Epiphany

On Wednesday January 6th, you are invited to a potluck dinner at the church at 6 pm, followed by an informal worship service at 7 pm. The evening will include a "burning of the greens" ceremony, using the Christmas tree and other greens from the sanctuary. Adding your name to the list posted in the Narthex will be helpful in knowing how many to expect. Thank you!

WISH LIST

There are many ways in which we all can help out our church, above and beyond our regular offerings. One suggestion is to consider donating something from this wish list. If you received a bonus or unexpected gift this month, perhaps you would consider sharing it with your church. Or when shopping, pick up an extra item that can be used by your congregation. Or make a donation in memory of, or thanksgiving for, someone.

You can contribute any portion of any of these items. Things like stamps and gas cards could be placed in the offering plate, as well as checks with the memo line designated. Use the form below and send your donation to the church office or place in the offering plate. Drop off things like kitchen supplies to Luther Hall. Thank you for supporting the ministries of Holy Cross.

Books of postage stamps

Gasoline cards for pastor’s travel reimbursement

Case of copy paper- $52

Box of church stationary - $96

Box of letterhead envelopes - $111

Cost of one month mailing of newsletter - $38

Monthly cost of Christ in our Home devotionals - $45

Paper products for the kitchen – plates, napkins, cups, placemats, baggies, etc

Coffee, tea, lemonade, hot chocolate

Sunday School monthly expense - $25

Vacation Bible Camp - $500 per year

One cake for special occasion reception - $25

One bottle of Manischewitz Grape Communion wine - $10

Adopt a bill:

One month average electric bill - $235

One month average phone bill - $150

One month average web site/computer support bill - $125

One month average snow plowing bill (December through April) - $600

One month average fuel bill (based on yearly consumption) - $420

One month mortgage payment - $1200

One month property insurance - $225

SHARING SMILES

Come join us on Saturday, Januury 9th at 9:00 am for our Sharing Smiles Day.

Here's what we have planned: we will gather at church first thing in the morning for a day of random acts of kindness and making people smile. We will have projects to work on at church, we will have projects to work on out in the community, You don't have to volunteer for the full day. There will be opportunities to serve in smaller segments of time (1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). Look for a sign-up sheet on the board in the Narthex.

We do have a need for some supplies for one of our projects. We are putting bags together for people in need and will need small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, small soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotions, etc. So as you are traveling over the holidays, please save these items from the hotels. Or if you are in the dollar store and can help out, pick up a few items. Everything can be left in the container where we keep the white socks in the Narthex.

More details will appear in the bulletin as the date gets closer. Please keep Saturday, January 9th open for a day of fun, sharing and, above all... SMILES!!

THANK YOU!

Dear Holy Cross family,

With the eve of Thanksgiving here, I am taking the time to count my many blessings, and our friends at Holy Cross are at the top of the list. I cannot begin to thank you for each act of kindness that you have shown to me and my family throughout my passage through cancer. From the initial diagnosis through my recovery I have had the Holy Spirit witnessed to me through my brothers and sisters at Holy Cross. My prayers (and those who have been praying with me) have been answered as I begin to see my life returning to a new normal. The many prayers, cards, meals and thoughtful (and comforting) gifts have brought me so much encouragement and strength. Your many expressions of love have been such a help to me and my entire family. You are an amazing group of believers who practice the love of the Lord. I pledge to carry on your demonstrations of love and support and to “pay it forward”. As we travel to Lahey today we bring along six recovery pillows from Holy Cross to share with others. May the Peace of the Lord be with each and every one of you!

With Love and Gratitude - Tara Euler

GOOD GIFTS

A poem by Sue Edison-Swift, assistant director for ELCA Mission Support.

It’s mid December, time to order online.(My catalogs are marked and I am feeling fine.

ELCA Good Gifts is at the top of my stack. Get ready Santa, to fit good gifts in your pack.

Gifts for Missionary Sponsorship and Fund for Leaders inspire.(Vision for Mission donations help the church never tire.

ELCA World Hunger helps nurture, nourish, and heal.(God's Global Barnyard delights with quack, moo, and squeal.

Presents for Disaster Response help to be prepared.(Giving to fight malaria and AIDS says "I care."

Holy Land Schools and the LWF offer peace and hope.(ELCA Good Gifts has the whole world as its scope.

I type in www.elcaorg/goodgifts(Turns out ordering online is easy and swift.

I print out gift cards, some serious, some fun.(Just minutes later it seems I'm all done.

I laugh thinking of Dad, expecting a tie, learning his gift may help build a pig sty.

I love that all the dear ones on my list, Will love receiving an ELCA Good Gift!

Good Gift catalogues are available in the rack in the entry hallway.

Share the Bounty Volunteers

We have been doing the Share the Bounty Bean Supper now for over five years. It has been a huge success. We have regular guests who show up at the same time each month and really seem to enjoy their meal and the time they spend visiting with friends. We also have new people who come only once but always tell us how much they enjoyed the meal and would try to come back. This supper provides a vital need in the community. A need to allow people to have a good meal that doesn't cost them anything and to get out for some socialization that they may not have experienced otherwise.

Over the course of the five years, we have had a steady stream of volunteers to help set up, serve and clean up the meal but the shopping, prepping and cooking has always fallen on the shoulders of three people. Now the shopping, prepping and cooking has fallen on the shoulders of just one person. In the interest of having this work spread out over many people so the one person doesn't get burned out, we are looking for volunteers to do specific tasks each month.

These are the jobs needed to be done in order to provide the bean supper:

• Shopping for the ingredients done a week before the bean supper (beans, mayo, brown sugar, molasses, etc.). A list will be provided each month.

• Shopping for the perishable ingredients done the day before the bean supper (hot dogs, bacon, cabbage, carrots, etc.). A list will be provided each month.

• Sorting and soaking the beans done on Friday night. Ten pounds of beans need to be sorted through to check for bad beans and stones and then soaked in water in big pots, five pounds per pot.

• Starting the beans by 9:00 Saturday morning. A recipe/training will be provided.

• Watching the beans and stirring them all day. Adjusting seasonings as they cook.

• Shredding the cabbage and carrots for the cole slaw, usually done before 2:00 on Saturday so it is ready.

• Setting up the kitchen for the serving (preparing pots to cook the hot dogs, setting out serving bowls and spoons, etc.)

• Making the cole slaw (recipe will be provided).

• Setting up the tables at 2:45 (putting the tables and chairs in place, putting out place mats, plates, silverware, condiments, etc.).

• Setting up the desert, drinks, bread tables.

• Serving the meal from 3:45 or so to 6:00.

• Doing the dishes during the meal.

• Cleaning up and putting things away.

There will be a more specific sign up list on the board in the Narthex starting for the January Bean Supper, which is on January 2nd Please consider helping out. The volunteer work needs to be spread out among a large group of people so that this valuable service can continue. Please Julie Clapp or Pastor Rich if you have any questions. Thank you!

YOUNG AT HEART

We have rescheduled the snowed-out holiday Progressive Dinner from last year to this year! Join us on Wednesday, December 30th. We will begin at the home of Vicar Karen at 5:00. The Holy Cross Limo Service is available for those who do not drive after dark. Please sign up in the Narthex. If you would like to be a "limo" driver (free meal included!), please contact Vicar Karen.

Sunday Morning Worship

There was a time when the early service did not finish until 9:10 am, or even a little later. At that point in our history it made sense for the Sunday School hour to run from 9:30 to 10:30 am, in order to prevent teachers and students from having to rush right out of church and into their classes. More recently, though, the early service has been ending promptly by 9 am -- which means there is a full half hour before the start of Sunday School. A survey conducted by the Worship Committee last spring confirmed that it would be beneficial for that time gap to be shortened. In the same survey some interest was expressed in having the early service on Sunday begin a little later. A Worship Committee proposal has been affirmed by Council that establishes a trial period of January through May 2010, for having the early Sunday service begin at 8:15 am. Sunday School will remain at 9:30 am, and the late service will remain at 10:45 am. Please feel free to be in touch with the Worship Committee during this trial period to let us know how well you feel the change is working. Thank you!

NURSERY

We offer nursery services for children 5 and under during our 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday. We could always use more volunteers for this time, so if you would be interested in maybe a Sunday once a month, please contact Mary Keating. We always need to have two adults in the nursery at a time, so that means we need 8 to 10 volunteers a month. Thank you for considering this wonderful ministry!

Another note for the nursery is the toys. They are very old and worn and we are hoping to get a few new ones for the kids to enjoy. The following is our wish list for the nursery. If you would like to purchase something for the nursery, we would appreciate it, and so would the children! Items can be left in the nursery or given to Mary Keating.

Wish list:

plastic "fake" food items for the play kitchen

coloring books and crayons

Any of the Fisher Price play things such as the farm, house , school , camper etc.

Play pots and pans and dishes for the play kitchen and table and chairs

Safer toys for 6 to 18 month olds

Wooden puzzles

Very large magnetic board with larger toy magnet sets

Anything else you think the children might love!

Thank you!

Day of Epiphany

On Wednesday, January 6th, you are invited to a potluck dinner at the church at 6 pm, followed by an informal worship service at 7 pm. The evening will include a "burning of the greens" ceremony, using the Christmas tree and other greens from the sanctuary. Adding your name to the list posted in the Narthex will be helpful in knowing how many to expect. Thank you!

JOKE OF THE MONTH

by Jack Bates

Woman and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. ~Abraham Lincoln