Dear Church of the Cross family,
With "The Fair" just around the corner, I got to thinking if county fairs for some folks are the same everywhere. And then I remembered the newspaper editorial I had seen when traveling with my family in early August to western Iowa where we lived when Emma, Adam and Catherine were born.
The editor was complaining about a few of the traditional events at the Buena Vista County Fair in Storm Lake, Iowa. He wrote that it was time for change! He took exception to the continuing traditions of the greased pig contest and the sheep riding contest. Fair attendance has been steadily dwindling in that part of Iowa (apparently more and more sheep and pigs have been staying away), even though there is a growing Hispanic population there. So (and this was his main point), what could be done to draw in people new to the area who come from cultures that enjoy festivals and family events?
At Church of the Cross, we have been asking different but related kinds of questions, since as United Methodists we seek to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. (That's the mission statement for the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church) At Church of the Cross we aim to do that as we honor Christ by teaching the word of God, caring for each other and reaching out beyond our doors. (That's our church's mission statement.)
Whether long time residents or new arrivals, we want to reach people who haven't heard the gospel and welcome those who haven't experienced God's loving grace in Jesus Christ. With the gospel message we want to keep the main thing the main thing, but that doesn't mean always doing the same thing – that's the challenge.
As our congregation continues with its "Visioning workshops" for our church's ministries and facilities, you can help keep the main thing the main thing even when that doesn't mean always doing the same thing. Please lift the church up in prayer. Attend a Visioning workshop (usually in the evenings, usually about an hour long). Invite someone to come with you. Come to a prayer meeting. Together with God's leading and by God's grace we can taste and see the Lord's goodness and the Lord's plans for us.
Pastor Tom
Page 1
A VIEW FROM THE PEW
In Hebrews 5: 8-9 we read: Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
PURIFYING PAIN
With "The Fair" just around the corner, I got to thinking if county fairs for some folks are the same everywhere. And then I remembered the newspaper editorial I had seen when traveling with my family in early August to western Iowa where we lived when Emma, Adam and Catherine were born.
The editor was complaining about a few of the traditional events at the Buena Vista County Fair in Storm Lake, Iowa. He wrote that it was time for change! He took exception to the continuing traditions of the greased pig contest and the sheep riding contest. Fair attendance has been steadily dwindling in that part of Iowa (apparently more and more sheep and pigs have been staying away), even though there is a growing Hispanic population there. So (and this was his main point), what could be done to draw in people new to the area who come from cultures that enjoy festivals and family events?
At Church of the Cross, we have been asking different but related kinds of questions, since as United Methodists we seek to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. (That's the mission statement for the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church) At Church of the Cross we aim to do that as we honor Christ by teaching the word of God, caring for each other and reaching out beyond our doors. (That's our church's mission statement.)
Whether long time residents or new arrivals, we want to reach people who haven't heard the gospel and welcome those who haven't experienced God's loving grace in Jesus Christ. With the gospel message we want to keep the main thing the main thing, but that doesn't mean always doing the same thing – that's the challenge.
As our congregation continues with its "Visioning workshops" for our church's ministries and facilities, you can help keep the main thing the main thing even when that doesn't mean always doing the same thing. Please lift the church up in prayer. Attend a Visioning workshop (usually in the evenings, usually about an hour long). Invite someone to come with you. Come to a prayer meeting. Together with God's leading and by God's grace we can taste and see the Lord's goodness and the Lord's plans for us.
In Hebrews 5: 8-9 we read: Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
As we go through life, we meet with all kinds of experiences. Some experiences are very happy. Some are sad.
Probably the most difficult experiences are the painful ones--mental pain, emotional pain, spiritual pain, or
physical pain. All of us have experienced at least one or more of these and have found it very unpleasant. We
find pain to be motivating. It helps change our course or helps break a habit. Yet we all long for freedom from
pain. We sing about being free from it. We pray for those experiencing pain. We all take measures to avoid it.
Why pain? Consider how self-destructive we would be if we didn't have pain to help us. Carpenters could saw off their hands. Farmers could hurt their sons with the farm machinery. Housewives could burn themselves. What kind of destructive behavior would we have in church life, in home life, and in our social lives if we didn't have pain?
Pain helps us see God's love, God, being omniscient, created man with a free will, knowing all the pain that we would bring Him--pain of rejection, the horrors of sin, death, hell, and the grave. Yet God saw this path as best and most revealing of His love, So He chose pain. Why? The Bible says that He being made perfect through the things He suffered, became Author of our salvation (Hebrews 5:9).
We are all sinful, and pain is God's way of purifying us. Instead of asking, "Why?" would it not help us to say, "Thank You, Lord, now I'm, more pure like You."
Saint Paul says it best when he tells us, "Regardless of our situation, regardless of our condition, if we can lift our eyes to heaven and give thanks, we are His and He is ours." (paraphrased)
May God's blessings be upon each one of you each day.
Bill Miller
Page 2
THE "GREAT COMMISSION" CORNER
Open Doors
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door
I will come in and eat with him and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Why pain? Consider how self-destructive we would be if we didn't have pain to help us. Carpenters could saw off their hands. Farmers could hurt their sons with the farm machinery. Housewives could burn themselves. What kind of destructive behavior would we have in church life, in home life, and in our social lives if we didn't have pain?
Pain helps us see God's love, God, being omniscient, created man with a free will, knowing all the pain that we would bring Him--pain of rejection, the horrors of sin, death, hell, and the grave. Yet God saw this path as best and most revealing of His love, So He chose pain. Why? The Bible says that He being made perfect through the things He suffered, became Author of our salvation (Hebrews 5:9).
We are all sinful, and pain is God's way of purifying us. Instead of asking, "Why?" would it not help us to say, "Thank You, Lord, now I'm, more pure like You."
Saint Paul says it best when he tells us, "Regardless of our situation, regardless of our condition, if we can lift our eyes to heaven and give thanks, we are His and He is ours." (paraphrased)
May God's blessings be upon each one of you each day.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door
I will come in and eat with him and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
Linda and I recently put our house on the market for sale. Later this afternoon we will be having another potential
buyer come through the house. This morning I spent an hour or so doing those last minute things like taking out the
trash, picking up the sticks in the backyard, vacuuming, moving the dog house to a better location in the yard,
watching the dog run away from me when she discovered I was going to tie her up, walking and driving through the
neighborhood looking for the dog, giving up on the dog (and realizing that Jesus would not likely have used me as an
example of one who compassionately goes looking for the lost, at least when it comes to this dog). Anyhow, you get
the picture. We will be opening up our home today to someone we don’t know and letting him or her walk through every
room in our house, opening every closet door, and potentially even opening up our medicine cabinet or drawers. We have
prepared the house, and we have packed in backpacks those items we want to be sure no one could have access to
(e.g. journals, financial information, etc.) and have loaded the backpacks in the car. We are glad we have a potential
buyer. We also feel a bit vulnerable about opening up the doors to our home.
The Lord has called us to go and make disciples, but before he sends us out to go he first desires to come into our lives. He desires to come in for our good. He desires to begin the process of cleaning out of our lives those things that need a good cleaning. He desires to begin to repair those broken areas of our lives that we have been living with for so long. He desires to make our lives desirable. He desires to sit down for dinner with us.
Will we let him in? What rooms of our lives will we welcome him into, and what doors will we not allow him to open? What will we trust him with, and what will we pack up and hide away so that he cannot have access to it? What shameful areas of our lives will we try to clean up and cover up on our own before he comes in?
He desires to come that we might have fullness of life. He desires to come to bring us that which is good. He already has seen the shameful areas of our lives. He doesn’t want us to try to clean those areas up or cover them up. He desires to do the cleaning. He desires to purchase our lives “as is.”. Will we let him?
Mark Weaver
Page 3
The Lord has called us to go and make disciples, but before he sends us out to go he first desires to come into our lives. He desires to come in for our good. He desires to begin the process of cleaning out of our lives those things that need a good cleaning. He desires to begin to repair those broken areas of our lives that we have been living with for so long. He desires to make our lives desirable. He desires to sit down for dinner with us.
Will we let him in? What rooms of our lives will we welcome him into, and what doors will we not allow him to open? What will we trust him with, and what will we pack up and hide away so that he cannot have access to it? What shameful areas of our lives will we try to clean up and cover up on our own before he comes in?
He desires to come that we might have fullness of life. He desires to come to bring us that which is good. He already has seen the shameful areas of our lives. He doesn’t want us to try to clean those areas up or cover them up. He desires to do the cleaning. He desires to purchase our lives “as is.”. Will we let him?
From the Lay Leader:
To the graduates;
And any other who might find himself in this story.
Scripture: Genesis 4: 6&7 – “So the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well will you not be accepted?’”
To the graduates;
And any other who might find himself in this story.
Scripture: Genesis 4: 6&7 – “So the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well will you not be accepted?’”
The story was that Cain and Abel had each made a sacrifice to God. God accepted Abel’s, but rejected Cain’s. We sometimes
hear efforts to explain why Cain’s offering was rejected. Some say it has to do with the necessity of a blood sacrifice.
Perhaps, but that’s a question for the theologians. The real question is not “what was wrong with Cain’s offering.” Rather
it is “What did he do when God told him that if he did well he would be accepted?” He might have determined to do
differently whatever it was he’d been doing wrong. Instead he chose jealousy and fratricide. The Bible has no record of
Abel’s having any children before he died. In fact we are all surely the descendents of Cain.
So if we are to learn from Cain, our lesson is not to dwell on past failures, or successes, but to recognize what we must do now and do it. As a church we can mourn the fact that we don’t have more young families with children. We can be jealous of those churches that do. Or we can ask “What must we do?” and then proceed. We can mourn the fact of financial struggles. We can criticize and be jealous of those who have no such struggles. Or we can say “What must we do?” and then proceed. As individuals we can criticize what others do or what is being left undone. Or we can say “What must I do?” and then proceed. The past is good for showing us what mistakes to avoid, and what successes to repeat. It’s not a place to dwell. Our lesson is not just to discuss and propose, but to do; not to say “someone should” or “The church ought to” but to say “I will.”
I was pleased with two meetings I attended this week. One was the Visioning Meeting, well attended by concerned members of the Church. Ideas proposed included, among other things, how we might make the church more able to provide childcare during services. Another was that we needed to have a regular prayer activity, to seek God’s direction and support for whatever we do. But now, as we continue to expand our vision, we also need to go the next step and implement our ideas.
I was also pleased to attend the Lay Leadership meeting where the current concern was nominations for various church offices. Good people presently serve. More good people have been invited, and accepted the invitation to serve. But there are still positions to be filled before our Charge Conference this fall. That’s where I learn from my own life: There have been times in the past when I’ve thought that I would like to be on a particular committee so I could make my ideas known, both here and in previous churches. I wished someone would suggest my name or invite me to take part. But usually no one did. I always, almost, volunteered. But usually I lacked the courage. My lost opportunity to make my input known was no one’s fault but my own. The task of nominations is not complete. I believe there are those out there who feel a special gift or passion for some particular area. Wherever that is I know your participation would be welcomed. Don’t do as I have done. “The fault dear (brethren) is not in our stars but in ourselves.” If you would like to be heard in whatever role, make that known. You are potentially the most valuable person for that job and you will be welcomed.
The lesson of Cain tells us not to dwell on past shortcomings, but to do right tomorrow. We dare not copy our forefather
Sincerely, Pete
Page 4
Parent’s Newsletter
Parents, please be aware that The Parents Link, a newsletter filled with practical ideas for nurturing your children's faith, is available every month. The theme for the August newsletter is taking charge of schedules and will include the following:
Tips for keeping family time—and “God time”—a priority.
Benefits of slowing down your children.
Teachable moments that will keep family members focused on God.
Ideas for generating insightful discussions at family meals.
Information and discussion questions about the upcoming movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua and the new single from The Cheetah Girls.
Please pick up a copy from the literature table underneath the bulletin boards.
“Church Visioning Workshop” also known as “Where Were You ‘62”
and “When the Outhouse Became an ‘In-house’ - from Pastor Tom
On Monday, August 11 and Monday, August 25 we held a “Church Visioning Workshop” in the sanctuary at Church of the Cross. It was a time to talk about our vision and our needs at Church of the Cross, about our opportunities and our challenges, about how any of us and all of us picture the ministry at Church of the Cross whether that be ten years from now or twenty years from now. One of the desires expressed at the first session on August 11 Church Visioning Workshop was for a prayer ministry, a time of prayer to pray for the mission of our church - plans are in the works for such a prayer ministry and may have already begun by the time this reaches your mailbox. If you would like to learn more about this, please don't hesitate to contact me. Another desire was to build on the strengths we have - the strengths of welcoming one another, of caring for each other and of being a friendly congregation. How is God calling us to share our strengths with others beyond our doors, both to newcomers and to longtime residents in the area, as well as to children and to younger adults? Please pray for us as a church as we bring these prayers to God. The Church Visioning Workshop traces some of its roots back to two years ago in 2006, when we were setting goals for the coming year. We still have those same goals - after all, when you have good goals, it is good to stick with them until they are accomplished! One of the 5 goals from that year was the goal to develop a three-year plan for the facilities and property of the church. But without a vision for the ministry, it's hard to have a plan for the facilities, for the changes, updates, renovations and repairs that are needed. Without a vision, it's hard to answer the question, “But what is it all for?” So we are using these workshop sessions to remember and to develop the vision that God has given us of reaching out beyond our doors, caring for one another and teaching the word of God, all to the glory an of honor of Christ who has come to us, who has reached out to us and to the world, and who holds us in the palm of his hand. Please call the church office or look in the announcement sections of your weekly worship bulletin for meeting times of future sessions of our Church Visioning Workshops. - Pastor Tom Church Goals for 2007 (and Beyond) Evaluate and Strengthen Our Evangelism Program Evaluate and Strengthen the 3rd Hour Service Restructure the narthex Area to Improve the Efficiency of Space Evaluate the Front of the Sanctuary for Improvements and Make Recommendations to the Administrative Board Develop a Three year Plan for the Facilities and Property of the Church
Page 5
Children’s Festival
A huge thank you to all who participated in any way with the Children’s Festival. Many people prayed and donated supplies and lent tents and set-up and tore down and served food and worked with the children during the event. We don’t have the names of all who prayed and gave, but we are grateful for your support. This event requires the support of many – thank you! Watch next month’s Crosswinds for a report of the event itself.
Welcome Evangelism
Do you know someone who could use an invitation to attend our church? It may be a friend, neighbor or relative. They may be someone who is not currently attending any church or someone with problems that only God can heal or someone who can benefit by having some good Christian friends or someone looking for a new church home. Reach out and recommend someone. It could change their life forever. Contacts: Marilyn Munn (330-345-8692), Lucie Darling (330-262-1496), Connie Smeltzer (330-345-4901), Julie Mathys (330-345-7894). We would like to send them an invitation and a welcome packet.
The Financial Report
As of the end of July we have paid all the bills that have become due and are in good relations with our suppliers. Our planned budget through July requires $130,261. Giving has been $16,600 short of the budget and expenses have been $10,000 more than giving. We continue to see a reduction in our wealth, but at a rate about half of last year. Although everyone has done a better job controlling the spending than last year, we still must be good stewards of our giving. These are the long, warm days of summer. If you have traveled and neglected your pledge, think about catching up now. Mission payments continue to be done at a reduced rate. Our apportionment payment to East Ohio Conference of $959 a month for World Service is not being paid. Payments to People-to-People, Haven of Rest, The Salvation Army, and Wayne United Chaplains have been cut by 50%. The budget for Missions is at $17,610 and total giving is $9,645. Payments have totaled $9,876 through July. Our church has been blessed with a memorial gift from the Howard Rugh family that has benefited both missions and the general fund. We thank the family for the gift and their past planning to support Church of the Cross. Which brings up a point!! Our economy has gone sour and our government continues to need more funds. Expenses have gone up supporting both and our paychecks have seen the impact. Everyone should be planning ahead for retirement. Investigate the possibilities of a 401K, a bond program or an investment portfolio. Then, invest regularly in it. If you are in your forties or older you should begin now to make decisions for the distribution of whatever wealth you accumulate over your lifetime. If you are not careful the government becomes the big winner. Do you have a will? If you don’t it is very important that you consider what you need to do to see that your family and loved ones are provided for out of your life’s work. And now you can decide how any distribution will be made. Think about it and get it done.
Music Ministries
Do you have a passion for music? Do you like to fellowship with others? Do you like to learn new skills or improve the ones you have? If “yes”, please prayerfully consider joining with others in the MM ( Music Ministries).
Greg Sellers To Be Ordained June 17th
Greg Sellers, former member of Church of the Cross, will be ordained as a pastor in the United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 17, at Lakeside, Ohio. Following his years of seminary study and staff work at Church of the Cross, Greg has served as a full-time pastor, first in Burton City and most recently in Tiffin. His ordination on June 17 culminates many years of study, preparation and practical experience. Following the June 17 ordination ceremony Greg will no longer be on probation but will be a minister "in Full Connection with the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church."
The 7 pm worship service for ordination on June 17 at Lakeside, OH, is open to the public, and the Church of the Cross is welcome to attend too. If you wish to attend but need transportation, or if you are planning to attend and can offer a ride, please let the church office know. (The ordination service takes place at Lakeside because it is part of the week long Annual Conference meeting held once each year with clergy and lay representatives from each of the United Methodist churches in East Ohio.)
Chancel Choir
This choir sings for the 9:15am Sunday worship service. Rehearsals are Wed. evenings 7:30-9:00pm and Sunday morning at 8:45am.
Concert Choir
This choir presents the Christmas Dinner Concert (Dec. 12-14) and Easter Concert in the spring. This group rehearses on Wed evening at 7:30-8:30 starting Wed., October 1st.
Page 6
Praise Team
This group leads the music for the 3rd hour worship service at 11:30am each Sunday. Rehearsal time to be scheduled later.
Instrumentalists
If you play piano, organ, guitar, percussion, bass or woodwinds your skills are needed to support other musical offerings.
Hand bells
Grace Ringer’s rehearsal is on Sunday evenings from 6:30-7:30. Fulltime and substitute ringers ring for morning worship services, Dinner Concert, Spring Concert and occasionally outside the church for weddings, etc. If you are interested in joining any of these groups, please contact Janet Borton at 330-345-6406.
September Choir and Bell Schedule
Wed, Sept 3rd- 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun,, Sept 7th- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal Wed, Sept 10th- NO REHEARSAL
Sun, Sept 14th- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Wed, Sept 17th- NO REHEARSAL
Sun, Sept 21st- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun, Sept 21st- 6:00 pm Grace Ringers
Wed, Sept 24th- 7:p30 Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun, Sept 28th- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Christmas Dinner Concert preview night will be October 1st at 7:30pm. All who are interested in singing, please come and bring a friend!
Bazaar
Please help organize the 2008 Bazaar. The quilt is done. Help is needed to make and distribute posters and to make and sell tickets. If you have talent or crafts to share, we need you. Plan to make cookies or other baked goods. Consider making any handcrafted items to donate.
In the past few years, the Bazaar has earned over $4,000.00. We need a lot of help to continue this worthwhile effort. If you are willing to help or have suggestions, contact Margaret Schellin, Loretta Crites, or Sharon Ouwerkerk. The 2008 Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, with set up on November 7th.
Knitters
Calling all knitters! Whether you would like to learn to knit or are an experienced knitter, please join the knitting ministry. We will begin meeting every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm-8:00pm in the prayer room starting Tuesday, September 9th. Bring your own project or start one of ours. Come for an hour of knitting, fellowship, and prayer. Contact Sharon Ouwerkerk if you have any questions.AIM Nights Are Back!
Starting Wednesday, September 24
(and continuing on Wednesdays into November)
Food, Classes, Music - we've got it all!
Invite a neighbor, bring a friend, come on your own.
Wednesday Night AIM Schedule Fall 2008:
5:45 pm - 6:15 pm Light Supper
($3 adults, $1 kids, $8 family, kids under 6 eat free)
6:20 pm - 7:20 pm Children's program, Adult classes
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Choir practice
See you after the fair on Wednesday the 24th!
Page 7
So if we are to learn from Cain, our lesson is not to dwell on past failures, or successes, but to recognize what we must do now and do it. As a church we can mourn the fact that we don’t have more young families with children. We can be jealous of those churches that do. Or we can ask “What must we do?” and then proceed. We can mourn the fact of financial struggles. We can criticize and be jealous of those who have no such struggles. Or we can say “What must we do?” and then proceed. As individuals we can criticize what others do or what is being left undone. Or we can say “What must I do?” and then proceed. The past is good for showing us what mistakes to avoid, and what successes to repeat. It’s not a place to dwell. Our lesson is not just to discuss and propose, but to do; not to say “someone should” or “The church ought to” but to say “I will.”
I was pleased with two meetings I attended this week. One was the Visioning Meeting, well attended by concerned members of the Church. Ideas proposed included, among other things, how we might make the church more able to provide childcare during services. Another was that we needed to have a regular prayer activity, to seek God’s direction and support for whatever we do. But now, as we continue to expand our vision, we also need to go the next step and implement our ideas.
I was also pleased to attend the Lay Leadership meeting where the current concern was nominations for various church offices. Good people presently serve. More good people have been invited, and accepted the invitation to serve. But there are still positions to be filled before our Charge Conference this fall. That’s where I learn from my own life: There have been times in the past when I’ve thought that I would like to be on a particular committee so I could make my ideas known, both here and in previous churches. I wished someone would suggest my name or invite me to take part. But usually no one did. I always, almost, volunteered. But usually I lacked the courage. My lost opportunity to make my input known was no one’s fault but my own. The task of nominations is not complete. I believe there are those out there who feel a special gift or passion for some particular area. Wherever that is I know your participation would be welcomed. Don’t do as I have done. “The fault dear (brethren) is not in our stars but in ourselves.” If you would like to be heard in whatever role, make that known. You are potentially the most valuable person for that job and you will be welcomed.
The lesson of Cain tells us not to dwell on past shortcomings, but to do right tomorrow. We dare not copy our forefather
Sincerely, Pete
Parents, please be aware that The Parents Link, a newsletter filled with practical ideas for nurturing your children's faith, is available every month. The theme for the August newsletter is taking charge of schedules and will include the following:
Tips for keeping family time—and “God time”—a priority.
Benefits of slowing down your children.
Teachable moments that will keep family members focused on God.
Ideas for generating insightful discussions at family meals.
Information and discussion questions about the upcoming movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua and the new single from The Cheetah Girls.
Please pick up a copy from the literature table underneath the bulletin boards.
On Monday, August 11 and Monday, August 25 we held a “Church Visioning Workshop” in the sanctuary at Church of the Cross. It was a time to talk about our vision and our needs at Church of the Cross, about our opportunities and our challenges, about how any of us and all of us picture the ministry at Church of the Cross whether that be ten years from now or twenty years from now. One of the desires expressed at the first session on August 11 Church Visioning Workshop was for a prayer ministry, a time of prayer to pray for the mission of our church - plans are in the works for such a prayer ministry and may have already begun by the time this reaches your mailbox. If you would like to learn more about this, please don't hesitate to contact me. Another desire was to build on the strengths we have - the strengths of welcoming one another, of caring for each other and of being a friendly congregation. How is God calling us to share our strengths with others beyond our doors, both to newcomers and to longtime residents in the area, as well as to children and to younger adults? Please pray for us as a church as we bring these prayers to God. The Church Visioning Workshop traces some of its roots back to two years ago in 2006, when we were setting goals for the coming year. We still have those same goals - after all, when you have good goals, it is good to stick with them until they are accomplished! One of the 5 goals from that year was the goal to develop a three-year plan for the facilities and property of the church. But without a vision for the ministry, it's hard to have a plan for the facilities, for the changes, updates, renovations and repairs that are needed. Without a vision, it's hard to answer the question, “But what is it all for?” So we are using these workshop sessions to remember and to develop the vision that God has given us of reaching out beyond our doors, caring for one another and teaching the word of God, all to the glory an of honor of Christ who has come to us, who has reached out to us and to the world, and who holds us in the palm of his hand. Please call the church office or look in the announcement sections of your weekly worship bulletin for meeting times of future sessions of our Church Visioning Workshops. - Pastor Tom Church Goals for 2007 (and Beyond) Evaluate and Strengthen Our Evangelism Program Evaluate and Strengthen the 3rd Hour Service Restructure the narthex Area to Improve the Efficiency of Space Evaluate the Front of the Sanctuary for Improvements and Make Recommendations to the Administrative Board Develop a Three year Plan for the Facilities and Property of the Church
A huge thank you to all who participated in any way with the Children’s Festival. Many people prayed and donated supplies and lent tents and set-up and tore down and served food and worked with the children during the event. We don’t have the names of all who prayed and gave, but we are grateful for your support. This event requires the support of many – thank you! Watch next month’s Crosswinds for a report of the event itself.
Do you know someone who could use an invitation to attend our church? It may be a friend, neighbor or relative. They may be someone who is not currently attending any church or someone with problems that only God can heal or someone who can benefit by having some good Christian friends or someone looking for a new church home. Reach out and recommend someone. It could change their life forever. Contacts: Marilyn Munn (330-345-8692), Lucie Darling (330-262-1496), Connie Smeltzer (330-345-4901), Julie Mathys (330-345-7894). We would like to send them an invitation and a welcome packet.
As of the end of July we have paid all the bills that have become due and are in good relations with our suppliers. Our planned budget through July requires $130,261. Giving has been $16,600 short of the budget and expenses have been $10,000 more than giving. We continue to see a reduction in our wealth, but at a rate about half of last year. Although everyone has done a better job controlling the spending than last year, we still must be good stewards of our giving. These are the long, warm days of summer. If you have traveled and neglected your pledge, think about catching up now. Mission payments continue to be done at a reduced rate. Our apportionment payment to East Ohio Conference of $959 a month for World Service is not being paid. Payments to People-to-People, Haven of Rest, The Salvation Army, and Wayne United Chaplains have been cut by 50%. The budget for Missions is at $17,610 and total giving is $9,645. Payments have totaled $9,876 through July. Our church has been blessed with a memorial gift from the Howard Rugh family that has benefited both missions and the general fund. We thank the family for the gift and their past planning to support Church of the Cross. Which brings up a point!! Our economy has gone sour and our government continues to need more funds. Expenses have gone up supporting both and our paychecks have seen the impact. Everyone should be planning ahead for retirement. Investigate the possibilities of a 401K, a bond program or an investment portfolio. Then, invest regularly in it. If you are in your forties or older you should begin now to make decisions for the distribution of whatever wealth you accumulate over your lifetime. If you are not careful the government becomes the big winner. Do you have a will? If you don’t it is very important that you consider what you need to do to see that your family and loved ones are provided for out of your life’s work. And now you can decide how any distribution will be made. Think about it and get it done.
Do you have a passion for music? Do you like to fellowship with others? Do you like to learn new skills or improve the ones you have? If “yes”, please prayerfully consider joining with others in the MM ( Music Ministries).
Greg Sellers, former member of Church of the Cross, will be ordained as a pastor in the United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 17, at Lakeside, Ohio. Following his years of seminary study and staff work at Church of the Cross, Greg has served as a full-time pastor, first in Burton City and most recently in Tiffin. His ordination on June 17 culminates many years of study, preparation and practical experience. Following the June 17 ordination ceremony Greg will no longer be on probation but will be a minister "in Full Connection with the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church."
The 7 pm worship service for ordination on June 17 at Lakeside, OH, is open to the public, and the Church of the Cross is welcome to attend too. If you wish to attend but need transportation, or if you are planning to attend and can offer a ride, please let the church office know. (The ordination service takes place at Lakeside because it is part of the week long Annual Conference meeting held once each year with clergy and lay representatives from each of the United Methodist churches in East Ohio.)
This choir sings for the 9:15am Sunday worship service. Rehearsals are Wed. evenings 7:30-9:00pm and Sunday morning at 8:45am.
This choir presents the Christmas Dinner Concert (Dec. 12-14) and Easter Concert in the spring. This group rehearses on Wed evening at 7:30-8:30 starting Wed., October 1st.
This group leads the music for the 3rd hour worship service at 11:30am each Sunday. Rehearsal time to be scheduled later.
If you play piano, organ, guitar, percussion, bass or woodwinds your skills are needed to support other musical offerings.
Grace Ringer’s rehearsal is on Sunday evenings from 6:30-7:30. Fulltime and substitute ringers ring for morning worship services, Dinner Concert, Spring Concert and occasionally outside the church for weddings, etc. If you are interested in joining any of these groups, please contact Janet Borton at 330-345-6406.
Wed, Sept 3rd- 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun,, Sept 7th- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal Wed, Sept 10th- NO REHEARSAL
Sun, Sept 14th- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Wed, Sept 17th- NO REHEARSAL
Sun, Sept 21st- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun, Sept 21st- 6:00 pm Grace Ringers
Wed, Sept 24th- 7:p30 Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun, Sept 28th- 8:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Christmas Dinner Concert preview night will be October 1st at 7:30pm. All who are interested in singing, please come and bring a friend!
Please help organize the 2008 Bazaar. The quilt is done. Help is needed to make and distribute posters and to make and sell tickets. If you have talent or crafts to share, we need you. Plan to make cookies or other baked goods. Consider making any handcrafted items to donate.
In the past few years, the Bazaar has earned over $4,000.00. We need a lot of help to continue this worthwhile effort. If you are willing to help or have suggestions, contact Margaret Schellin, Loretta Crites, or Sharon Ouwerkerk. The 2008 Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, with set up on November 7th.
Calling all knitters! Whether you would like to learn to knit or are an experienced knitter, please join the knitting ministry. We will begin meeting every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm-8:00pm in the prayer room starting Tuesday, September 9th. Bring your own project or start one of ours. Come for an hour of knitting, fellowship, and prayer. Contact Sharon Ouwerkerk if you have any questions.
Wednesday Night AIM Schedule Fall 2008:
5:45 pm - 6:15 pm Light Supper
($3 adults, $1 kids, $8 family, kids under 6 eat free)
6:20 pm - 7:20 pm Children's program, Adult classes
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Choir practice
See you after the fair on Wednesday the 24th!
Bonnie Circle - 9:30am Thursdays, Fellowship Hall
The children are back to school and the Wayne County Fair is over for another year. Now it is time for Bonnie Circle to begin again.September 18th will begin our new year. Bonnie Circle is a Bible study/fellowship group for women. We meet in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-11:00am on Thursdays.We will be guided by the Lifeguide study book- “Decisions, Seeking God’s Guidance” We will have study guides available at our first meeting. Come grow in the Bible with us!
Prayer Shawl -
The prayer Shawl/Knitting Ministry meets in the Prayer Room at 7:00 PM on Tuesday evenings. Anyone who would like to learn to knit or join the group is welcome. Contact Sharon Ouwerkerk for more information.
Ruth Circle –
Women's Bible Study -
We meet in Linda’s office at 6:00 p.m. Childcare is provided. A light meal is also available for a small charge. Please contact Linda Weaver if will be joining us for dinner or if you have any questions.
Young Women’s Bible Study -
September is here, kids are back in school, and it’s time to take a deep breath and meet with some friends for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. The Young Women’s Bible Study will meet Tuesday, September 2, at 6:00 p.m. in Linda’s office. We’ll have a chance to fellowship, pray, and talk about what kind of meeting schedule would work best for the fall. This would be a great time for other young women to join us.
Youth Fellowship Activities - Summer Update and Famine Thank You
On July 25, the Youth Fellowship took a lazy ride on the Mohican on tubes. It wasn’t our first trip on the river, but it was the first tubing trip for most of us. It was a beautiful, lazy, slightly chilly day on the river for the nine of us who went.
From midnight July 31 to the morning of August 2, four members of the Youth Fellowship fasted. We held a lock-in Friday, so that we could support each other, learn more about God and about world hunger, and avoid watching our families eat! We shared about our faith journeys, asked how God views each one of us, decorated “Blessings Boxes,” learned about world hunger and how the poor make paper bags to make a living, and did NOT eat until Saturday morning. This was part of World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine, to support their world hunger programs. A big thank you to all who donated to our fundraiser. World Vision currently has a donor who will match all contributions up to four times the amount, so our donation will be quadrupled. Thank you so much for helping the hungry.
Page 8
Upcoming Youth Events
We’ll be starting Youth Nights at the end of September, so watch your bulletins for times
and dates. Also check the bulletin board or talk to Linda about a few upcoming concert possibilities.
Attention All Women of the Church
(and men if you are interested):
Marcy Grassman has offered to come to the church and do a class on stained glass wall
hangings if there is enough interest. These make beautiful Christmas gifts - or gifts anytime. So if you are
interested in learning this art, please let either Nancy Miller (330) 345-4455 or Joyce Kreider (330) 345-6472)
know as soon as possible. If the interest is there, she will then let us know what materials, etc. will
be needed for this class.
Picture Directory
Is it time already for another picture directory? Yes, it is! If you would be willing
to help organize the next picture directory (or would like to find out more about what it takes to put one together),
please contact the church office or Pastor Tom.
4th Annual Chili Cook-Off
The 4th annual Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, Sept. 20th on the front lawn of the Church of the Cross competing to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County. If you enjoy cooking, the thrill of competition, or helping those with the possibility of owning an affordable home, then turn out for the Chili Cook-Off. This is a total prepared on-site cook off. Set-up begins at 9:00am and cooking will begin at 10:00am. Each cook (individual or team) will turn in their cup of chili at noon for Trophy judging. Things to do:
1. Fill out entry-cost $10.00.
- Practice on your family
- Ask co-workers to make a team
- Watch the food channel for trips to win!
2. Come and taste chili entries from 12:00-2:30pm- cost $3.00 a person or $8.00 per family.
- Support Habitat for Humanity
- Visit with the cooks
- Eat ice cream for dessert!
Contact Gretchen Foran for more information.
As part of our Chili-Cook-Off raising funds for Habitat for Humanity we will be collecting various building supplies for the Habitat Restore Check your garage and basement for items that can be re-used in the rebuilding of homes in Wayne County. Bring items to the church front lawn between 10:00am and 2:00pm, Saturday, September 20th at the Chili Cook Off OR call Habitat for Humanity for pick-up of large items.
Usable Items Include:
Tools
Hardware
Appliances
½ Full boxes of nails, screws, bolts, etc
Windows
Doors
Lawn and Garden items
Page 9
SUNDAYS SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER
September 7 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Sunday School for all ages from 10:30-11:30 unless
otherwise noted.
September 14- Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
September 21- Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
September 28- Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
September Birthdays
& Anniversaries
Anniversaries = A
Birthdays = B
Did we miss your birthday or anniversary? Telephone the church office so we can add you to the list. Our apologies for the oversight.
Page 10
Wednesday Evening A.I.M. Night
5:45 - 6:15 pm - Light Supper
6:20 - 7:20 pm - Kids for Christ
6:20 - 7:20 pm - Adult Study Groups
7:30 - 9:00 pm - Chancel Choir
Page 11
The children are back to school and the Wayne County Fair is over for another year. Now it is time for Bonnie Circle to begin again.September 18th will begin our new year. Bonnie Circle is a Bible study/fellowship group for women. We meet in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-11:00am on Thursdays.We will be guided by the Lifeguide study book- “Decisions, Seeking God’s Guidance” We will have study guides available at our first meeting. Come grow in the Bible with us!
Prayer Shawl -
The prayer Shawl/Knitting Ministry meets in the Prayer Room at 7:00 PM on Tuesday evenings. Anyone who would like to learn to knit or join the group is welcome. Contact Sharon Ouwerkerk for more information.
Ruth Circle –
Women's Bible Study -
We meet in Linda’s office at 6:00 p.m. Childcare is provided. A light meal is also available for a small charge. Please contact Linda Weaver if will be joining us for dinner or if you have any questions.
Young Women’s Bible Study -
September is here, kids are back in school, and it’s time to take a deep breath and meet with some friends for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. The Young Women’s Bible Study will meet Tuesday, September 2, at 6:00 p.m. in Linda’s office. We’ll have a chance to fellowship, pray, and talk about what kind of meeting schedule would work best for the fall. This would be a great time for other young women to join us.
Youth Fellowship Activities - Summer Update and Famine Thank You
On July 25, the Youth Fellowship took a lazy ride on the Mohican on tubes. It wasn’t our first trip on the river, but it was the first tubing trip for most of us. It was a beautiful, lazy, slightly chilly day on the river for the nine of us who went.
From midnight July 31 to the morning of August 2, four members of the Youth Fellowship fasted. We held a lock-in Friday, so that we could support each other, learn more about God and about world hunger, and avoid watching our families eat! We shared about our faith journeys, asked how God views each one of us, decorated “Blessings Boxes,” learned about world hunger and how the poor make paper bags to make a living, and did NOT eat until Saturday morning. This was part of World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine, to support their world hunger programs. A big thank you to all who donated to our fundraiser. World Vision currently has a donor who will match all contributions up to four times the amount, so our donation will be quadrupled. Thank you so much for helping the hungry.
(and men if you are interested):
The 4th annual Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, Sept. 20th on the front lawn of the Church of the Cross competing to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County. If you enjoy cooking, the thrill of competition, or helping those with the possibility of owning an affordable home, then turn out for the Chili Cook-Off. This is a total prepared on-site cook off. Set-up begins at 9:00am and cooking will begin at 10:00am. Each cook (individual or team) will turn in their cup of chili at noon for Trophy judging. Things to do:
1. Fill out entry-cost $10.00.
- Practice on your family
- Ask co-workers to make a team
- Watch the food channel for trips to win!
2. Come and taste chili entries from 12:00-2:30pm- cost $3.00 a person or $8.00 per family.
- Support Habitat for Humanity
- Visit with the cooks
- Eat ice cream for dessert!
Contact Gretchen Foran for more information.
As part of our Chili-Cook-Off raising funds for Habitat for Humanity we will be collecting various building supplies for the Habitat Restore Check your garage and basement for items that can be re-used in the rebuilding of homes in Wayne County. Bring items to the church front lawn between 10:00am and 2:00pm, Saturday, September 20th at the Chili Cook Off OR call Habitat for Humanity for pick-up of large items.
Usable Items Include:
Tools
Hardware
Appliances
½ Full boxes of nails, screws, bolts, etc
Windows
Doors
Lawn and Garden items
September 7 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Sunday School for all ages from 10:30-11:30 unless
otherwise noted.
September 14- Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
September 21- Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
September 28- Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Anniversaries = A
Birthdays = B
| 1- Larry & Nely Harris - A |
| 2- Beth Lea - B Mary Roebuck - B |
| 3- Ken & Betty Craig - A |
| 4- Larry Spade - B John & Betty Brady - A |
| 5- Dylan Lake - B |
| 6- Nancy Thornton - B |
| 7- Ann Shifferly - B Dana & Ginna Phillips - A |
| 8- |
| 9- Janet Borton - B Kathryn Pamer - B |
| 10- Rich Ratzel - B |
| 11- Ron & Janet Borton - A |
| 12- Steve Crites - B |
| 13- |
| 14- Eric Foran - B |
| 15- |
| 16- |
| 17- Daniel Walker - B Alan Engelhardt - B Mark & Pat Pringle - A |
| 18- Art Berry - B |
| 19- Vickie Fagert - B |
| 20- Jill Ackerman - B Jorn Baxstrom - B |
| 21- |
| 22- Jo Berry - B |
| 23- Debbie Schartiger - B |
| 24- Doug & Rhonda Billman - A |
| 25- CJ Krichbaum - B |
| 26- |
| 27- Jim Miller - B Carla Krichbaum - B |
| 28- Erik Graber - B Melissa Davis - B Don & Lorri Pringle - A |
| 29- Jacob Ackerman - B |
30- Ann O’Planick - B Scott Spade - B |
Did we miss your birthday or anniversary? Telephone the church office so we can add you to the list. Our apologies for the oversight.
NEW ARRIVALS
IN LOVING MEMORY
Church Calendar
September 2008
September 2008
| 1 - Monday - Labor Day Office Closed |
| 2 - Tuesday 6:00 - pm - Young Women's Bible Study |
| 3 - Wednesday 6:30 - am - Men's Bible Study 7:30 - pm - Choir Rehearsal |
| 4 - Thursday 7:00 - pm - Promise Keepers 7:00 - pm - Scouts District Committee meeting |
| 5 - Friday |
| 6 - Saturday Wayne County Fair |
| 7 - Sunday 8:45 - am - Choir Wayne County Fair |
| 8 - Monday 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts Wayne County Fair |
| 9 - Tuesday Wayne County Fair |
| 10 - Wednesday 6:30 - am - Men's Bible Study Wayne County Fair |
| 11 - Thursday Wayne County Fair 7:00 - pm - Scouts District Roundtable |
| 12 - Friday |
| 13 - Saturday |
| 14 - Sunday 8:45 - am - Choir Crosswinds Due for October |
| 15 - Monday 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts 7:30 - pm - Trustees |
| 16 - Tuesday Staff/Parish Conference with District Superintendent 6:45 - pm - Finance 7:30 - pm - Admin. Board |
| 17 - Wednesday 6:30 - am Men's Bible Study |
| 18 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle 7:00 - pm - Promise Keepers 7:00 - pm - Scouts District Commissioners |
| 19 - Friday |
| 20 - Saturday Chili Cook-Off |
| 21 - Sunday 8:45 - am - Choir 6:00 - pm - Grace Ringers |
| 22 - Monday 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts |
| 23 - Tuesday |
| 24 - Wednesday 6:30 - am Men's Bible Study AIM Night Begins 7:30 - pm Choir |
| 25 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle |
| 26 - Friday |
| 27 - Saturday |
| 28 - Sunday 8:45 - am - Choir |
| 29 - Monday - 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts |
| 30 - Tuesday |
5:45 - 6:15 pm - Light Supper
6:20 - 7:20 pm - Kids for Christ
6:20 - 7:20 pm - Adult Study Groups
7:30 - 9:00 pm - Chancel Choir
