"The Main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."
Dear Church Family,
I get many articles that cross my desk, and many of those are worth sharing with the church family. The article below falls into that category. It was written by Prison Chaplain Lee Anderson who works at the county jail. The chaplain position at the county jail is funded through one of our church's mission partners, the Wayne United Chaplain Ministries. - Pastor Tom
CHAPLAIN ALWAYS STARTS WITH GOD’S GRACE
I get many articles that cross my desk, and many of those are worth sharing with the church family. The article below falls into that category. It was written by Prison Chaplain Lee Anderson who works at the county jail. The chaplain position at the county jail is funded through one of our church's mission partners, the Wayne United Chaplain Ministries. - Pastor Tom
When we look at the world around us it is sometimes difficult to understand how unfair life can be. It’s not
fair that the young should suffer. It’s not fair that the innocent should go hungry. It’s certainly not fair
that God hung on a cross to protect us from the Evil One.
As I work with each inmate at the Wayne County Jail, I reassure them that God’s love is not dependent on how they look, how they think, how they act, or how imperfect they are. Christ died for them, an expression of his love for us. In that sense, God’s love is absolutely non-negotiable and non-returnable. God’s gift of love is final and eternal.
So, no matter what we may do, no matter how far we may fall, no matter how ugly our lives may become, God has a relentless, undying, unfathomable, unquenchable love from which we cannot be separated – ever!
If there is anyone we can run to for help, it is to Jesus. I encourage everyone to run to him. Nothing pleases Jesus more. He wants to become the most important person in our life. He wants to be that greatest love we will ever know in our lives. Jesus desires a tight relationship with us, so tight that there is little wiggle room in our heart or in your life for sin.
God’s plan for our life is based on His love, not on our performance. Pray every day for him to help us to understand what it means to be captivated by his love – to be overwhelmed by his grace
God bless, Lee Anderson
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A VIEW FROM THE PEW
SOLOMON AND JESUS
As I work with each inmate at the Wayne County Jail, I reassure them that God’s love is not dependent on how they look, how they think, how they act, or how imperfect they are. Christ died for them, an expression of his love for us. In that sense, God’s love is absolutely non-negotiable and non-returnable. God’s gift of love is final and eternal.
So, no matter what we may do, no matter how far we may fall, no matter how ugly our lives may become, God has a relentless, undying, unfathomable, unquenchable love from which we cannot be separated – ever!
If there is anyone we can run to for help, it is to Jesus. I encourage everyone to run to him. Nothing pleases Jesus more. He wants to become the most important person in our life. He wants to be that greatest love we will ever know in our lives. Jesus desires a tight relationship with us, so tight that there is little wiggle room in our heart or in your life for sin.
God’s plan for our life is based on His love, not on our performance. Pray every day for him to help us to understand what it means to be captivated by his love – to be overwhelmed by his grace
In Matthew the sixth chapter, it says "Behold the birds of the field how beautiful they are arrayed". And in Matthew
6:29 it says "And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these".
Who is great in God's economy? Those who practice service, sacrifice and self-denial.
The queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon to see if what she was hearing was true or not. What she found was far beyond what she expected. Solomon spoke 3,000 Proverbs and his songs were 1,005. Every day in his kitchen he used 330 bushels of flour, 660 bushels of meal, 30 oxen, and 100 sheep. That was worth around $380,000. His throne was gold covered ivory. It has been estimated that it would take $87 billion to reproduce Solomon's temple now. Solomon's own house was very expensive. He ate from golden vessels, and his servants were all dressed in costly clothes. He had 40,000 horses with 12,000 trained horsemen to take care of them. That would make a hitch seventeen miles long, four abreast. It would take a stable thirty miles long to house the horses. He sacrificed 130,000 sheep (about $12 million worth) and 22,000 oxen (about $13.2 million worth). Solomon was awesome.
But behold, here is more than Solomon: Jesus Christ, the Son of God! He is incomparable. Jesus had power over the laws of nature. He had power over disease, over demons, and over death. He had power to forgive sins. Jesus had power to change men's hearts and lives. He had compassion on women, children, and sinners--the down-trodden and the poor. He is the Lord of glory. A heavenly host attended His birth. The Spirit lighted on Him in the form of a dove at His baptism. At His word, the blind saw, the lame were healed, the dead arose, the storm was stilled, and the demons were cast out.
He is alive and is coming again, soon! And He is able to do for us what He did for the early Christians.
Does Jesus abide in your heart?
The queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon to see if what she was hearing was true or not. What she found was far beyond what she expected. Solomon spoke 3,000 Proverbs and his songs were 1,005. Every day in his kitchen he used 330 bushels of flour, 660 bushels of meal, 30 oxen, and 100 sheep. That was worth around $380,000. His throne was gold covered ivory. It has been estimated that it would take $87 billion to reproduce Solomon's temple now. Solomon's own house was very expensive. He ate from golden vessels, and his servants were all dressed in costly clothes. He had 40,000 horses with 12,000 trained horsemen to take care of them. That would make a hitch seventeen miles long, four abreast. It would take a stable thirty miles long to house the horses. He sacrificed 130,000 sheep (about $12 million worth) and 22,000 oxen (about $13.2 million worth). Solomon was awesome.
But behold, here is more than Solomon: Jesus Christ, the Son of God! He is incomparable. Jesus had power over the laws of nature. He had power over disease, over demons, and over death. He had power to forgive sins. Jesus had power to change men's hearts and lives. He had compassion on women, children, and sinners--the down-trodden and the poor. He is the Lord of glory. A heavenly host attended His birth. The Spirit lighted on Him in the form of a dove at His baptism. At His word, the blind saw, the lame were healed, the dead arose, the storm was stilled, and the demons were cast out.
He is alive and is coming again, soon! And He is able to do for us what He did for the early Christians.
May God's blessings be upon each one of you.
Bill Miller
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THE "GREAT COMMISSION" CORNER
Good Soil
But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who
hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.
Matthew 13:23
I am surrounded. This morning I sit in a house that has plants on the inside windows on the North, South, East, and West.
I believe the last count of inside plants was 112. That does not count those plants that are being propagated from leaves
and are sitting in their own separate containers in plastic shoe boxes. It also doesn’t include all of the 2 liter pop
bottles that have been turned into bottles of water now marked “plant food,” or the stacks of prospective plant cradles
(which some call pots), or the containers of seeds, or the top soil. To make matters worse, I hear there is some type of
a violet show coming up in the near future.
I should have seen it coming. At our first lunch “date,” Linda spoke of having 70 or so plants in her apartment. I used it to my advantage. It was on our second date that I made ground on winning her favor by buying her a box of Miracle Grow as a present. I encouraged it as I gave agreement to having tiny plants passed out as favors at our wedding. I am really not a victim but have been an active supporter of her obsession with plants.
Linda is not the only one obsessed with planting seeds, propagating new life from existing life, cultivating the plants into adulthood, and then beginning the cycle all over again. Jesus himself spoke of one who sowed seeds. The seed was good. The seed had life in it. The seed would one day be known by its fruit.
The seed was good. The seed of the good news of the gospel is still good. The seed, however, is vulnerable to outside threats and to the quality of the soil. The outside threats come in the form of those who discredit or cause the one who receives the good news to forget. The threats come in the form of personal rejection and personal assault against those who hold onto the good news. The threats also come in the form of worry, distraction, or a love for the things in the world that won’t last.
Good soil, however, promotes understanding of the message, reception to the message, holding on to the truth of the message (despite trials), faith in the message, and a love for the Source of the message. Good soil promotes growth and reproduction.
What type of soil are we? It isn’t enough to hear the good news that Jesus came to save the lost. If we are to be good soil, we will need to deliberately engage in those activities that will deepen our understanding of the Lord. We will need to seek him out and to receive him (and his words when he speaks). We will need to persevere. We will need the will and the power to remain focused on the things that matter to his heart (and to not let our fears or misplaced love to distract us). We will need to seek to be changed people so that when others see us they will see in us the similarity of our Father. We will need to seek to reproduce. We are to plant and to water. The author of life is to make us (and those we touch) grow.
Mark Weaver
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I should have seen it coming. At our first lunch “date,” Linda spoke of having 70 or so plants in her apartment. I used it to my advantage. It was on our second date that I made ground on winning her favor by buying her a box of Miracle Grow as a present. I encouraged it as I gave agreement to having tiny plants passed out as favors at our wedding. I am really not a victim but have been an active supporter of her obsession with plants.
Linda is not the only one obsessed with planting seeds, propagating new life from existing life, cultivating the plants into adulthood, and then beginning the cycle all over again. Jesus himself spoke of one who sowed seeds. The seed was good. The seed had life in it. The seed would one day be known by its fruit.
The seed was good. The seed of the good news of the gospel is still good. The seed, however, is vulnerable to outside threats and to the quality of the soil. The outside threats come in the form of those who discredit or cause the one who receives the good news to forget. The threats come in the form of personal rejection and personal assault against those who hold onto the good news. The threats also come in the form of worry, distraction, or a love for the things in the world that won’t last.
Good soil, however, promotes understanding of the message, reception to the message, holding on to the truth of the message (despite trials), faith in the message, and a love for the Source of the message. Good soil promotes growth and reproduction.
What type of soil are we? It isn’t enough to hear the good news that Jesus came to save the lost. If we are to be good soil, we will need to deliberately engage in those activities that will deepen our understanding of the Lord. We will need to seek him out and to receive him (and his words when he speaks). We will need to persevere. We will need the will and the power to remain focused on the things that matter to his heart (and to not let our fears or misplaced love to distract us). We will need to seek to be changed people so that when others see us they will see in us the similarity of our Father. We will need to seek to reproduce. We are to plant and to water. The author of life is to make us (and those we touch) grow.
From the Lay Leader:
Many Counselors
Many Counselors
“But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14)
“Without counsel plans go awry. But in the multitude of counsel they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22)
Rehaboam, Solomon’s son, sought advice from his elders, those who had been around during Solomon’s time, and also from the young men with whom he’d grown up. We’re led to understand that it was because he rejected the advice of the older counselors that the kingdom was divided. (1Kings 12)
Now at 65, the far end of middle age, which some inexperienced youth might even consider old, I often wish I had a way to redo my earlier years. If I could only have used the wisdom I have today when I was raising my daughters or as a young Air Force officer, how much better I might have played my part. I might have made the promotions that in those days were my goal, though now I realize that would not have been my definition of success. Rather I would perform the responsibilities I had then so much more professionally. I almost envy Merlin in Camelot who aged backwards and so was able to enter each day with the wisdom of tomorrow. I wonder what God has in mind for our future, in this or the next life, that He allows us to gain the wisdom with age that would have been so beneficial in youth.
At the earlier end of my middle age, when I finally had a slightly better understanding of those wonderful mysterious creatures called the opposite sex, I sometimes fantasized about how great a time I could have had if I’d only known a little more while I was still young and single. But of course, my values were different then and I’m thankful today that I lacked that knowledge
I remember when I got to South East Asia. I was an ASCAT. That was an acronym for (Anti SAM Combat Assistance Team); SAM itself being an acronym for (Surface to Air Missile). At one time that had been a significant group with two members at each fighter base in Thailand and Vietnam. But we thought things were drawing to a close and by the time I got there, there were only two of us left, Al at Danang, and I at Korat. We were supposed to be the experts in electronic anti-SAM tactics. The only problem was that I knew virtually nothing about fighter tactics. We were all very young back then so I don’t know how many recognized my incompetence. I got by. But because I was the “expert” I didn’t tap the wisdom of those around me whose experience would have made the knowledge I did have so much more effective. If I could go back today to that time 38 years ago, how much more professional I would be.
What would have been the solution to my deficiency if I’d been wiser? It would have been to seek the knowledge of those teachers and counselors placed around me: my coworkers, my neighbors, my parents, any I could observe who showed true success. The one thing I would shun would be to allow some presupposed tradition or expertise of mine to prevent me from considering the wisdom of those teachers.
As individuals and as a church we must seek God’s wisdom from all sources. If others are doing the things we would like to do better than we are, we must seek to know what methods they use that are different than ours and consider which of those methods would be appropriate for us.
We should seek and use wisdom where it can be found. We need to draw from the experience of those who were in the combat before we got there as well as from the fresh ideas of the new soldiers in the field. In many counselors there is strength. At least, to Rehaboam’s credit, he sought counsel. His problem was that in that case he took the wrong advice. Not all counsel needs to be, or should be, followed. But not to listen to any that is available is foolish; and can lead to failure.
Sincerely, Your Brother in Christ, Pete
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Children’s Festival Update
Thank you again to everyone who participated in any way with our Children’s Festival – from donating supplies, lending tents, and preparing crafts to setting up and working with the children on the day of the event. Without help from so many people we would not be able to host this event.
We had a beautiful day for the Festival. Almost every activity or craft carried a message about God’s love, presented in a simple way for the children. Children took home crafts and cards and stickers that reminded them that God cares for them.
Although we were not able to get an exact count of the people who came, we can estimate the number of families by the number of Welcome Bags that we distributed. These Welcome Bags contained goodies like candy, a sticker, a church brochure and magnet, a prayer card, a parents’ newsletter and a few other goodies for the children. We gave out 48 Welcome Bags. Rejoice that we were able to share the message of God’s love with so many families from our community.
Thank you again for helping to reach out to those who need to know God’s truth.
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.
“Church Visioning Workshop” – Update
On three different evenings in August and September, members and friends of Church of the Cross have gotten together to take part in the "Church Visioning Workshop" that is currently underway at Church of the Cross.
I wanted to provide you with a brief update on those meetings, and also invite you to the next workshop hour scheduled for Monday, October 6, 7 pm in the church sanctuary.
Highlights: in 2007 our church adopted 5 goals for our church: to Evaluate and Strengthen Our Evangelism Program; to Evaluate and Strengthen the 3rd Hour Service; to 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; and to Develop a Three year Plan for the Facilities and Property of the Church.
With these goals in mind, the purpose of our workshop sessions has been to discuss our vision and our needs at Church of the Cross and to explore ways to meet (or delete) these goals.
From the first meeting on August 11 arose the desire for times of prayer at the church. This has led to the start of a noontime prayer meeting every Tuesday, 12 – 1 pm. The prayer meeting is open to all. It is a time to pray together. Even if you have never been to one of these things before, you are welcome to attend and see what it is like. It goes from noon to 1 pm, although some come a little late while others must leave early.
In addition to the Tuesday noon prayer time, plans are underway to offer a time of community prayers on Wednesday evenings (prior the AIM Night meal), and a Wednesday Night class on prayer is being offered this fall.
Another highlight has been the focus on children's ministries. There has been much discussion regarding the current nursery and toddler / pre-school rooms with many different thoughts and brainstorming ideas being suggested. As those continue to be honed and refined, it has become clear that we also need people helping out with children's ministries on Sunday mornings. It cannot be left to a handful of people but will take many helping hands for our church to welcome the little ones among us. If you are already involved on a regular basis, THANK YOU! If not, sign up now! There is room for you at an age level you prefer (nursery, pre-school, elementary, middle school, high school) and at a time you prefer (First Hour Worship at 9:15, WoW Hour Sunday School at 10:30, Third Hour Worship at 11:30). Please speak with Linda Weaver or telephone the church office (330-345-6472).
Another highlight has been the discussion regarding the goal to evaluate the front of the sanctuary for improvements and to make recommendations to the Administrative Board. (I hope the Visioning Workshop will be able to bring these recommendations to the Ad. Board in October – it is not too late to give input – the next Visioning Workshop will be on Monday, October 6).
Another highlight from the most recent meeting on September 15 was the initial brainstorming session for the narthex / entry way of the church and its related goal, "to restructure the narthex area to improve the efficiency of space." One of the questions asked that night was, "What is the purpose and function of the entry way?" That type of question is good to ask about any project we undertake. I am comforted that at Church of the Cross, we don't rush into decisions (some of these topics have been discussed since the 1980s), but when the time comes to act, it is good to have a good plan in place that can be followed and will equip us to teach and live the word of God, to care for each other, and to reach out beyond our doors.
Please "stay tuned" to stay posted as visioning workshops continue to take place. – Pastor Tom
Church of the Cross Welcomes Missionaries Larry and Jane Kies
On Thursday, August 14, Church of the Cross welcomed Larry and Jane Kies to Wooster. Nearly a score of folks – including some from as far away as Ravenna and Cleveland Heights – were on hand for the morning coffee and to hear of Larry and Jane's work as United Methodist missionaries.
Jane and Larry have served in Zimbabwe for over a decade, and prior to that served in other countries in southern Africa. Currently they are stationed at Africa University in Zimbabwe where Larry teaches horticulture and agriculture, and Jane teaches English as a Second Language. They spoke of their ministries in and out of the classroom, of the opportunities that exist amid the difficulties that touch the lives of Zimbabweans today, and of the many different ways in which the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ is lived out by our brothers and sisters in Christ in Zimbabwe. HIV and AIDS, scarcity of food and runaway inflation all are facts of daily living, and bring new depth to the verse, "Consider it pure joy, my brethren, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).
The visit by Jane and Larry Kies to Wooster was one of only three stops in Ohio during their 6 month home assignment. They will also visit churches in California, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. They are the parents of 4 children: Michael (9), Carly (14), Andrew (18) and Ben (21).
WAYNE UNITED CHAPLAIN MINISTRIES
Meeting each person, wherever they are in their spiritual journey, takes the ministry of Wayne United Chaplains to the campus of ATI. As the Fall program begins they have an opportunity to schedule speakers from community organizations to address the students. As part of the Student Orientation they also have a chance to introduce themselves and how the Chaplain program is available to the students. The Chaplains also take their ministry of caring to Dunlap Hospital and the Wayne County Justice Center. Please pray for Rev. Ross, Rev. Anderson, and Rev. Wantz as they minister in our community.
HAVEN OF REST
The fall regional banquet will be held in Wooster on Tuesday, October 14. The celebration theme for the banquet is “65 Years Serving God by Serving Others.” There is no charge for the Banquet. Reservations can be made by calling 330-535-1563 or email: JENNIFER SELLERS Thank you for your encouraging words and financial support as I have been preparing to go to Honduras. After a year of sharing my story I have raised only 20% of my monthly financial needs. Sometimes we believe God is leading us in one direction and then it turns out to be different than what we thought. Christ is leading me and I am going to continue to follow. After praying and talking with my parents and World Gospel Mission, I have decided to change my status to VIA (volunteer in action). I am preparing to leave for Honduras Oct. 1 – Nov. 12 for six weeks. I am excited to see how God will use me the six weeks I am in Honduras. Thank you for believing in me and the plans God has for my life. In Christ, Jennifer Sellers
VBS Back To School Mission Project
“Greetings Barb and Members of Church of the Cross,
The support you continue to give us for our Back to School project is outstanding. Your donations were well needed and placed in the hands of those who need them most.
This year we served over 800 Wayne County children with your assistance. We appreciate your partnership in serving the children of our community. Each donation no matter how big or small is a blessing to us and to those we help. Together we can make a difference.
Respectfully,
Laura Groves”
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Youth Fellowship Activities
Youth –
Our summer schedule began in June. Watch the bulletin for announcements and details of our summer events!
Young Women’s Bible Study -
This is a group of young women who meet for encouragement, prayer, and Bible study. We are once again walking through a study called Woman of God, after a summer break. We meet two Tuesday evenings a month at 6:00 p.m. in Linda Weaver’s office. Our dates for the next two months are October 7 and 21 and November 4 and 18. Sub sandwiches are available for a small cost; please contact Linda the day of the study to let her know if you would like dinner. Childcare is available. We welcome newcomers – please join us!
Bonnie Circle - 9:30am Thursdays, Fellowship Hall
September 18th will begin our new year for Bonnie Circle. 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.” Come grow in the Bible with us!
Bazaar -
This year’s Holiday and Quilt Craft Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9:00am until 3:00pm. In order to make this year’s Bazaar as successful as past years, we need everyone’s help with the following;
*Baked Goods (ingredients listed)
-Cookies
-Cakes
-Pies
-Bread
*Hand Crafted Items
-Things you have sewn, knitted, crocheted, cross stitched or made with your hands!
*Quilted items
*Wood working
The list is endless. Let’s make this Bazaar the best year ever. Items can be brought to the church Friday November, 7. If you have further questions, please contact Sharon Ouwerkerk 330-345-5510.
Knitters - Prayer Shawl -
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.
Ruth Circle –
Summer Home Small Group Bible Study -
Mark and Linda Weaver will be hosting and leading a Small Group Bible Study this summer on Thursday nights at their home at 657 Giffen Drive, across from the main entrance to OARDC. We will worship, pray and study the book of Nehemiah together. We will begin on July 10 and continue to meet after that on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. If you can let us know that you will attend, that would be helpful but please come even if you haven’t reached us. If you have questions or need directions, please call us at (330) 263-5023.
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AIM Nights Are Back!
Wednesday Nights through November 19
Food, Classes, Music - we've got it all!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
You're All Invited!
Tuesday, October 14th & Thursday ,October 30th
The "Charge Conference", the annual meeting for Church of the Cross is scheduled for two evenings in October, and we're all invited to attend!
Every year on an annual basis, church congregations in the United Methodist Church hold a "Charge Conference". At this annual meeting reports are made, budgets are set, and we take time as a church family to look back and look ahead. Other official business is also taken care of. Typically, a Charge Conference lasts 60-75 minutes, but can be even shorter.
This year Church of the Cross is holding a "Two-Part Charge Conference" and you are invited to attend the first part (the dress rehearsal), the second part (the official one) or both parts.
The first part of the Charge Conference will be held at Church of the Cross on Tuesday, October 14th at 7:30 pm. (This is the regular time of the monthly Administrative Board meeting.) We will hear brief reports, approve the budget, elect committee members for the coming year, and address any other items that might come up. All are invited to join the members of the Administrative Board in attending this yearly meeting.
The second part of the Charge Conference will be held on Thursday, October 30th, at 7 pm in Barberton at St. Paul's Moore Memorial UMC. This charge conference will be held in conjunction with the six sister congregations in our Compass Group of like-sized churches: Apple Creek, Barberton, Copley, Christ UMC (Akron), Rittman, and York. District Superintendent Valerie Stultz will preside. Previous appointments for Valerie include her service as pastor at Trinity UMC in Orrville; currently she is in her first year as District Superintended for our Canal District.
Each church participating in the Charge Conference has a goal to send at least 10 members to Barberton. Car Pools from Church of the Cross will be organized and will leave at 6:15 pm for the Charge Conference in Barberton on October 30. Will you be one of the 10? This is a great opportunity to connect with people from other churches in the area and learn what "works" and what doesn't work in their congregations.
Flu Shot Clinic
Church of the Cross will be holding a flu shot clinic on Wednesday evening October 15th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Pharmacist Brandon Craig and out Parish Nurses will be running this clinic. If you are interested, please sign up in the upper hallway of the church, or call the church office. Walk-ins are welcome. Cash or Medicare is accepted
Bike Ride
The Church of the Cross "Fall Bike Ride" is planned for Saturday morning, October 18th. We use the "Rails to Trails" for a gentle and enjoyable ride that you can take at your own pace. This year we will ride a recently opened portion of the "Rails to Trails" pathway from Millersburg to Killbuck (Holmes County).
To enjoy the ride on October 18, meet at 10 am at the train station in Millersburg for the 7 mile ride to Killbuck (14 miles round trip). Riders can go the whole way or turn around at any time; it is a new trail shared with loads of Amish buggies. For refreshments afterwards we will meet up at McDonald's near the trail.
(To get to the old train station in Millersburg, take route 83 south to Main Street (route 39), turn right. Travel 3 blocks, turn right again. Go 1 block then turn left – the train station will be 1 block ahead.) Please see the weekly church bulletin for more details or speak with Bill Thornton
Trunk or Treat
At the time that the Crosswinds was going to publication, the Outreach and Evangelism Committee was prayerfully considering hosting Trunk-or-Treat for the community for the second year in a row. During Trunk-or-Treat, church members bring candy and their (decorated!) cars to the parking lot, and children from the community come and trick or treat in a safe environment. Please check your bulletin for an update on Trunk-or-Treat for this year.
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SUNDAYS SERVICES IN JULY
Oct 5 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Sunday School for all ages from 10:30-11:30 unless
otherwise noted.
Oct 12 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Oct 19 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Oct 26 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
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October 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.
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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
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“Without counsel plans go awry. But in the multitude of counsel they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22)
Rehaboam, Solomon’s son, sought advice from his elders, those who had been around during Solomon’s time, and also from the young men with whom he’d grown up. We’re led to understand that it was because he rejected the advice of the older counselors that the kingdom was divided. (1Kings 12)
Now at 65, the far end of middle age, which some inexperienced youth might even consider old, I often wish I had a way to redo my earlier years. If I could only have used the wisdom I have today when I was raising my daughters or as a young Air Force officer, how much better I might have played my part. I might have made the promotions that in those days were my goal, though now I realize that would not have been my definition of success. Rather I would perform the responsibilities I had then so much more professionally. I almost envy Merlin in Camelot who aged backwards and so was able to enter each day with the wisdom of tomorrow. I wonder what God has in mind for our future, in this or the next life, that He allows us to gain the wisdom with age that would have been so beneficial in youth.
At the earlier end of my middle age, when I finally had a slightly better understanding of those wonderful mysterious creatures called the opposite sex, I sometimes fantasized about how great a time I could have had if I’d only known a little more while I was still young and single. But of course, my values were different then and I’m thankful today that I lacked that knowledge
I remember when I got to South East Asia. I was an ASCAT. That was an acronym for (Anti SAM Combat Assistance Team); SAM itself being an acronym for (Surface to Air Missile). At one time that had been a significant group with two members at each fighter base in Thailand and Vietnam. But we thought things were drawing to a close and by the time I got there, there were only two of us left, Al at Danang, and I at Korat. We were supposed to be the experts in electronic anti-SAM tactics. The only problem was that I knew virtually nothing about fighter tactics. We were all very young back then so I don’t know how many recognized my incompetence. I got by. But because I was the “expert” I didn’t tap the wisdom of those around me whose experience would have made the knowledge I did have so much more effective. If I could go back today to that time 38 years ago, how much more professional I would be.
What would have been the solution to my deficiency if I’d been wiser? It would have been to seek the knowledge of those teachers and counselors placed around me: my coworkers, my neighbors, my parents, any I could observe who showed true success. The one thing I would shun would be to allow some presupposed tradition or expertise of mine to prevent me from considering the wisdom of those teachers.
As individuals and as a church we must seek God’s wisdom from all sources. If others are doing the things we would like to do better than we are, we must seek to know what methods they use that are different than ours and consider which of those methods would be appropriate for us.
We should seek and use wisdom where it can be found. We need to draw from the experience of those who were in the combat before we got there as well as from the fresh ideas of the new soldiers in the field. In many counselors there is strength. At least, to Rehaboam’s credit, he sought counsel. His problem was that in that case he took the wrong advice. Not all counsel needs to be, or should be, followed. But not to listen to any that is available is foolish; and can lead to failure.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in any way with our Children’s Festival – from donating supplies, lending tents, and preparing crafts to setting up and working with the children on the day of the event. Without help from so many people we would not be able to host this event.
We had a beautiful day for the Festival. Almost every activity or craft carried a message about God’s love, presented in a simple way for the children. Children took home crafts and cards and stickers that reminded them that God cares for them.
Although we were not able to get an exact count of the people who came, we can estimate the number of families by the number of Welcome Bags that we distributed. These Welcome Bags contained goodies like candy, a sticker, a church brochure and magnet, a prayer card, a parents’ newsletter and a few other goodies for the children. We gave out 48 Welcome Bags. Rejoice that we were able to share the message of God’s love with so many families from our community.
Thank you again for helping to reach out to those who need to know God’s truth.
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.
On three different evenings in August and September, members and friends of Church of the Cross have gotten together to take part in the "Church Visioning Workshop" that is currently underway at Church of the Cross.
I wanted to provide you with a brief update on those meetings, and also invite you to the next workshop hour scheduled for Monday, October 6, 7 pm in the church sanctuary.
Highlights: in 2007 our church adopted 5 goals for our church: to Evaluate and Strengthen Our Evangelism Program; to Evaluate and Strengthen the 3rd Hour Service; to 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; and to Develop a Three year Plan for the Facilities and Property of the Church.
With these goals in mind, the purpose of our workshop sessions has been to discuss our vision and our needs at Church of the Cross and to explore ways to meet (or delete) these goals.
From the first meeting on August 11 arose the desire for times of prayer at the church. This has led to the start of a noontime prayer meeting every Tuesday, 12 – 1 pm. The prayer meeting is open to all. It is a time to pray together. Even if you have never been to one of these things before, you are welcome to attend and see what it is like. It goes from noon to 1 pm, although some come a little late while others must leave early.
In addition to the Tuesday noon prayer time, plans are underway to offer a time of community prayers on Wednesday evenings (prior the AIM Night meal), and a Wednesday Night class on prayer is being offered this fall.
Another highlight has been the focus on children's ministries. There has been much discussion regarding the current nursery and toddler / pre-school rooms with many different thoughts and brainstorming ideas being suggested. As those continue to be honed and refined, it has become clear that we also need people helping out with children's ministries on Sunday mornings. It cannot be left to a handful of people but will take many helping hands for our church to welcome the little ones among us. If you are already involved on a regular basis, THANK YOU! If not, sign up now! There is room for you at an age level you prefer (nursery, pre-school, elementary, middle school, high school) and at a time you prefer (First Hour Worship at 9:15, WoW Hour Sunday School at 10:30, Third Hour Worship at 11:30). Please speak with Linda Weaver or telephone the church office (330-345-6472).
Another highlight has been the discussion regarding the goal to evaluate the front of the sanctuary for improvements and to make recommendations to the Administrative Board. (I hope the Visioning Workshop will be able to bring these recommendations to the Ad. Board in October – it is not too late to give input – the next Visioning Workshop will be on Monday, October 6).
Another highlight from the most recent meeting on September 15 was the initial brainstorming session for the narthex / entry way of the church and its related goal, "to restructure the narthex area to improve the efficiency of space." One of the questions asked that night was, "What is the purpose and function of the entry way?" That type of question is good to ask about any project we undertake. I am comforted that at Church of the Cross, we don't rush into decisions (some of these topics have been discussed since the 1980s), but when the time comes to act, it is good to have a good plan in place that can be followed and will equip us to teach and live the word of God, to care for each other, and to reach out beyond our doors.
Please "stay tuned" to stay posted as visioning workshops continue to take place. – Pastor Tom
On Thursday, August 14, Church of the Cross welcomed Larry and Jane Kies to Wooster. Nearly a score of folks – including some from as far away as Ravenna and Cleveland Heights – were on hand for the morning coffee and to hear of Larry and Jane's work as United Methodist missionaries.
Jane and Larry have served in Zimbabwe for over a decade, and prior to that served in other countries in southern Africa. Currently they are stationed at Africa University in Zimbabwe where Larry teaches horticulture and agriculture, and Jane teaches English as a Second Language. They spoke of their ministries in and out of the classroom, of the opportunities that exist amid the difficulties that touch the lives of Zimbabweans today, and of the many different ways in which the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ is lived out by our brothers and sisters in Christ in Zimbabwe. HIV and AIDS, scarcity of food and runaway inflation all are facts of daily living, and bring new depth to the verse, "Consider it pure joy, my brethren, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3).
The visit by Jane and Larry Kies to Wooster was one of only three stops in Ohio during their 6 month home assignment. They will also visit churches in California, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. They are the parents of 4 children: Michael (9), Carly (14), Andrew (18) and Ben (21).
Meeting each person, wherever they are in their spiritual journey, takes the ministry of Wayne United Chaplains to the campus of ATI. As the Fall program begins they have an opportunity to schedule speakers from community organizations to address the students. As part of the Student Orientation they also have a chance to introduce themselves and how the Chaplain program is available to the students. The Chaplains also take their ministry of caring to Dunlap Hospital and the Wayne County Justice Center. Please pray for Rev. Ross, Rev. Anderson, and Rev. Wantz as they minister in our community.
HAVEN OF REST
The fall regional banquet will be held in Wooster on Tuesday, October 14. The celebration theme for the banquet is “65 Years Serving God by Serving Others.” There is no charge for the Banquet. Reservations can be made by calling 330-535-1563 or email: JENNIFER SELLERS Thank you for your encouraging words and financial support as I have been preparing to go to Honduras. After a year of sharing my story I have raised only 20% of my monthly financial needs. Sometimes we believe God is leading us in one direction and then it turns out to be different than what we thought. Christ is leading me and I am going to continue to follow. After praying and talking with my parents and World Gospel Mission, I have decided to change my status to VIA (volunteer in action). I am preparing to leave for Honduras Oct. 1 – Nov. 12 for six weeks. I am excited to see how God will use me the six weeks I am in Honduras. Thank you for believing in me and the plans God has for my life. In Christ, Jennifer Sellers
“Greetings Barb and Members of Church of the Cross,
The support you continue to give us for our Back to School project is outstanding. Your donations were well needed and placed in the hands of those who need them most.
This year we served over 800 Wayne County children with your assistance. We appreciate your partnership in serving the children of our community. Each donation no matter how big or small is a blessing to us and to those we help. Together we can make a difference.
Respectfully,
Laura Groves”
Youth –
Our summer schedule began in June. Watch the bulletin for announcements and details of our summer events!
Young Women’s Bible Study -
This is a group of young women who meet for encouragement, prayer, and Bible study. We are once again walking through a study called Woman of God, after a summer break. We meet two Tuesday evenings a month at 6:00 p.m. in Linda Weaver’s office. Our dates for the next two months are October 7 and 21 and November 4 and 18. Sub sandwiches are available for a small cost; please contact Linda the day of the study to let her know if you would like dinner. Childcare is available. We welcome newcomers – please join us!
Bonnie Circle - 9:30am Thursdays, Fellowship Hall
September 18th will begin our new year for Bonnie Circle. 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.” Come grow in the Bible with us!
Bazaar -
This year’s Holiday and Quilt Craft Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9:00am until 3:00pm. In order to make this year’s Bazaar as successful as past years, we need everyone’s help with the following;
*Baked Goods (ingredients listed)
-Cookies
-Cakes
-Pies
-Bread
*Hand Crafted Items
-Things you have sewn, knitted, crocheted, cross stitched or made with your hands!
*Quilted items
*Wood working
The list is endless. Let’s make this Bazaar the best year ever. Items can be brought to the church Friday November, 7. If you have further questions, please contact Sharon Ouwerkerk 330-345-5510.
Knitters - Prayer Shawl -
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.
Ruth Circle –
Summer Home Small Group Bible Study -
Mark and Linda Weaver will be hosting and leading a Small Group Bible Study this summer on Thursday nights at their home at 657 Giffen Drive, across from the main entrance to OARDC. We will worship, pray and study the book of Nehemiah together. We will begin on July 10 and continue to meet after that on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. If you can let us know that you will attend, that would be helpful but please come even if you haven’t reached us. If you have questions or need directions, please call us at (330) 263-5023.
Wednesday Nights through November 19
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
You're All Invited!
Tuesday, October 14th & Thursday ,October 30th
The "Charge Conference", the annual meeting for Church of the Cross is scheduled for two evenings in October, and we're all invited to attend!
Every year on an annual basis, church congregations in the United Methodist Church hold a "Charge Conference". At this annual meeting reports are made, budgets are set, and we take time as a church family to look back and look ahead. Other official business is also taken care of. Typically, a Charge Conference lasts 60-75 minutes, but can be even shorter.
This year Church of the Cross is holding a "Two-Part Charge Conference" and you are invited to attend the first part (the dress rehearsal), the second part (the official one) or both parts.
The first part of the Charge Conference will be held at Church of the Cross on Tuesday, October 14th at 7:30 pm. (This is the regular time of the monthly Administrative Board meeting.) We will hear brief reports, approve the budget, elect committee members for the coming year, and address any other items that might come up. All are invited to join the members of the Administrative Board in attending this yearly meeting.
The second part of the Charge Conference will be held on Thursday, October 30th, at 7 pm in Barberton at St. Paul's Moore Memorial UMC. This charge conference will be held in conjunction with the six sister congregations in our Compass Group of like-sized churches: Apple Creek, Barberton, Copley, Christ UMC (Akron), Rittman, and York. District Superintendent Valerie Stultz will preside. Previous appointments for Valerie include her service as pastor at Trinity UMC in Orrville; currently she is in her first year as District Superintended for our Canal District.
Each church participating in the Charge Conference has a goal to send at least 10 members to Barberton. Car Pools from Church of the Cross will be organized and will leave at 6:15 pm for the Charge Conference in Barberton on October 30. Will you be one of the 10? This is a great opportunity to connect with people from other churches in the area and learn what "works" and what doesn't work in their congregations.
Church of the Cross will be holding a flu shot clinic on Wednesday evening October 15th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Pharmacist Brandon Craig and out Parish Nurses will be running this clinic. If you are interested, please sign up in the upper hallway of the church, or call the church office. Walk-ins are welcome. Cash or Medicare is accepted
The Church of the Cross "Fall Bike Ride" is planned for Saturday morning, October 18th. We use the "Rails to Trails" for a gentle and enjoyable ride that you can take at your own pace. This year we will ride a recently opened portion of the "Rails to Trails" pathway from Millersburg to Killbuck (Holmes County).
To enjoy the ride on October 18, meet at 10 am at the train station in Millersburg for the 7 mile ride to Killbuck (14 miles round trip). Riders can go the whole way or turn around at any time; it is a new trail shared with loads of Amish buggies. For refreshments afterwards we will meet up at McDonald's near the trail.
(To get to the old train station in Millersburg, take route 83 south to Main Street (route 39), turn right. Travel 3 blocks, turn right again. Go 1 block then turn left – the train station will be 1 block ahead.) Please see the weekly church bulletin for more details or speak with Bill Thornton
At the time that the Crosswinds was going to publication, the Outreach and Evangelism Committee was prayerfully considering hosting Trunk-or-Treat for the community for the second year in a row. During Trunk-or-Treat, church members bring candy and their (decorated!) cars to the parking lot, and children from the community come and trick or treat in a safe environment. Please check your bulletin for an update on Trunk-or-Treat for this year.
Oct 5 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Sunday School for all ages from 10:30-11:30 unless
otherwise noted.
Oct 12 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Oct 19 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Oct 26 - Worship services at 9:15am and 11:30am
Anniversaries = A
Birthdays = B
| 1- Lorrin Pringle - B Marilyn Lytle - B John Brady - B Pete & Sally Fluck - A |
| 2- Sherri Finn - B Don Krieder - B Avery Mullet - B |
| 3- Ed & Brenda Holt - A |
| 4- Jamie Kinney - B Ken Theil - B |
| 5- |
| 6- Gunnar Coe Mullet - B Art & Jo Berry - A |
| 7- |
| 8- Jeff Underwood - B Pam Gerber - B |
| 9- |
| 10- Keith Fisk - B |
| 11- Jennifer Fought - B Don Pringle - B |
| 12- Linda Dye - B Elizabeth Lake - B |
| 13- Jon & Jo Anne Page - A |
| 14- Connie Shaffer - B |
| 15- Dave & Lisa Woods - A |
| 16- Sarah Nicole - B |
| 17- |
| 18- James Fisher - B |
| 19- |
| 20- |
| 21- Erma Dilyard - B Chris & Kristy Eggerton - A |
| 22- |
| 23- |
| 24- Nancy Carmony - B |
| 25- Bill Mueller - B |
| 26- Joanne Fisher - B |
| 27- |
| 28- Dorothy Miller - B |
| 29- |
| 30- Bob & Carol Denning - A |
| 31- Chad Ackerman - B Sandra Rempe - 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
October 2008
October 2008
| 1 - Wednesday 6:30 - am - Men's Bible Study See Schedule |
| 2 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle 7:00 - pm - Ruth Circle 7:00 - pm - Promise Keepers 7:00 - pm - Scout Leaders |
| 3 - Friday |
| 4 - Saturday |
| 5 - Sunday World Communion Sunday Parish Nurses 6:00 - pm - Grace Ringers |
| 6 - Monday 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts 7:00 - pm - Church Visioning 8:00 - pm - Trustees |
| 7 - Tuesday 6:00 - pm - Women's Bible Study 7:00 - pm -Knitters |
| 8 - Wednesday 6:30 - am - Men's Bible Study See Schedule |
| 9 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle 7:00 - pm - Scout Leaders |
| 10 - Friday |
| 11 - Saturday |
| 12 - Sunday 6:00 - pm - Grace Ringers 6:30 - 8:30 - pm - Youth Group |
| 13 - Monday 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts |
| 14 - Tuesday 6:45 - pm - Finance Committee 7:00 - pm -Knitters 7:30 - pm - Admin. Board 7:00 - pm - Church Conference at Church of the Cross CROSSWINDS DUE |
| 15 - Wednesday 6:30 - pm Men's Bible Study See Schedule 6:30 - 8:30 - pm - Flu Shot |
| 16 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle 7:00 - pm - Scout Leaders |
| 17 - Friday |
| 18 - Saturday 10:00 - am - Fall Bike Ride |
| 19 - Sunday 6:00 - pm - Grace Ringers |
| 20 - Monday 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts |
| 21 - Tuesday 6:00 - pm - Women's Bible Study 7:00 - pm -Knitters |
| 22 - Wednesday 6:30 - am - Men's Bible Study See Schedule |
| 23 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle 7:00 - pm - Church Conference in Barberton |
| 24 - Friday 5:00 - pm - 10:00 - pm Scouts Family Night |
| 25 - Saturday |
| 26 - Sunday 6:00 - pm - Grace Ringers 6:30 - 8:30 - pm - Youth Group |
| 27 - Monday - 6:00 - pm - Tops 6:00 - pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 - pm - Boy Scouts |
28 - Tuesday 7:00 - pm -Knitters 7:30 - pm - Education Committee |
| 29 - Wednesday 6:30 - am - Men's Bible Study See Schedule |
| 30 - Thursday 9:30 - am - Bonnie Circle |
31 - Friday |
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
