MenuIn Memoriam: Rev. Otto G. Struckmann – 1935-2020 – beloved husband, father and brother in Christ, went to his heavenly rest on January 24, 2020. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 1st at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Lutheranism 101: Want to dig deeper into what it means to be a follower of Christ as a Lutheran? Then you are invited to join Pastor Nickel on Wednesday, February 5th and 12th at 7:00 pm for “Lutheranism 101”. It will take place in the HCCC conference room. For more information, please email Pastor Nickel @pastornickel.holycross@gmail.com
Adult Bible Study: Meets at 9:30 am. Our video-based study is “Out of Nothing.”
Sunday School: Please join us for Sunday School at Holy Cross every Sunday at 9:30am! There are activities and studies offered for friends ages 3-103. Students meet in the HCCC and adults in the narthex. Please register for Sunday School by emailing MayAnn Schettler at geoandmaryann@gmail.com or Harry Grimes at dcegrimes.holycross@gmail.com. We look forward to shining the love of God together.
Church Choir Rehearsals: Choir members rehearsal on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm.
GALatians: Gals, have you been wondering where your group is? This is a brand new group that will be based on monthly fellowship opportunities and faith based discussions. Questions? Please contact Grace Switech (grace.swiatek@gmail.com) or Nancy Cote (nancote58@gmail.com).
Altar Guild Update: Many thanks to all who provided floral offerings for the altar during 2019. It is so wonderful to have flowers present on the altar, enhancing the beauty of the sanctuary throughout the year.
Altar Guild has placed the 2020 flower chart in the narthex. Altar Guild provides the floral offering on thirteen Sundays that correspond to special church celebrations; these have been noted on the flower chart. All remaining Sundays are available for members of the congregation. Directions for placing flowers can be found in the pocket on the flower chart board; please take a set with you when you sign up for your special date. Flowers need not be store bought. If you are the cultivator of a garden, fresh bouquets are welcome. We do ask that you limit the overall height of the bouquet to approximately 15 inches. If you have any questions, please see an Altar Guild member or contact Debbie Hamp at 651-0974.
Hearts for the Homeless Winter Collection: Holy Cross come through again–big time !! We have been blessed to be a blessing and that shows in the outpouring of donations we received. We were also able to purchase 10 new pairs of boots with the Thrivent Grant that Laura Scarantine got. I was so happy, excited, impressed, thrilled, amazed at all the wonderful things we collected. Thank you Holy Cross for your continued support for Hearts for the Homeless. They are on the front lines every day, bringing food and supplies and help and hope to the homeless of Buffalo.
Radio Ministry Update: As part of our efforts to share the good news of Jesus Christ with our community, Holy Cross sponsors “Lutheran 3-O” next on February 16th, March 15th and Easter Sunday, April 12th. Please contact Pastor Nickel if you would like to read the lessons or help sponsor a broadcast. “Lutheran 3-O” can be heard from 9:00-9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings on WXRL (Lancaster) 95.5 FM and 1300 AM, followed by the “Lutheran Hour” broadcast. WJJL (Buffalo) 1440 AM also occasionally re-broadcasts recent sermons (recorded at Holy Cross’ services) at 1:00 p.m. on Sundays (next on February 2nd and 9th).
Defensive Driving Class: Holy Cross will be hosting a Defensive Driving Class on Saturday, March 7th in Krampitz Hall from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The cost is $25.00 per person and you can save 10% on your car insurance. Everyone is welcome, this is not just for Holy Cross members. For more information or to register, please contact Diana Zubrzycki at 741-5150 or 465-3623. Seating is limited – advance registration is required.
Electronic giving is available and easy to use: Holy Cross offers an electronic option for making regular or one-time donations. Contributions can be debited automatically from your checking/savings account (free service) or processed using your credit/debit card (fees apply but you can opt to pay them instead of the church). Our electronic giving program offers convenience for you and donation consistency for our congregation.
Any questions contact Susan Brooks at 636-4858 or ssnebrooks@gmail.com. Three convenient ways to sign up:
- Directly from the HolyCrossClarence.com website using the secure GIVING option at the top of the page. Click on Create Profile, then follow the easy onscreen instructions to create an online profile and make your donation.
- Donate from your smart phone using the GIVE+ App. Search “Give Plus Church” in your phone App Store, download, find Holy Cross by zip code 14031 then follow the instructions to set up your account.
- Electronic Giving Authorization Form – simply attach a voided check to the completed form (located in the narthex) and return it to Susan Brooks.
Thrivent: Do you or members of your household have Thrivent accounts?? Did you know that Thrivent offers grants in the amount of $250 to be used for outreach or education? Its super easy and quick to apply for these grants. Most recently, one of members applied for a grant which we used to purchase 10 pairs of brand new mens boots that were donated to Hearts for the Homeless!!!!! If you are a Thrivent member and wish to learn more, please contact Laura Scarantine, John Zachau or Pastor Nickel. Also, remember to designate your Thrivent “choice dollars” by March.
Exercise Class: As the weather gets colder, it is tempting to curl up on the couch and not move. This is unhealthy physically and psychologically. Avoid this trap by joining us in Krampitz Hall on Tuesday nights at 5:30. This class is for everyone. There is no commitment; you can pay as you go or save money by paying for a session (month-long). Come join our group and have fun as you get fit! For more information, contact Ruth Marzano at themarzanos@gmail.com or 741-3382.
To Keep in Prayers this week:
If you would like to be added to the prayer list please contact Judy in the church office, holycrossclarence@gmail.com or call 634-2332
-Amy Hendricks, Ken Majka (Amy Olsen’s Dad), family of Rose Penska (Tichys), Marsha Bongiovanni, Phyllis Olsen, George Schettler, Mort Muchow, Russ Ponivas, Chuck Fiegl, Anna Fisk, Marlene Hiemenz, Colin Slaby, Dorothy Tupper, Steven J., Ruth Ann, Lucille, Nancy, Duc, Elise, Katie Marzano, Lois Thompson, Kim and family, Melinda Wood and family, the family of Steven Marzano (Tom’s father), who passed away on Wednesday, January 22nd, the family of Rev. Otto Struckmann, who passed away on Friday, January 24th.
-Our military: Zac Enko, Justin Moyer, John Riggs-that they be kept from harm.
-For courage in boldly going to sow and grow Christ’s kingdom.
-For those who connect Holy Cross with our community through Hearts for the Homeless.
-Those who are not connected to Jesus, that the Lord would bring them His Gospel through us.
-Those studying to become pastors, teachers, DCEs, or deaconesses
Welcome people to Holy Cross! Interested in serving as a greeter? Contact Kurt at kurtwozniak@gmail.com for the early service or Scott at scottbrooks@yahoo.com for the late service.
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Why We Do What We Do: the NUNC DIMITTIS
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” – Luke 2:29-32
“Nunc Dimittis” is Latin for Simeon’s words: “now let [Your servant] depart.” While the singing of the Nunc Dimittis as a closing hymn was part of the Greek liturgy and the singing of a communion verse also was an ancient practice, the use of Simeon’s song as a post-communion canticle is a uniquely Lutheran contribution to the liturgy.
At the close of the Sacrament of the Altar, the pastor closes and covers the sacred vessels with a veil, and the congregation stands to sing the Nunc Dimittis, repeating the words of Simeon as he held the baby Jesus in his arms during the infant’s first visit to the Temple (Luke 2:22-38).
We would love to have been in the Temple and shared that experience with Simeon. We also would love to have been in the Judean hillside with the shepherds as they heard the angels sing the first Gloria in Excelsis and then see the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, or visit Him with the Wise Men as they offered their gifts to Him. But as Luther writes, we don’t find the Messiah in those places. Through the events of His birth, crucifixion, and resurrection our Lord has accomplished our salvation. We find the blessings of His saving work – forgiveness, life, and salvation – distributed to us through His means of grace – His Word and His Sacraments. While we can’t go back in time to the Temple with Simeon, the good news is that Jesus Christ comes to us in the Lord’s Supper.
So, after we receive Christ’s body and blood in the Sacrament, we may sing Simeon’s ancient song of faith: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.” Nothing could be more appropriate, because our eyes have just seen His salvation.
(Adapted from A Simple Explanation of the Divine Service, (St. Louis: CPH, 2018), p. 26, Precht, Lutheran Worship: History and Practice (St. Louis: CPH, 1993), p. 432, and lcms.org/worship/liturgy by Rev. Jeff Nickel, January 30, 2020.)