February News and Updates

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday February 14th Noon Imposition of Ashes. 7:00pm Service

Soup Cook-off: Feb. 11: Calling all soup makers! We are looking for a few more entries for the 2nd Annual Soup Cook-Off to be held Sunday,February 11th following the late service. Soup makers are asked to bring a pot of soup for tasting and their recipe. All are welcome to come sample the delicious entries. We will be awarding the traveling trophy to our new winner. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for fun and fellowship!

Visioning Update:
If you missed the VAM…we approved our new Mission Statement:  

“Together in God’s Word and Love, we boldly go to grow and sow Christ’s Kingdom.” 
 With our new Mission Statement as our guide, our next step is to work together to identify internal and external ministry efforts to strengthen and/or initiate.  Similar to our earlier small group feedback sessions, we will hold another 10 small group sessions in January to talk about our ministry efforts.  Here are the remaining dates:  Saturday Morning Breakfast (Feb 10th) 9:00am  •  Thursday He-Brews (Feb 15th) 7:30pm

Visioning Retreat:

Please plan on attending our 2nd congregational visioning retreat at Holy Cross (Krampitz Hall) on Saturday, February 17th from 9am – 12pm.  We will be going through all of the input and feedback from the Small group meetings and setting the plan for which ministries Holy Cross will either strengthen, or initiate in order to align with our mission and vision statement. President Wicher will again be joining us for this important meeting and as we prepare to Go and Serve the Lord. It has been a terrific journey and appreciate your participation. And of course…we will have food!!!  Look forward to seeing you there. Any questions?  Please see Pastor, Dave, Francis, Peter or Scott.  

Ladies Swap Event:

Monday, February 26, 2018 7-9pm in Krampitz Hall

Bring as many items as you wish to swap. All items should be gently used and in good condition. This is a perfect time to downsize, declutter, regift and recycle those unwanted items. Some ideas: clothing (adult only), jewelry, scarves, cosmetics, lotions, purses, books, games, hats, purses, baskets, knick knacks, home decor, CDs, DVDs, arts & craft supplies, etc. Use your imagination! Anything left over will be donated to Hearts for the Homeless. Everyone is asked to bring a dessert or snack to share. Drinks will be provided. A sign-up sheet will be available so we can plan for drinks and seating. So, ladies, clean out those drawers & closets and bring a friend or two, as well, and come to Holy Cross for a fun night out! Any questions, see Jill Carl or Nancy Cote

Care Ring Circle:

We are updating our volunteer list for the Care Ring Circle, if you would like to join this very helpful group, please contact Jo Corneck….741-4311 (home) 706 8734 cell . We have 2 families, we are currently assisting with meals, if you would like to help please let Jo know ASAP! Thank you so much:)

Help Wanted:  

Volunteer Opportunity – Nursery Attendants: We are looking for some youth volunteers who would be  able to watch children during the second service. They would need to  entertain newborn to three year olds for the full hour of the service, and to lead children up to the age of 7 in activities during the sermon. We have several already in the rotation, so its likely to only be a once every 2 months commitment.  Please see  Pastor Nickel or Laura Scarantine if you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity.

Visual Faith/ Bible Journaling Group: 

Bev Wicher will be starting a Monthly Visual Faith/Bible Journaling group starting February 12th and continuing the 2ndMonday of each month. 7:00pm-9:00pm at St. Luke Lutheran Church 900 Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga. There will be a short devotion on one scripture verse and then we will have some time to color and/or journal about that verse. Bev will have coloring sheets and Bible margins available to color as well as a journaling pages available.  If you are familiar with Bible journaling and have a journaling Bible or a favorite faith-based coloring book, bring that along to use. There will be basic supplies available, but if you have favorite supplies, bring them along. Any questions contact me at  bev.wicher@gmail.com or 716-913-4140 text or call.

Exercise Class:

Tuesday will begin a new session for our Tuesday evening exercise class.  The cost is $3/class pay as you go or $15 for the entire session.  We meet in Krampitz Hall eachTuesday night from 5:30-6:30 PM.  This class is open to all levels, genders, abilities! Come have fun as you get healthier!  Please contact Ruth Marzano with any questions at themarzanos@gmail.com.

Lutheran “3-0” Radio: Broadcast Schedule and a call for volunteers:

Holy Cross will sponsor “Lutheran 3-0” on WXRL 1300 AM from 9:00-9:30am on Sundays.  “Lutheran 3-0” precedes the Lutheran the Lutheran Hour on WXRL on Sundays. If you would like to help be a part of this ministry as a lay reader, sound or technical person or in any other capacity please see Pastor for more information.
 
Visual Faith/ Bible Journaling Group: Bev Wicher will be starting a Monthly Visual Faith/Bible Journaling group starting February 12th and continuing the 2nd Monday of each month. 7:00pm-9:00pm at St. Luke Lutheran Church 900 Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga. There will be a short devotion on one scripture verse and then we will have some time to color and/or journal about that verse. Bev will have coloring sheets and Bible margins available to color as well as a journaling pages available.  If you are familiar with Bible journaling and have a journaling Bible or a favorite faith-based coloring book, bring that along to use. There will be basic supplies available, but if you have favorite supplies, bring them along. Any questions contact me at bev.wicher@gmail.com or 716-913-4140 text or call.
 
Mite Update: As we approach the final days of collecting our mites for the 2016-2018 grant period please send your Mite collection in as soon as you can prior to the end of March.  Because Mites first go to our zone treasurer, Bev Wicher, and then on to the district, please be conscience of the time it takes to mail your check.  Officially our books close at the end of March—we have paid 3 grants and are ready for 2 more but that does not fulfill all the selected grants from the 2016 convention selection.  Your help is needed and greatly appreciated.  Thank you and join me in prayer so that we can fulfill our mission commitment to the selected groups and continue to do the Lord’s work throughout the district.
 
Altar Guild News – Altar Flowers: A flower chart has been placed on an easel near the vestry door in the Narthex.  Individuals/families are invited to sign up to provide flowers for placement on the altar.  Please indicate if they are for a special occasion.  Directions for providing the flowers, located in the green pocket on the flower chart board, walk you through the four easy steps; please take one when you sign up.  Altar guild will provide the flowers for special church celebrations as indicated on the chart.

Update From Council: 2017 Voters Meeting Review

On December 10th 2017, Holy Cross held its semiannual Voters Meeting to review our 2017 performance, agree upon or 2018 budgets, elect our Council representatives, and review other important business such as our Visioning Process.  Thanks to all who attended, but for those that were unable, here is a very brief summary of the meeting:

 The financial results as of the end of October were reviewed, and we are tracking within 1% of our operating Budget for both anticipated revenue (giving) and budgeted operating expenses.   The complete 2017 review will be available in February.   As for our Building Budget, we left several items incomplete in 2017, so we will roll those projects into the proposed 2018 Building Budget.  With our actual performance tracking so closely to our budget, we were able to reduce the principal on the mortgage for the Holy Cross Christian Center by approximately $40,000.  It is our hope that these trends continue, and that our giving and expenses will both keep pace with inflation, and with that we may be able to satisfy the mortgage for HCCC in the next year or two, which would be approximately 8 years early.  When done, this will open up new opportunities for us to do the work God has planned for us in advance.  And with this in mind, the voters approved the 2018 Operating and Building Budgets.  Please feel free to contact any Council member for a more detailed financial report.

In addition to the financial performance review, Dave Chalmers gave an update on the Visioning process, and a new Mission Statement for Holy Cross was agreed upon:  “Together in God’s Word and love, we boldly go to sow and grow God’s kingdom.”  Look for more information on how we can all be involved in turning this statement into action.

And with the business concluded, the 2018 Council was elected.  All currently serving council members were able to serve again, as seen below.  Please be sure to thank these servants, and also feel free to see any with your questions, comments, concerns, and or find ways for you to help serve in God’s Kingdom. 

Thanking you all for your continued support!

 

At the Crossroads

A Series of Services for the Season of Lent 2018

6:00pm Soup & Sandwich / 7:15pm Hymn Sing/7:30pm Worship

Free will offering designation- “Adventures in Life Ministries”

  • February 21st Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Kenmore –Betrayal (Judas)
  • February 28th St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cheektowaga – Judgement (Pilate)
  • March 7th Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Clarence – Compassion (Malchus)
  • March 14th St. John’s Lutheran Church, Depew –Declaration (Peter)
  • March 21st Our Savior Lutheran Church, Buffalo- Obedience (John)