MenuSAVE THE DATE: On Saturday, October 13th, Holy Cross will be hosting it’s second Oktoberfest at the large pavilion at Clarence Town Park on Main Street from 4 to 10 PM. All proceeds will go to the youths of our church to help them attend the 2019 Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN. We would like to have a silent auction at this event and are looking for someone to spearhead this. More information will follow but please, reserve the date on your calendars.
A Walk to Remember : Join us on Tuesday, September 11th at 11:00 a.m. GreenField Manor 5953 Broadway, Lancaster, as The GreenFields Continuing Care Community hosts A Walk to Remember, an onsite fundraiser to benefit our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. At which time, we will recognize our residents and families as the guests of honor. All proceeds raised will help the Alzheimer’s Association fund groundbreaking research, and to provide education, free information and supportive services to those who need them.
CPR / AED Training Coming: Holy Cross will once again be offering a class to receive CPR /AED certification through Action CPR. Holy Cross will cover the cost for the first 20 members/employees to sign-up. The deadline to register for class is September 14th and then any open spots will be offered to the public. The class will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 6:30 pm in Krampitz Hall (anticipate 2 -3 hours depending on class size). Register by contacting Lynda Steuer, Holy Cross Administrative Assistant at holycrossclarence@gmail.com or 716-634-2332
Operation Christmas Child: Holy Cross will again be participating in the Operation Christmas Child program. The national collection week this year is the week of November 12th. I will have plastic shoeboxes, labels, and information starting Sunday, October 21st. I wanted to mention it now because there are currently great deals on school supplies and “basics” such as socks and t-shirts, I’ve also found nice clearance sales on summer toys, clothing, flip flops, etc. More details to follow. Thanks! Lori Ropach.
Radio Ministry: Upcoming Radio Ministry Broadcasts: September 2 9:00am “Lutheran 3-0” on WXRL 1300AM, September 2 1:00pm Reprise of Pastor Nickel’s sermon “The Blessed” on WJJL 1440AM, September 9 1:00pm Reprise of Pastor Nickel’s sermon “Rejoice in the Lord” on WJJL 1440AM, October 7 9:00am “Lutheran 3-0” on WXRL 1300 AM. There will also be broadcasts on October 14 and November 4. If you are interested in serving as a reader of God’s Word for a broadcast and/or sponsoring a future broadcast, please see Rev. Nickel.
Opportunity to Use Your Musical Gifts: Pastor Nickel will be preaching for services at the Greenfields Lutheran Retirement home on Saturday October 27th. Services are at 10:45 at the Greenfield Health and Rehabilitation Center chapel and at 1:00pm at Greenfield Manor. Holy Cross members Betty Bissonette and Bob Mank often attend one of these services. Vocalists and instrumentalists interested in offering a solo or group arrangement, or accompanying the organist on hymns, for any of the services are encouraged to speak to Pastor Nickel.
A thank you from Pastor Blemaster: I am exceedingly and wholeheartedly grateful to you wonderful brothers and sisters of Holy Cross for your celebration of the 60th anniversary of my ordination. The beautiful cake and signing and Pastor’s prayer truly were unexpected and an indication of your love for us newest members of the Holy Cross family of faith. Cheryl and I deeply cherish this relationship with you and thank God for it. May God continue to bless our congregation and “hold all of us in the palm of His hand”. In Christian love, Pastor Belmaster.
FROM BUILDING & GROUNDS
USED LIGHT BULBS
We have just about completed the replacement of incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs with LEDs in both buildings. The old/removed bulbs are of varying ages and usage. Some may not work and some may be almost new. Some were originally installed when the re-build of HCCC was done, and then found to not be bright enough. The Council feels that we want to offer these to congregation members on a “first come, first serve” basis. After that, they will be disposed of properly (CFLs are accepted at Lowes & Home Depot for disposal).
These bulbs will be on a table in K-Hall by Sunday, September 2nd through Sunday September 9th. Any bulbs remaining after that will be properly disposed of.
CHURCH HEATING PROJECT
Thank You to everyone who attended the special Voters Meeting on August 12th. Also, a huge thank you to Paul Donnelly and Bob Hamp for being part of this committee. Paul has contributed a lot of time in contacting and meeting with contractors. Thanks to both of them for lending their expertise.
MJ Mechanical is planning to start work on the project on September 10th and anticipates 5-7 days to complete all work. This will give us a completely new heating system well in advance of winter.
K-HALL STORAGE ROOM & OTHER STORAGE AREAS
As we all have probably encountered at home, it’s very easy to accumulate “stuff” in closets, basements and garages. Holy Cross is no exception. Our storage areas and garage have gradually been filling up. Some things are definite keeps, some are marginal and some are definite throw away items. A project for a rainy day later this fall and early winter is to reorganize these areas. If you are a chairperson of a committee or have conducted an event that placed items in any of the storage areas, please contact me (cell# 908-0370). The goal is to organize things that should be kept and to remove things that we don’t need. Items that have value will ultimately be dealt with in the same manner as the light bulbs.
Doug Garlapo, Building & Grounds Chairman
Reconciliation Training: Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center 9324 Lake Shore Road Angola, NY 14006. October 15-18, 2018. Three separate Reconciliation Trainings will be available from Ambassadors of Reconciliation and hosted by Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center. For more information, visit aorhope.org/eventcalendar or call 844-447-2671.
6-Week Discussion of Atheist Delusions: The Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Ridge 4169 Church Road Lockport, NY 14094
Thursday October 4 through November 8, 2018. Book was written by David Bentley Hart, a world-renowned Orthodox theologian whose popular work is readable for wide audiences. Discussion led by Jerry Truesdell, President of St. Peter Lutheran. Everyone is welcome! Cost of the book is $10. Please RSVP to 716-433-9014 by October 1, 2018.
Exercise Class: Summer is winding down. There has been much activity over these last few months with fairs, evening walks, trips to the beach, etc. Don’t let fall bring inactivity to your life! Come join us on Tuesday nights at 5:30 in Krampitz Hall for an exercise class for all ages, genders and abilities. We use a combination of low impact movements and toning exercises to keep you healthy and strong. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring water or enjoy our drinking fountains! The cost is $3/class pay as you go or $2.50/class if you pay up front for a session. We will begin a new session on September 11th for 6 weeks. You do not need to pre-register, just show up for the fun! For more information, please contact Ruth Marzano at themarzanos@gmail.com.