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2. christianity

Issue 216
Church of the Cross
T HE C ROSSFIRE
Ju n e 2 0 1 5
“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Pastor’s Note
2
Birthdays
3
Annual Conference
3
Youth Mission Trip
3
Free Ride
4
Creation Meeting
4
Sanctuary Update
4
Graduates
5
Praises
6
Finance Update
7
Congregational Notes
7
Welcome
Pastor Miguel & Belkis bonnet!
Mark your Calendars!
Our International partners, Miguel & Belkis
Bonnet from the Dominican Republic, are
coming to visit!
Monday June 1
A Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. with
Pastor Miguel.
Wednesday June 3
A Tea and Dessert Bar for all Women with speaker Belkis Bonnet, “Encouraging
Women.” Come for fun, fellowship and encouragement.
Sunday, June 7th
Pastor Miguel will be giving the message in all three worship services.
Special Dates in June:
• Prayer Service with Pastor
Miguel, June 1st
• Women’s Tea, June 3
• Annual Conference @
Lakeside, June 7-11
• Grant & Gail Blair visit,
June 14
• 55 & Over Luncheon, June
17
• Youth Mission Trip, June
21 - 27
Welcome Grant & Gail Blair!
Grant and Gail Blair and their family, sent from
COTC in 2007 as missionaries with Operation
Mobilization (OM), are temporarily back in the
U. S. from South Africa for a few weeks for
their first home assignment. The following
opportunities are available on June 14th to hear
them share updates on their ministry and
family:
►Brief overview in each of the three
Sunday morning times of worship
►More interaction during Sunday School from 10:45 until 11:15 am
►Stories and Q&A (along with desserts!) Sunday evening beginning at 6:30 pm
As a way of thanking everyone at CotC for your faithful partnership in their ministry
with OM for the past eight years, Grant and Gail would like to invite anyone who is
interested to come out and enjoy desserts and fun fellowship at 6:30 pm on Sunday,
June 14th. This will also be a time to hear more about what God is doing throughout
Africa. We hope you can join us for at least one of these informative and interactive
sessions!
Page 2
Church Staff
In Ministry with you…
Lead Pastor
Steve Judson
[email protected]
Director of Assimilation,
Discipleship & Mission
Jane Raab
[email protected]
Family Life Pastor
Joe Pittenger
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Lisa Gleason
[email protected]
Visitation Pastor
Chuck Albright
[email protected]
Traditional/Blended
Worship Director
Rich Dubler
[email protected]
Keyboard Musician
Donna Myers
[email protected]
Contemporary Worship
Leader
Andrew Brammer
[email protected]
Bell Choir Director
Aaron Keaster
[email protected]
Custodians
Joanne Born
Tita Wood
Issue 216
FROM PASTOR STEVE
Dear Church of the Cross Family and Friends,
I hope that you are having many opportunities to
enjoy the warmer weather. I am especially looking
forward to this summer and the beauty and warmth it
will bring. It is my favorite time of the year.
Summer here at Church of the Cross is also going to
be a meaningful and enjoyable time. On June 7th,
Pastor Miguel Bonnet and his wife Belkis will be
joining us as Pastor Miguel shares the morning
message via interpreter. On Sunday June 14th, Grant and
Gail Blair, COTC missionaries to South Africa, will be in
attendance, and available between services to share updates on God’s work through Operation
Mobilization in Africa.
June 14th will also begin a new message series in June and July, “The Path to a Transformed Life”.
Join us each week as we examine one aspect of a healthy life in Christ, and how to experience it for
ourselves.
Also, Nic@Night VBS will begin July 8th and run for four consecutive Wednesday evenings from 78:30. Nic@Night, now in its 3rd year, is a VBS unlike any you have ever seen. Its excitement and
creativity thrills both kids and adults alike. Be looking for sign-up sheets in the Gathering Place in
coming weeks to take advantage of many ways to participate in this blessing to both the kids of
COTC and our community.
One additional note, the Sanctuary Upgrade Team is continuing to work on a plan to present to the
church family that will both address significant current needs and provide greater flexibility of use for
decades to come. We currently do not have a definitive date to present this plan to the
congregation but will keep you posted as we draw closer to the conclusion of our work.
There is so much more I could share with you, but for now I will simply say keep your eyes open
because many more exciting activities and plans are on the way as we move through the summer
and into the fall.
Thank you for all you do to make Church of the Cross a place where “making new disciples of Jesus
Christ for the transformation of the world” is more than just a nice saying, but indeed a powerful
reality.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Pastor Steve Judson
Father
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made
His Lord his hope and confidence. --Jeremiah 17: 7
The Crossfire
Page 3
M AY E V E N T S
Prayer for our Pastor, church
delegates and all district and
conference delegates who will be
attending the Annual Conference
at Lakeside on June 7 – 10.
Youth Mission Trip
Parents Meeting
June 7th, 10:45 a.m.
In the Zone
Permission slips must be notarized.
There will be a notary public at this
meeting.
Pray for our Youth and their
leaders as they attend this
summer’s mission trip from June
21 - 27 in Chicago. They will be
partnering with Inner City
Impact which serves the inner
city of Chicago. They will be
running a day camp.
Women’s Retreat
September 11 - 13
Maumee Bay Resort &
Conference Center
There is still time to sign up for
the retreat. Gentlemen ...buy the
lady in your life the gift of the
retreat. Great for birthdays or just
because. Gift Certificates are
available. For those who are
registered...all monies are due by
August 1st.
Jon Strole
Sr.
Varalyn Lininger
Jason Roundtree
Larry Martin
Kifin Judson
Bruce Schwabel
Bill Huber
Rachel Zsarnay
Corrine Gaylord
Sue Taylor
Beverly Schaefer
Jon Strole Jr.
Jacob Coon
Agneta Seeley
Leah Dubler
Barbara Maniak
Lori Bailey
Karolyn Suter
Steve Maniak
Elfriede Wurster
Jacob Maniak
6/1
6/4
6/4
6/6
6/7
6/7
6/8
6/8
6/16
6/16
6/18
6/18
6/19
6/22
6/23
6/23
6/25
6/25
6/27
6/28
6/30
CREATION MEETING
Monday evening June 22 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Gathering Area. A tragic
chapter in American history began in
the early 1900s with the rise of the
eugenics movement. Many prominent
philanthropists, scientists, and
politicians believed the human race
was degrading because the poor, sick,
and deformed were medically cared
for, surviving to reproduce. Because
of their acceptance of molecules-toman evolution, those cultural leaders
pushed for laws to enforce
sterilization and isolation of the
“undesirables.” Margaret Sanger
embraced these ideas which were
foundational in her establishment
of Planned Parenthood. The
eugenics movement lost
momentum when it was
associated with the horrors of the
Nazi regime, but a resurgence is
brewing in America today. As
Christians it is our responsibility
to view life from God’s
perspective and to defend all who
are created in His image. Join us
for this DVD presentation by Dr.
Georgia Purdom (PhD. in
molecular genetics from Ohio
State).
F R E E R I D E & S A N C T UA RY U P DA T E
No Raffle! No Prizes! Just a
Fun Ride!
Arrive at 10:00 a.m. for coffee
and doughnuts at Church of the
Cross, 1750 Eastgate Rd.
Toledo, Ohio
On the road promptly at 10:30
a.m.
June 20, Hales Prison
July 18, Swap Meet FC
Fairgrounds
August 22, Anchor Point (The
Moore’s for great food!)
Sept. 12, Elmore Grubs and
Suds Bike Show
Any questions please contact
Joe at 419-490-4477
Update on Sanctuary
Upgrade
The Sanctuary Upgrade
Team is continuing to work on
a plan to present to the church
family that will both address
significant current needs and
provide greater flexibility of use
for decades to come. We
currently do not have a
definitive date to present this
plan to the congregation but
will keep you posted as we draw
closer to the conclusion of our
work.
O U R S Y M PA T H Y
funeral service was held on
Thursday May 28th at Walter
Funeral Home. Keep her
husband Bob and their children
in your thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere sympathy and
prayers are extended to the
family of Janet Munson. Janet
and her husband Bob served
as custodians here at Church
of the Cross for 10 years. The
Graduation Open
House
for Jessie Stein
Sunday June 7
1:00-5:00 p.m.
3203 W. Lincolnshire
Blvd. Toledo, OH 43606
If you have touched her
life, or if she has touched
yours, please join us is in
celebrating Jessie’s big
Page 5
Madisen Zaborowski
Daughter of Scott & Julie Zaborowski
Granddaughter of Dick & Christy
Zaborowski.
Graduate of Toledo Christian School
Attending University of Toledo
Issue 216
Lane McClain
Son of Jodi & Bob McClain
Grandson of Cindy Greisheimer
Great-grandson of Ginny Hasselschwert
Sylvania Southview
Attending Owens Community College for
Exercise Science
Andrea Dubler
Daughter of Rich & Sharon Dubler
Otsego High School
Attending BGSU for Nursing
Nick Momenee
Son of Mike & Alice Momenee
Graduate of Toledo School for the Arts.
Attending the Russ College of
Engineering and Technology at Ohio
University.
Jessie Stein
Daughter of Mike & Cindy Stein
Graduate of Whitmer High School.
Jessie plans to serve as a Missionary with
Operation Mobilization in Chile for 2
years.
Emily Bills
Daughter of Dr. Steven & Kendra Bills
Monclova Christian Academy
Attending University of Toledo for Nursing
Journey On . . . never alone.
“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...to give you a future and a
hope. Jeremiah 29:11
The Crossfire
Page 6
G O D ’ S A N S W E R S T O O U R P R AY E R S
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossians 4:2
 Thankful for sister’s progress during/after recent hospitalization
 Praise that cousin finished chemo and is doing great
 Thanking God for being with relative during surgery and recovery
 Praising God for improvement in back pain
 Praises to God for waking friend when her apartment was on fire
 Praises that member will have much-needed knee replacement
 Thankful for great turnout at the international student potluck and game night
 Thanking God for blessing member with new employment
 Praise that friend is out of rehab
 Praising God for lovely rendition of “Give Me Jesus” by the choir
 Praise for 30th wedding anniversary
 Praise that the Lord is answering daughter’s health prayer requests
 Praising God for more new friends
 Praising God for successful carpal tunnel surgery.
 God Hears and Heals as friend’s health condition improved suddenly
 “I give thanks for being cancer-free for 10 years.”
 Praising God for meeting new friends who are open to talking about Jesus
 Complete healing has come to granddaughter
 Praise God for protecting daughter/granddaughter during an accident
 Praise and thankful for God’s healing of brother
The above praises were taken from requests at the altar, from emails or from the Sunday connect cards.
CONGREGATIONAL NOTES
Nic@Night is Coming!
Thank you all for your prayers,
thoughts, concerns and cards
with the passing of my Dad. My
church family is awesome!
-Toby Hetman
Mark your calendars!
July 8 – 29
Each Wednesday,
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wild, Crazy, Messy Games,
High Energy Worship,
Powerful Bible Lessons &
Video Skits.
For ages 3 (potty trained) to
finishing 5th Grade.
Page 7
Issue 216
FINANCES
AT A GLANCE
APRIL & YEAR
TO
DATE
Consider Online Giving
Life is busy! And that means
you may not be at church
every Sunday. We hope you
won’t forget Church of the
Cross even if you are not
here every Sunday.
Online giving is a great way
to continue your financial
support of the mission and
ministry programs at
COTC, even though you
may not be able to be here
every week for worship.
To donate electronically
using your debit or credit
card or checking account
transfer, please visit our
website at
www.cotcumc.com and
click on the link that says
“donate now.”
CONGREGATIONAL NOTES
55 & Over Luncheon
The 55 & Over Luncheon
for June will be Wednesday,
June 17 at 11:30 a.m. at TGI
Fridays (1334 Bernath
Pkwy.) Sign up at the Adult
Ministry Corner. The
deadline is Monday, June 15.
Ugly Quilts
The Ugly Quilters are in
need of material to make
the quilts and also the
batting material that goes in
between the layers. If we do
not have this material we
will be unable to continue
this ministry. If you would
like to donate material
please contact Dolly Ryan
Directory Changes:
*Dave & Evie Zimmerman
419-376-0110, no land line
*Adam Zimmerman:
529 Parkfield Ln.
Temple, TX 76502
Notes of Thanks
Thank you all for the prayers,
cards, calls and visits during my
recent health scare and
hospitalization. They are all
much appreciated.
Dinah Henderson
at 419-878-0447. Thank
you.
Crossfire Deadline
The deadline for the July
Crossfire is June 15th.
Please submit articles via
email at
[email protected]
or drop them off at the
church office. Thank you
for meeting this deadline.
Dear Church of the Cross
Family, thank you so much for
all the prayers, cards and the
wonderful monetary gift. What
a blessing you have been to our
family. I appreciate and love
every one of you, but most of all
I give all Glory and Praise to
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanks again, The Rietzke
Family
Church of the Cross, UM
1750 Eastgate Rd.
Toledo, OH 43614
Address Service
Requested
Prepared Especially For:
Phone: 555-555-5555
Fax: 555-555-5555
Email: [email protected]
1750 Eastgate Rd.
Toledo, OH 43614
Sunday Worship
8:00 AM The Chapel
9:30 AM The Gathering
11:11 AM 11:11@the Cross
Church of the Cross
Phone: 419-382-6722
Fax: 419-382-8712
Email: [email protected]
We’re on the Web:
Church of the cross
Www.cotcumc.com
Free Community Breakfast
Every Sunday from 9:00 -11:11 a.m.
Community Food Pantry
Every Tuesday 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Prayer Line Number#
419.382.6722
M-TH 8:30am-4:30pm
Editor: Lisa Gleason
Deadline for copy: 15th of each month.
Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.
We’re on the Web!
www.cotcumc.com