April 2015 Do Not Be Afraid . . . Congregational Life Pages 1 - 8 Beyond the Congregation Page 9 Youth News Pages 10-11 Early Childhood Ministries Page 12 Relational Ministry/Relational Groups Pages 13-14 Calendar Page 15 Sunday Worship September- May 8:00, 9:30 & 11::00 am +++++ June - August 8:00 & 10:00 am Saturday Worship September - May 1st Saturday of each month +++++ June - August Every Saturday, 5:30 pm Visit our website! www.holycrosschurch.org When I was a child and afraid, my mother would tell me that there was nothing to be afraid of and I would believe her. For adults, the fears may be more complex and based on enormous realities. Words of assurance may be harder to come by because we know enough about the way the world operates. Even if someone attempts to reassure us that there is nothing to be afraid of, our initial reaction is one of suspicion. As a pastor, I realize that as we accompany one another in our faith journey that there are moments in our lives when we are in close proximity to illness, death and other topics that we struggle with. Often, I pray for words of reassurance to be present in the moment and in the conversations. I am also willing to concede that none of us on our own have the authority to say to another person, “Do not be afraid.” However, when people press me to produce a word from God that will speak to their situation, I go to the scriptural witness of the Old and New Testaments that constantly remind us to “not be afraid.” When this word of assurance is spoken by God, or an angel, or by Jesus himself— we need clarity about what is actually being said. I believe that it is not an assurance that nothing can go wrong, because often things do go wrong. It is not assurance that everything turns out for the best, because if we are honest about it, it seldom does. It is not assurance that the outcome will be seen as fair, because sometimes justice is not fair. Rather, I believe it is assurance that, whatever may happen to us, whatever a day may hold, God has the power to strengthen us and uphold us. It is assurance that whatever we must face and deal with, we do not face it or deal with it alone. It is the assurance that nothing we encounter is stronger than God’s love and that ultimately God has the last word. It is the assurance that in the end, and sometimes even before the end, God’s love is triumphant. Only God offers such assurance and says it with authority and because that is true we see it taking strong root in the hearts of the characters of the Easter story in the face of life’s uncertainties and before the certainty of death. We do not know the future and we do not have the antidote to uncertainty. Thanks be to God we don’t. But that is not to say, that God doesn’t. When God’s words of assurance seep deep into our souls, they resonate deep in our life’s experiences and the ancient benediction becomes a promise fulfilled…“May we fear God so much, that we fear nothing else at all.” Peace, Congregational Life 2 Volume 35 Number 4 Are You Interested in Becoming Members of Holy Cross? Palm Sunday - March 29 Worship at 8, 9:30 & 11:00 am Maundy Thursday - April 2 Worship at 7:30 pm, First Communion, & Holy Communion Good Friday - April 3 Special Pack at FMSC with Devotions, 9 to 11 am + + + + + Worship at 7:30 pm Easter Vigil/First Saturday April 4 - Worship at 5:30 pm Easter Sunday - April 5 Worship at 8, 9:30 & 11:00 am Children’s Message at 9:30 am Easter Breakfast, 8:30 - 11:00 am Our next New Member Breakfast and Reception of New Members will be held Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. If you are interested in learning more about membership at Holy Cross, please contact the church office or Pastor Bob Davis: (847)367-4060 [email protected] MINISTERS AND CHURCH STAFF Rev. Dr. Robert A. Davis, Senior Pastor Mike Price, Business Director Tim Mahoney, Property Director Jan Schmieding, Bookkeeper & Membership Roz Deigan, Admin. Congregational Activities Valerie Granfeldt, Admin. Congregational Communications Rev. Dr. Joleen M. Gleasman, Director of Relational Ministries Randall Casey, Director of Music Carrie Mack, Director of Youth Music Ministries Dale Tippett Jr., Director of Contemporary Music Beth Malecha, Handbell Choir Director Jennifer Radtke, Nursery Attendant Carmen & Abel Cervantes, Custodians BUILDING BLOCKS STAFF Kathy Pfister, Director of Celebration! Childcare Tina Schlonsky, Director of CrossWays PreSchool CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS President, Eric Christensen Vice-President, Mark Fedyk Council Treasurer, Tom Miller Financial Secretary, Carol Wasemiller VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS Sunday School Coordinator: Felicia Brandt Funday School Coordinators: Maggie Roche, Jennie Schlitt, Gretchen Towson Altar Care: Julie Luczkiw Nursery: Jennifer Radtke Greeters: Therese Delli Paoli Holy Cross Lutheran Church Good Friday Meal Packing Event April 3, 9 - 11am Devotions, Prayer & Packing \ Space is Limited! Sign up at VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/rVfuSH Phone: (847) 367-4060 Fax: 847-367-4346 [email protected] This newsletter is available in color online at: www.holycrosschurch.org Click on “Resources” and then “Newsletter” Holy Cross parish newsletter is published monthly and articles may be submitted by the 15th of the month to Roz Deigan at [email protected] Congregational Life Volume 35 Number 4 On Tuesday, May 5, at 7:30 pm, Holy Cross will be honored to host in concert on our organ Thomas Herzer, music director of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, a position he shares with his wife Sarah. Members of the Holy Cross Choir sang in the Castle Church in June of 2013 where Thomas and Sarah were our most gracious hosts. Thomas directed the Castle Church choir and our choir in two combined numbers which allowed us to experience firsthand Thomas’ fine musicianship. Those coming to hear Thomas play can witness his expertise as an organist. Thomas will actually be on a tour of the United States and there is a purpose to his travels: He is trying to raise money to install an organ in the chancel of the Castle Church. An historic, 4-manual organ was installed in the balcony of the church in 1862, the sound of which resounds throughout the large church for the singing of hymns. However, the distance between the balcony of the church and the chancel, i.e. the length of the nave, prohibits the historic organ from accompanying singers who might want to provide music for a service from the chancel. Thus, a chancel organ, as it were, is highly desirable. The very good news is that there is currently an organ in the Lutheran seminary in Wittenberg that is being moved into the Castle Church chancel that will serve as the core of this new chancel organ. However, modifications, i.e. relocating and rebuilding, are necessary to the instrument as its moves from the seminary to the church. The cost of the organ move is $265,000, which is nominal compared to what a new organ would cost. Moreover, $110,000 of this amount has already been raised. Thus, the goal of Thomas’ American tour is $155,000. 3 for allowing Thomas to stay with them as he prepares to play at Holy Cross. Ralph and Diane were with us on the Holy Cross Choir trip to Germany in 2013 so seeing Thomas again will be a reminder for them and all of us of the fine time we experienced not only in Wittenberg, but throughout Bach country. The Bach work Thomas will be playing on his concert is the “Prelude and Fugue in D-Major.” This is a stunning piece that opens with an octave run or two in the pedal, believe it or not. I look forward to hearing just these opening measures. Also included on the program will be an organ sonata by Felix Mendelssohn and a “Fantasy and Fugue on “A Mighty Fortress” by Carl Stein (1824-1902). Stein was an organist at the Castle Church. Thomas will also be improvising as part of his concert. Thomas started piano lessons at age seven. At age 14 he began to participate at church music seminars which included lessons in organ playing, choir conducting, hymnology, liturgy, and music history. He concluded these seminars with the German “C-degree” at age 18. Thomas continued his studies at the Church Music Conservatory in Halle where he got his master’s degree in 2003. I would add that he met his wife Sarah in Halle when she came from Minnesota to spend a semester abroad as part of her college studies. Holy Cross prides itself on being a musical congregation. Whether you personally are musical or not, your presence and your generosity at this concert will provide you with an opportunity to represent Holy Cross by supporting the music program in the church that is the cradle of the Reformation. Thus, please mark Tuesday, May 5, at 7:30 pm on your calendar and plan to come hear Thomas play. I would like to think that as the day of Thomas’ concert approaches, you will be thinking, “There I will go, I can do none other.” ~ Randy Casey Around the Cross Concert Series In addition to Holy Cross Thomas will be playing concerts at: Valparaiso University; in Trappe and Indiana, PA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Columbia, SC; and in St. Louis. I would like to think that none of these places will exceed Holy Cross in their generosity toward musically enhancing the church where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on October 31, 1517. At the moment, by the way, the Castle Church is undergoing renovation in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The new organ will not be installed until the renovation is complete, probably in the latter half of 2016. Tuesday, May 5, 7:30 pm A native of St. Ingbert, Germany, Thomas Herzer is music director of the Castle Church in Wittenburg and his American concert tour is part of a fundraiser for an organ in the chancel of his church. Thomas and his wife Sarah were hosts to the Holy Cross Choir in June of 2013 when they performed at the Castle Church. Thomas will be playing in the lovely chapel at Valparaiso University on Sunday, May 3. Diane Rammelsberg, Pastor Joleen, and I are driving down to attend that concert and bringing Thomas back with us so he can play for us on Tuesday, May 5. I am grateful to Ralph Freye and Diane Sunday, May 17, 9:30 am service only By Carol Barnett, A Bluesgrass Mass will feature a bluegrass quintet featuring fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and double bass. With guest soprano Emily Chidlow and the Holy Cross Choir. Thomas Herzer, Organist THE WORLD BELOVED: A Bluegrass Mass Congregational Life 4 Volume 35 Number 4 We Welcomed New Members Sunday, March 8, 2015 Sara & Chris Eriksen Peter and Lewis Our final contribution to worship this spring will include performances on Sunday, April 26 at the 9:30 and 11 am services. We hope the congregation enjoys our musical offering as much as we enjoy playing. We love the addition of new members and are comfortable with new learners. If you have ever wanted to try, join us on Thursday nights. Believe me, we have fun! We will practice Thursdays from 7 – 8:15 pm in the basement (but NOT Maundy Thursday, April 2). Further information is available though the church office, Beth Malecha 224-715-7587 or Pastor Joleen. Devotions for April Jesus says to the Sadducees, “ Now about the dead rising – have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Mark 12:26-27) From the beginning of time, God identifies God’s self as the God of the living. This is a God who communicates with humanity, forgives sin, and guides humanity in the way of life and peace. Even death could not keep God from acting. In raising Jesus from the dead, God makes a statement to humanity that the gift of life from the God of life is life eternal with God. Gracious and loving God, we yearn for life, joy, and peace. However, we are so enamored with the world in which we live that we neglect to realize that this is a path to death. Lead us to you, through Your Risen Son that we may live with you eternally. Amen THE PRAYER OF THE MONTH The prayer assistants at Holy Cross invite you to join us in prayer each month for a specific group of people. This month we lift up: Those who Plant Hospitality and other acts of kindness are important values at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. We practice hospitality at different moments and in many situations. If you have interest in participating with this ministry by cooking and delivering meals, if you find yourself in need of a meal, or if you know of a member who might appreciate a meal, please contact Jackie Levernier (Sides) at 847-204-7607. If you click on this button in the Everyday is Sunday emails you receive, it takes you directly to our VolunteerSpot signups for immediate volunteer needs. The story is told of an individual who was ranting against those who were destroying the forests by saying, “Why don’t people just go to the store and buy their things.” Though there are those who recognize the foolishness of such a statement, it brings to us the awareness that we who need to have food and other provisions rely on those who risk the dangers and costs of providing these same food and other provisions to us. Many who are in these occupations risk all for our benefit, not just for one year but often for many. Holy and gracious Lord, we so often take for granted those things that others provide for us without our awareness of their risks. Help us to give thanks to You and to them for their provisions. We ask that You be a living presence with them in the risks they are asked to take. In Your creation, continue to supply them and us with those things that keep us alive. Help us to work for the fairness of cost in lieu of their expenses, that they may live lives thankful to You. These things we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen Congregational Life Volume 35 Number 4 5 Associate Pastor Search Dear Fellow Members of Holy Cross, The Call Committee was convened on March 12 to begin the important work of seeking a new Associate Pastor. We are currently focused on assembling the necessary documents and information for a successful candidate search. Specifically we are developing: Save-The-Date! Dinner & Silent Auction! Sample international flavor at a dinner event hosted by Holy Cross and Grace Lutheran youth, as they fundraise for their trip this summer to the ELCA Youth Gathering! DATE: MAY 2, 2015 TIME: 6:30 PM TICKETS: $60/Person A congregational overview of our faith community at Holy Cross A profile of our area’s demographics A community information packet An updated position description for our Associate Pastor for Youth and Family Formation This should put us in position to move to an active search status, in conjunction with the synod, for qualified candidates no later than mid-April. Thanks to all the quality work and cooperation by the individual members of the Committee, the work is progressing well. Thank you to the following members for their involvement in the search for our next Associate Pastor: Dave Klein (Chair), Sarah Accettura, Eric Christensen (Council), Mark Flexsenhar, Carole Kenney, Wayne Luplow, Patty Moyer and Van McClellan. Respectfully submitted, Dave Klein, Chairperson Free babysitting provided! LOCATION: Holy Cross Church Supplemental Funding is provided by Thrivent Financial. David Adler Cultural Center Presents: Chicago Q Ensemble Concert at Holy Cross Chicago Q Ensemble hits the North Shore with a diverse, decadent, delightful program for strings and piano. The trio will feature selections from Mozart’s crown jewel, the E-flat Major Divertimento, as well as composer Andrew Norman’s Pulitzer Prizenominated trio, A Companion Guide to Rome. At the end of the night, guest pianist, Katherine Lee, joins the ensemble to perform Brahms’ epic G Minor piano quartet, one of the most beloved pieces in the repertoire. Saturday, April 25, at 7 pm at Holy Cr oss Lutheran Church, 29700 N St. Mary’s Road, Libertyville. Tickets may be purchased online, via www.adlercenter.org, or by calling 847-367-0707. Buy tickets early. Cool Plant Sale—Volunteers Needed Thank you for all the flower or der s that our Holy Cross family submitted for the COOL spring plant sale! If you did not place an order, you may want to stop by the plant sale in May and see the selection of plants that will be available for cash and carry. The plant pick up day is Saturday May 9, 2015 from 11 am until 2 pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Gurnee. We need volunteers! No gar dening knowledge is needed and all the participating Lutheran church members have a good time getting together to help out the ministries of COOL. Please consider volunteering for a shift or two: 6 to 10 am—truck unloading and set up or 9:45 am to 2 pm—plant sale distribution. To volunteer please email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Benefits of volunteering include picking up your plant orders early plus fellowship and service. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Thank you in advance! Congregational Life 6 Volume 35 Number 4 Money Sanity U During April Holy Cross will have some new online and printed resources available to help you and your family. Money Sanity U is an online video library that offers unique insights, relatable examples, and actionable ideas — all designed to help individuals and families build healthy money habits. Why Money Sanity U? 80% of Americans list money as the #1 source of stress in their lives, with financial distress being the number one cause of divorce; 84% of undergraduates admit the need for more financial education; 52% of workers age 45 to 54 have less than $25,000 in retirement savings. The video library contains over 50 three-to-six minute videos to help you proactively address a variety of money issues and create a framework for intentional money conversations. The tips, tools and strategies included in Money Sanity U will help enhance your financial wellbeing as you become more confident and successful with money. To guarantee you receive our Journey e-newsletter, email [email protected] with SUBSCRIBE JOURNEY in subject line. or visit www.holycrosschurch.org and sign up for e-news PRAYER (Psalm 110 from Psalms/Now) God, you spoke to me today. You broke through my childish doubts with words of comfort and assurance. “Hang in there; sit tight; stick to My course for your life,” You said, “I will not let you down.” I know that You are with me today – just as sure as You were with the saints of old. I have neither to fear nor to doubt the eternal presence of Your love. Amen Videos from the library can be forwarded to a friend or family member to help them address important money topics as well. Each video in the library includes a related action step to help you put your learning into action. Action steps include interactive PDFs and/or links to additional learning and resources. Check out the demo at http://demo.moneysanityu.com. If you would like a free connection to the full version, send an e-mail to [email protected], and we will make sure you get access as part of our congregation’s license. Also coming in April are some recent books that you can take home with you after church by simply picking one up outside of the sanctuary. The goal is to make it easier to explore ideas that could be beneficial to you and your well -being. When you are finished reading, bring the book back to Holy Cross and check out the others. For starters we will have about 20 copies of: The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter; Go Out and Play, and Much More by Bruce Feiler and The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber. Books were purchased with a grant from the Lake County Chapter of Thrivent Financial. Stay tuned for more information. If you have any questions or book recommendations for the future, send an email to [email protected]. We are excited to offer these new resources to you and your family! ~ The Stewardship Ministry We celebrate with the following young people who received their First Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday * Aubrey Batterton Alexander Brown Lindsay Brown * Kitra Chulindra Joshua Drake Brett Fuller Anna George * Logan Howard Payton Howard Aiden Jones * Madeleine Jorgensen Madelyn Lyon Molly Lyon Tyler Meo Jackson Miller Elise Nowicki Catherine Partridge Henry Sanborn Natalie Schlitt * Katherine Scruggs Julia Taylor Gillian Thompson Lilly Treutelaar Isabella Yarc Marco Zombolo * Siena Zombolo * * Or a later date in April Congregational Life Greeters Ministry Wanted: Gr eeter s for Sunday ser vices! Job Requirements: positive attitude, gr eat smile and a firm handshake to welcome our church family friends. Make others feel wecome and happy when they arrive at church! We are in need of greeters…it is a fun job. Everyone comes to church for a reason—it is good to offer them simple joys through your welcoming demeanor. Greeting make a huge difference. For new members, please take a turn to greet so people get to know you, too! You can sign up to volunteer by using our VolunteerSpot link: http://vols.pt/q6LFGk or contact Ther ese Delli Paoli at 847-362-7502. COOL Easter “Bagsket” THANK YOU! Over 100 Easter Bagskets were loaded into the COOL Ministries truck following worship services on Sunday, March 22.Thank you to everyone who participated! Thank you also to all the Sunday/ Funday school children for creating the Easter treat bags that accompanied the Easter Bagskets to COOL, and to their parents and congregation members who contributed treats for the bags. Holy Cross member and COOL Board representative Jennifer Clark said she has been present when Easter Bagskets and treat bags are handed out at COOL, and that it is a special day. The clients of COOL are delighted with the essentials and surprises you pack for them. Volume 35 Number 4 Mrs. Tina Schlonsky, Director of our CrossWays Preschool, has submitted her resignation effective at the end of this school year. Although we are very sad to see Tina leave, we wish Tina and her family much luck and happiness as they move to Florida. Tina’s decision to leave will create a vacancy in our Building Blocks Childhood Center ministry and we are looking to fill it as quickly as possible. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this position, please email your request to: [email protected] There is also a link on our website that will take you to the posting for this position. Please help us spread the word! See page 12 for more information. Common Threads We are a group of volunteers who create the prayer shawls and blankets for the prayer ministry—but everyone is welcome to bring whatever project they are working on as well. We will meet Monday night, April 13, in r oom 208. Please call J udy Luplow with any questions 847-367-0242. Pilates Pilates will meet each Monday night in April from 6 to 7 pm, in the atrium of Celebration! Childcare. Men and women may come at any time for a visit to try it out, and if you join our group in the middle of a session, the fee is prorated. Class fee is determined upon number of participants. Call the organizer, Jodi Zombolo at 847-968-2526 for more information. 7 Holy Cross Men’s Softball Team Holy Cross Lutheran Church is once again participating in the Men’s Christian Fellowship Softball League. Be sure to attend our kick-off informational meeting at church on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 pm in the fellowship area. You may also contact Pastor Bob or Coach Al Humbert if you are interested! The requirements are simple: You need to be 18 years of age or older We play on Mondays and Thursdays The games begin at 6:30 pm We use the fields at either Charlie Brown or Riverside Parks here in Libertyville. Practice and game dates are being scheduled depending upon availability of fields. If you are interested in playing, please contact the church office, or come to the meeting on April 15 and receive the schedule for the 2015 season. We hope you come and join us. Congregational Life 8 Volume 35 Number 4 Traveling with God’s Word continues in 2015, with the plan of reading a book of the Bible each month. In a little over 5 years, we will have read the whole Bible. By reading a book (parts of books or combinations of books) each month, we have the opportunity to study a book in more depth. Questions will be provided in this column each month. These questions may be the topic for discussions (within the family unit, within a small gathering, or personal devotion), one week for each question. continues to lead the children of Israel into the land, assigns the territories to the tribes, and establishes the “cities of refuge.” The Book of Joshua Commentaries believe the biblical writers gathered this information from various sources, oral and written. The stories were written to proclaim the consequences of God’s determination to have an ongoing and close relationship with the people of Israel, in spite of Israel’s continued behavior of going to other gods and fighting with one another. The book of Joshua begins where the book of Exodus ends. Moses has brought the children of Israel to the Promised Land but they can’t enter it because of an event with God on the journey. As a faithful attendant to Moses on the journey, Joshua has been selected by God to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Having followed Moses throughout, Joshua remains faithful and relies on God through the first years of entering and possessing the land of Israel. This historical book includes historical data and events; though it may not necessary factual, the book Some questions to think about and share with another: 1. How would you describe Joshua’s leadership ability? 2. Why do you think it is so difficult for the children of Israel to be faithful to the God who has led them from slavery to the Promised Land? 3. Why is the act of circumcision so important to the children of Israel? 4. Why do you think it is necessary to “renew the covenant?” Do you think it is a necessary thing to do today? Why? Why not? Assistants in Prayer A national survey recently cited that Americans, on average, may not be ‘faithful’ or participate in religious services regularly, but the practice of prayer is increasing as a whole. Not only do individuals feel the need for prayer, but they exercise the opportunities for prayer. At Holy Cross, everyone has opportunity to utilize our prayer ministry which includes the prayer list printed in the bulletins each Sunday, our online prayer list, praying with an assistant in prayer during communion worship services, as well as over the phone or in any agreed upon meeting place. Also available to everyone are our prayer resources, located in the cry room or in our basement resource center. We only ask that you return the item when you are finished. If you have a prayer request, please contact the church office. Each year, on the Fourth Sunday of Easter—April 26 this year—the ecumenical church observes “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The three Lutheran synods in Illinois have designated that day as “Good Shepherd/LSSI Sunday,” a day to highlight our church’s caring ministry through Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). This year, Good Shepherd/LSSI Sunday will focus on some of the most vulnerable children in foster care. LSSI is the largest provider of foster care in our state, serving 10% of Illinois children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Offerings received on Good Shepherd/LSSI Sunday in 2015 will be used to provide Lifebook kits to children in foster care. You can learn more about Lifebooks at LSSI.org and clicking on “My Awesome Life.” Beyond the Congregation Volume 35 Number 4 COOL Ministries (Christian Outreach of Lutherans) Intergenerational Mission Trip in June There is a current popular song out, “All About the Bass” that plays in my mind all the time, but I changed the lyrics to “All About the Kids, ‘bout the kids, ‘bout the kids.” We can make positive changes at Rosebud and it begins with the children/teens we have the chance to interact with each summer. It is wonderful watching them grow up. They ask interesting questions of us about our family structure, how we make money, our schools. These children trust us. They look forward to laughing and playing with their friends from Holy Cross. Our current goal is to make the Community Center more available to the children of Rosebud for after school activities, snacks, peace and quiet. Currently the only time this structure is used is when Holy Cross comes to visit, as a voting site, and occasionally after a funeral where they gather for a tribal meal. Over the years on our annual mission trips, Holy Cross has made upgrades to the building: new flooring, painting walls, plumbing to provide running water and a usable toilet, beautiful murals on the walls, building sturdy tables and benches. BUT, in cold winters pipes freeze and burst, and mold has taken hold in many parts of the center, causing the health department to cease the lunch program for children that used to happen every summer. We have contracted with a professional to survey the situation at the Community Center to determine what needs to be done to prevent the pipes from freezing. Once we are in receipt of this document we can move forward to determine what to do next. We are praying the tribe will put funds towards this effort. Shirley Spotted Tail, the current chairman, is optimistic we can work together for the benefit of this entire population. Things we will be collecting in late May and June to take with us: gently used “Razor” scooters (the few we brought last summer were a hit and we would love to bring them more!) and fleece or flannel material to make blankets with the kids. If you see material on sale at Michaels or Hobby Lobby think about donating it! There will be more requests for items when we get closer to departure time and I thank you again for your generosity…this mission trip is a group effort by ALL at Holy Cross….we thank you. Hold on to your donations until word is sent out about drop off times and location. God has chosen remarkable people for this year’s mission adventure. If you’re going on the trip, please send in your $100 per person deposit by April 15 as we need to firm up bedding space at the ‘luxurious’ Jones Building (wink, wink). ~ Barb Fox 9 ► DATE CHANGE—COOL CLEAN UP & BBQ ► ► ► ► Grab your rake and help clean up the yard at the COOL Transitional property at 2823 30th St. in Zion, from 9 am to 1pm on Saturday, April 18 (make-up day for previously scheduled event in March). Call Shari Shaver to RSVP 847-722-4841. Rototiller needed—do you have one to loan? Holy Cross members can support COOL Ministries in two delicious ways by dining at Sweet Tomatoes on Saturday, April 11, from 5 - 8 pm and at Panera Bread Gurnee on Friday, May 15, from 6am - 9pm. Fliers will be available at church or on our online church calendar. Thank you for your support. COOL is making slow and steady progress toward finding a new home for the Waukegan COOL Food Pantry East and the Central Offices. Relocation is becoming a necessity as we are out of space to store food and work effectively at the Water street location. We are praying we find the right spot for COOL in the near future and find the funds needed to acquire it. Save the Date! COOL Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at Midlane Golf Resort again. Currently looking for Silent Auction items and Tee Sponsors. Call Diana 847-662-1340 Food for April is juice and powdered milk. Pack Meals Monthly! Hunger is ongoing and takes no breaks. Invite a friend and please join us at 12 noon on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Our next group pack is Wednesday, April 22. If you have any questions, please call the church office or speak with Pastor Joleen. Sign in on-site is EASY, once you arrive to pack! Fair Trade Products We continue to sell Fair Trade coffees, teas, chocolate bars, cocoa for hot chocolate, and baking cocoa the first Sunday of every month. The next opportunity to buy is Easter Sunday, April 5 in the Gathering Space, 9 - 11 am. Youth News 10 Volume 35 Number 4 Sunday/Funday School Theme for 2014-2015: God’s Work, Our Hands We hope you all enjoyed our Sunday/Funday School Spring Sing! Thank you Carrie Mack and your talented musical leadership team for this welcome to Spring! Our last session for the school year is Doubting Thomas, beginning April 12. (We are still in need of a few teachers for this last rotation. See our sign-up sheet in the Narthex.) When you can’t see something with your own eyes or hear it with your own ears, it is harder to decide what is really going on. Thomas tells his friends that Jesus coming back to life is too hard for him to believe without seeing. His friends have told him this special news, but he has to see it for himself. After Jesus visits them again, Thomas begins to understand. From that time forward the disciples follow Jesus’ instruction to “go in peace” as they share the good news with everyone they meet. Here’s an idea you can use to practice sharing the peace with your family: Pass the item mentioned from one family member to the next, saying the suggested phrase. Flower: I wish you peace when you ar e outside in nature. Blue Fabric: I wish you peace like a flowing r iver . Bubbles: I wish you peace when you dr eam at night. World globe or map: I wish you peace when you travel. Game: I wish you peace when you play. Family photo: I wish you peace in your family. + + + + + Teachers still needed April 12—May 10 Video/Holy Word Science/Discovery Lab Games/Temple Time Calling all 5th graders and their parents . . . Join us for “Playing with Fire” a.k.a. Intro to Confirmation and being an Acolyte Sunday, June 7 Between Sunday Morning Worship Services 9 to 10 am In the HCLC Sanctuary Learn how to acolyte, ask your questions, and play with fire with Pastor Bob (i.e. practice lighting candles!) In grades 6, 7 and 8, your child will be scheduled to acolyte approximately 3-4 times per year. RSVP to the church office 847-367-4060 or [email protected] Altar Flowers A sign-up form for altar flowers in 2015 has been posted outside of the church office. Flowers may be purchased for most Sundays during the year and dedicated to a person or event. Questions? Contact the church office. Please note our cost for altar flowers is $35 per bouquet. Youth News Volume 35 Number 4 11 High School Youth Sunday, April 5 Easter Breakfast 8:30 to 11 am Sunday, April 12 Youth Group Dinner for youth going to Detroit and their parents. 6:30 pm at the Christensen home: 612 Ames Street, Libertyville. Imperative for all youth and at least one parent attend as there will be many discussion items and updates! RSVP to the church office. Saturday, May 2 6:30 pm Rise Up and See the World Silent Auction Holy Cross Youth Group Sundays May 3, 10, 17 & 31 Take orders for Holy Cross Spirit Wear between worship services. (Delivery before July 4.) Looking Ahead: Sunday, June 14 - Car Wash Fundraiser Sunday, June 28 - Rain Date – Car Wash Fundraiser June 14 OR 18 - Detroit 2015 Youth Meeting - TBA Fundraiser Details & Planning The planning team for the “Rise Up and See the World” fundraiser is hard at work planning this exciting event around the world. Your help and support is requested! Silent Auction and Raffle Items Wanted! We are looking for donations for our silent auction and raffle baskets. Please let us know if you have items you or your company could donate—especially items like sports tickets, concert tickets, hotel/resort stays, jewelry, home and garden, professional services, and unique experiences (wine-tasting party, sports car ride, gourmet dinner at your home). Please contact Terry Berger via church email: [email protected] to arrange for donations. Youth going on trip: Please make every effort to attend the Youth Group dinner at the Christensen home on Sunday, April 12 at 6:30pm. The Christensen’s address is: 612 Ames Street in Libertyville! Please RSVP to Valerie in the church office so a guest count can be noted. Email Valerie at [email protected], or call the church at 847-367-4060 and leave a voicemail for Valerie, x108. Get excited about this event and tell your friends! The event and current menu details are as follows. Look for the event posting on the Holy Cross facebook page, and share it with your friends! DATE: MAY 2, 2015 TIME: 6:30 PM TICKETS: $60/Person (babysitting provided!) LOCATION: Holy Cross Church Around-the-World MENU Europe lasagna, garlic bread, chopped salad, and tiramisu North America hamburgers, brats, vegetables, chips, and apple pie Latin America burritos, chips, guacamole, salsa, and churros Asia Pacific egg rolls, fired rice, crab rangoon, almonds and fortune cookies Middle East beef shish-kabobs, hummus, pita & Africa bread, tabouleh salad, baklava Supplemental Funding is provided by Thrivent Financial. Early Childhood 12 Volume 35 Number 4 where love and learning meet www.buildingblockschildhoodcenter.org Hip Hoppity Good Time Thank you to everyone for their support at our first Bunny Breakfast. A fun time was had by all, and over $1,500 was raised. The money will go to buy several activity rugs for the Early Childhood Ministries programs here at Holy Cross. Your donations for our Diaper Drive were greatly appreciated too! Over 35 packages of diapers were donated to Safe Families for Children of Chicago. ~ Kathy Pfister, Director [email protected] Seeking a New CrossWays Preschool Director Mrs. Tina Schlonsky, Director of our CrossWays Preschool, has submitted her resignation effective at the end of this school year. Although we are very sad to see Tina leave, we wish Tina and her family much luck and happiness as they move to Florida. Tina’s decision to leave will create a vacancy in our Building Blocks Childhood Center ministry and we are looking to fill it as quickly as possible. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this position, please email your request to: [email protected] There is also a link on our website that will take you to the posting for this position. Please help us spread the word! Thank you. Spring Has Sprung at Preschool March was a fun month for us at CrossWays PreSchool! We were able to enjoy some outside time as the deep freeze finally gave way to temperatures that allowed us to go outside. We also had Men’s Day where the special men in our families came to school with the children to experience a morning of fun including shaving, painting Dad’s feet, making picture frames, and enjoying a picnic type snack. Of course the Building Blocks Museum Room: Noah’s Arc was a success! The children loved to dress up as the different animals and get on the ark. Inside the ark they were able to make meals and sleep like Noah and his family did so many years ago. Some other areas that were explored included: construction area, Noah’s Ark coloring pages, multiple stuffed animals, and books on Noah’s Ark, animals, and ocean life. Registration Our registration is still open! Please stop by if you are interested in preschool (2s, 3s, & 4s Pre-K) for your child. Spread the word to family and friends as well. We added a couple of afternoon classes for next year: 1. Mon/Wed 4s Pre-Kindergarten class from 12-2:30pm 2. Tuesday 4s & 5s Enrichment (Science Rotation) class from 12-2:30pm. (Oak Grove bus will drop off at Holy Cross) 3. Thursday 4s & 5s Enrichment (Literacy Rotation) class from 12 -2:30pm. Oak Grove busses to Holy Cross Church. Please see me, Tina Schlonsky, for more information. Happy Easter! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. Psalm 118:1 ~ Tina Schlonsky Director of CrossWays PreSchool [email protected] (847) 367-4367 Relational Ministry Volume 35 Number 4 What IS “Easter Season?” “Easter Season” is the period of time that follows the day Jesus is raised from death (and appears to others on this earth before He ascends into heaven) through Pentecost. The mainstream world doesn’t recognize or celebrate the Easter Season. The baskets have been delivered by the Easter Bunny; the new outfits have been worn; there are no more gifts and parties. Many of us know little to nothing of this season. So, then, of what importance is the “Easter Season?” For those who look to scripture for the answers to life itself, scriptures assures us that the Easter Season proves to humanity that Jesus had been raised from the dead and was seen alive by those who followed and knew him. Each of the gospels differ on these experiences but share in common that the women were the first to see him (Mark) and then the disciples (Matthew) and other believers (Luke and John). These sightings become important to them and to us. Do we believe in these sightings? Because we live in a society that needs “proof”, the Easter Season can separate the believers from the non-believers. Though centuries have divided us, the stories of those believers and non-believers in the time of Jesus address some of the same issues about the Resurrection that some have today. For those who believe in the humanity and simultaneous divinity of Jesus, we have no problem in believing what God did in Jesus. For those who do not believe and/or want proof, the excuses provided by Matthew (28: 11-15), Mark (16:8), Luke (24:11), and John (20: 15) are as applicable now as they were then. For whatever reason, it seems we are more afraid of what others think about us than what we believe. With all strange happenings in life, we as humans need to process things. Therefore, Jesus appearing after his death and resurrection—the Easter Season—invites us to process what happened and what God is all about. To think of Jesus as fully human, his acts of divinity need time for us to adjust to and accept. To think of Jesus as divine, his being of human seems an impossibility. When all is said and done, what we believe about Jesus is what we believe about God. THAT is the reason for the Easter season. It gives Christians a time to come to terms. To believe in the God who is more powerful than death. The result of that conclusion and belief is enormous. It gives us hope that is stronger than the power of death. It gives us meaning to our lives because what God has done in our lives, lives on. It proves God’s incredible gift of love for us. Summer and Pentecost comes soon enough. Let us join our brothers and sisters who experience the living Jesus in their midst and rejoice! ~ Pastor Joleen 13 Parents of Children with Special Needs Following spring break, things take on a fast clip for the rest of the school year and parents with children who have special needs may find themselves in need of moral support. Take a breather and join us Sunday, April 19 at 4 pm in room 208. Talking with other parents who are sharing similar concerns can be so helpful. Snacks are provided by the Lexi Kazian Foundation. If you would like to speak with someone prior to our next meeting, please contact either: Terry Berger 847-680-3578 or Lisa Dunbar 847-680-8362. In April, the Free Spirits will visit the Pickard China Company in Antioch, IL on Thursday, April 30. The Pickard China story dates back to 1893 when the china company was established in Edgerton, WI. At the 20th century, it moved to Chicago and enjoys a history of manufacturing the official china services for embassies and other diplomatic missions around the world. A recent excavation in Antioch, Il, uncovered a broken piece of china which was a partial gravy boat, made for the U.S. Navy in 1942. Morgan, Pickard’s President, says, “Perhaps some may not consider gravy boats vital to the war effort, but they kept a lot of people employed during some mighty tough times. Austin Pickard told me if the Navy ran short of shells, they could use those gravy boats as ammunition. They were so heavy they would knock down a building!” Having enjoyed the relocation of the plant from China to Antioch three years earlier, Pickard shifted from hand painting of imported giftware pieces to producing fine china dinnerware exclusively in Antioch. The visit will be followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The group is planning to return to Holy Cross by 3 pm. Those wishing to car pool may meet at the church at 9 am in the parking lot. For further information, individuals may call Ann Witbeck or Pastor Joleen. Relational Groups 14 Volume 35 Number 4 Book Club Bible Study Women’s Lectionary Study The book to be discussed on Tuesday, April 28 at 7 pm in the home of Felicia Brandt, 720 Meadow Lane, Libertyville, is The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel J ames Brown. This book tells the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal, a team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. All women are welcome to join the discussion of this book—the discussions are always lively! You may contact Pastor Joleen with any questions at [email protected] or 847-367-4060, x102. The Monday Afternoon Bible Study Group will continue studying scr iptur e with the book of Joshua—April 6 and 20, fr om 3 to 4:30 pm in r oom 208. The jour ney of the childr en of Isr ael on their exodus from Egypt continues in Joshua. Upon their arrival in the Promised Land, the Israelites find the land is already occupied. How they succeed is through their faithfulness to God, who has the power to overcome all things. See page 8 of this newsletter for the questions we will be discussing. Please join us these two afternoons and explore the depths and faith of this book. Everyone is invited to attend this discussion: Biblical scholarship is not required! For the early risers on a Saturday morning—women gather together to eat lightly, have coffee, lift up prayer concerns, and study the lessons (Lectionary) for the next day. This group meets twice a month (the dates are always available on the church calendar) in room 208 from 7 – 9 am (people may leave when their need arises). We will gather at 7 am on Saturdays April 11 and 25. The group will finish the book Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa TerKeurst on Tuesday, April 7 at 9:30 am. The last chapter to be discussed is “It Isn’t All Bad.” On Tuesday, April 21 at 9:30 am, the group will begin their new book, It’s Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy by Max Lucado, The first chapter to be discussed: “Bumping Life Off Self-Center.” Books will be available from Pastor Joleen. All women are invited to come to these Tuesday morning sessions to discuss and share. We usually meet in the Fellowship Area. Bring a treat to share with the group if you would like. Men’s Breakfast Group The Men’s Breakfast group meets every Tuesday morning from 6:30 am to 7:30 am at The Liberty, 419 S. Milwaukee, Liber tyville. This is a wonder ful way to begin the day and we promise to provide you with stimulating and thought-provoking fellowship and conversation. Please come and join us! Saturday Saturday Morning Men’s Discussion The Great Partnership: God, Science and the Search for Meaning by Jonathan Sacks Morning Men’s Group On Saturdays, April 11 and 25, 2015 the Men’s Discussion group will begin a conversation using Rabbi Sacks’ book, The Great Partnership. Quoting Einstein, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.” Sacks tackles both ‘irrationally based’ religion and the ‘overstepping arrogance’ of some scientists, appealing for a new alliance of believers and sceptics for the good of humanity. For the sake of our children and their children it is imperative we build the stable families and communities essential to political, economic and environmental sustainability. Religious people have no monopoly on morality, contrary to the views of a minority of religious zealots. Rather, through the humility essential to their vision, people of faith should be ready partners with people of goodwill of all faiths or none—in building a healthier world. The Great Partnership is a deep book, passionate, detailed and yet returning from different routes to the simple and compelling thesis of its title. It is eloquent about what society loses when it turns its back on God: the sense of human dignity, a strategy for the common good, the morality of obligation and responsibility, respect for marriage and parenthood and something of the meaningfulness of life. We meet at 7 am in the Fellowship Area and wrap up by 8:30 am. Calendar Volume 35 Number 4 Wednesday, April 1 HOLY WEEK 9:00 am Quilting & More, Room 403 7:00 pm Troop #194 Committee, 208 7:30 pm Holy Cross Choir Rehearsal Tuesday, April 21 6:30 am Men’s Breakfast @ The Liberty 9:30 am Women’s Discussion Group, Fellowship Area 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 Thursday, April 2 Maundy Thursday 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Worship & First Communion Friday, April 3 Good Friday 9:00 am Good Friday Special Feed My Starving Children Pack 7:30 pm Good Friday Worship Service Saturday, April 4 9:00 am Easter Breakfast Set Up 5:30 pm First Saturday Worship/ Easter Vigil Service 15 April 2015 9:45 am 11 am 6:30 pm 7:00 pm Sunday/Funday School Amann Baptism HS Youth Group, Off-site Private Concert, Sanctuary Monday, April 13 3:00 pm Conversational German, Room 208 6:00 pm Pilates, Celebration! Atrium Sunday, April 5 Easter Sunday 7:00 pm Common Threads, Room 208 8, 9:30 & 11:00 am Worship with Holy Communion 7:00 pm BSA Troop #194, Room 402 8:30 am Easter Breakfast Tuesday, April 14 9:00 am Fair Trade Products Sold 6:30 am Men’s Breakfast @ the Liberty NO Sunday/Funday School 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 11:00 am Johnson Baptism 6:30 pm BSA Leaders Meetings, 12:00 pm Johnson Reception Main Floor Monday, April 6 3:00 pm Bible Study Group, Room 208 Wednesday, April 15 9:00 am Quilting & More, Room 404 5:30 pm Willow House 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 6:00 pm Pilates, Celebration! Atrium 7:00 pm Men’s Softball Meeting, Fellowship Area Tuesday, April 7 7:30 pm Holy Cross Choir Rehearsal 6:30 am Men’s Breakfast @ Liberty 9:30 am Women’s Discussion Group, Thursday, April 16 Fellowship Area 10:00 am ECM Marketing 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 7:00 pm Church Council, 7:00 pm Call Committee, Room 208 Fellowship Area 7:00 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, April 8 7:00 pm Diakonia, Room 208 9:00 am Quilting & More Group, 404 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 Friday, April 17 7:30 pm Holy Cross Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Troop #194 Lock-in, Basement, Room 402 Thursday, April 9 7:00pm ECM Board, Room 207 7:00 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal, 402 Saturday, April 18 Sunday, April 19 7:00 pm Diakonia, Room 208 8, 9:30 & 11 am Worship w/ Holy Communion Friday, April 10 9:45 am Sunday/Funday School Saturday, April 11 4:00 pm Parents of Children with 7:00 am Men’s Discussion Group, Special Needs, Room 208 Fellowship Area 7:00 pm Troop #194 Court of Honor, 7:00 am Women’s Lectionary, Rm 208 Basement, Room 402 8:00 am Red Rose Choir, Room 402 Monday, April 20 Sunday, April 12 3:00 pm Monday Bible Study, Rm. 208 8 am Worship with Communion9:30 6:00 pm Pilates, Celebration! Atrium 9:30 & 11 Contemporary Worship 7:00 pm BSA Troop #194 with Communion 9:30 am Lyon Baptism (cont.) Wednesday, April 22 9:00 am Quilting & More Group 12:00 pm Feed My Starving Children 3:30 pm Red Rose Choir, 402 & 404 7:30 pm Holy Cross Choir Rehearsal Thursday, April 23 9:30 am Newsletter Assembly 7:00 pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Diakonia, Room 208 Friday, April 24 Saturday, April 25 7:00 am Women’s Lectionary, Room 208 7:00 am Men’s Discussion Group, Fellowship Area 7:00 am BSA Woodbadge Staff Develop., Basement Room 402 8:30 am New Member Breakfast 7:00 pm Chicago Q String Ensemble, David Adler Cultural Center Concert, Sanctuary Sunday, April 26 PADS donations Due 8, 9:30 & 11 am Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:30 am Reception of New Members 9:45 am Sunday/Funday School 10:30 am 7th Gr. Girls Pack Pads Lunches, Kitchen 2:00 pm 6th Grade Girls help with Winchester House Worship 2:30 pm Winchester House Worship Monday, April 27 PADS donations Due 3:00 pm Conversational German, 208 6:00 pm Pilates, Celebration! Atrium 7:00 pm BSA Troop #194 Tuesday, April 28 6:30 am Men’s Breakfast @ Liberty 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 7:00 pm Book Club at Felicia Brandt’s, 720 Meadow Lane, Libertyville Wednesday, April 29 9:00 am Quilting & More, Room 404 3:30 pm Red Rose Choirs, 402 & 404 7:30 pm Holy Cross Choir Rehearsal Thursday, April 30 9:30 am Free Spirits, China & Antiques 7:00 pm Diakonia, Room 208 Help Wanted! • Newsletter Assembly Seeking volunteers to help assemble the May newsletter on Thursday, April 23 at 9:30 am. Volume 35 Number 4 HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH 29700 N. St. Mary’s Road P.O. Box 726 Libertyville, IL 60048 Postmaster: Request in home by APRIL 1 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 14 Libertyville, IL 60048 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED If you would like to receive a paper copy of our monthly newsletter mailed to your residence or place of business please contact the church office. Call: (847) 367-4060 Email: [email protected] You may also view the current newsletter online at: www.holycrosschurch.org -find the newsletter option on the home page- Around the Cross Concert Series Current Events SAVE-THE-DATE April 2015 2 3 4 5 15 26 Maundy Thursday Good Friday First Saturday/Easter Vigil Easter Sunday/Easter Breakfast Men’s Softball Kick-off Meeting Reception of New Members May 2015 2 2 First Saturday Worship Youth Fundraiser/Silent Auction Around the Cross Concerts: 5 Thomas Herzer, Organist 17 Bluegrass Mass
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