Post on 13-Jul-2020
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Holy Cross Lutheran Church
“Sharing the
Ointment for Jesus’
Feet, Giving God
our Very Best” Cf. John 12:3
Our mission statement:
Celebrating God’s love
by worshipping God,
caring for each other,
and serving in community.
Vol. 24
No. 1
January 2018
CHRISTmas comes but once a year! I can already hear the
cynical saying, “And thank God for that!” But as a friendly pastoral predic-
tion, I think that in the near future, December 25th will only come once a
year but it will last all year long. Wouldn’t daily CHRISTmas be wonderful?
The songs and carols of the season are beautiful, and now I am
pleased to hear them in stores before Halloween. Wal-Mart got their first
CHRISTmas aisle set up this year at the beginning of September. I pushed
all the toy buttons on the aisle to get the CHRISTmas carols going. It was
so hot that day, and it actually made me feel cooler.
One thing that bothers me is the amount of people who can’t wait
for the 26th so they can get their CHRISTmas tree out into the garbage.
Of course that’s probably wise, in case the tree is totally dried out, since it
was purchased the Monday before Thanksgiving when the first tree ship-
ments came into town. Clearly a post-modern CHRISTmas has shifted the
original 12 days of CHRISTmas around. The Twelve Days of CHRISTmas
traditionally took us up to January 6th, Epiphany.
The Lindsborg Swedes always liked to keep the party going a little
longer. So we celebrated Tjugondag jul (Twentieth Day Yule). January 13th
is St. Knut’s Day (also spelled Canute). The candy decorations on the tree
are eaten while the tree is dismantled and taken down.
BERGY’S BABBLE: “PERPETUAL CHRISTMAS”
… /// ...
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… /// … Bergy’s Babble — “Perpetual CHRISTmas”
Then everyone brings their bare CHRISTmas tree down to a huge pile on
the sandbank of the Smoky Hill River just under the Old Mill dam. Occa-
sionally I was called upon to bring my French Horn and play some kind of
fanfare for King Knut when he strode in with a large torch to start the bon-
fire blazing with flames as high as the railroad bridge. I always had to im-
provise something with open valves on my horn because all the valves
would freeze open on that wintry night.
But actually, I like to enjoy the CHRISTmas tree until at least Val-
entine’s Day. By that time, Candy is asking me to please take the tree out
under the cover of darkness so the neighbors don’t think we’re nuts. I say,
“Why hide the truth?” CHRISTmas is now a distant memory to the neigh-
bors, and I’m still celebrating.
After all, we just did the whole department store, from-the-1st-of-September
-until-December-24th-thing, which according to my count is almost 4
months. What’s the problem? Between me and the department stores we’ve
already got six months of the year covered with CHRISTmas. I call that
better, not worse.
Toss in Lent and Easter and it brings us up to 8 solid CHRIST-
related months invoking CHRIST. Even popular culture, and secular
society have taken up the CHRIST banner inadvertently, simply through the
invocation of his name. Like they say, “Any advertising is good advertis-
ing.”
It would save a lot of confusion if we would just celebrate CHRIST-
mas everyday. Perpetual CHRISTmas would keep us focused on carrying
the CHRISTchild through our bodies into the world on a daily basis.
A heartful of happiness and love to you and yours in these Holy
Days of CHRISTmas!!!!
See you in worship …………..……… BERGY
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… /// ...
MINUTES FOR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 2017
The November 2017 Church Council meeting was called to order by
President Warren Schick on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 2:00
p.m. Pastor Berggren opened the meeting with a prayer.
In attendance were: Pastor Jim Berggren, Pastor Jhon Jairo Arroya-
ve, Warren Schick, Bettie Baring, Jay Byerly, Deacon Karen Da-
vidson, David Garwick, Julie Kilkenny, Wendy Lambeth, Bettye
Raschke, Wayne Schaper and Fredda Yurk.
The minutes from the October Council meeting were submitted by
Julie Kilkenny, unanimously approved and will be submitted to
Crossties and the website for publication.
The Treasurer’s report was presented by Wayne Schaper. Collections
for the month of October were $26,126, which was $18,924 less than
the previous month; year to date collections for October 2017 were
$6,522 less than 2016. Mr. Schaper estimates that collections for
2017 will be $430,000-$440,000. Expenses for the month of October
2017 were $34,700; year to date expenses were $86,954 more than
collections. Expenditures are at 78% of the 2017 annual budget; nor-
mally they would be at 83%, so Mr. Schaper emphasized that the
church is in good shape financially. The checking account balance at
10/31/17 was $151,534, not including restricted funds. The Endow-
ment Committee has $910 interest available for disbursement. The
Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved as presented.
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Pastoral Staff Reports:
Pastor Berggren began with a passionate speech, addr essing r u-
mors that have been circulating within the congregation. He pointed
out that negative speculation takes away from the many ministries of
Holy Cross, which in addition to the “ usual” worship centered
ministries, include:
Cross cultural ministry, which includes providing Spanish ser-
vices.
A successful Early Learning Center (toddler and Preschool clas-
ses), which is in such demand that there is usually a waiting list
to get in.
Feeding of the community and participating with neighborhood
churches in the Spring Branch Food Pantry, which is located on
the Holy Cross campus. HCLC contributes utilities and insurance
toward the Pantry. More than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals will be
distributed this year through the efforts of the Food Pantry and its
partners. Holy Cross also regularly distributes food to families
through Adult Protective Services.
Providing a meeting place for outside groups, as well as parish-
ioners. School of the Woods uses the gym on a regular basis,
Holy Cross hosts graduation ceremonies for area schools, and
there is an AA group that has regular meetings at the church.
WELCA’s Rummage Sale is a ministry to the neighborhood, and
the proceeds help fund various ministries of Holy Cross.
Counseling and ministerial one-on-one meetings with those in
need.
Provide stewardship in the neighborhood, including offering a
place for the Houston Mennonite Church’s Quilt Festival and
Hillshire Village’s garage sale.
Council urged him to bring these points up to the entire congrega-
tion, perhaps at the December meeting. … /// ...
… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017
5
Deacon Karen Davidson r epor ted on her activit ies for the month.
This month she and Pastor Berggren conducted the memorial and
burial service for Doris Ann Drosche at Forest Park Lawndale. She
continues her regular hospital visits and prayers, phone calls and vis-
its for HCLC members and friends, as well as preparation of the
PowerPoint presentation for the early worship service.
Pastor Jhon Jairo Arroyave r epor ted that things ar e going well
with the mowing and maintenance of the Telge property by members
of the Spanish congregation. He also praised the participation by
members of the Spanish congregation in providing bags of food for
the Thanksgiving Food Pantry drive.
Old Business and Committee Reports:
Warren Schick gave an update on Building and Grounds activities.
He reported that talks fell through with the furniture maker to
salvage the wood from the fallen oak tree on the Telge property, so
he will get someone to haul off the tree. Other pending business
includes pulling up the carpet in the Youth Room and removal of the
magnolia trees near the Atrium entrance.
Work continues on the HCLC Constitution and Bylaws update.
Warren Schick and Calvin Remmert have finished their preliminary
work and have turned it over to John Stokes for his review.
Council approved (via email) Warren Schick’s draft of the revised
HCLC Memorial Service/Reception policy.
Bettie Baring reported on WELCA activities. It is fundraising time
for the Krause Children’s Center in Katy. WELCA will also help
again with the Westside Homeless Project; in December there will be
a Christmas tree set up in the gym with gift requests.
… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017
… /// ...
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… /// ...
The WELCA annual meeting, December 2nd at 10am, will include
discussion of the budget, as well as preparation of Christmas cards
for shut-ins.
Council approved Ms. Baring’s request for space on the church cam-
pus to store items (not furniture) in advance of the Rummage Sale.
There was no new information from the Spanish Ministry Team.
Mr. Schaper presented a revised draft of the budget. After further
discussion, Council voted to approve the budget and present it to the
congregation for approval at the December 3 rd meeting.
New Business:
Warren Schick reported that his discussions with the church organist
cleared up any misunderstandings of details in her contract from
2012. She signed an updated contract, and Mr. Schick noted that the
contract should be reviewed regularly, to adjust for salary changes,
changes in work responsibilities, etc.
Wayne Schaper noted that the Coca Cola machine in the Annex is
leaking and is really not utilized. Since HCLC pays an annual rental
fee and must buy the sodas from the company, Council approved re-
moval of the machine. Mr. Schaper will call the company to have it
removed.
Pastor Berggren reported that the Spring Valley Police came by the
church recently, in the wake of recent violence at churches, to dis-
cuss security measures.
Bettye Raschke voiced her concerns about children playing on the
stairs in the gym and outside the upstairs classrooms and possibly
getting hurt.
… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017
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She proposed finding ways to discourage kids from going on the
stairs during events such as the Quilt Festival, Rummage Sale and
other functions that are open to the public and would include people
not familiar with Holy Cross. Council discussed the possibility of
putting up velvet ropes and warning signs.
The next Council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 13, 2017
at 2:00 p.m.
The Congregational Meeting, Part 1 will be on Sunday, December 3,
2017 immediately following the 9:30a.m.service.
Upon motion to adjourn, the meeting was closed with the Lord’s
Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Kilkenny
… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017
COUNCIL MEETING
Next Council Meeting will be Wednesday, January 17th, 2017
at 2:00 p.m. in the Annex.
Church Council
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… /// ...
COMMENTS
TELGE PROPERTY COMMITTEE
This morning I would like to take a few minutes to bring all of you up to
date regarding a committee that was created back in June, 2017, with the
approval of Holy Cross Lutheran Church Council. The name of the Com-
mittee is referred to as The Telge Property Committee.
WHAT IS THE TELGE PROPERTY: It is the “Park” or the property
located west of the Family Life Center and takes in part of our west parking
lot, our storage area and continues on to Glourie Street. It is approximately
1.95 acres in size and is located entirely within Hilshire Village.
IS THE TELGE PROPERTY OWNED BY HOLY CROSS: I br ing
this up only because of various misconceptions I have been made aware of.
Without question Holy Cross Lutheran Church is the owner of the Telge
property in fee simple ownership and as such has complete control over the
property.
WHY WAS THE COMMITTEE FORMED: For the past several years
as a member of the Church Council, I have contributed to the Annual
Report of the Church as it relates to Buildings and Grounds. In those
reports some of the major issues we face have been mentioned such as: our
parking lot needs repair; the Sanctuary roof has leaked and has created ceil-
ing damage within the Sanctuary; the Family Life Center roof continues to
leak during heavy rains and I can go on and on. It is not that we don’t have
money — we just don’t have money on hand to take care of some of the
more pressing issues if they get worse.
In addition, what about an effort to “Grow” this congregation by taking on
an additional ministry; but how can we accomplish that when we don’t have
the necessary funding? That is just a thought and certainly a thought for
another day?
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As a result, the Committee was formed to look into what we could do
regarding the Telge Property if the church chose to do something.
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE: Mike Appling,
Pastor Jim Berggren, Mark Kilkenny, Hans Sunder and Sharon Wagner.
Mark Kilkenny serves as the Committee Chairman.
WHAT HAS THE COMMITTEE DONE TO DATE: They have met
on several occasions and have come up with some possibilities as follows:
1. Obviously, we can do nothing;
2. We can investigate using the land as collateral for a loan to be used
specifically for capital improvements or maintenance;
3. We can sell all of the tract knowing we would lose some of our current
parking and new storage area;
4. We can sell portion of the tract, retaining an area for parking & storage,
that could give a developer and/or builder enough of the remaining acre-
age to have 4-5 lots per the Hilshire Village zoning code.
In addition, the committee has looked into current real state trends in the
area and have talked, on a very general basis, with appropriate government
officials, developers, and builders. Furthermore, when the committee was
established, I requested that they develop a diligent and fiscally responsible
proposal concerning what to do with the Telge Property. I am confident
that the committee will recommend what is best for Holy Cross at this point
in time.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE: Per our cur rent By-Laws, once
the committee comes up with their recommendation, it will be presented to
church council for discussion and approval. Assuming the Council approves
the recommendation.
… /// ...
…///… Comments Telge Property Committee
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It will be presented to the congregation for approval. The congregational
voting shall be by ballot and, if it involves the selling of the property in part
or in total, 50% of those voting must approve the recommendation.
If the recommendation is to use the land as collateral for a loan and it
involves incurring debt in the amount of $100,000 or more, two-thirds of
those voting for the proposal must approve the recommendation.
If the committee’s recommendation is to do nothing, the congregation will
be advised of that fact and the reasons for it. There will be no reason to vote
on this type of recommendation.
In conclusion, I want to assure all of you that you will be advised of the
direction this process is going and that there will be no surprises. What
eventually happens is not going to happen overnight. It will probably take
months if not a few years for the result to happen. Remember, anything that
is done regarding the Telge Property has to be approved by you, the congre-
gation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It is your decision and no one elses.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?
Warren Schick
Church Council President
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The Friendship Club will be having a Movie Night on Saturday, January 20,
2018. Bring your favorite covered dish for potluck supper to be served at
5:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Nancy Beamesderfer
…///… Comments Telge Property Committee
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THREE KINGS BABY SHOWER
JANUARY 7, 2018
It is a tradition in several Central & South American countries to celebrate
Christ’s birth on Three Kings Day, which is when the Kings brought their
gifts to the baby Jesus. Holy Cross is celebrating with a Baby Shower!
Casa Juan Diego is a place for expectant mothers that are new to the country
and need help.
We will place gifts for the newborns (diapers, formula, clothes, etc.) at the
Altar on Three Kings Day on Sunday, January 7, 2018.
Let’s help God’s newest children get a good start in life!
Julie Kilkenny & Wendy Lambeth
UPCYCLED CRAFTY LADIES
We would like to thank the congregation for their continued support of our
mission. This season we’ve raised over $800! We’ve used portions of this
money for church beautification projects and purchased a professional grade
leaf blower for Holy Cross.
We couldn’t have done this without your donations and your purchases. At
this time we’re gearing up for the Holy Cross Springfest Arts Market on
March 24. We look forward to seeing you there and would love you to be a
part in preparing for this. We love your donations and would love you to
join us at our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday at 2 pm.
Wendy Lambeth, Barbara Neumann and Cathy Elijah
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FOOD PANTRY
This was the biggest year ever for the Thanksgiving Distribution.
We served over 1,000 families.
Fifteen Churches, Schools and Organizations
supported the Meal in a Bag (2,100 bags collected)
CATEGORY CALENDAR
YEAR 2002
CALENDAR
YEAR 2016
PERCENT INCREASE
Number of zip codes served 3 6 100%
Number of sponsor organizations 7 17 143%
Number times Pantry open p/week 3 5 67%
Total number of families served 3,084 8,242 167%
Total number of individuals served 12,284 28,239 130%
THANKSGIVING
MEALS SERVED
Number of families 248 872 252%
Number of individuals 1,446 3,824 164%
Number of volunteers 64 125 95%
The Food Pantry has continued to improve over the years … see below:
Mary White
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If your name is not listed or if this is incorrect information
please contact Ann Larson so that the list can be corrected.
Ann Larson (713) 957-0972 email: larson.berg@yahoo.com
Holy Cross members celebrating birthdays this month:
07 Helen Jacob
Debra Moore
08 Maureen Fredrickson
Chris Abrego
09 Francisco Araiza
12 Logan Crick
13 Brenda Duarte
14 Jan Walker
15 Bruce Elijah
16 Brent Baumann
Susan Clark
Edwin Pineda
20 Julia Linn
23 Kris Drosche
William Allcorn
Fred Gardner
24 Charles Pustejovsky, Sr.
Clarice Gross
Megan Schomburg
25 Jack Wolf
26 Cathy Elijah
28 Rowdy Todd
29 Jadher Abad
30 Wayne Schaper, Sr.
Juan Araiza
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From Haiti to Houston
Greetings friends:
This past year and a half I have been in Haiti has been one of growth,
stretching and faith. God has poured His love into me in so many ways.
He promised to be with me every step of this journey, and He has. I have
seen His transformation in Haitians and Americans. I've seen people come
to know Christ and people get closer to Him. I've felt His presence in in-
credible ways.
Mission of Hope exists to bring His transformation to every man, woman
and child in Haiti. This is done through many ways. Gospel centered local
churches, Christ centered education, nutrition programs, healthcare, mobi-
lizing medical teams and so much more. And with all this I get to see how
God's work is being done all over Haiti.
I am so very thankful for everyone who has been on this journey with me,
financially and prayerfully.
As you read this I will have returned to Haiti after receiving a Christmas
furlough to spend Christmas in Houston with family and friends. It was a
most wonderful time to reunite with everyone and to be relieved of having
to make so many decisions concerning the necessary work in Haiti. Please
keep remembering the work that is ongoing here and the many people who
come to help as well as the staff as they begin another year.
My prayer is that you too were able to celebrate afresh the news of Christ's
birth and it filled your heart with joy.
Much love,
Lauren
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TO ALL GROUP LEADERS
2018 CALENDAR REQUEST FORMS
Once again, you are kindly reminded that
you must fill out a Calendar Request Form to schedule your meetings/events in 2018
on the forms located on the table in the Atrium.
Anything not written on the calendar
may lead to a conflict in scheduling.
This applies to each and every group that meets and uses the church
facilities, and if any church related group or circle meets at homes
and would like to be scheduled on the church calendar.
For instance, if you meet the “second Tuesday of each month,”
that information needs to be written on the calendar each month.
Your meetings/events will be announced in the Sunday News,
Crossties Calendar and on the Church website.
In advance, I thank you very much and wish you
a very Happy New Year!
Sussy Terry
Church Office
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DATE
1st READING
PSALM
2nd READING
GOSPEL
1/07/2018
Genesis
1:1-5
29
Acts
19:1-7
Mark
1:4-11
1/14/2018
1 Samuel
3:1-10
139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians
6:12-20
John
1:43-51
1/21/2018
Jonah
3:1-5, 10
62:5-12
1 Corinthians
7:29-31
Mark
1:14-20
1/28/2018
Deuteronomy
18:15-20
111
1 Corinthians
8:1-13
Mark
1:21-28
READINGS, PSALMS & GOSPEL
JANUARY 2018
I would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, calls,
cards, and well wishes during my surgery and recovery.
Your caring and thoughtfulness are appreciated.
Blessings,
Caroline Irvin
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R E M E M B E R I N P R A Y E R
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
NOVEMBER 2017
English Saturday & Sunday services: 79
Spanish Sunday services: 77
The homebound, disabled,
long-term ill, and prolonged recovering.
If you are not receiving HCLC Prayer
Request emails and would like to,
please contact Renee Allcorn at
allcornr@swbell.net
or (713) 254-8638 Note that Prayer Request emails
are sent out daily, so if you are on the
email list and did not receive any email,
please contact Renee.
TREASURER’S REPORT
If you have any questions call
Wayne Schaper, Sr. at (713) 465-5206.
NOVEMBER 2017
Receipts $ 40,469.00
Expenses 37,143.51
Balance < $ 3,325.49 >
Operational receipts
year to date received ……….. $ 343,128.20
Expenditures year to date ……. 426,756.91
Balance < $ 83,628.71 >
You may sign up for Altar Flowers
in the Narthex.
Suggested donation is $50.00
and $12.00 for a rose.
CHURCH OFFICE
HOURS
Monday—Thursday
8:30 am—4:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am—2:30 pm
HOLY CROSS
Lutheran Church
E-MAIL address:
hclc@holycross.us
Ed Cooper
Betty Firth
Betty Morris
Doris Pannell
Elaine Snell
Rosie Stork
Doris Wahlberg
Mirna Domínguez
Jeanette Dukleth
Nanette Luker
David Neidhart
Chester Sledge
Ursula Thurley
Chris Wignes
Sharon Wagner
Building Rental : $ 20,000.00
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TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS
100 Church Office
101 Sussy Terry
103 Rev. Jim Berggren Senior Pastor
104 Rev. Jhon J. Arroyave Hispanic Pastor
105 Karen Davidson Deacon
107 Financial Office
108 Stephen Ministry Office
109 Family Life Center
111 Volunteer Office
Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spring Branch
A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
7901 Westview Dr. Houston, Texas 77055
Tel. (713) 686-8253 Fax (713) 686-9095
E-mail: hclc@holycross.us
Website: www.holycross.us
“Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a community of Christians
gathered by God’s grace and reaching out through God’s love.”
YOUR CHURCH STAFF
† Rev. Jim Berggren — Senior Pastor Email : jlberggren@holycross.us
† Rev. Jhon Jairo Arroyave — Hispanic Pastor Email : jhonyave@holycross.us
† Karen Davidson — Deacon Email : aimked@gmail.com
† Sussy Terry — Office Manager Email : hclc@holycross.us
WORSHIP MUSICIANS
Cathy Elijah Music Director / Organist
Jo Ann Meeker Pianist
Ann Crick Pianist
EARLY LEARNING CENTER
ELC (713) 461-5535
OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION
Warren Schick President
Bettye Raschke Vice-President
Julie Kilkenny Secretary
Wayne Schaper, Sr. Treasurer
SATURDAY INFORMAL SERVICE
6:00 p.m. — Atrium
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
English Service : 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School : 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Spanish Service: 11:00 a.m.
Estudio Bíblico y Escuela Dominical
12:00 noon
Office Manager & Events Coordinator