CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold Road, South Lyon, MI 48178

248-437-8810Fax: 248-437-7708

www.crossofchristlutheran.org Email: cross-christ@att.net Like us on FACEBOOK at: www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

S U M M E R , 2 0 1 8

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

Holy Communion is celebrated on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month.Sunday School classes held during the school year.

Sunday School: 10 a.m. – 3 years old through fifth grade Adult Bible Study: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

Youth Bible Study: 10 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Dear Beloved Members and Friends,

The Twenty-Third Psalm is a favorite to many because it brings comfort and peace. The Holy Spirit can work through Psalm 23 to give peace and comfort to you. This Psalm is beloved by many and has been set to music over the years. At least three hymns in our Lutheran Service Book have Psalm 23 as a Biblical reference. Many Jews and Christians have memorized it. You may have memorized Psalm 23. It is often used at funeral services. I have used Psalm 23 as an Old Testament lesson and sermon text at many funerals and memorial services I have conducted.

The author David, who was a shepherd, conveys the image of God as his personal Shepherd. A shepherd is one who cares for you, is concerned about you and considers your needs. The Lord was this for King David. The Lord is this for us too. The Lord is your Shepherd. Our Shepherd is the God whom you can trust completely and in whom you can put your hopes. You can trust in the Lord your Shepherd to keep the promises He makes in the Bible.

Our Shepherd is tangible, touchable, and true. God is comforting, consoling and committed to you. But as mighty and powerful as the Lord is, He is our Shepherd who touches with His hands of love and mercy the downtrodden, downcast, and disheartened – that is us. Jesus touches you with His healing hands and anoints you with oil when you are sick or injured.

Your Shepherd leads you on paths of righteousness with His guiding hands. When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death the Lord comforts you with His rod and His staff that He holds in His hands. The Lord prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies with His hands. The Lord is preparing a place for you in His house in heaven with His hands.

PASTOR’S LETTER continued:

David knew Him intimately and desired to spend many moments with his Shepherd – God. That is why David wrote, “I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 122:1) We can be glad when fellow believers say to us, ‘”let us go to church.” We can be glad to go to the Lord’s house to hear His Word and to worship Him on Sunday mornings. We confess our sins to our Shepherd, and we receive His forgiveness. The Lord restores to us the joy of His salvation. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Jesus saved us from our sins by His sinless life, death, and resurrection. Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name under heaven given to people by whom we are saved. Your Shepherd gives you physical and spiritual healing. The Lord gives you spiritual healing, the forgiveness of your sins, and restores your soul.

“The Lord is my Shepherd” is our proclamation every day of our lives. The Lord is your Shepherd who cares for the sheep because you need caring. When the Shepherd leads the sheep to relax, it will be willing to lie down. Our Lord wants us to rest and enjoy His peace. Jesus invites you “come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

Come to the Lord with the burden of your sins by confessing them to Him. Our Shepherd gives you the rest of forgiveness of your sins. He leads you in green pastures of rich nourishment for your life and leads you beside still waters of peace and serenity. A sheep will not drink if the water is not still. Our Lord wants you to experience this deep peace in your soul, in your heart, and in your home.

May our Lord and Shepherd bless you and your family this summer and always! Sincerely Yours in Christ,Pastor Terry Nelson

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held during our worship service for children three years old through fifth grade during the school year. YFC BIBLE STUDY for grades 6-12 is held at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month during the school year.

THANK YOU to all of our Sunday School teachers for their dedication to teaching the Word of God to our children: Rob & Diana Hindley, Becky Kreipke (Superintendent), Carrie McShane, Kindsey Nelson, Rae Nims, Lisa Sterling, and Lynda Whitcher. We thank Dom Eldridge for his faithful teaching of God’s Word to our Youth! Thank you also to Jeff Kreipke for his representation on the Church Council.

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

CONFIRMATION

On Sunday, May 13, Elena Wood was confirmed in the Lutheran Christian faith. She confessed her faith in God and promised her faithfulness to Him. May God abundantly bless Elena and the Wood family!

Confirmation instruction for 7th and 8th graders will start up again in September. A parents’ meeting will be held at the end of August.CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Our preschool provides a Christian, play-based program for three and four year olds with age-appropriate academics and kindergarten readiness. Three year olds have the option of a morning or afternoon class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Four year olds will meet Monday, Wednesday, and (optional) Friday – morning and afternoon sessions. There are openings in the afternoon four year old classes and both morning and afternoon three year old classes. Registration for fall classes will continue through the summer. Call the church/preschool office at 248-437-0871 to get more information or to register.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLJULY 30 – AUGUST 3, 2018

Children going into Kindergarten, or 5 by December 1st, through going into Sixth grade are invited to register for Cross of Christ’s summer Vacation Bible School, which will be held July 30 – August 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. A Registration form is available on our website, at church, and with this newsletter. A $15 materials fee is due at the time of registration. We are looking for volunteers to help escort children from one station to another. Contact Chris if you can help. The $15 fee is waived for the children of those adults who help out VBS week. This year’s theme is “Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus.” The children will learn:

When you’re lonely . . . . . .Jesus rescues!When you worry . . . . . . . Jesus rescues!When you struggle . . . . . .Jesus rescues!When you do wrong . . . . .Jesus rescues!When you’re powerless . . Jesus rescues!

Many helpers will be needed to provide this outreach. Contact Chris at cross-christ@att.net or fill out the “Help Form.”

A REGISTRATION FORM and HELPER form are included at the end of this newsletter.

DONATIONS to the VBS Fund to cover expenses are greatly appreciated!

2018 ALTAR

FLOWERS - - Sign Up Needed

Sign up for those important dates in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. or in memory of loved ones. Vases are available for $30 each and may be taken home after worship. Two vases are available each Sunday. (You do not need to sign up for both.) Checks are made out to “Cross of Christ” – designated “Altar Flowers” and placed in the offering plate. Special envelopes are also provided near the sign-up chart. Sign up is especially needed for the summer months.

All are invited . . .

LUNCHEON – JULY 22 – After WorshipMark your calendars & plan to attend!

Menu: Lasagna, salad, bread and dessertsHosted by the Board of Evangelism/StewardshipHELP NEEDED

▪ More USHERS are needed. Our ushers serve every third or fourth week on a team of three or four. The more who participate, the less often they need to serve. If you can help out, email the office or speak with Pastor Nelson.

▪ More help will also be needed this summer for grass cutting. If you’d like to try it out this summer, speak with one of our Trustees.

FUNERAL LUNCHES

THANK YOU to all who provided food and helped at recent funerals. Thank you to Annie Nichols and Louise Rucker for organizing the lunches. Thank you also to all who help set up and clean up. If you would like to be added to our Funeral Luncheon Helper List, contact Annie Nichols at 248-437-9599 or annie5cents@yahoo.com or the church office. Not all on our Helper List will be called for each funeral. The number of guests at a luncheon determines how many helpers and dishes are needed. Many hands make light work.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

BAPTISM:

Jillian Joi HudsonChild of Joel & Samantha Hudson

May 6, 2018

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring a FOOD DRIVE for Active Faith during the month of June. A Thrivent Financial Action Team is helping with this drive and contributing $250 to provide non-perishable food items.

JUNE COLLECTION:

Following are the items most needed:

Oatmeal Cereal Crackers Toilet PaperPersonal Hygiene Products: toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.Feminine Hygiene

Items will be delivered Thursday, June 21. Those attending will take a tour of the facility. All are welcome!

The next Women’s Fellowship meeting will be held in the church conference room on June 7 th at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow at a nearby restaurant. Any questions, contact Patty Wadkins at (248-446-9016) pnwadkins@gmail.com or Lynda Whitcher at (313-719-9601) lynda575@att.net.

Continue to fill your Mite boxes. Our offerings are sent to LCMS approved organizations, making a difference throughout the world. Boxes are available on the entryway table.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS:Thank you for choosing Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or Preschool as your designation for choice dollars! If you have Thrivent products and would like to designate dollars, go to:

Thrivent.com/thriventchoiceLearn more about Thrivent products by calling our congregation’s representative,

Brian Bower, at: Brian.Bower@thrivent.com; or call 734-531-8423.

COINS FOR CROSS OF CHRIST

Dream Catchers Save your “spare” change for Cross of Christ ministry in our Dream Catcher containers. Take home a labeled can, available on the entryway table. Change will go to the Mercy Fund.MEMORIALS

+ + In memory of Bob Walrath, gifts have been given by Denny & Ann Arbenowske, Debbie Hoover, Ray & Kim Kahowski, Kim Elsesser & Family, Bob & Donna Yambasky, Jim Henri & Family, Bob & Nancy Mullins, Gary & Bonnie Moore, Frances & Beulah Bartus, and Chip & Irene Sliwinski.

+ + In memory of Sophia Wolff, a gift has been given to the General Fund by Carole Bedard.

+ + In memory of Robert Walrath, a gift has been given to the General Fund by Carol Walrath.

+ + Thank you to Milton & Mickey Heidt for providing the Mother’s Day Carnations in celebration of mothers and in memory of Mickey’s son, Keith R. Segrest.

A R E A N E W S

PAROCHIAL LCMSSCHOOL REGISTRATIONS

Our Savior Lutheran School in Hartland is registering for the 2018-19 school year. Call 248-887-4300 or go to:

www.oursaviorhartland.org.to get information about their tuition-free school. Students excel in top-tier achievement testing and are taught Biblical world views in a small class size setting.

St. Paul Lutheran School, Northville, is registering for the 2018-19 school year.Call (248) 349-3146, or visit the school website at: www.stpaulnorthville.org.St. Paul offers member tuition rates for all LCMS sister congregation members.

Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School provides an accredited, Christian education to students in preschool through eighth grade. SOTL is located at 2101 S. Hacker Rd., Brighton, MI 48114. Visit sotlschool.com for more information. 

St. Matthew Lutheran School, 2040 S. Commerce, Walled Lake, 48390; Phone: (248) 624-7677St. Matthew also offers member tuition rates to sister LCMS congregations.

EMAIL ADDRESSES & FACEBOOK

If you’d like to be added to our email list, contact cross-christ@att.net. If you’d prefer to receive the newsletter via email, please indicate that. To check out upcoming events, go to our web site: www.crossofchristlutheran.org. The monthly calendar and newsletter are available each month online. Like us on FACEBOOK at: www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

Living as Pilgrims

Our society tells us to live for today. The words from a poster “Forget about the PAST; Don’t worry about the FUTURE; Live TODAY!” captures our society’s encouragement to live for the moment with gusto because there is no tomorrow. In contrast, we, as God’s people, are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective. The Apostle Paul encourages us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). We are told that God “has put eternity into [our] hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Through faith, we live our lives knowing that heaven is our true home. According to the writer of Hebrews, we are aliens and strangers on this earth (11:13). In Philippians 3:20, Paul tells us that we are citizens of heaven not earth.

In order for us to be citizens of heaven, aliens, strangers and pilgrims on this earth, we can’t allow the accumulation of things to distract us from our relationship with Jesus. As God’s people, we can have and enjoy comfortable homes and cars, but we need to be careful that we don’t become too attached to the blessings God gives us. We are to possess our possessions rather than let our possessions possess us. We must be on guard not to let anything demand so much of our time, energy, and money that the relationships we have with the Lord will suffer.

The words of Martin Luther encourage us not to become attached to the things of this world. Therefore we must use all these things upon earth in no other way than as a guest who travels through the land and comes to a hotel where he must lodge overnight. He takes only food and lodging from the host, and he says not that the property of the host belongs to him. Just so should we also treat our temporal possessions, as if they were not ours, and enjoy only so much of them as we need to nourish the body and then help our neighbors with the balance. Thus the life of the Christian is only a lodging for the night, since we have here no continuing city, but must journey on to heaven, where the Father is.

With the same indifference to material things, Jesus sent out the 72 disciples into the harvest field (Luke 10:1-12). In their journey, they sort of resembled pilgrims. For pilgrims, material possessions are valuable only as they help their mission. A pilgrim will not want to carry a lot of things around because they would slow him down. A pilgrim chooses possessions rather carefully so as to be able to travel lightly. If he foolishly accumulates things, he will find it more difficult to reach his destination. With God’s help, we can put our trust in the Lord and not in our possessions, and we can live as pilgrims here on earth, ever looking forward to the eternity God has placed in our hearts.

In Christ, We Are New CreationsScripture tells us that we cannot be free to be God’s servants or stewards until death to ourselves takes place in each of us. This death is not a physical death, but a spiritual death. It is the death of the old nature in us so the new nature or new life in Christ can be raised. Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). All things in Christ are created anew. It is this new life in Christ that people see as we give generously and serve freely. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

JUNEBIRTHDAYS

1 Hailey Bray 4 Rebecca Kreipke Brad Miller 6 Robert Petz 7 Amanda Hackbardt 9 JoAnn Fransik

Annie Nichols10 Jennifer Berube

Molly McShane13 Jennifer Besler17 Alyssa Petz

Devon Walrath18 Scott Walrath20 Brian Flook

David Nelson22 Carrie McShane23 Peyton Sterling26 Noah Petz

Jesse Precht28 Carol Erb

Hailey Lanam30 Leona Hart

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

4 William & Patricia HicksJohn & JoAnn Fransik

5 Dustin & Tammy Wyman 6 Scott & Martina Walrath 9 Bryan & Lynne Lach13 Ronald & Bonnie Reichert16 Ken & Lyne Nelson17 Robert & Beverly Beyer

Bruce & Joy MachKenneth & Susan Miller

25 William & Diana Baker

JULYBIRTHDAYS

2 Brandon MillerDawn MillerStephanie Petsch

5 Dana Faust 7 George Richardson 9 Nancy Marsh11 Joy Mach14 Dawn Marchesseault15 Scott McFadden

Leslie Pratt16 Mary Gilbert

Julie Mattison17 Christopher Stevenson Jr.20 William Hirth21 Bonnie Reichert22 Ruth Morofski24 Kevin Dawley

Faith Nelson25 Rich Miller26 Robert Hindley27 Chaz Hamlet28 Shelley Besler29 Robert Petz, Jr.

JULYANNIVERSARIES

15 Pat & Janet Gorman19 Bob & Tammy Smith21 Michael & Deanna Sieting31 Pastor & Chris Nelson

Please inform the church office of any missing dates or errors.

AUGUSTBIRTHDAYS

1 Milton Heidt 4 William Hicks

Jack LecknerGrace Nelson

9 Eric Miller11 David Bye

Jared Tura12 Jacob Precht13 Sedona Leslie15 Julia Wood17 Emily Olsen18 Arianna Russell19 Brian Mayer 21 Sabra Evans22 Lynda Whitcher23 Keeley Leslie27 Callie McShane28 Mickey Heidt

Kathy Sulisz30 Pat Gorman

AUGUSTANNIVERSARIES

2 Andrew & Gloria Schrom 3 Matthew & Kindsey Nelson 4 Michael & Dana Faust

John & Carrie McShane 6 Aaron & Christina Nelson12 Tom & Jan Flook14 Milton & Mickey Heidt20 Gary & Edda Albin

Larry & Lindsay BrayMike & Michelle Conrad

22 Charles & Rose Hall27 Bruce & Julie Mattison29 John & Julie Candela30 John & Dawn Lanczki

J U N E 2 0 1 8C R O S S O F C H R I S T L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810/ Fax: 248-437-7708/ Home: 248-486-4335 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.org________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

1 2

Noon McFadden party

3 10:00am Worship (Brooklyn Zale Baptism)10:00am YFC Bible Study

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5 6

711am Women’s Fellowship

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10:00am Worship +

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P a s t o r

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t i o n

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W e e k

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10:00am Worship11:00am Bd. of Elders

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Deliver foodAnd tour

Active Faith___________

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2410:00am Worship + 4:00pm Rehab Center Service 7:00pm Michigan District Convention____________________

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Michigan District Convention

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Michigan District Convention

27 28

3:00pm Abbey Park Service

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J U L Y 2 0 1 8 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810/ Fax: 248-437-7708/ Home: 248-486-4335 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.org_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2 3 4

Independence Day

511am Women’s Fellowship

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10:00am Worship +

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15 10:00am Worship

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22 10:00am Worship +

11:00am LUNCHEON4:00pm Rehab Center Service

23 24 25 26 3:00pmAbbey Park Service

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10:00am Worship +

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309am-Noon V A C A

31 9am-Noon T I O N

19am-Noon B I B L E

29am-Noon

S C H

39am-Noon

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4

+ Indicates Holy Communion

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810/ Fax: 248-437-7708/ Home: 248-486-4335 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30

9am-Noon V A C A

31

9am-Noon T I O N

1

9am-Noon B I B L E

2

9am-Noon

S C H

3

9am-Noon

0 0 L

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5

10:00am Worship

6 P a s t o r

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t i o n

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W e e k

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10:00am Worship +

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P a s t o r

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N e l s o n ’ s

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t i o n

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W e e k

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10:00am Worship

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3:00pm Abbey Park Service

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10:00am Worship + 4:00pm Rehab Center Service

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27 28 29 30

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31 + Indicates Holy Communion

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (24155 Griswold Rd., South Lyon, MI 48178 / 248-437-8810)

JULY 30 – AUGUST 3, 2018 - - - 9 A.M. to NOONAges: Going into Kindergarten (or 5 by Dec. 1st) through Going into 6th grade

A $15 Materials Fee per Child is due with the registration form. (No fee for 3rd or more children in a family.) (If an adult helps out the full week, the Materials Fee is waived.)

CHILD’S NAME BIRTH DATE GRADE IN FALL ALLERGY/MED. CONCERN

PARENTS’ NAMES ___________________________________________________________________

______ I can be a Class Assistant the week of VBS. Days available VBS week: _______________________________

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________________CELL PHONE NUMBERS _____________________ HOME PHONE NUMBER _________________________

_____________________ EMAIL ________________________________________HOME CHURCH ________________________________________________CHILDREN CAN BE RELEASED TO (other than parent) ____________________CELL PHONE:_____________

EMERGENCY I give permission to Cross of Christ to secure emergency medical care and/or treatment for the above child/children. _______________________________________________

Parent Signature

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 30 – August 3, 2018

9 a.m. – NoonFor children going into Kindergarten

through going into Sixth Grade$15 materials fee per child

____ I can help prepare crafts at home before VBS. (The amount of help needed for this varies from year to year.)

______ I can help the children with Crafts the week of VBS.

______ I can be a Class Assistant the week of VBS. - - MOST NEEDED

Days available VBS week: ________________________________

______ I can help at the Registration Table on Monday, July 30 – (about an hour)

______ I can help Decorate before VBS.

Name_________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________________________________

It may be early, but we need commitments to plan for VBS!Any questions, call the church office.

Drop off or mail to the church office.

FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM FOR YOUR CHILD (even if you’re a Helper)Registration Forms available soon.

Children of Adult Helpers who help out the full week of VBS do not have to pay the $15 materials fee for their children.