CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold RoadSouth Lyon, MI 48178

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

www.crossofchristlutheran.org Email: cross-christ@att.netS U M M E R , 2 0 1 3

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. – throughout the yearHoly Communion is celebrated on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month.

September through May:Sunday School: 10 a.m. – 3 years old through fifth grade

Adult Bible Study: Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & Friday - 7:00 p.m. (once a month)Youth Bible Study: 11 a.m. - 1st and 3rd Sundays

Dear Beloved Members and Friends,

Summer is a wonderful time of year. The weather is warmer than other seasons. In many professions, work schedules are a little lighter. Most of us take some vacation time in the summer. We take time to appreciate and enjoy God’s creation. We can sing or say, “praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation.”

This summer we celebrate the 237th birthday of the United States of America on July 4 th. Our country was born when our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. How can we celebrate our nation’s birthday? We may go to a picnic with family and friends. We might go to a parade or to a concert. Perhaps we will attend a baseball game. Go Tigers! We may watch fire works. I hope that you make worshiping our Lord on Sunday, July 7, part of your July 4th weekend celebration. We love our United States of America. We pray and trust our Lord to extend peace to America. God will comfort you. Your heart will rejoice. Rejoice with America this summer.

Rejoice with America and be glad for her, all you who love her. Let us love America by being glad for her and by rejoicing with her. We who love America can rejoice in all the blessings God has given her and her citizens. Our Lord has protected American from attacks by other countries, Al-Qaeda, and Taliban. We can be glad for all the contrite and humble believers who live in America. Let us rejoice with all believers who worship our true, triune God in America. Let’s be glad for all the Christians who live and worship in America. We can rejoice in the freedoms of assembly, speech, and worship that we have in America. We can be glad that God has given America victory over her enemies. Let us rejoice in all the children who were born in America and who live in her.

Our Lord can create praise on the believing mourners in America. Our Lord can give physical and spiritual healing to believing Americans. Jesus gives you physical healing according to His will. Christ blesses you with His grace, mercy, and strength. Our Lord forgives your sins. God guides and restores comfort to American Christians. Our Lord speaks peace to the people of America. God gives believing Americans spiritual and temporal peace. Our Lord can comfort all who mourn in America.PASTOR’S LETTER Continued

Our Lord extends peace to you by His Word. Jesus says to you, “peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.. . I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 14:27; 16:33) Christ gives and leaves His peace to you by His peaceful words. Our Lord’s peace can calm your fearful and troubled heart. You are in Jesus by Baptism and by faith.

Christ’s peace will be in your heart and mind when you encounter trouble in the world. Our Lord overcame the world for you. During the war on terror, we have Jesus’ peace in our minds and hearts.

Your heart will rejoice. When you see the blessings and comfort God gives America, your heart will rejoice. The Holy Spirit gave you the fruit of joy when you were baptized. When our Lord comforts His people and you are comforted over America, your heart will rejoice. When God’s people are carried and nourished in America, your heart will rejoice. When you see peace extended to America and the wealth of nations coming to her, your heart will rejoice. When people are baptized and converted in America your heart will rejoice.

Let us celebrate this summer. Take time to read the Declaration of Independence. Rejoice in our independence from the United Kingdom and from other nations. Be glad in our freedoms of assembly, speech, and worship. Enjoy your fellowship and meals with family and friends. Be happy at the concert and at the parade. Enjoy the ball game and root the Tigers on to victory. Enjoy the fire works. Be glad you worship God. May God shed His grace and peace on America. May God bless and comfort America. May God 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.

A Year-End Sunday School party will be held on Sunday, June 9 during the regular class time. Hope all of your children can attend!

Special thanks to Tom & Kelli Hackbardt for all of their dedication serving as Sunday School Superintendents and teachers. We thank them for sharing their time and gifts with them. We also thank our dedicated Sunday School Teachers for teaching our children: Onnalee Lach, Amy Lockard, Dom Eldridge, and Kindsey Nelson.

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

YOUTH in grades 6-12 meet for fun activities throughout the year. Watch your bulletin for updates. Bible Study is held at 11 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month during the school year. Thank you to Dom Eldridge and Amy Lockard for teaching the youth Bible Study!

Contact Amy Lockard for more information – dratar@comcast.net

FRIDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

The Bible Study which meets one Friday evening a month will start up again in September. Plan on setting aside time in the fall to join us as we view a video and enjoy great discussion, food, and fellowship! Michael Abrash is the Bible study leader for this group.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Mark your calendars and plan your summer vacations and activities around VBS: “Kingdom Rock” – Where Kids Stand Strong for God! Vacation Bible School will be held Monday through Friday, July 29 – August 2, 2013, from 9 a.m. to noon. VBS is for children going into kindergarten through going into sixth grade.

REGISTRATION & HELP forms are included with this newsletter. Lots of help will be needed! Class Assistants are especially needed this year. (Class Assistants lead their classes from one station to another VBS week.) Call the church office at 248-437-8810 if you can help out or to register. The $15 registration fee per child is waived for those adults who help out the full VBS week.

CHURCH FAMILY POTLUCK/PICNIC

Our ANNUAL CHURCH FAMILY SUMMER POTLUCK will be held here at church on Sunday, August 4th, after the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs are provided. It is a great time of fellowship and food after our week long Vacation Bible School!

CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Our preschool provides a Christian, play-based program with age-appropriate academics for children three and four years old. Three year olds have the option of a morning or afternoon class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Four year olds will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – morning and afternoon sessions available.

REGISTRATION for fall classes is off to a great start. Limited openings are still available. Call the church/preschool office at 248-437-8810 to get more information or to register. WITH THANKSGIVINGBob and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Pastor Nelson and the congregation for their ceaseless prayers over the last 17 months for our daughter, Heidi. The Lord has heard the many prayers – Heidi is now in REMISSION!

We cannot thank everybody enough!Bob & Karin WolskiWOMEN’S

OUTREACHCROSS OF CHRIST RUMMAGE SALE

JUNE 20, 21, & 22

(Items may be brought in NOW!)

H E L P I S N E E D E D

Summer is finally here! A time to relax and have fun! However, for some, it’s time to work and have fun. And the first “summer fun” for Women’s Outreach is the RUMMAGE SALE set for JUNE 20-22. Nancy Ulrich heads up the sale and does a beautiful job organizing and setting up. (We will not be accepting stuffed animals or large electronic items– TVs, computers, etc.). Save your Christmas items for a December sale.

However, the Rummage Sale is not a one man job. Nancy needs lots of hands to make the sale a success. This is a money making project with very little expense. You can help by donating your unwanted items. Also check with family and friends. Mark your calendars for the week of June 16 to work on the Rummage Sale. Your HELP is needed and appreciated sorting, selling, and cleaning up. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Information Board to help out (or just show up and help). Thank you!

+ + +

CROSS OF CHRIST’S 40th ANNIVERSARYCross of Christ is celebrating 40 years! Sunday, October 27, will be the day of celebration. Some thoughts for the day are a dinner following a special church service and a program following the dinner. We could send invitations to former members. First, we need a committee of members to help plan this special celebration. There will be a sign up sheet on the board. Please prayerfully consider signing up to help make the 40th a special day.

- - - Ettie Ann

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

This Quarter we are focusing on two Spring/Summer projects: 1) Painting of the exterior church trim and the sign on 10 Mile Road. The estimated cost is

$1,300. Painting of the narthex and gathering hall. The estimated cost is $1,200.

2) Cleaning of the carpets which was last done 7 years ago, and cleaning the upholstered furniture. This needs to be done at least every other year to extend the carpet life as well as maintain its appearance. The estimated cost is $800 to 900, and Preschool will pick up $150-200 for their areas.

Check out the completion of the first half of #1. The grey trim on the exterior and the deep red front sign look great!Donations to the “Painting Fund” and “Carpet Cleaning” are invited!

MEET THE MEMBERS

This month it’s “Meet the Pastor!”

Pastor Nelson was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has a sister, Jan, living in Seattle, Washington and a brother, Jay, living in Maryland. Pastor’s mother moved to Richland, Washington after his graduation from high school. Pastor chose to attend Concordia Lutheran Junior College in Ann Arbor for two years and then one year at Easter Michigan University in Ypsilanti, completing his four year undergraduate degree in three years.

Chris Neilson was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. Chris had one brother, now deceased. Following graduation Chris attending Concordia College in Ann Arbor, meeting Pastor in 1974. They were married July 31, 1976 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chris’ home congregation in Saginaw, and will celebrate their 37th anniversary this July.

The young couple then moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Pastor attended the Seminary for four years. And it was in Fort Wayne that they became a family with a baby daughter, Lisa.

A call took them to Whitmore Lake, Michigan, and he became Pastor at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church on East Shore Drive. And it was in Whitmore Lake that Lisa was blessed with three brothers! Matthew, Aaron, and David completed the family.

Pastor served the church in Whitmore Lake for ten years with the last two years serving both Whitmore Lake and Cross of Christ congregations. He was then called to Cross of Christ as their full time pastor.

The young family moved into the parsonage in 1990. This was home through their childhood days, their teenage days, and for a while in their young adult years. Chris became part-time secretary in 1992, later to become full time. She worked with the preschool until becoming full time secretary. She also had organ duties.

Today, their family of 6 has grown to a family of 17, and at the end of October it will be 18. Lisa and Brent Sterling, Paige and Peyton live in Wixom; Matt and Kindsey, Luke, Lucy and Micah live in Walled Lake; Aaron and Christina, Grace, Faith, Jordyn and “?” live in Northville, and David lives in Novi. The Lord has blessed them with a wonderful family. And they have blessed our church with their faithful attendance and services. (Matt and Lisa sing in the Choir and Praise group, Kindsey teaches Sunday School; Aaron is an Elder, and Brent is a Trustee. Yes, Pastor and Chris, you can be very proud of your family!! Like you they have dedicated their lives to the Lord.

(Look for the green arrow on the board for pictures of the Nelson family.)2013 ALTAR FLOWERSWe invite you to sign up for ALTAR FLOWERS. Dates are still available throughout the year– especially during July, October, and November. Sign up for those important dates in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. or in memory of loved ones. Vases are available for $16 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.”

Vacation Bible School

July 29 – August 2, 20139 a.m. – Noon

For children going into Kindergarten (or 5 years old by Nov. 1)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 be a Class Assistant the week of VBS.

Days available VBS week:________________________________

______ I can help at the Registration Table on Monday, July 29 – (about an hour)

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

______ I can assist with serving Snack.

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

A REGISTRATION FORM IS INCLUDED AT THE END OF THIS NEWSLETTER.Stewardship Devotion

Scripture Reading:“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to

you” (Read Matthew 6:25-34).

Seeking God FirstA common goal for many of us is to be happy and secure, and it

seems that most people believe material things will enable them to reach these goals. With a nice house and cars and a large retirement account, life is good. However, as many people have unhappily learned, things of this world don’t bring us long-term happiness or security. Jesus gives us His prescription for happiness, peace, joy, and security: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). God promises that, when we give Him first place in our lives, He will give us everything we need. Those who seek God first will also receive His peace, joy, and security.

Jesus tells us that we are to seek His righteousness. Through His righteousness, we receive the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Through faith, we come to understand that the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life are the most important things in life. Without Jesus, life is empty, hopeless, and without purpose. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we can receive God’s wonderful gifts and blessing which He gives us by grace through faith.

In essence, we have two choices. We can follow Jesus’ direction, “Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness…” or we can seek the things of the world through our own efforts. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” We can’t live with two masters. Jesus said that it is impossible to serve Him and the things of this world. Either God is in control, or we live in the world of our flesh. If we put God second, we will never attain the fullness of living that God wants us to have. Our old enemies – Satan, the world, and our own flesh – seek daily to steal the gifts God gives us, especially our trust in God. However, through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to put God first. May God grant us all faith to strengthen our resolve to seek Him first.

Prayer:Lord, You bless us with so many wonderful gifts. You’ve told us not to worry about material things and asked us to remember that we have a Heavenly Father Who knows what we need and will care for us as surely as He cares for the “birds of the air” and the “lilies of the field.” We especially thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, Who came to live and die on the Cross so that we may live as forgiven people who will spend life eternal with You. Grant us Your strength to put You first. Help us to seek You and Your righteousness. In Your precious name we pray. Amen.MEMBERSHIP

CALLED HOME:+ + Donald L. Stolz May 25, 2013

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS:

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, a gift has been given to Debt Reduction by the Eldridge family.

+ + In honor of Frank Huber, a gift has been given by Myron & Joann Nims.GOD WORKS FOR US AND IN US, IN SPITE

OF US.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

JUNEBIRTHDAYS

1 Hailey BrayAaron Lauer

2 Mark EarlNicole Eckhout

4 Rebecca Kreipke Bradley Miller Corrine Onuskanich 6 Robert Petz 7 Amanda Hackbardt 9 Annie Nichols10 Jen Gorman13 Jennifer Besler

Nancy Cash16 Thomas Hackbardt17 Alyssa Petz

Devon Walrath18 Scott Walrath20 Brian Flook

David Nelson23 Peyton Sterling26 Noah Petz

Jesse Precht28 Carol Erb

Hailey Lanam30 Leona Hart

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

4 William & Patricia Hicks 5 Dustin & Tammy Wyman 6 Clarke & Linda Schroeder

Scott & Martina Walrath 9 Bryan & Lynne Lach13 Ronald & Bonnie Reichert16 Ken & Lyne Nelson17 Bruce & Joy Mach

Kenneth & Susan Miller23 Robert & Carol Walrath25 William & Diana Baker

Russell & Carol Erb30 Michael & Claudia Abrash

JULYBIRTHDAYS

1 Jean BoyleElsie Huber

2 Brandon MillerDawn MillerStephanie Petsch

5 Dana FaustBeverly Jennings

7 George Richardson 9 Nancy Marsh11 Joy Mach14 Dawn Smutek15 Grant Neiswinter

Leslie Pratt16 Mary Gilbert

Julie Mattison17 Christopher Stevenson Jr.18 Carla Geelhood20 William Hirth21 Michael Joseph Bugar

Bonnie Reichert22 Doreen Echols

Ruth Morofski24 Faith Nelson25 Rich Miller27 Chaz Hamlet28 Shelley Besler29 Robert Petz, Jr.

JULYANNIVERSARIES

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

AUGUSTBIRTHDAYS

2 Luke Geelhood 4 William Hicks

Jack LecknerGrace Nelson

6 Michael AbrashLoreli Bugar

7 Ashley Laten 9 Eric Miller11 Susan Parrish

Jared Tura12 Miette Laten

Jacob Precht15 Brooke Bowman17 Emily Martin18 Arianna Russell19 Brian Mayer 20 Sydney Baker21 Sabra Evans26 Adrienne Eckhout28 James Baker

John BoyleKathy Sulisz

30 Pat Gorman

AUGUSTANNIVERSARIES

2 Andrew & Gloria Schrom 3 Matthew & Kindsey Nelson 4 Michael & Dana Faust 6 Aaron & Christina Nelson12 Tom & Jan Flook20 Gary & Edda Albin

Larry & Lindsay BrayMike & Michelle Conrad

22 Charles & Rose Hall23 Brian & Susan Parrish27 Bruce & Julie Mattison28 Matthew & Kelli Lauer29 John & Julie Candela30 John & Dawn Lanczki31 Frank & Elsie Huber

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

J U N E 2 0 1 3 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Web: ww.crossofchristlutheran.org_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

1

210:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School11:00am Bd. of Elders

36:00pmWeight Watchers

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J U L Y 2 0 1 3 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Web: ww.crossofchristlutheran.org_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

16:00pmWeight Watchers

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Web: www.crossofchristlutheran.org_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

299am-Noon

V A C A6:00pmWeight Watchers

30 9am-Noon

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319am-Noon

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19am-Noon

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56:00pmWeight Watchers

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLR E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M

JULY 29 – AUGUST 2, 2013 - - - 9 A.M. to NOONAges: Going into Kindergarten (or 5 yrs. old by Nov. 1, 2013) through Going into 6th grade

A $15 Materials Fee per Child is due with the registration form.(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 _______________________________________

CHILDREN CAN BE RELEASED TO (other than parent) ____________________________________________

RELEASE PERSON’S CELL PHONE _____________________________

PARENTS’ CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AT __________________________________________________________