Live stream link for Sunday’s Service at 10:45 a.m.: https://youtu.be/oQ2SaVdshxQ

If you miss the live stream, watch your email for the link to the to be sent out Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Face Masks Required During Worship Services

Dear Friends,

Like you, we are aware of the disturbing uptick in Covid-19 infections in our area, even among those who have been vaccinated. This morning, the North Carolina Synod's Regathering Team released updated guidelines for churches in an effort to keep everyone healthy and to slow the spread of this deadly virus. As people are traveling more and as teachers and students are returning to school, we share in the Synod's desire to keep everyone healthy and encourage everyone to do their part in protecting the most vulnerable in our midst.

After reviewing the current situation, council has voted to approve reinstating the mask requirement for indoor church services until further notice. This is in addition to the guidelines from the Synod and to socially distance the best they can to honor Jesus's commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). If you are uncomfortable attending in-person worship, we encourage you to participate in the Livestream Worship of our 10:45 a.m. service.

I recognize a return to these guidelines is disappointing. I am disappointed! But I also view them as an opportunity for us as people of Christ to embrace them as visible ways of showing God's love! Let's do our best to support one another, care for one another, and pray for one another as we continue to navigate the difficult terrain of Covid-19. Let's keep our hearts and minds open for ways to rise above the discontent and inconvenience and celebrate the true freedoms we have in Christ.

Together we are stronger, so let's stay united in this effort and get through it together.

In Christ,

Pastor Brook

Many of you may have already heard the news that Matthews Alive has been cancelled again this year. In a unanimous decision by the board of directors and supported by the main sponsor Novant

Health and the Town of Matthews, the decision was made to cancel this year’s show to ensure the health and well being of our attendees and festival partners.

Cognitive Health The Cross and Crown Wellness Team has identified Cognitive or Intellectual Health as the focus for August. In order to exercise your brain, a Vocabulary of the Faith crossword puzzle is available for you to download from the newsletter or pickup in the Narthex. Engagement in cognitive exercise will support continued cognitive function. If you do not have a printer and are not coming to services, please call Judy Hughes, 980-339-7551 and one will be mailed to you. Cross Word Puzzles can be a way for you to stimulate your brain during the hot August heat as you sit in the shade, relax on the beach, or travel for one last summer vacation. We hope you will pick up one and return it in the offering plate with $1.00. The Wellness Team will match up to 100 Cross Word Puzzle returns for a donation to the local Alzheimer’s Association. Complete the puzzle Individually or engage your children with looking up scripture references. The answers are attached so it doesn't become too frustrating. Thanks for participating!

Water Challenge Report

WOW! Cross and Crown

you are amazing! Over 50

people signed up for the water

challenge and together you

contributed just pennies over $1,000.00 to an ELCA Good

Gifts Safe Water Project. Yes, that is not a typo, there are three

zeros! In addition to supporting your wellbeing, you have made it

possible for the ELCA to provide not one but 4 shares of a Safe

Water Project for a community in need!

The ELCA reports lack of access to safe water is one of the

biggest challenges to overcoming poverty- even more critical with

climate change catastrophes. It’s also one of the most powerful

opportunities to create change. With a simple water well, spring

box, or other water points, as many as 500 families gain access to

clean, safe water. Communities are healthier. People spend less

money on medical expenses and more on food and education.

And instead of spending hours each day gathering water for the

family, women and children have time for work and school.

Talk about a future filled with hope!

Cross and Crown you have positively impacted the lives

of hundreds of families! Congratulations! Thank you!

Cross and Crown Wellness Ministry News

Backpack Blessing During next Sunday’s worship services

there will be a “Blessing of Backpacks & Devices” for our students returning to school in person or

those participating in online school!

C&C News Page 2

Table Talk on August 18, 5:30 p.m. Our topic will be “Books: What are some of your

favorites that you’ve read and your favorite authors.” Use this link to join in: https://us02web.zoom.us/

j/86827329320?pwd=akVsaW1tMkFxWVBMazRNWGV0RzYyZz09

Building a More Inclusive Church... Led by the Holy Spirit, a group of Cross and Crown

members have begun studying how we can become a more inclusive church. Stay tuned for more

information. Members include Audrey Ansel, Susan Arcuri, Pat Dickerson, Coury O’Donoghue, and Tom

Vernocy. Reach out to them or the Executive Committee with questions or for more information.

Sunday, Aug. 15th– 8:15 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Book of Faith Sunday School

10:45 a.m. Worship Service via livestream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oQ2SaVdshxQ

Tuesday, Aug. 17th--10 a.m. Staff Meeting 12 p.m. Word at Lunch 7 p.m. Boy Scouts Wednesday, Aug. 18th--5:30 p.m. Table Talk (see above for link) 6:30 p.m. Handbells 7:30 p.m. Choir Thursday, Aug. 19th--6:30 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Saturday, Aug. 21st--9 a.m. Scout Training in FH

The Matthews Area Clergy invite you to come meet the candidates for local office and learn more about their goals and vision for the town. 7-8 p.m. Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.

Come and offer your support to your local law enforcement! Share your appreciation and enjoy food and fellowship. The event is “drop-in,” so come whenever it is convenient for you. Event is sponsored by the Matthews Area Clergy. 4-8 p.m. Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.

Can You Help? Sunday School Teachers are

needed for C&C Kids of all ages. If you are interested, please contact Victoria Pollard at jvpoll@gmail.com.

Children’s Bulletins Children’s bulletins are available again. Be

sure to ask an usher for one for your child. There are 2 versions available. One for pre-school and younger children and one for children who are older and can read. The bulletins are taken from the same

curriculum that we use in our Sunday School classes.

Back to School is always an exciting

time, especially for teachers who begin

to prepare their classrooms for new

students. Often students and their

families are asked to contribute daily consumables

needed for the classroom, however, this is a challenge for

families that struggle financially. Community Care is

collecting supplies to support the teachers of C.O.S. Kids

and invites the congregation to participate! We need

boxes of facial tissues, quart-sized Zip-Loc bags, full-size

hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and black dry erase

markers. These items are used daily in the classroom and

can become costly for teachers to replenish. If you’d like

to help drop off items in the narthex on Sunday mornings

between now and August 15th.

The Church office is open M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The nursery is now available for those attending the

10:45 a.m. service. If you are interested in helping watch

our littlest members, let LeAnne (office@crossandcrown.org) know and she can

put you into our schedule rotation.

From Ms. Edith...…

To my church family and the Congregation Care Team,

With a humble, grateful heart, thank you for all that you did to make my 90th birthday special in every way. You are an inspiration to all and I am blessed to know you and have each of you in my life. Always in my prayers,

Edith Moore P.S. I received over 100 cards!