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

N O V E M B E R , 2 0 1 7

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

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,

We will celebrate Thanksgiving Day on November 23. We will offer thanks and worship to God in the Divine Service on November 22, Thanksgiving Eve.

George Washington was a Christian and the first President of the United States of America. President Washington gave his first Thanksgiving Proclamation on October 3, 1789. He told the new nation how to fan the sacred fire of “liberty” so that it might burn even more brightly. Washington’s proposed method was by acknowledging the Providence of Almighty God and humbly imploring His blessing on the nation. President Washington called on the nation to find forgiveness of sins in the “Lord and Ruler of nations” a New Testament title of Christ. This was the first national Thanksgiving Day proclamation under the Constitution. Washington affirmed the doctrine of salvation in this proclamation. He proclaimed that it is the duty of all nations to be thankful for God’s benefits. A joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate requested President Washington to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. He expressed gratitude to God for giving our country the opportunity to peaceably establish a form of government for their happiness and peace. President Washington encouraged citizens to unite with him in giving humble and sincere thanks to God for His kind care and protection of the people of the United States. Washington urged the people of the United States in 1789 to give thanks to God.

Let us give thanks to our Lord in Michigan during November of 2017. God is worthy of our constant gratitude. We can identify blessings in the Bible and in our lives for which we can thank God. Jesus has made us righteous and given us eternal life in heaven. Christ will place us on His right side on Judgment Day. Our Lord will commend us for doing good works of faith for Him and for believers. Give thanks to our Lord for these opportunities to serve Him and His people. Continued . . . .

Pastor’s Letter

Jesus was hungry and you gave Him something to eat. Christ was thirsty and you gave Him something to drink. You gave food and drink to your spouse, children and grandchildren when they were hungry and thirsty. You served food and drink to God’s people at church. You gave offerings to the Cross of Christ Mercy Fund. You gave food and money to Active Faith. Thank our Lord that we gave Him food and drink.

Jesus was a stranger and you invited Him in. You greeted people you didn’t know at church and welcomed them. You introduced yourself to strangers and talked with them. You welcomed new people at school, at work, and in your neighborhood. Give thanks to our Lord that you welcomed Him.

Jesus needed clothes and you clothed Him. You bought clothes for your spouse, children, and grandchildren and clothed them. You donated clothes to Active Faith, Lutheran World Relief, Purple Heart, Salvation Army or South Lyon Schools. Give thanks to our Lord that you clothed Him.

Jesus was sick and you looked after Him. You cared for your spouse and your children when they were sick. You brought meals to sick people. You visited fellow Christians who were homebound, in assisted living, in hospitals or in nursing homes. You looked after sick folks at work. Thank our Lord that you looked after Him when He was sick. May God bless you and your family during this month of November and always!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,Pastor Terry Nelson

Thanksgiving Worship Services

Sunday, November 19th – 10 a.m.Wednesday, November 22nd – 7 p.m.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENTS

Thank you to all who turned in their 2018 COMMITMENT Form. We would like everyone to fill out a Commitment Form, even if you are unable to pledge at this time. Commitment forms can still be returned in the offering plate or mailed to the church office. Extra forms can be found on the table in the Gathering Hall. Our Financial Secretary, Chuck Deeds, confidentially reviews the pledges.

C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O N

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

Proverbs 22:6

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held at 10 a.m. for children three years old through fifth grade. Children are dismissed to their classes from the worship service after the opening hymn.

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE: Youth in grades 6 – 12 meet during the worship service on the first and third Sundays of the month. They are dismissed to their classes after the opening hymn. Any questions about the youth program, contact Dom at 586-864-8623/ eldridge.dominick@gmail.com or Amy at 810-333-6370/ lockarda@slcs.us.

CONFIRMATION instruction, for young people in 7th and 8th grades, is held Wednesdays, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in having your child join the class, give Pastor Nelson a call.

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY– Sundays at 9 a.m. Dying to Live – The Power of ForgivenessMore and more it seems that the world and its media are shaping our culture. We work to be spiritual people, but how does one get and stay connected to the Creator? In this DVD series, we will better understand as baptized Christians how this spiritual relationship takes place, and how this gives us a life of forgiveness and hope.

CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

The preschool children will be busy the month of November focusing on the themes of Harvest and Thanksgiving. We have openings in our afternoon classes. If you are new to our congregation and would like information, we would love to have you visit our school. We offer a play-based program for three and four year olds, with age appropriate academics and kindergarten readiness.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP will meet on Thursday, November 2, at 11 a.m. All women are invited to join them. Lunch will follow at a nearby restaurant. A wonderful time was had by all who attended the trip to Three Cedars Farm in Northville!

COMMEMORATION OF THE + FAITHFUL DEPARTED +

All Saints Sunday – November 5, 2017

We will remember those called home to glory this past year:

Clarice L. French October 9, 1924 - December 27, 2016 John E. Boyle August 28,1918 - February 19, 2017 Esther M. Schlosser November 16, 2014 - March 8, 2017 Bernard J. Sulisz October 19,1925 - July 5, 2017 Elsie E. Huber July 1, 1923 - July 9, 2017 Marjorie D. Saner February 7,1922 - July 13, 2017 Robert E. Hosbach December 23,1925 - September 28, 2017

HELP NEEDED

USHERS NEEDEDWe are in need of additional Ushers. Ushers serve on a team of four, once every three or four weeks. See Pastor Nelson if you can help out.

Sign-up NeededDates are open in November & December to sign up to place flowers on the altar to celebrate special events or in memory of loved ones. Sign up on the Flower Chart in the fellowship hallway. Cost is $30 per vase. (Designate your check “Altar Flowers” and place in the offering plate.) Flowers are taken home after the worship service.

Dear brothers and sisters of Cross of Christ,Once again we have been humbled and deeply moved by the love and generosity shown to us by our family here at Cross of Christ. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful church family who loves us and supports us through this difficult time. In the midst of what should be the darkest part of our lives, we are clearly seeing the love of Christ shining through all of you and brightening our days. We cannot thank you enough for everything that you have done for us and pray that God will shower each and every one of you with blessings, peace and love every day.  With great humility and in Christ’s name, Tom, Kelli, Amanda, Abigail, Lexie and Annabelle Hackbardt

LWML MITE BOX COLLECTION Many thanks to all who contributed mites on LWML Sunday. A total of $172.00 was collected and donated to help continue  the important work the Lutheran Women's Missionary League does in support of our missionaries worldwide.  

P R E P A R I N G F O R C H R I S T M A S

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Boxes due NOV. 12Operation Christmas Child is a mission of Samaritan’s Purse (President, Franklin Graham) and demonstrates God’s love to hurting children in a tangible way by partnering with churches worldwide to deliver gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Fill your own box (plastic or shoe box). Brochures are located on the front table. If able, please include a $9 donation in the envelope for shipping and place inside the top of the box; or pay online and track where your box is delivered.

Do Not Include: Candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.POINSETTIAS

We need your help - sign up to place Poinsettias on the altar for Christmas services!

The sign-up sheet will be posted in November to purchase POINSETTIA plants for the church sanctuary for Christmas week. The beautiful three-stem plants will be sold for $16 and may be taken home after the Christmas Eve worship services. CHURCHDECORATING FORCHRISTMAS Saturday, November 25th – 9 a.m. Thanksgiving weekend

Help is needed (both men and women) to put up our Christmas tree and decorate the sanctuary for the Christmas season. We usually complete the task in an hour or two. Hope you can attend! ACTIVE FAITH

Remember Active Faith with nonperishable food items during this holiday season. (A donation box is located at the front entryway.) This is a way to thank God for all He has given us. Our congregation pledges $250 per month to Active Faith. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Volunteers are needed on Distribution Days (2nd & 4th Mondays) to assist in the Clothing Closet from 1 – 3pm & 3 – 5pm.Gently used winter clothing, coats, snow pants & boots are being accepted on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm.

STEWARDSHIPCORNER

Scripture reading: “…giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:20-21).

Thanks in All Circumstances

The hero rescues the child from the burning building, and everyone, especially the grateful parents, gives thanks. Certainly this circumstance is

cause for heartfelt, exuberant thanksgiving. What if, instead, the story didn’t turn out so well but ended tragically? We’ve all heard about such circumstances, if we haven’t experienced such heartbreak ourselves.

Some people become bitter at these times, and many blame God. God’s Word tells us a better way: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). These verses give us concrete actions that will enable us to overcome the worst circumstances. We aren’t told just to “feel better” but to “rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks!”

There’s a lot to give thanks for, too, when we’re going through difficult times. There are the heroes who stand with us, who cry with us, who carry out the tasks we may temporarily be unable to fulfill. There are memories that we will always cherish to be thankful for and there is hope for the future to be grateful for.

Best of all, there is God’s presence, His strong and abiding presence through His Word and Sacrament. Indeed, Christians can “give thanks in all circumstances” because it is God’s will that we rejoice in Him, not in what’s going on around us.

Prayer:Dear good and gracious Heavenly Father, You are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha and the Omega. Thank You for your constant and unconditional love, especially the love that You showed when You sent Your Son Jesus to redeem us from everlasting sin and death. Strengthen me to live my life worthy of Your love and sacrifice. Use me as a channel of Your love, grace, and mercy. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.

THIS THANKSGIVING WE ESPECIALLY THANK YOU, LORD, FOR YOUR CONSTANT PRESENCE, LOVE, AND CARE.

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalm 139:1-3).

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Bryan Lach 4 Emily Deeds 5 Sarah Walrath11 Matthew Gilbert

Deanna Sieting12 Barbara Elandt15 Louise Rucker16 Amy Lockard17 Jan Flook20 Drew Hantz21 Diana Baker22 Brian Priskorn23 John Gilbert

Pastor Nelson24 Jeannine Hosbach

Colleen MartinDawn Petz

27 Amy Deeds28 Hazel Richardson

Drake Wyman30 Brenden Lach

Nicholas Stevenson

Let the church office know of any dates missing or incorrect.

__________________________________Dream Catchers

Save your spare change for Cross of Christ ministry in our Dream Catcher containers. Proceeds go to the Mercy Fund to help those in need in our church and community. Take home a labeled can, available on the entryway table.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

CALLED HOME

+ + Robert E. Hosbach September 28, 2017 (Age 91)

MEMORIALS+ + In memory of Robert Hosbach, gifts have been given by Gary & Edda Albin, Keith & Beverly Pixley, Annie Nichols, Elinor Wikoff, Doris Singleton, Gary & Nancy Singleton, Dean & Audrey Ramsey, and Jan, Sonja, & Sandra Braasch.

+ + In memory of Robert Hosbach, gifts have been given by Charles & Rose Eldridge, and Alice Hosback.

+ + In memory of Robert Hosbach, a gift has been given by Anne Hosbach.

+ + In memory of Elsie Huber, gifts have been given by Keith & Bev Pixley, Charles & Rose Hall, and Grant & Karen Neiswinter.

+ + In memory of Elsie Huber, gifts have been given by Jeannie Opland and Rosanne Malone.

A R E A N E W S

"The Detroit Lutheran Fellowship young adult group invites all to attend the Lutherfest concert at Historic Trinity in downtown Detroit on Sunday, November 5 at 4:00, then to gather at Jacoby's German Biergarten (624 Brush St., also downtown Detroit) after the concert starting at 6:00. E-mail lcadetroitfellowship@gmail.com for questions or to let us know you're coming, although no RSVP is required."

Part time Administrative Assistant / Office Manager Needed.  Cedar Crest Lutheran Church in White Lake, Michigan is looking for an Administrative Assistant / Office Manager to support the proclamation of Christ’s love to the Lakes community.  This person will coordinate a variety of responsibilities including all print and electronic communications of the congregation while maintaining a pro-fessional office environment.  A total of eight – ten hours per week (over two days) with compensation commensurate withexperience.Please send a current resume and cover letter to:

cedarcrestlutheranchurch@outlook.com or call 248-698-3820 for more information.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Fax: 248-437-7708 Web: www.crossofchristlutheran.org Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday + Indicates Holy Communion

14:00-5:30pm Confirmation

211:00am Women’s Fellowship6:00-8:00pm Girl Scouts

3 4

5 All Saints Sunday 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School10:00am Youth Bible Study

Daylight Saving Time:Fall Back

6 7 84:00-5:30pm Confirmation

9 10 11

12 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School11:00am Board of Elders

Operation CC Boxes Due

13 148:30-1:00pm Circuit Pastors’ Meeting

154:00-5:30pm Confirmation

163:00pm Abbey Park Service

17 18

1910:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School10:00am Youth Bible Study

20 21 10:15am Bd. of Evangelism/ Stewardship

6:00pm Church Council

22(No Preschool or Confirmation)

7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship +

23Thanksgiving Day

24 25 9:00am Church Christmas Decorating

26 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School 4:00pm Rehab Center Worship

27 28 29

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

30

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM

ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

AND LIVE YOUR LIVES IN

GRATITUDE FOR HIS WONDERFUL GOODNESS.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

and His love endures forever”

(Psalm 107:1).