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

248-437-8810Fax: 248-437-708

www.crossofchristlutheran.org Email: cross-christ@att.net www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 1 3

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. & Friday 7:00 p.m. (once a month)

Youth Bible Study: 11 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)Dear Beloved Members and Friends,

As Christian parents, we want good things for our children. We want our kids to be saved from hell and from their sins. We brought our children to the sacrament of Holy Baptism at a young age. We want our kids to know Jesus as their Lord, Savior and Truth. We want our children to pray to the true Triune God. We want our kids to live peaceful and quiet lives. We want our children to know that Jesus Christ our Mediator gave Himself as a ransom for all. We want our kids to trust in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We want our children to do good works for God and for people. We want our kids to be saved and to know the truth. To assist parents in accomplishing these goals in their children’s lives, we offer Sunday School, Preschool, Confirmation, and Adult Bible classes. The Holy Spirit can work through God’s Word to accomplish these goals in children’s lives.

The Holy Spirit guides us to pray for everyone. (I Timothy 2:1) “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.” (Romans 12:12)“Be faithful in prayer.” Requests are blessings for which we ask God. In the Lord’s Prayer, we make requests of our Father in heaven. “Give us this day our daily bread . . . , forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us . . .lead us not into temptation. . deliver us from evil.” We ask God to give people healing and other blessings. We thank our Lord for everyone, rulers, salvation, truth, and all His blessings to us.

The Apostle Paul guided the Ephesians to pray in the Holy Spirit for all believers. (Eph. 6:18) “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Saints are believers in God. Let us always keep on praying for all the believers here at Cross of Christ. Lets pray for one or more of our church families each day.

The Counselor leads us to pray for all people in authority that we may live quiet and peaceful lives. (I Tim. 2:2) Pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Let us pray for our leaders in our personal and public prayers. Pray for God to bless them and to give them wisdom in their governing. We can ask God to help them maintain righteousness and punish wickedness where they serve. God answering our prayers for people in authority helps us to live quiet and peaceful lives in all holiness and godliness. You live in all godliness by faith in God. You are holy by the sacrament of Holy Baptism. - - - - Pastor Terry Nelson

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

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. Classes resume on Sunday, September 8th.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED:

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

Looking for a fun and easy way to serve the Lord and shepherd his little ones? Do you feel a calling from God to get more involved at our church? Then we have a great opportunity for you! The Cross of Christ Sunday School program is in need of teachers for 2013 - 2014. Don't worry if you've never lead a group or taught a class - lessons are easy to follow and fun to teach. We are in need of 3 or 4 volunteers to teach preschool / Kindergarten and/or 1 st– 3rd graders this year. Worried that you have limited availability? Teachers rotate so everyone teaches once or twice per month and we are very flexible to accommodate everyone's busy schedules.

Please contact Kelli (248.321.5991) or Tom Hackbardt (248.321.6608) for more details or if you have any questions.

It is truly a blessing to share the Word of God and see it work in the hearts and minds of his little sheep. We hope that you will join us and share in that blessing!

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 first and third Sundays of the month.

All are invited . . . .Ice Cream Social

Sunday, September 8th

after worship

To kick off the beginning of Sunday School, the Board of Evangelism/Stewardship will host the ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL on Sunday, September 8th. Subs, chips, veggies and dip will be served, as well as Ice Cream with lots of toppings! A free-will donation will be received.

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.Join us beginning Sunday, September 8, as we take a closer look at the Gospel, Epistle, and Old Testament lessons for the day. All are welcome!

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

CROSS OF CHRIST’S 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the 40 th Celebration Worship Service and Dinner on Sunday, November 3rd. Watch for details to come.

FALL STEWARDSHIPPROGRAM - - - - - Coming in October!

Empowered by Grace to Tithe

During the weeks of October 6, 13, and 20, our worship theme will be Empowered by Grace to Tithe. I hope you will make every effort to be present on all three weeks. The three weekly themes are:

Grow in the Grace of Giving A Tip or a Tithe Being Rich Toward God

I hope and pray that the messages offered during this program will help us in our journeys as faithful and generous stewards. By the power of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament, we are molded and transformed into stewards who become more Christ-like in our giving. As Christians, we are motivated to give by the gift of God’s grace through His Son. With hearts filled with God’s love and grace, we can give faithfully and generously.

Giving is our faith response to God’s gifts. God wants us to give willingly and cheerfully out of hearts filled with love and gratitude for our present and eternal lives. We also give out of obedience because God’s Word directs us to give “according to what a person has” (2 Corinthians 8:12). The Apostle Paul said, “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Just as Paul urged the people in Corinth to give, we are urged to excel in the grace of giving.

Through both the sermons and Bible studies of Empowered by Grace to Tithe we will come to understand what it means to tithe. As New Covenant Christians, tithing is not commanded, but it is an expectation and guide to our faithful giving. For some of us, tithing is already a reality and, by God’s grace, you may be called to achieve an even higher level of giving. For many others, the tithe will be a leap of faith. Through faith, we have God’s promise that we can be empowered to give. “Now to Him Who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Please bring your commitment forms to church on Commitment Sunday, October 20, or return it to the church office at your convenience.

May God bless and keep us in His peace and joy as we give to Him!

Pastor Terry Nelson

WOMEN’S OUTREACH

Summer ends and September begins. Summer’s greens and bright colored flowers will begin to

fade and fall colors will take their place. Summer activities will slow down and Cross of Christ activities will come to life. Sunday School will begin on September 8 th, and we will celebrate the first day of Sunday School with an Ice Cream Social Lunch. Evangelism will serve Subs, chips, veggies and dip, and lots of ice cream. Hope to see lots of members as it’s always very enjoyable and “yummy”!! And this is the day that even adults can eat their ice cream first ---if they want to!!!

40th ANNIVERSARYWe have a very special event planned this fall. Cross of Christ will be celebrating its 40 th

anniversary. Our big celebration will be Sunday, November 3rd, with a special service followed by a dinner and a program. Thanks to thirteen members who attended our meeting on August 25th, plans are in place and now we have to get busy. Invitations will be extended to previous members, and we would appreciate members’ help in locating them. If anyone knows of members who have moved away, please tell Chris. We will also recognize the original members. It’s going to be an exciting and glorious day. We will keep you updated in the Sunday bulletin and on the bulletin board. A sign-up sheet will be put up in October for dinner attendance. Help is always needed, so anyone wanting to be a part of this wonderful celebration, call Claudia Abrash or Chris Nelson. . . . . . . Ettie AnnCROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

We are a play-based program for three and four year olds with age appropriate academics. An expanded class schedule is available for four year olds. Preschool classes will begin a new school year on September 9th. We’ve had a great response this summer. A few spots remain open. Call the church/preschool office at 248-437-8810 for more information and to register.

Open House/Orientation Day Dates for children registered:

4’s am (M, W & F morning) Class: Monday, September 9, from 9:30am – 10:30am

4’s pm (M, W & F afternoon) Class: Monday, September 9, from 11:00am-11:45am

3’s am (T & Th morning) Class: Tuesday, September 10, from 9:30am-10:30am

3’s pm (T & Th afternoon) Class: Tuesday, September 10, from 11:00am-11:45am

The FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL are:

Wednesday, September 11 4 am Class 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.Wednesday, September 11 4 pm Class 12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.Thursday, September 12 3 am Class 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Thursday, September 12 3 pm Class 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Consider a gift to the Preschool Scholarship Fund to provide tuition help for families with need.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 VBS TEAM!

SPECIAL THANKS to our VBS Leaders: Bonnie & Ron Reichert (Crafts & Decorating), Janet Kaiser (Bible Stories), Amy Deeds (Snacks), Onnalee Lach (Recreation), Lisa Sterling (Music), Chris Nelson (Coordinator) and our many teachers and helpers for their works of faith before, during, and after VBS! Thank you to Edda Albin, Gary Albin, Jennifer Besler, Shelley Besler, Christina Bossick, Denise Braun, Megan Braun, Vi Chambers, Jessica Culver, Micah Czuchnowski, Emily Deeds, Matt Deeds, Doreen Echols, Abigail Hackbardt, Amanda Hackbardt, Rose Hall, Patty Hicks, John Hughes, T. T. Lach, Amy Lockard, Drake Lockard, Rosie Lockard, Emily Martin, Shelby Martin, Elizabeth Matovski, Andy Mattison, Julie Mattison, Travis Mitchell, Lyne Nelson, Matt Nelson, Alyssa Petz, Dawn Petz, Amy Rechkemmer, Louise Rucker, Lori Savanyu, Lauren Savanyu, Esther Schlosser, Megan Shelton, Kathy Sulisz, Nancy Ulrich, Patty Wadkins, Devon Walrath, Sarah Walrath, and Sue Zimmerman. Thank you also to William Hicks and Ettie Ann Hirth and our Board of Elders for organizing the church potluck!

Look at the amazing number of helpers needed to make VBS happen each year. Thank you to all!

Our VBS OFFERING in the amount of $575 was given this year to Lutheran Bible Translators. The mission of LBT is to help bring people to faith in Jesus Christ by making the Word of God available to those who do not yet have it in the language of their hearts. Of the 6,912 languages spoken in the world, almost 4,500 have no portion of Scripture. LBT missionaries are serving in 15 countries. For more information go to www.LBT.org.

We were blessed to have LBT Missionary Becky Grossmann spend a day with us at VBS, sharing her ministry with the children. Becky is presently involved with various translation projects in Liberia, particularly for the Gola and Dan people. Pray for Becky, her family, the Gola and Dan peoples, and others so that they will have God’s Word soon in the language of their hearts.

ADULT CHOIR

People of all voices are needed -(soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). If you enjoy singing praises to God, please prayerfully consider singing in the Choir. Speak with Pastor Nelson if interested. Our Choir plans on singing once a month at the 10 a.m. worship service.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

If you’d like to be added to our email list, contact cross-christ@att.net. To check out upcoming events, go to our web site at www.crossofchristlutheran.org. The monthly calendar and newsletter are available each month online.

Look for us on FACEBOOK at:www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

BOARD OF TRUSTEES UPDATE

PAINT DONATIONS ARE NEEDED to complete the church painting project. The outside trim, front sign, fellowship hall, kitchen, hallway and conference room have been completed. Now, the Trustees would like to have the narthex and gathering hallway painted. Thank you for all past donations!

More projects have been completed over the summer months. The lights are in the procress of being upgraded to brighter, more efficient bulbs, as well as additional outdoor security lighting. A new refrigerator has been purchased (due to our older model no longer working), and the flower refrigerator will be replaced soon.

The carpets, much of the upholstered furniture, and all of the mats were professionally cleaned. Thank you to James & Carole Bedard for their generous donation!

Any questions or suggestions, give me a call. . . . . Bonnie Reichert

2013 ALTAR FLOWERS

Dates are still open in September, 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.”

BLOOD DRIVE – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

A RED CROSS BOOD DRIVE will be held here at church on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The need is urgent! An appointment sheet is available on the Gathering Hall table as you enter church. You may also register online at www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor code: coclsl. (Donate during the month of September and your name will be entered in a drawing to win Detroit Lions tickets.)THANK YOU

THANK YOU to Nancy Ulrich for organizing and giving of her time and talent at our RUMMAGE SALE in June. It was a big success, with profits totaling $1595.78. We appreciate all of the helpers who gave of their time and for the many donations. The donations were greater than any other year.AREA NEWS

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY 50 TH ANNIVERSARY :Celebrate Concordia’s 50th Anniversary with Worship, Program and Refreshments on Sunday, September 29, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Visit www.cuaa.edu for more information.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL:St. Paul Lutheran School in Northville has openings for K-8 th grade. Strong academic curriculum and quality Christian program; 201 Elm Street, Northville, MI. 248-349-3146. Go to www.stpaulnorthville.org.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

TRANSFERS IN ADDRESS UPDATE Evelyn Oliver+ + Harold & Jo Ann Zoller Pines of Clarkston Our Savior, Glennie, MI 7550 Dixie Highway Clarkston, MI 48346+ + Hal & Judy Nimer Good Shepherd, Caseville, MI

SUMMER MEMORIALS & THANKOFFERINGS:

+ + In thankfulness for prayers and healing of their daughter, Heidi Wolski Staney, a gift has been given by Bob & Karin Wolski.

+ + In honor of Frank Huber, a gift has been given by Myron & Joann Nims.

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

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, a gift has been given to Debt Reduction by Bill & Ettie Ann Hirth.

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, a gift has been given by James & Carole Bedard.

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, gifts have been given by Frank & Elsie Huber, Dolly Rancour, Rev. & Mrs. Martin Mohring, and Bob & Judy Lawson.

+ + In memory of Donald Stolz, a gift has been given to Debt Reduction by Gary & Edda Albin and to the Paint Fund by Michael & Claudia Abrash.

+ + In memory of Donald Stolz, gifts have been given by Andy & Gloria Schrom, Jim & Sue Zimmerman, and Jim & Barb Morrison.

+ + In memory of Donald Stolz, gifts have been given by Richard & Beverly Schultz, Benjamin & Kathy Czerniawski, James & Monica Doig, Ronald & Helen Kurkoswki, Darlene Moore and family, Karen Biskupski, Gerald & Elizabeth Moehring, Russell & Paula Liebetrau, Timothy Fehrle, Doug & Susan Stolz, Ronald & Michelle Benedict, William & Marilyn Mitchell and Schwanz family.

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, gifts have been given by Neil & Annie Nichols and Marie Smith.

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, gifts have been given by Betty Hubrecht, Lee Seymour, Dick & Jean Hofmann, and Charles Ribordy.

+ + In memory of Don Stolz, a gift has been given by Myron & JoAnn Nims

+ + In memory of Dewey Nichols, a gift has been given to the Mercy Fund by Bill & Ettie Ann Hirth.

STEWARDSHIPCORNER

Work Is a God-Given Ability

On the first Monday in September, we annually celebrate Labor Day, which is dedicated to the social and economic achievement of American workers. Since 1884, workers enjoy a holiday from their work. As Christians, we know that work is a blessing from God. In the very beginning, God put Adam and Eve to work in the garden (Genesis 2:15).

Our work and labor enable us to earn money. Even though Scripture is clear that God owns all things, we may say, “This isn’t God’s money in my wallet. It’s my money. I worked for it. I deserve it.” God has heard this over and over again. God addresses this attitude in the eighth chapter in Deuteronomy. God had brought His people out of slavery and was taking care of their every need. He was providing food each morning. He was protecting them and blessing them in battle. In spite of His gracious provision for them, the nation continued to gripe and complain all the time. Even though God provided for their needs, they ignored Him.

In our own lives, when our stomachs are full and we have success, we have a tendency to forget all that God has done for us. We take credit for our success, forgetting that God has made it happen, and then we blame Him for our failures! God’s people stopped thanking and praising Him for all their blessings. They had forgotten that He had given them the ability to work so they could earn the money needed to provide for their blessings. Moses wrote, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

As God’s laborers, we are mindful that God gives us the ability to work and gain wealth. To enable us to work, God does the following:

God gives us talents, abilities, and skills. God gives us bodies, strength, and energy to work. God gives us ideas and creativity. God gives us dedication, ingenuity, and initiative. God gives us opportunities to work. God gives us employers who pay us for our work.

When we understand God’s role in making it possible to work and earn money, we will acknowledge His ownership of our money. Accepting that God is the source and owner of what we have, we begin to manage our money in ways that give Him glory. We use our money in ways that serve God’s purposes.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

4 Myron Nims 5 Ryan Gates 7 David Gerke

Karin Wolski 8 Frank Huber

Jacquelyn Zimmerman 9 Emma Rancour10 Steven Petsch11 Neil Allan Nichols Judy Nimer12 Lea Faust

Aidan Lockard14 Christopher Lauer15 Steve Gorman19 Matthew Deeds22 Tom Flook

Evan King26 Evelyn Oliver27 Kirsten Lanam

Ryan Stevenson

SEPTEMBERANNIVERSARIES

2 Brent & Lisa Sterling 6 Jeffrey & Rebecca Kreipke10 Myron & JoAnn Nims16 James & Angela Baker17 Keith & Beverly Pixley25 Mike & Marci Wasilko

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

THRIVENT CHOICE

We thank Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for continued donations to our church and preschool through the Thrivent Choice Program. If you are a Thrivent policy holder and have not selected Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or Preschool as your designated choice, do so at Thrivent.com/thrivent choice. Learn more by calling our congregation’s representative,

Cathy Gateman, CLU, FIC, at734-432-7777 or online at

catherine.gateman@thrivent.com.

GOD WORKS FOR US ANDIN US, IN SPITE OF US.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abound-ing in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Fax: 248-437-7708 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.org www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 10:00am Worship

2

Labor Day

39:00am Board of Evangelism

44:00-5:30pm Confirmation

5 6 76:30pm Brown Baptism

8 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School11:15am ICE CREAM SOCIAL

99:30-Noon Preschool Orientation6:00pm Weight Watchers

109:30am-Noon Preschool Orientation

119:15am1st day of Preschool

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

129:30am1st day of Preschool

13

14

15 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship10:00am Sunday School11:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Coffee Hour/ Preschool Board11:00am Board of Elders

166:00pm Weight Watchers7:00pm Board of Trustees

177:00pmChurch Council

184:00-5:30pm Confirmation

19 20 21

22 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School11:00am Choir Rehearsal_______________________29 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship + Choir Sings10:00am Sunday School

23

6:00pm Weight Watchers______________306:00pm Weight Watchers

24 254:00-5:30pm Confirmation

26 27 2810am-4pmRed CrossBLOOD DRIVE

+ Indicates Holy Communion