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 8

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,

Thanksgiving Day is a very special day, one in which we find ourselves unified in something – turkey. Not just turkey, but turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and pecan pie, you name it. We will be celebrating a meal that will be in our homes as we sit down with family and friends giving thanks to God around a Thanksgiving feast.

So what will come of all this feasting? If you are like me, overeating is in our future. A little too much turkey, too many helpings of stuffing, and I’m already trying to convince myself I need that piece of pie with a mound of whipped cream. The result of all this over indulgence will be a loosening of the belt buckle and the desire to take a nap while watching football. I am planning to stay awake for the Lions’ game. Go Lions!

You might say that Thanksgiving is about the food and having lots of it. That’s how we live the other 364 days a year. We have become a fast-food, prepackaged society. It’s estimated that today the average American family eats about 40% of their meals out, making it difficult to make wise, nutritional choices. We are constantly on the run, shoveling Big Macs in our mouths, Little Debbies in our pockets, and washing them down with a Pepsi as we dash out the door. We are harming ourselves by what we put in our bodies.

So, what is the remedy? Our spiritual diet begins by meditating on the truth. “Whatever is true,” Paul writes, “think about these things.” What is truth? This is the same question Pilate asked of Jesus, not understanding that truth was staring him in the face. Jesus is the truth. In the Gospel of John, Christ says, “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31, 32) You can abide in Jesus’ Word by hearing it in worship services and Bible classes. You abide in Christ’s Word by reading it in your Bible. You are truly Jesus’ disciple, His student, His apprentice. You know the truth of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, Who gives you life in His name. We know that Jesus spoke the truth when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Christ set you free from your sins by shedding His blood on the cross. You are free from your sins by faith in Jesus. Continued . . . .Pastor’s Letter

As we stare Jesus in the face, gazing upon the truth come down from heaven, we see ourselves in the reflection of His eyes. We see God’s heart broken for you. To our sin-sick souls, Jesus came to bring life and forgiveness by His death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb. Christ is the remedy to all our bad choices – not burgers and fries, but sin.

Jesus’ blood covers the multitude of our sin and frees us from the shackles of death. Praise and thanks be to God there is a remedy for our soul disease and His name is Jesus! As we feed ourselves daily on the truth of Jesus, we come to know what is honorable, what is just, what is excellent and worthy of praise, because Jesus, the Word made flesh, is God’s food for our souls. We can thank God for Jesus when we pray to Him.

A blessed and happy Thanksgiving! A blessed and joyful Thanksgiving. May God bless you and your family this month of November and always!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Pastor Terry Nelson

Thanksgiving Worship Services

Sunday, November 18th – 10 a.m.Wednesday, November 21st – 7 p.m.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENTS

Thank you to all who turned in their 2019 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. Only our Financial Secretary, Chuck Deeds, confidentially reviews the pledges.

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. Monetary donations are also welcome.

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 or eldridge.dominick@gmail.com.

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.The Odyssey of St. Paul – DVD study beginning in NovemberAside from Jesus himself, no one had a greater influence on the founding of Christianity than Paul of Tarsus.  Dr. Maier takes us along on Paul's journeys.  Sessions include: Young Saul, The New Saul, The First Mission Journey, Quarrels and the Second Mission Journey, The Second Mission Journey and Greece, The Third Mission Journey, Arrest and Imprisonment, The Voyage to Rome.

CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

The preschool children will be busy the month of November focusing on the themes of Harvest and Thanksgiving. We have a few openings in our three year old 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.

Remember to set your clocks back on Sunday, November 4. Daylight Saving Time ends – fall back.

COMMEMORATION OF THE + FAITHFUL DEPARTED +

All Saints Sunday – November 4, 2018

We will remember those called home to glory this past year: Thomas Philip Hackbardt June 16, 1973 - October 31, 2017 Harold P. Nimer Jr. April 5, 1936 - December 25, 2017 Earl W. Baldwin September 17, 1927- February 20, 2018 Grant Stephen Neiswinter July 15, 1938 - March 16, 2018 Robert A. Walrath December 25, 1940 - March 17, 2018 Robert L. Smith April 21, 1956 - August 7, 2018

Fall Harvest DinnerSunday, November 18th – after worship(Beef Roast, potatoes, salads, and desserts)

Sponsored by the Board of Evangelism/Stewardship& Women’s Fellowship

Sign up on the front information board.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP will meet on Thursday, November 1st at Cracker Barrel in Brighton at 10:30 a.m. (Cracker Barrel is located at 7925 Conference Center Dr, Brighton, MI 48114.) All women are invited to join in the planning for upcoming events: Harvest Dinner, Cookie Sale, and Trunk sale to name a few.

A two year old blonde cat is looking for a new home. He has all of his own toys and accessories. Please contact Louise at 248-348-1471.

FREE CHRISTIAN YOGA CLASS AT CROSS OF CHRIST

"Are you interested in trying yoga? Please join us for a free beginner yoga class at the church! The focus will be on an introductory yoga practice with gentle movement and breath work to help you relax and feel better overall. We will incorporate prayer and Bible readings into the class.  If you are interested, please sign up on the board, or email Jessica Wood at Jessica.L.Wood96@gmail.com. Jessica will work with all interested people to pick a time for class that works for the group. We will target late November or December for a first class, and can offer more if there is interest!"

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. 11Operation 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 $16.50 and may

be taken home after the Christmas Eve worship services. CHURCHDECORATING FORCHRISTMAS Saturday, November 24th – 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!

On the third Sunday of the month, November 18, Rose Eldridge will be available a half hour before worship to take blood pressure readings in the church conference room.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.

ALTAR GUILD HELPHelp is also needed on our Altar Guild. Teams of two serve every three or four months for a month. 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.

Due to age and availability of parts, our copier will need to be replaced during 2018-19. A COPIER Fund has been set up to receive donations. Thank you!

START SAVING:A proposed "Trunk Sale" fundraiser is being planned for next May, so save your unwanted/good condition items. More details after the holidays!

STEWARDSHIPTHOUGHT

Expressing our GratitudeA father and his young son were eating a meal at McDonalds. The father who had no French fries, started to smell the wonderful aroma of the fries his son was enjoying so he reached over

for one of the fries. The father was shocked to hear his son say loudly, “Stop, these are my French fries.” Even though the father was the one who a few minutes earlier had paid for his son’s meal and fries, the son was still unwilling to share any of his fries.

This story in many ways reminds us of how we show our lack of gratitude for what God so generously provides us. In order for us to express our gratitude,

we need first to understand that all that we are and have are gifts from God. In the words of King David, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). We all belong to God the Creator. God is the giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift:” (James 1:17), but, more important, through His Son we have received forgiveness and are saved from eternal prison. When we truly understand that all we are and all we have are gifts from God, we can begin to express our thanks in words and actions.

As God’s stewards, we also realize that our talents and abilities are gifts from God that are to be used in His service. When we use our gifts for God’s glory, we acknowledge that He is the provider, and we express our thanks for all He gives to us.

WHEN WE KNOW WHO GOD IS, WE CANNOT HELP BUT PRAISE AND THANK HIM.

“Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise” (Psalm 95:2).

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

With Thanksgiving

The world is full of heartache. Heartaches of all kinds: financial difficulties, health problems, broken relationships, job stresses. You can name more. Look around you, and often you can see hurt in people’s eyes. More often, we learn to mask our hurt and present a “happy face.” The apostle Paul had plenty of heartaches, too. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, without a home of his own, in danger from the elements, from enemies, and, sadly, in danger from false brothers. He suffered from hunger, the cold, and lack of clothing. He felt the pressure of concern for the new churches he established and served. (2 Corinthians 11:16-33.)

Surely Paul had a right to complain, not just to those who brought these calamities upon him, but to God Who allowed them! So we might think, anyway. Not so! Paul boasted in his weakness, in the circumstances over which he had no control, for he knew God was in control. “That is why,” Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, in insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul taught the new Christians to depend on God for all their needs: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). That two-word phrase in the middle is easy to miss: “with thanksgiving.” And why should we not pray with thanksgiving, knowing we have a gracious God Who delights to bless us! Why should we not pray with thanksgiving, knowing we have a God Who has spared not even His own Son (Romans 8:32)! Should we lose all, we still pray with thanksgiving that nothing can separate us from our Savior.

LORD, HELP US TO MAKE EVERY DAY A DAY FOR GIVING YOU THANKS AND PRAISE FOR ALL OUR GIFTS.

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call on His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.” (1 Chronicles 16:8)

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 Baker23 John Gilbert

Pastor Nelson24 Jeannine Hosbach

Colleen MartinDawn Petz

26 Anna Redmon27 Amy Deeds28 Hazel Richardson

Drake Wyman30 Brenden Lach

Nicholas Stevenson

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

__________________________________

MEMBERSHIP

BAPTISM:+ + Drake Ariel Perry October 7, 2018 Child of Derrick & Aracelie Perry

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:We thank God for our new members:

Linda BensonBob ErlenbuschVicki MoakRose Webb

May God bless them in our midst!

DISASTER RELIEF: If you are not a Thrivent member, you can place a donation marked “Hurricane Disaster Relief” in our offering plate, and it will be sent to LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

Give Online at Synod’s website:lcms.org/givenow/disaster

Give by mail:Checks payable to “The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” or “LCMS”, Write Disaster Response on the memo line and send to:

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Mission Advancement P.O. Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

To make a credit card gift By Phone: Call LCMS 888-930-4438 between8 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. Central Time.

THRIVENT MATCHING GIFT TO HURRICANE VICTIMSYou can make a personal donation through Thrivent.com to specific organizations helping the hurricane victims. When you do, Thrivent will match your donation dollar for dollar ‒ up to $1 million. This matching opportunity will run until the match is met or until Dec. 31, 2018, whichever comes first. Thrivent will help pay processing fees to ensure 100 percent of your donation goes directly to help those in need. Go to thrivent.com.MEMORIALS

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

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8CROSS 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

110:30am Women’s Fellowship – At Cracker Barrel

6:00-8:00pm Girl Scouts

2 3

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

Daylight Saving Time Ends:Fall Back

5 6 74:00-5:30pm Confirmation

8 9 10

11 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School

Operation CC Boxes Due

12 13 144:00-5:30pm Confirmation

15 16 17

1810:00am Worship Choir Sings10:00am Sunday School10:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Board of Elders

11:00am Fall Harvest Dinner

19 20 10:15am Bd. of Evangelism/ Stewardship

7:00pm Church Council

21(No Preschool or Confirmation)

7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship +

22Thanksgiving Day

23 24 9:00am

Church Christmas Decorating

25 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School 4:00pm Rehab Center Worship

26 27 28

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

29 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).