CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold RoadSouth Lyon, MI 48178

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

www.crossofchristlutheran.org Email: cross-christ@att.net M A Y, 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,

We will celebrate Memorial Day during this month of May. On Memorial Day we honor and remember people who have served and died in our nation’s armed forces. We remember and honor those who have served in our nation’s Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corp, and Navy. We especially remember and honor people who laid down their lives in service to our country and to God. We remember family members, friends, fellow Christians, and acquaintances who served and who are serving in our nation’s military. I remember my Dad who served in the Marines during the Korean War. We can honor them with our words. We can gratefully remember those who have died. We can thank God for them and for their service to Him and to our country. We honor and remember our servicemen and women in memorial parades and services.

Jesus said, “I honor My Father.” Christ honored His Father by His Words. God the Son honored His Father by knowing Him and by keeping His Words. Christ honored His Father because He is “I Am.”

Let us honor God. We can honor God by our words. Let’s speak the truth in love to people. Let us speak God’s Word to folks. We can proclaim God’s Kingdom to others. Let’s encourage believers who publicly dishonor God to repent. Let us pray the Lord’s Prayer. We can praise, thank and worship our Triune God. Let’s obey God’s commandments (Exodus 20: 3, 7, 8) “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. . . Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.”

Jesus promises that if anyone keeps His Word, He will never see death. (John 8:51) “I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps My Word, he will never see death.” You are able to keep Christ’s Word by trusting in Him as your Lord and Savior. You are alive spiritually by trusting in Christ. Believing in our Lord, you will live spiritually even though you die physically. You will live forever in Heaven. You will be able to honor God forever in Heaven.

PASTOR’S LETTER Continued

Let us honor our Father in Heaven by keeping His Word. Let’s hold to God’s Word and obey it. We can keep guard over God’s Word and defend it from attack. Let us love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbors as yourself. We can defend and guard God’s Word in our conversations with unbelievers.

We celebrate our Triune God on The Holy Trinity Sunday in May. We remember that Jesus honored His Father. Praise and thank Christ for honoring His Father by His Words. Thank and praise Jesus for honoring His Father by knowing Him and by keeping His Word. Praise and thank Christ that He is “I Am.” Our ascended Lord leads and empowers you to honor God by your words, by knowing Him, and by keeping His Word.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!

May God bless you and your family during this month of May and always!

Sincerely in our Risen Christ,

Pastor Terry Nelson__________________________________________________________________________ CONFIRMATION 2013

We rejoice with the following young people who were confirmed on Confirmation Sunday, April 14th.

Paige Courtney Conrad Psalm 46:1Amanda Katherine Hackbardt Hebrews 13:5Drew Michael Hantz Deut. 4:29Joseph Cooper Hughes Psalm 27:1Shealyn Rae Lach Luke 23:34Hailey Lauren Lanam John 3:16Ryan Gaston Leckner Psalm 27:1Andrew William Mattison Psalm 55:22Bradley Michael Miller Luke 11:28Ryan Gregory Stevenson Psalm 27:1

May God bless and strengthen them to fulfill their Confirmations vows! SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held at 10 a.m. for children three years old through fifth grade during the school year. Children are dismissed to their classes from the worship service after the opening hymn.

YOUTH in grades 6-12 meet for Bible Study the first and third Sundays of the month after worship. They gather for fun activities throughout the year.

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

ADULT BIBLE STUDY is held Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. Join us as we study the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons of the day in depth. 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. Fill out the Form included with this newsletter to sign up to be a Helper at VBS. Lots of help is needed to provide this children’s ministry.

REGISTRATIONS FORMS will be available soon. Call the church office -248-437-8810 to register.CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

We offer a Christian, play-based program for three and four year olds, with age appropriate academics. 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.

Fall Registration began in March and is off to a great start. Only a few spots are open in the morning 4’s, and the morning 3’s has a waiting list. Pass the word on to friends, family, and neighbors! Call the church office for more information and to visit a preschool class.

We will welcome our preschool families on Sunday, May 5, when the children will sing for us during our worship service.

COMING JUNE 20, 21, & 22 . . . . . . .

CROSS OF CHRIST RUMMAGE SALE

As you begin spring cleaning, remember to set aside those unwanted, useable items for our Rummage Sale. We don’t have room to store items until after preschool completes their school year, but we appreciate you saving items for us. (We will not be accepting stuffed animals or large electronic items– TVs, computers, etc.). Save your Christmas items for a December sale. Lots of help will be needed sorting, selling, and cleaning up. Watch for the sign up sheet to be posted on the Information Board to help out. Thank you!

(Items may be brought in beginning the 1st of June.)

WOMEN'S OUTREACH

"RUMMAGE! We need lots of "stuff" for our "RUMMAGE SALE"The dates are Thurs, Fri, Sat. -- JUNE 20, 21, & 22 When cleaning cupboards, drawers etc., box up those unwanted items and save for the rummage sale.

Cross of Christ's 40th Anniversary - - October 2013A time to celebrate!!! A celebration is being planned for this special occasion. A committee is needed and if you would like to help tell Chris. We have several charter members and their help would be appreciated.

Women's Outreach purchased a new 42 cup coffee maker and a kettle for hot water for our tea drinkers.

Sign the cards for the shut-ins. Claudia sets out 7 cards at a time twice a month for you to sign. Please take time to sign, and our shut ins will know they are not forgotten. Thanks to Linda Schroeder for making the beautiful cards.

Women's Outreach meetings will be held as needed. Any ideas or suggestions for events or activities would be welcomed. . . . . . . Ettie Ann

"MEET THE MEMBERS"

Charter member CAROL ERB attended many organization meetings, the first one in 1973. Carol was very active in the new church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and also served as Council Secretary. Carol was also very active when the church was rebuilt in 1997-98. She helped secure the hymnals, the altar cross, and communion kneelers. The pews were purchased from a church up north, and Carol helped with moving them to Cross of Christ.

Carol Erb and her husband Russ moved from Detroit to South Lyon in 1972. They had two children, a daughter and a son (who passed away in 2010). They also have two grandsons and one great granddaughter.

Carol worked for Chrysler Corporation, retiring after 30 years. Following retirement she worked as a Para Pro for South Lyon Schools. She also served as Director at Active Faith Community Services.

Carol is still active at Cross of Christ. She serves on the Altar Guild and Women's Outreach. She is on one of the Counter teams, helps during VBS, and helps serve Funeral Lunches. Thanks to Carol for all her dedicated service at Cross of Christ for 40 years.

(Look for the pictures on the Gathering Hall board.) ____________________________________________________________________________

COFFEE HOUR will be hosted on Sunday, May 19, by the Evangelism/Stewardship Board.

IN THE BEGINNING

SOUTH LYON CONGREGATION STARTS CHURCH BUILDINGIn a relatively short span of time, members of South Lyon's Cross of Christ Lutheran Church have completed a list of accomplishments which would normally take years.

Groundbreaking ceremonies Sunday at the site at 10 mile and Griswold Roads was the initial step in the construction of the first official church building for the tiny congregation which was established only two years ago. Building costs have been pegged at $140,000.

In that length of time the mission church has grown from a handful of believers to a membership of 50 families, encompassing 130 persons. This small group has succeeded in just 24 months in purchasing the seven-acre site east of South Lyon, built a parsonage (Fall 1973), and called a full time pastor. Next Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the first Cross of Christ service in the Kiwanis Hall which serves as temporary quarters for the growing congregation. (article in South Lyon Herald, September 22, 1975)

ALTAR FLOWERSSign 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.) Check out the chart in the hallway near the kitchen. Checks are made out to “Cross of Christ” – designated “Altar Flowers.” Dates are open in June, July & Aug.ACTIVE FAITHThank you for your donations of non-perishable food items for Active Faith throughout the year. Donations are welcome in the box provided as you enter church. Our church has pledged $250 per month to Active Faith. Your monetary donations are also appreciated.

THANK YOU

Dear Fellow Members of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church,

Thanks to all who helped celebrate my birthday, sharing cake and punch in the Fellowship Hall.The message board was “sweet.” And all of the beautiful cards were special to me. Thank you so much.

Yours in Christ,Marie + + +

Dear Church Family,Thank you so much for your prayers and help and energy directed to me in my time of illness. You are all so kind. You are my family when mine is so far away. It’s always much easier to get through a hard time when you are not alone! Your cards and encouragement helped me become strong again and taught me more about selflessness and giving.

You are all truly appreciated!

Sincerely,Linda SchroederBOARD OF TRUSTEES

Special Contribution Project of the Quarter

There are many current and deferred maintenance projects which require attention. The Church Council will select one or two of the most important or critical ones each Quarter and focus on raising funds for them. This will avoid partial funding of many projects that would not get completed.

This Quarter we will focus on two Spring/Summer projects: 1) Painting of the exterior church trim and the sign on 10 Mile Road. 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.

Longer-term projects include the following (in no particular order):- Painting dry/ wall repair narthex and greeting hall ($2,000)

- Church roof ($25,000-35,000)

- Parking lot re-paving ($15,000?)

- Replace church ceiling fans (with remotes and individual controls) and new wiring ($800-1000)

- Water fountain/cooler for hallway (commercial type $600 or bottled water dispenser $150 + $10-15/ mo. replacement service)

- Power wash church and parsonage ($200-300)

- Upgrade/replace water softener/rust filtration system ($250-500)

- Replacement mower ($7,000)

- Parsonage bathroom floor and tub/shower replacement ($5,000)

- maintenance of hard flooring, buffing/ waxing ($500 every 6-12 months)

- Landscape/bed installed around front sign. Planting flowering shrubs in north side beds ($300) These projects could include the offer of your time or expertise instead of money. For example, if you install tile for a living you could help with the parsonage bathroom or get a professional discount on materials. You do not have to join the trustees or commit beyond a specific project. If you would like to offer some one-time help in an area in which you have expertise or experience, or if you want to adopt a complete project, contact Bonnie at 248-349-1555.

STEWARDSHIPCORNER

Your Journey as a Steward

A steward is the manager of someone else’s property for the benefit of the owner. In Genesis chapter one, God makes mankind (you) the steward over all He has made. “And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens…” (Verse 26). He has given you, along with other Christians, the responsibility of taking care of His property. Your purpose as a steward is again stated in the second chapter of Genesis. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). You are the manager and caretaker of God’s creation.

God has chosen us to be His stewards. It is not our doing, but it is God working in and through us. Over our lifetimes, God molds and shapes us into the stewards He wants us to be. He starts the journey, and He provides for our continued growth. The journey continues as we grow in faith, trust, and submission. Each of our individual journeys begins with faith that God gives us. Through faith, we understand that we are His special adopted children who are given a special privilege and responsibility to be His stewards. Faith helps us understand that we are all on this journey together. God organizes us into families, churches, and communities, and into the Body of Christ. He places within us a desire to have a relationship with Him and our fellow believers.

In our journey as stewards, we see shifts in both our attitudes and deeds. One of the first changes is a shift from a broken or separated relationship with God to a relationship of intimacy with Him. With changed hearts, we seek to be in His presence. We speak to Him through our prayers and in worship. We seek to know His will. As our relationship with Jesus deepens, we become more obedient. We move from disobedience to faithfulness. We want to please and honor Him in what we say and do.

As God molds us and transforms us into His stewards, we look differently at our material world. We become less attached and focused on accumulating money and things. We are in the world but not of the world. As new people in Christ, we use money not only to provide for our needs, but to help others in need and to spread the Good News of the Gospel to those near and far. We understand that it is not our money but money that God has merely entrusted to us to manage faithfully. We have the wonderful privilege and the responsibility to give generously of what we have.

In our journey as stewards, we will often disappoint God by not doing what we should with our time, talents, and money, but God is there to forgive us, pick us up, and put us back on our journey as stewards. How blessed we are that God is given us the high calling of being His stewards! “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 29 – August 2, 2013

9 a.m. – NoonFor 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 be a Recreation Leader outside.

______ 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)Registration Forms available in May.

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

CROSS OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL24155 Griswold Road, South Lyon, MI 48178

248-437-0871 or 248-437-8810REGISTRATION FORM

2013-2014 School Year

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Child’s Full Name Name Preferred for Class

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Name of Parents/Guardians Birth Date

Circle your class choice4 AM Monday/Wednesday/Friday

_________________________________________ 9:15am - 11:45am 2 day 3 dayAddress (Street)

4 PM Monday/Wednesday/Friday_________________________________________ 12:15pm - 2:45pm 2 day 3 day(City, Zip)

3 AM Tuesday/Thursday 9:30am-11:30am____________________/___________________ Home Phone Cell Phone 3 PM Tuesday/Thursday 12:15pm- 2:15pm

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Preferred # for Preschool Parent Directory ALLERGIES (Let office know if you don’t want to be included.) Church Membership at:

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Email Name City

___________________________________________________________________________________Names & Birthdates of Siblings

TUITION & FEESREGISTRATION FEE: $50 non-refundable fee per child, required at the time of

registration and must accompany this form.

TUITION: Tuition is a yearly figure divided into 9 payments, Sept. – May.3 year olds (2 days per week) $ 90 per month4 year olds (2 days per week) $115 per month4 year olds (3 days per week) $155 per month(The second child in a family receives a $20 per month discount.)

ACTIVITY/MATERIALS FEE: $30 one-time non-refundable fee per child, due the first session in September. This fee covers the cost of field trips for your child and one adult for the year, plus supplies and materials.

_____________________________________________________________ __________________Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

MAY BIRTHDAYS 2 Carol Walrath 6 Michelle Conrad

9 Charley HallBruce Mach

10 Ron Miller Christina Nelson11 Andrew Mattison14 Carol Hermann

James BedardShari Stevenson

15 Chandler Lach18 Janet Gorman

Scott LanamLyne Nelson

19 Jeff Hantz20 Matthew Lauer21 Zachary Wasilko22 Carol Nelson23 Nicole Hermann25 Helen Perttunen

Michaela Vanderhaeghen26 Kelli Lauer27 Karen Neiswinter29 Shealyn Lach

Shelby MartinEvelyn Mayer

30 Blake Evans

MAY ANNIVERSARIES 3 Ben & Kathy Sulisz10 Jim & Sue Zimmerman11 Charles & Amy Deeds15 Donald & Joann Stolz21 Bill & Ettie Ann Hirth29 Alan & Janelle Lach

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

CROSS OF CHRIST EMAIL: cross-christ@att.net

Send us your email if you would like

communications sent via email. You can still receive the monthly newsletter in your church mail box each month, or you may elect to have it emailed.

Throughout the month, you can go online to check out our church’s web page:

www.crossofchristlutheran.org

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)

M A Y 2 0 1 3CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Parsonage: 248-486-4335 Web: www.crossofchristlutheran.org________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday+ Indicates Holy Communion

1 26:30-8:30pm Girl Scouts

3 4

5 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship Preschool Sings10:00am Sunday School11:00am Youth Bible Study

65:30 & 6:30pm Weight Watchers

7 8 96:30-8:30pm Girl Scouts

10 11

12 Mother’s Day 9:00 am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship + 10:00am Sunday School

135:30 & 6:30pm Weight Watchers

1410:00am Bd. of Evangelism/ Stewardship

7:00pm Trustees

15 16

________________

17 18

19 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School 11:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Coffee Hour: Evangelism/Stewardship

205:30 & 6:30pm Weight Watchers

21 7:00pm Church Council

22 23

________________

24 25

26 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School

27

Memorial Day

28 29 30 31