THE CROSS FIRE. Happy New Year! Welcome 2019!

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Church of the cross Issue 258 THE CROSS FIRE January 2019 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the

Birthdays 3. Offering Envelopes 4. Creation Mtg. 4. Adult Discipleship 4. Thank you 5. Crossover Youth 6.

6 Prayer & Study Session, Jan. 6 Week of Prayer, Jan 7-10 Prayer & Renewal Retreat, Jan.

Pantry Day, Jan 8 & 22 2019 WEEK OF PRAYER: January 6, 2019 There will be a two-hour teaching outlining what God

During the following week there will be threehour segments of prayer at church (8-11 AM, 11 AM-2 PM, 4-7 PM).

All Church Prayer & Renewal Retreat Friday, January 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

1 Church of the cross Issue 258 THE CROSS FIRE January 2019 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World ON THE INSIDE 2. Pastor s message 3. A Way Forward 3. Weather Closings 3. Birthdays 3. Offering Envelopes 4. Creation Mtg. 4. Adult Discipleship 4. Thank you 5. Crossover Youth 6. CrossKidz 7. Finances 9. Congregational Notes Special Dates in January Communion Sunday, Jan. 6 Prayer & Study Session, Jan. 6 Week of Prayer, Jan 7-10 Prayer & Renewal Retreat, Jan. 11 & & Charlie s Restaurant, Jan. 16 Cardio Worship, Pantry Day, Jan 8 & WEEK OF PRAYER: January 6, 2019 There will be a two-hour teaching outlining what God is showing us. During the following week there will be threehour segments of prayer at church (8-11 AM, 11 AM-2 PM, 4-7 PM). This will also include fasting at some level. All Church Prayer & Renewal Retreat Friday, January 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Prayer & Worship Retreat And Saturday, January 12, 8:00am -3:30 pm Matt and Wendy Yeager will lead a prayer retreat with multiple large and small group activities. This is appropriate for youth as well as adults. It will include prayer for ministries throughout the church. Mark your Calendars and plan to attend this very important event at COTC! Continental breakfast & Lunch provided. Happy New Year! Welcome 2019!

Page 2 Issue 258 PASTOR S MESSAGE Dear Friends, Church Staff In Ministry with you Joel Schutte, Interim Pastor jschutte@cotcumc.com Lisa Gleason, Administrative Assistant office@cotcumc.

2 Page 2 Issue 258 PASTOR S MESSAGE Dear Friends, Church Staff In Ministry with you Joel Schutte, Interim Pastor jschutte@cotcumc.com Lisa Gleason, Administrative Assistant office@cotcumc.com Kristin Miklovic, Director of Children s Discipleship kristinm@cotcumc.com Barb Maniak, Creative & Technical Coordinator bamaniak@cotcumc.com Lisa Wagoner, Connections Coordinator lisaw@cotcumc.com Debbie Corpe Director of Adult Discipleship corson.dj@gmail.com Scott Zaborowski Director of Student Ministries (Interim) scottz@cotcumc.com Rich Dubler Traditional/Blended Worship Director office@cotcumc.com Donna Myers, Keyboard Musician office@cotcumc.com Aaron Keaster Bell Choir Director office@cotcumc.com Joanne Born & Tita Wood Custodians Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are looking forward to the New Year at Church of the Cross! We had a marvelous season of Advent and enjoyed worshipping and fellowshipping together through the month of December. We are now looking forward to a week of prayer, fasting, and renewal, January It is vital for each of you to be included in this time of spiritual breakthrough at Church of the Cross. Please consider attending Sunday night s (January 6) prayer and teaching session, praying at the church Monday-Thursday, January 7-10, and attending the Prayer Retreat, Friday and Saturday, January For more information, please see the information in this newsletter. I wanted to bring a few things to your attention as we begin this new year. First off, my time at COTC as the interim pastor has been extended several months. We are going to take advantage of this time to work through the following objectives at Church of the Cross: Lead a week of prayer to break through spiritual barriers at Church of the Cross Restoring the Priesthood of the Believers through teaching and training on Sundays Create a Family Discipleship Team, focusing on whole-church discipleship in 2019 Re-establish Confirmation and Membership classes at Church of the Cross in 2019 Lead a stewardship process with the finance team in the first quarter of 2019 Over the next few weeks on Sunday mornings, I will be preaching through the book of John, looking at how Jesus loved the lost, the least, and the lonely. We will be looking for the Biblical principles gleaned from Jesus that we can put into practice in our lives. Please see the below chart for your review. If you choose you can add a little extra study before the services too. For those of you interested in taking a deeper dive into the Sunday morning sermon scriptures, I am teaching a Sunday School class, covering the material each week from 9-10 am. We will meet in the choir room and, with your participation, will have a great time. Date Theme Sermon Title Scripture Sunday, Jan. 6 Sunday, Jan. 13 Sunday, Jan. 20 Sunday, Jan. 27 Who You Love, I Love Who You Love, I Love Who You Love, I Love Who You Love, I Love Many blessings and we hope you will join with us soon, Jesus Loves... All Who Did Not Receive Him John 1:1-14 Jesus Loves...Those Who are the Life of the Party John 2:1-11 Jesus Loves...Those That Know it All John 3:1-9, Jesus Loves...Those Who are Unloved John 4:4-14 Pastor Joel Schutte Interim Pastor, Church of the Cross

Page 3 Issue 258 A WAY FORWARD THE FUTURE OF THE UMC CHURCH OF THE CROSS, UNITED METHODIST A WAY FORWARD THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH You are invited to attend an educational meeting at

As most of you know the Commission s report consisting of information on three main plans has been submitted to the Council of Bishops.

We will review all W EATHER RELATED CLOSINGS Weather Related Closings Church of the Cross will cancel worship services when Lucas County declares a Level III Snow Emergency.

3 Page 3 Issue 258 A WAY FORWARD THE FUTURE OF THE UMC CHURCH OF THE CROSS, UNITED METHODIST A WAY FORWARD THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH You are invited to attend an educational meeting at COTC on Monday, February 4 at 7:00 pm. This session will provide an updated report of the Commission on A Way Forward. As most of you know the Commission s report consisting of information on three main plans has been submitted to the Council of Bishops. The COB has recommended one of the plans to be adopted by the Special Session of the General Conference which will be convened in St. Louis from February 23 to February 26, We will review all W EATHER RELATED CLOSINGS Weather Related Closings Church of the Cross will cancel worship services when Lucas County declares a Level III Snow Emergency. Information can be found on the local media stations. Any weekly children s & youth three plans as well as look at some of the petitions that have been submitted to the General Conference. A scriptural analysis will be included in the presentation. This event will be led by Chris Steiner, a lay delegate to the General Conference from the Maumee Watershed District and Pastor Joel Schutte. programs will be cancelled if Toledo Public Schools cancel classes for the day. Diane Gianino 1/3 Delores McFarland 1/6 Chris Steiner 1/9 Louie Crots 1/10 Jay Miklovic 1/10 Marcia Roby 1/11 Keith Lewis 1/12 Earlene Joseph 1/14 Latisha Glover 1/15 B. J. Bancroft 1/17 Grace Momenee 1/18 Renate Hoff 1/19 Jana Lybarger 1/19 Colis Hudgins 1/20 Odella Leow 1/23 Theresa Holman 1/25 Terry Solether 1/26 Joseph Scribner 1/27 D ISTRICT LEADERSHIP DAY District Leadership Day The Maumee Watershed District UMC invites you to be a part of our annual Leadership training event. Saturday, January 26 will be filled with great presentations on pertinent topics for ministry in your local church. We have invited Rev. Joseph Bishman as our keynote speaker. He will challenge us to improve our outreach ministries. There are many other fulfilling workshops for effective ministry planned for your on this day. This event promises to be a great day that is well work your time investment. For mor details call the church office or visit the district website at

Page 4 Issue 258 CREATION - The Heavens Declare, Episode 2: Challenges to the Big Bang Creation Meeting: Monday evening January 28 at 7 PM in the Gathering Area.

4 Page 4 Issue 258 CREATION - The Heavens Declare, Episode 2: Challenges to the Big Bang Creation Meeting: Monday evening January 28 at 7 PM in the Gathering Area. This episode explores the scientific challenges to the Big Bang starting with its most basic assumptions. These include how the laws of physics contradict the Big bang, difficulties with antimatter and the horizon problem, and the inadequate explanation for galaxy formation. Learn why the Biblical model is a better fit with the observed evidence. This DVD documentary series showcases compelling evidence for a universe created by God just a few thousand years ago, with a panel of five experts in astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. A DULT DISICPLESHIP Ladies, Save the Date! Saturday, February 23, 2019 Join us for a women s retreat here at Church of the cross - Sharing Our God Stories. Escape the cold by joining us for a day long experience of sharing and caring. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Details coming next month. Crossroads Parents of Adult Children: Deb Corpe will be starting a shorterterm small group on Sunday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. at COTC. We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month and explore our relationships with God and with our adult children. Together we can support each other as we learn how to accept our children, love them, pray for them, and turn them over to God. If you plan to attend, please sign up at the Adult ministry corner. M ANY THANKS Many heartfelt thanks for all who filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The Church of the Cross and Wildwood Academy blessed 165 children! A big thank you to Bill & Janice Huber for their part in this wonderful ministry. Not only did they receive shoeboxes filled with lots of love but will be introduced to a class they can go to called The Greatest Journey. where they can learn about Jesus and then share with their families. Thank you once again for your willingness to support this ministry. Jon & Judy Strole, Janice Huber

Page 5 Issue 258 C ROSSOVER YOUTH January Events 6 6-8 pm No Youth Group - Join the Pastor Joel at the Prayer meeting from 6:30-8:00 pm 13 6-8 pm Loft night and a great message from Scott.

Winter Lock In January 5 th, 2019-7pm-7am For admission to the lock in bring in two canned goods for the food pantry.

And of course we will have Coffee and pizza Emergency Medical forms must be filled out and turned in to Julie Zab.

5 Page 5 Issue 258 C ROSSOVER YOUTH January Events pm No Youth Group - Join the Pastor Joel at the Prayer meeting from 6:30-8:00 pm pm Loft night and a great message from Scott pm Human Clue with live characters, a great snack and message by Scott pm Parent s Night Out 6-8 pm at the church. Babysitting available for ages 2-12 years of age. Donations accepted. Winter Lock In January 5 th, pm-7am For admission to the lock in bring in two canned goods for the food pantry. We will have fun dancing, watching a movie, praise and worship, crafts, Nerf gun war, games, cooking class with Grace Momenee and learning and taking part in prayer with Jessie and Angelo! And of course we will have Coffee and pizza Emergency Medical forms must be filled out and turned in to Julie Zab. There will be no youth group January 6 th but students and parents are encouraged to join Pastor Joel at the prayer meeting 6:30-8pm at church. Faith & Family Event at the Walleye Game February 19, 2019 Event starts at 2:30pm. There will be Christian music along with testimonies from several of the walleye players. The game starts at 5pm. Youth and family are invited. Only 30 tickets available. To hold your spot, turn payment into Julie Zaborowski by January 27 th. Checks made out to Church of the Cross. There will be no youth group that night!

7 G OD S ANWSERS TO OUR PRAYERS GOD's Answers To Our Prayers "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 NKJV *Praises for COTC friends *Praise that Pastor Joel recovered from illness to lead us in worship *Praises for Faith Promise Sunday focusing on our dedicated workers in ministry and for the generosity of our congregation in their prayer and monetary giving. *Praise member's health issues were cared for by God Almighty himself when critical health issues took over during a recent vacation. *Praise that son's eye surgery went well. *Giving thanks for God's blessings. *Praise for successful opening of Market Boutique. *Member is cancer free. *Daughter lead one to Jesus. *Praises that brother-in-law does not need surgery for injured finger. *Daughter-in-law and family were able to safely make the trip down a mountain en route to the airport during hazardous weather. *Member doing fine after recent heart attack. *Praises for Church of Cross prayer warriors. *Praises that daughter made it through recent hip surgery. *Praises for so many family blessings recently. *Praises for all the many people praying at COTC. *Praises for expected closings on current and future houses of ours. *Praise for successful emergency surgery for son of former members. The above praises/answers were taken from requests at the altar, from s or Sunday Connect Cards. The staff of Church of the Cross sincerely thank you for the kind gifts given to us at Christmas. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and are grateful to be in ministry with such a loving church family. Thank you!

8 Communion Servers Jan. 6 Tracie Noe & Dolly Ryan Jim & Sara Norris Chris & Ann Steiner Fred & Beve Schaefer Altar Prayer Schedule Jan. 6 Don & Betsy White Jim Norris & Warren Leow Jan. 13 Joe & Vicki Scribner Chis & Ann Steiner Jan. 20 Jean Guernsey & Beve Schaefer Ed & Betsy Lybarger Jan. 27 Sara Heckler & Sara Norris Dick & Christy Zaborowski Coffee Hour Jan. 6 Jan Albright Jan. 13 Jim Brown Jan. 20 Ann & Chris Steiner Jan. 27 Doris Coutcher Welcome Center/Greeter Front Door Side Door Jan. 6 Susan & Jeff Breymaier Scott & Julie Zaborowski Jan. 13 Leonard Lamb Vely Hetman Jan. 20 Cindy Seiple Dolly Ryan Jan. 27 Earlene Joseph Jen Strole

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT DISCIPLESHIP 1 ST QUARTER 2019 Journey with us through our Adult Education Program. You are welcome to attend any class on any Sunday at 9AM.

Join us any Sunday for a lively discussion of how and why scripture matters today. The only homework is applying what we learn out in the world day by day. Led by Bill Krody in the Library.

Learn more about the Bible, how it all fits together, and what it says to us today in this chronological study. The class will begin the New Year in the beginning Genesis.

Watch a nation struggle with its identity and relationship to its God In a RightNow Media study, J.D.

9 SUNDAY MORNING ADULT DISCIPLESHIP 1 ST QUARTER 2019 Journey with us through our Adult Education Program. You are welcome to attend any class on any Sunday at 9AM. The Road to Practical Christianity: What does the Bible say to us today? How can we put it into practical use in our daily lives? Join us any Sunday for a lively discussion of how and why scripture matters today. The only homework is applying what we learn out in the world day by day. Led by Bill Krody in the Library. Road Map: Bible in a Year (B.i.A.Y.) Reading the Bible can seem daunting. But it can be done! Learn more about the Bible, how it all fits together, and what it says to us today in this chronological study. The class will begin the New Year in the beginning Genesis. Don t worry if you cannot come every Sunday; please join Ed Lybarger in classroom 2 whenever you are able. On the Road: The book of Judges cracks a window into depths of the human soul. Watch a nation struggle with its identity and relationship to its God In a RightNow Media study, J.D. Greear works through each chapter unpacking the truth of God s grace in the midst of human wickedness, and shows how only the divine can redeem the fallen. Please join Sandy Suter in the Connect Room (classroom 4). Pastor Joel s Sermon Study: Each week, beginning January 6, Pastor Joel will be taking a deeper look at the scripture from the Gospel of John covered in his message from the previous Sunday. This class will meet in the choir room. ADULT SMALL GROUPS/BIBLE STUDIES Meeting here at COTC Parents of Adult Children group will be meeting at 6 PM on the 2 nd and 4 th Sundays at the church for 6 sessions beginning January 13, Together we can support each other as we learn how to accept our children, love them, pray for them, and turn them over to God. If you are planning on attending, please sign up at the adult ministry corner or contact Deb Corpe at corson.dj@gmail.com. Thank you!! The Moore s Small Group meets at 7 PM on the 1 st and 3 rd Wednesdays of the month in the Gathering Area at the church. They will be continuing the study of 1 Peter. All are welcome! Thursday AM Women s Bible Study meets every Thursday at 10 AM in the Connect Room. Led by Sandy Suter, they are currently studying The Gospel of John Part 1 with Tony Evans on RightNow Media. Please join these women for an in depth discussion about Scripture and our lives today. This class is on break until January.

11 Page 11 Issue 258 F INANCES AT A GLANCE NOVEMBER 2018 & YEAR TO DATE Consider Online Giving Life is busy! That means you may not be at church every Sunday. We hope you won t forget Church of the Cross even if you are not here every Sunday. Online giving is a great way to continue your financial support of the mission and ministry programs at COTC, even though you may not be able to be here every week for worship. To donate electronically using your debit or credit card or checking account transfer, please visit our website at and click on the link that says give. C ONGREGATIONAL NOTES 55 & Over Luncheon The January 55 & Over Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, January 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Charlie s Restaurant. Sign up at the adult ministry corner or on the connect card. Crossfire Deadline The deadline for the February Crossfire is January 15. Please submit article via to office@cotcumc.com or drop off at the church office. Ugly Quilts Ugly Quilts for January will be on Saturday, January 19 from 10:00-2:00. A light lunch will be provided. Please contact Dolly Ryan at if you are able to attend and for any questions. Our sympathy is extended to the family of Doris Mason who passed away on December 12. Doris, 95 was a charter member of Church of the Cross. Please pray for the Family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. We want to thank COTC for all the prayers, the financial support, calls, visits and grocery cards. We hope someday to pay it forward. There are not enough words for the gratitude we have. We love you all.! Dorothy & Marty Fritts

Church of the Cross, UM 1750 East gate Rd.

12 Church of the Cross, UM 1750 East gate Rd. Toledo, OH Address Service Requested Prepared Especially For: Phone: Fax: Eastgate Rd. Toledo, OH Church of the Cross Phone: Fax: We re on the Web: Church of the Cross We re on the Web! Sunday Schedule: 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Coffee Time 10:30AM Worship Community Food Pantry Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4:00-6:00 p.m. Community Meal - 4th Tuesday Prayer Line Number# M-TH 8:30am-4:30pm Deadline for copy: 15th of each month. Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.

THE CROSS FIRE. November Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

THE CROSS FIRE. November Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World Church of the cross Issue 256 THE CROSS FIRE November 2018 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World ON THE INSIDE 2. Pastor s message 3. Church Conference 3. Pantry Needs 4.