T HE C ROSSFIRE. Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. Issue 222. Church of the cross

Transcription

1 Church of the cross T HE C ROSSFIRE Issue 222 Ja nua r y Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Note from Pastor Steve 2 Consecration Sunday 3 Membership Class 3 Birthdays 3 Missions News 4 Crossover Youth 5 Praises 6 Financial Update 7 Congregational Notes 7 Special Dates in January: Office Closed, Jan. 1 Communion Sunday, Jan. 10 Commissioning of Jessie Stein, Jan. 3 Jessie Stein Farewell, Jan & Over Luncheon, Jan. 20 Consecration Sunday Guest Speaker, Jan. 24 Consecration Sunday, Jan. 31

2 Page 2 Issue 222 Church Staff In Ministry with you Lead Pastor Steve Judson pastorsteve@cotcumc.com Director of Assimilation, Discipleship & Mission Jane Raab jane@cotcumc.com Family Life Pastor Joe Pittenger pastorjoe@cotcumc.com Administrative Assistant Lisa Gleason Visitation Pastor Chuck Albright chuckalbright@ymail.com Traditional/Blended Worship Director Rich Dubler Keyboard Musician Donna Myers Contemporary Worship Leader Andrew Brammer Bell Choir Director Aaron Keaster Custodians Joanne Born Tita Wood A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR Dear Church of the Cross Family, Another new year is upon us. It amazes me how quickly one year passes and the onset of a new year comes again. It doesn t seem that long ago that we were ushering in In fact, even the year 2000 doesn t seem all that long ago. Yet here we are preparing to enter We did not know what 2015 would hold just 52 weeks ago, and we do not know what the coming year will hold either. For some that not knowing is scary for others it is exciting for me, it is simply a part of the journey to which we have been called by God. I am confident that God will continue to move in powerful ways in 2016 here at COTC, including the coming sanctuary upgrade, and even stronger connections between the church and the community. We live in a world that is in desperate need of the hope and joy and peace that only comes through Jesus Christ. The Bible offers the only real path to true meaning and purpose both in this world and forever. And we have been given the great task and privilege of extending God s love and message of a relationship with Him through Jesus one life at a time to as many people as we can. In the process, we will continue to seek new ways of reaching out, as well as ways to strengthen relationships with one another while holding fast to the never-changing message that has positively impacted multitudes of people for 2,000 years. I encourage you to be open to being stretched; to embrace Godsized challenges; and to allow God to press us on to higher places. I pray that in this coming year, God will fill you with even greater joy and fulfillment, hope and peace. Yours in Christ, Pastor Steve Special Thanks to the Lead Team and congregation of Church of the Cross for the generous gifts given to us at Christmas. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. We are blessed to be a part of the ministry and family of Church of the Cross. Thanks again, Steve Lisa Jane Joe Chuck Rich Donna Andrew Aaron Joanne Tita

3 The Crossfire Page 3 C ONSECRATION SUNDAY Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 31. You won t want to miss the Consecration Sunday service and Celebration Luncheon. The purpose of Consecration Sunday is to assist the church family in experiencing a greater level of intimacy and joy in our relationship with God. This is the primary purpose for giving to God. However, the reality is that your commitment and generosity also make it possible for God s dreams and visions for Church of the Cross to become a reality in 2016 and beyond. We ask that you spend time and prayerfully consider what God would have you do in terms of a financial commitment to Church of the Cross in M EMBERSHIP CLASS Membership Class We are presently considering a new members class this winter. If you would be interested in this class please call the office at At the conclusion of this 10 week class, those choosing to join the church may do so at that time. Even if you choose not to join at that time, the experience you will receive in the class will be a rewarding one And please plan to be present for Worship and the luncheon on Consecration Sunday, January 31. 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 programs will be cancelled if Toledo Public Schools cancel classes for the day. Diane Gianino 1/3 Delores McFarland 1/6 Yolanda Benjamin 1/9 Chris Steiner 1/9 Louie Crots 1/10 Jay Miklovic 1/10 Dee Lafine 1/11 Marcia Roby 1/11 Keith Lewis 1/12 Denny Corathers 1/13 Robert Allen 1/14 Earlene Joseph 1/14 Dave Pettengill 1/14 Latisha Glover 1/15 B. J. Bancroft 1/17 Grace Momenee 1/18 Renata 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

4 Page 4 Issue 222 M ISSION NEWS Dear brothers and sisters at Church of the Cross in Toledo, 2015 will be coming to an end very soon. I know you are in the midst of the celebration of the Christmas holidays, family gatherings and hopefully, remembering all God has done in your lives, families and ministries. I want to take just a few minutes of your time to thank you for your support, moral, physical, economic and above all spiritual which has been given to my family and ministry in a year that has been very difficult for us. Know that you have given us much encouragement and blessing by your prayers and financial support. We would not have been able to experience the stability we enjoy today if it was not for God first and then for the continued generosity of all of you. With hope in our Savior Jesus Christ, may we continue praying for each other, and that our lives and ministries continue to be blessed by Him, for the rest of 2015 and in the years ahead. We wish you much happiness this Christmas and a Happy New Year With much love and appreciation, Miguel Pastor Bonnet, the Bonnet Family and Bethel Baptist Church Creation Meeting: NOT!! There will be no In the Beginning meeting in January. Join us again on Monday evening February 22 for the DVD presentation What You Aren't Being Told About Astronomy ( volume 2) with Spike Psarris. Dear COTC, thanks so much for ALL your prayers and support throughout the last 6 ½ years of service with OM. What a journey it has been filled with much joy and blessings. It all started with the COTC India short term missions trip and then many short term trips with OM. Costa Rica was where God called Toby & I to serve which we did for almost 2 years. Then upon our return back home God opened up another door for me to continue to serve with OM remotely working as a Development Coordinator for Mike Stein. By God s grace Toby was asked to return to his previous employment. God is faithful and does provide for all our needs. This brings me to the present. I will be leaving OM at the end of 2015 and will be beginning a new season of ministry in Thanks again for all your prayers and please continue. In HIM, Vely Hetman Jessie Stein Farewell Open House Sunday, January 10, :00-4:00 p.m W. Lincolnshire Blvd. Mike & Cindy Stein invite you to stop by briefly to say goodbye and pray over Jessie before she leaves to serve the Lord for 2 years in Santiago, Chile. Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 7, 2016 for a Chili Cook-Off and Movie Night. More details to follow.

5 Page 5 Issue 222 CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES Crossover Youth Ministries January Schedule 1/3 No Youth Group (Christmas Break) 1/10 Youth Group Meeting@church 1/17 Snow Shoveling! 1/24 Sledding at Breymaiers@3:00 p.m. 1/31 No Youth Group COTC Youth Team at the Annual Youth Christmas Party. Thank you Youth Leaders for all you do! Candy Cane Lane A Children s Musical December 6, 2015

6 The Crossfire Page 6 G OD S ANSWERS TO OUR PRAYERS Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalms 68:19 NIV Husband had successful back surgery and is experiencing a good recovery Member hit head, arm and shoulder, but praises it wasn t worse Praises that millions of dollars were raised through OM so that many who have never heard the gospel will have a chance to hear it and respond PTL for mom s birthday as well as for health and healing Praising God that I am moving up in seniority at work Praises for the refreshing of the Holy Spirit and for prayers from the body of Christ I thank the Lord for my sister s health getting better and for blessings that my family, friends, and myself have and enjoy I give praise and thanks to God for all my blessings Praising God and thankful for the many ways He cares for us Praising God my boss returns to work next week after healing from her broken leg and praising God that I did not need stitches and am at church today Pastor s sinus surgery went well Praises granddaughter is in a recovery program for addiction PTL the infection in thumb in finally gone Praises for another interview Thank you, God, that daughter has some job interviews Praise the Lord we have a home in heaven Husband s heart catherization was successful-all are grateful! Praise the Lord, son s procedure went well Praise God I am down to one job Praise for a new job offer The above praises were taken from Sunday connect cards, requests at the altar as well as from requests. You are cordially invited to the Celebration of the Appointment to District Superintendent For Rev. Scot Ocke Maumee Watershed District Sunday January 10, :30 p.m. Bishop Gregory Palmer preaching Monroe Street United Methodist Church 3616 Monroe St. Toledo, OH District Leadership Development Day for 2016 Leaders & Laity Saturday, January 31, 2016 Maumee UMC 9:00-3:00 Keynote Speaker & Workshop Leader, Dr. Owen Ross, Founding Pastor of Christ s Foundry United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX

7 Page 7 Issue 222 F INANCES AT A GLANCE N OVEMBER 2015 & YEAR TO DATE Consider Online Giving Life is busy! And 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 donate now. C ONGREGATIONAL NOTES 55 & Over Luncheon The January 55 & Over Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Capers (Byrne Rd.). Sign up at the Adult Ministry Corner. Ugly Quilts The Ugly Quilters will meet on Saturday, January 16 from 10:00-2:00 at the church. A light lunch will be provided. Please contact Dolly Ryan at if you are able to attend and for any questions. Crossfire Deadline The deadline for the February edition of the Crossfire is January 15th. Please submit articles via at or drop them off at the church office. Thank you for meeting this deadline. Don t Forget 2016 Offering Envelopes 2016 offering envelopes are available to pick up until Jan. 3. They are located in the gathering area with the Christmas cards. Remember to pick yours up today! If you do not have envelopes and would like some, please contact Dick Coulter, Financial Secretary or call the church office. Thank You! Thank you to all of you who donated money, time and cookies for the Christmas Musical Cast Party. It was successful and fun! I can always count on you to serve Christ and us. Blessings to you all,

8 Church of the Cross, UM 1750 Eastgate 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 Sunday Worship 8:00 AM The Chapel 9:30 AM The Gathering 11:11 AM Cross 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 Editor: Lisa Gleason Deadline for copy: 15th of each month. Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space. We re on the Web!