January 2019 Newsletter HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH 8115 Oaklandon Rd. Indianapolis, 46236 Phone: 317-823-5801 FAX: 317-762-7904 www.hclc.info hclc@hclc.info God s richest blessings to each of you as we celebrate the arrival of the Child in Bethlehem. His presence is the fulfillment of God s promise to send a descendant of Eve who would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) and make our salvation possible. Through Him, we DO have peace on earth with God and with each other! That assurance gives us confidence as we anticipate a new year. Our ministry theme for 2019 is All In! based on the words of Jesus, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, `Love your neighbor as yourself.' Luke 10:27 We are called to offer to God ALL our heart, soul, strength and mind to be used by Him to His glory and for the growth of His kingdom. That also includes making a priority of our relationships with each other as we love each other with God s unconditional love. Throughout 2019 we will be going ALL IN as we focus on our growth in discipleship, generosity, relationships and our service. All of us will benefit from participating in our Small Group ministries to enable us to love your neighbor as yourself. Small Groups are gatherings with fellow believers around God s Word in smaller settings to build community, to grow in faith, and to encourage and pray for each other. New Small Groups are being formed in the coming weeks. Interested in participating? Willing to facilitate a Group? Contact Youth Director, Brandon Grelle (bgrelle@hclc.info) or complete the All In Form available online at hclc.info/allin For more information on Small Groups, go to hclc.info/smallgroups Have a Christ-filled New Year! Pastor Sattler The Mission of Holy Cross Lutheran Church is to make disciples by Connecting people to Jesus Christ and each other, Nurturing faith, and Serving in Christian love. Worship Paul Groth, Worship Director - 1 -
Hymn of the Month This month s Hymn of the Month (HOM) is actually two hymns LSB #396 and LSB #400. Epiphany Sunday is January 6, and because we are not always fortunate to actually celebrate Epiphany on a Sunday, we will use an Epiphany hymn, #400 Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning, on that very day. In addition, because this Epiphany season stretches into March, we will use the second hymn, #396 Arise and Shine in Splendor, throughout this season as it denotes the mission emphasis of the season. Hymn #400 is the newer of the two songs, written in the early 19 th century, whereas the second hymn is much older, originating in the early 17 th century. Both hymns have been in our hymnals for some time and are familiar to many. Calling All Male Vocalists Another opportunity to raise your voices in song will come on Sunday, January 6, at both the 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. services. A brief rehearsal will be held on Thursday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center--with a second opportunity for practice on Sunday, January 6, at 8:10 a.m. in Room 143. If you are a male vocalist, high school age or older, your participation is certainly welcome. You do not have to be a member of the Adult Choir to participate. Just bring your singing voice and your willingness to use it to praise our God in this special way on Epiphany Sunday. Adult Choir and Bell Choir The Holy Cross Adult Choir will not meet again until February because of the longer Epiphany season. The Holy Cross Bell Choir will resume weekly rehearsals on Sunday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. Both groups would gladly welcome new members. For information about the music programs at Holy Cross, please contact Paul Groth at pgroth@hclc.info. Thank You! To all who have enhanced our worship by fulfilling valuable and important roles every weekend (and during the week as well) in 2018, we say, many thanks! This note of appreciation goes out to the pastors, lay ministers, communion assistants, altar guild members, greeters, scripture readers, children s nursery workers, children s church volunteers, ushers, A-V board helpers, Sunday School leaders and children for their Christmas program, Adult Choir, Bell Choir, Men s Choir, Women s Choir, Orchestra, Saturday New Song Praise Band, Creative Praise Band, soloists, solo instrumentalists, ensembles, organists, pianists, accompanists, choir directors, and anyone else who played a role in making worship happen at Holy Cross by the giving of their time and talents. Thanks for your service to our Lord and Holy Cross and may your work in the coming year be a joyful response to the talent and blessings that our God has given to all of you. Welcome to our Newest Staff Member Jamie Smit joins Holy Cross as our Director of Community Relations. She will be responsible for all the communications among the church & school families as well as with the community. She will oversee the various newsletters, social media, website and public relations. Her church phone extension is 233 and her email is jsmit@hclc.info. Welcome Jamie!
Welcome! We welcome these new members of Holy Cross received on Sunday, December 9, by Adult Baptism, Confirmation, Transfer, & Profession of Faith. Are you interested in membership at Holy Cross? Our next New Member Series, Christianity 101, will be held on Mondays, beginning March 4, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. To register, go to www.hclc.info/101. Holy Cross Lutheran School Karen Geiger, Principal The Mission of Holy Cross Lutheran School is to provide a Christ-centered, nurturing ministry for children and their families, with an emphasis on academic excellence. School Registration January is the start of registration for the 2019 school year for age 2-8 th grade. If you are interested in a Christ-centered education with a focus on academic excellence, contact us for a tour. January 9 Registration packets available for new students/siblings January 14 Online registration open for current students January 28 Deadline to register for current families and church members February 4 New family enrollment begins Tell your neighbors and friends about the school and help grow His Kingdom! Help Further Christian Education Want to impact students in our community? Our Elegant Evening gala dinner, dance, and auction will be this February. Proceeds fund school technology and student scholarships. Do you have a business or know a business that could be a sponsor or donate items to auction? We would love your help! Please contact Michelle Searcy at msearcy@hclc.info for more information. A Note of Appreciation Dear Holy Cross Family, We are so grateful for our time with you over the years. We've made a lot of special memories at Holy Cross and with so many of you! You will always hold a special place in our hearts. We wanted to send a note of thanks for all of your support over the past five months during the call and move process. Your send-off was heartfelt, and the gifts were a much-appreciated outpouring of support. We were blessed over the past few months to have so many helping hands as well. Thank you for your generosity! If you're ever in West Michigan, please look us up to say hello, and if you need a place to worship when you're there, please find us at Zion Lutheran Church in Holland. Love, The Scott & Carrie Jung Family
Faith Life FaTHoM is our discipleship series at Holy Cross with studies of the Bible for adults, youth and children. To register for a Sunday or Wednesday class, go to www.hclc.info/register. Sundays 9:45-10:30 a.m. Children (Ages 3 8 th Grade) Sunday School Adults & High School (9 th -12 th Grade) The Gospel of Luke led by Pastor Sattler & Pastor McClean Most of our Sunday Gospel readings throughout 2019 will come from the Gospel of Luke. To help us in our understanding of God while also preparing for our weekend worship experience, join us as we walk through the 24 Chapters of Luke. Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m.. Pizza ($3) is available for pre-order (hclc.info/meal) Ages 3 through 4 th Grade 5 th & 6 th Grade SPARK 7 th & 8 th Grade Confirmation Class 9 th through 12 th Grade All In Adults Christian History Made Easy led by Karen Geiger and Paulette Carson This DVD-based study by Dr. Timothy Paul Jones covers the 200 most important people and events in Christian history from the time of the apostles to today. Learn fascinating stories of people who changed history. The study covers how we got today s Bible, where different church doctrines and practices originated, and how Christianity has spread around the world. Adults One & Done Each class is unique with individual topics and speakers, so you don t have to keep up with a study just come when you can! Upcoming Schedule: January 9 - Fathom 101: Learn About Holy Cross s Discipleship Model, taught by Brandon Grelle January 16 - Why We Sing. The Importance of Worship, taught by Paul Groth January 23 - Screenagers Movie, a church and school outreach event concerning newly released information about long-term damaging effects of handheld computer devices. (Event is from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and includes free pizza for all ages.) January 30 - Social Media Says the Darnedest Things, a time to dissect the truth of what we see on social media, taught by Brandon Grelle
Youth Ministry Youth Director, Brandon Grelle HCLC Youth Ministries works with families to engage youth to deepen their relationship with Jesus, equip them to defend their faith, and empower them to use their gifts to impact the world. Senior High Events January 6 Ignite Community 5:30-7:30 p.m. January 9 Wednesday FaTHoM 6:00-7:30 p.m. January 16 Wednesday FaTHoM 6:00-7:30 p.m. January 19 Youth Café Set Up 10:00-11:30 a.m. January 20 Youth Café & Youth-Centered Worship 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. January 20 Ignite Football Hangout Time TBA January 23 Wednesday FaTHoM 6:00-7:30 p.m. January 27 Chili Cook-Off & Dessert Auction 4:30-7:00 p.m. January 30 Wednesday FaTHoM 6:00-7:30 p.m. Junior High Events January 9 Confirmation Class/Parents too 6:00-7:30 p.m. January 16 Confirmation Class 6:00-7:30 p.m. January 19 Youth Café Set Up 10:00-11:30 a.m. January 20 Youth Café 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. January 20 Sizzle Football Hangout Time TBA January 23 Confirmation Class 6:00-7:30 p.m. January 27 Chili Cook-Off & Dessert Auction 4:30-7:00 p.m. January 30 Confirmation Class 6:00-7:30 p.m. EQUIP: NEW Opportunities to be in The Word with Each Other Starting in January, our FATHOM education program will be getting a make-over. Classes will still be held on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings for youth, including small group opportunities. The Sunday options for high school youth include the study on Luke led by our pastors or joining and supporting the junior high study (Vic Danielsen s class). On Wednesdays, high school youth will have the option of All-In small group discussions or stand-alone classes. Jan. 9 FaTHoM 101 - Brandon Grelle Jan. 16 Worship: Why We Sing? - Paul Groth Jan. 23 Jan. 30 Screenagers - Karen Geiger Social Media Says the Darnedest Things - Brandon Grelle We hope you find opportunities to engage with other youth and equip yourself with knowledge and tools to better empower yourself in this increasingly Godless world. ENGAGE/EMPOWER: Making a Game Plan To help the Youth Ministry Team develop meaningful and engaging activities and content for our youth, we are hosting a planning workshop. Together, we will develop a game plan to encourage our youth and families to be All-In. Join us on Saturday, January 5, from 9:00 a.m.-noon in the Great Room. We will provide breakfast; you provide your insight. EMPOWER: Youth-Focused Worship and Youth Café On January 20, 2019, Holy Cross is focusing its worship and message on the impact our youth make in our church and community and why this ministry is so important. We need your help to make sure our congregation knows the impact we make. You will have the opportunity to serve in worship and provide information at the Youth Café. More details and sign-ups to come! EMPOWER: Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Auction Fundraiser We will have our third annual Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Auction fundraiser for Awestruck on January 27, 2019. The money raised will help fund Awestruck community service projects and Awestruck Festival next summer. Everyone is welcome to enter their favorite chili dish or submit a spectacular dessert to the Dessert Auction. Register your chili or dessert entry during the Youth Café on January 20 or pick up a form on the Welcome Center desk or at the church office.
ENGAGE/EQUIP/EMPOWER: Awestruck 2019 We are now accepting registrations for Awestruck, a week of outreach and community service. Awestruck will take place June 10-16, 2019, here in Indianapolis. Registration is now open! You may find registration forms online at awestruckfestival.com (click on the Project link.) ENGAGE/EQUIP/EMPOWER: National Youth Gathering (NYG) 2019 Youth Ministry is looking for at least two willing adults (min. one male) to be a chaperone for the National Youth Gathering (NYG). It will be held July 11-15, 2019, in Minneapolis, MN. We have 15 youth attending and are in need of more adults to join them. Part of the cost will be provided. Contact Cara Hougesen (chougesen@hclc.info) or Carisa Marovec (cmarovec@hclc.info) with questions. We will have an informational and planning meeting on Sunday, January 13, from 9:45-10:30 a.m. in Room 208. Looking Ahead: February 9 Cabin Fever Family Night May 18 The Big Give March 1-2 30-Hour Famine June 10-16 Awestruck Project & Festival March 29 Winter Jam July 8-12 VBS April 20-21 Easter Breakfast July 11-15 NYG April 26-28 Confirmation Retreat Questions? Concerns? Contact Brandon Grelle (bgrelle@hclc.info)! Prayer Shawl Ministry Throughout history, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace and spiritual sustenance. The ministry's message of caring is simple, universal and enduring. Prayers are given for the recipients of each shawl. If you would like to request a prayer shawl for someone, please contact Carol Fiess, 317-336-2289 or cardeaf@hotmail.com. Many thanks to all who have donated shawls. There is a tote in The Crossing for donated shawls to be collected. Please include your name with each shawl. Keep them coming! Comfort Dog Ministry Life from Naomi s Perspective Hello Friends: I wish you grace, mercy and peace. Just a letter to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. One dictates a letter in one s head and thinks it has been sent off and then lo! It hasn t been. The problem is time, I m just getting this message in under the deadline. December is a busy time for Comfort Dogs because of all the special Christmas events. My resolution for 2019 is to get ahead of schedule and get a ground swell going. Many people do not know how I spend my days and what my job consists of. The following is an example of a routine day. This morning I got up at 6:15 a.m. and ran outside to do my business, came back inside to eat a fine breakfast of Fromm s dog food and green beans. Then I went to Holy Cross School for a working morning of devotions, helping staff and students by comforting them so they can do their jobs. I whipsaw back and forth between classes. I hang out in math and reading groups, letting anxious pupils pet me while they read. My job is to help the teacher, we are a team, and I m a team player to the last. This afternoon I m off to Wheeler Mission to help Joanne Streeter distribute Christmas gifts. Wheeler does good work by bringing joy to the afflicted. Two hours after leaving Wheeler, I still feel happy that I can help. The day is finished by playing ball, resting, and playing more ball. Remember Christmas is here. This is how it happened. This is where it started. Fill your heart with Jesus. Your Comfort Dog, Naomi
January 2019 Calendar 1/1 New Year s Day 1/2 No School 6:00 pm College-aged Get Together 1/3 No School 7:00 pm Men s Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Men s Basketball 1/4 No School 1/5 8:00 am Men s/women s Bible Breakfast 9:00 am Youth Ministry Workshop 5:30 pm New Song Worship 1/6 8:30 am Classic Praise Worship 9:30 am Fellowship Hour 9:45 am FaTHoM Sunday Discipleship 10:45 am Classic Praise Worship 11:00 am Creative Praise Contemp. Worship 5:30 pm Ignite (Sr. High) Youth Group 1/9 9:00 am Women s Bible Study 6:00 pm FaTHoM Wednesday Discipleship 1/10 7:15 pm Men s Basketball 1/12 5:30 pm New Song Worship 1/13 8:30 am Classic Praise Worship 9:30 am Fellowship Hour 9:30 am NYG Meeting 9:45 am FaTHoM Sunday Discipleship 10:45 am Classic Praise Worship 11:00 am Creative Praise Contemp. Worship 1/14 3:45 pm Cub Scout Meeting 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Meeting 1/15 11:00 am Dorcas Group 1/16 9:00 am Women s Bible Study 6:00 pm FaTHoM Wednesday Discipleship 1/17 12:00 pm FamJam Meeting 5:00 pm Boys Basketball Games 7:00 pm VRB Meeting 7:15 pm Men s Basketball Holy Cross Ministry Staff John Sattler, Pastor - jsattler@hclc.info David McClean, Pastor - dmcclean@hclc.info Brandon Grelle, Youth Director bgrelle@hclc.info Paul Groth, Director of Worship - pgroth@hclc.info Abbie Stancato, Creative Praise Director astancato@hclc.info Michelle Searcy, Administrator - msearcy@hclc.info Karen Geiger, Principal - kgeiger@hclc.info Jamie Smit, Director of Community Relations - jsmit@hclc.info Susan Muhl, Staff Support smuhl@hclc.info Paulette Carson, Counselor pcarson@hclc.info Mike Short, Director of Properties mshort@hclc.info Lynn Conlin, Church Office Secretary lconlin@hclc.info Carisa Marovec, Youth Coordinator cmarovec@hclc.info 1/18 6:00 pm School Movie Night 1/19 8:00 am Men s/women s Bible Breakfast 10:00 am Youth Café Set Up 5:30 pm New Song Worship 1/20 8:30 am Classic Praise Worship 9:30 am Fellowship Hour/Youth Cafe 9:45 am FaTHoM Sunday Discipleship 10:45 am Classic Praise Worship 11:00 am Creative Praise Contemp. Worship 6:00 pm Lundberg Small Group 7:00 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 1/21 No School 1/22 5:30 pm Kairos Training 6:30 pm Rauscher Small Group 1/23 9:00 am Women s Bible Study 6:00 pm FaTHoM Wednesday Discipleship 1/24 5:00 pm Boys Basketball Games 7:15 pm Men s Basketball 1/25 6:00 pm School Mother/Son Olympics 1/26 9:00 am Kairos State Committee Meeting 5:30 pm New Song Worship 1/27 8:30 am Classic Praise Worship 9:30 am Fellowship Hour 9:45 am FaTHoM Sunday Discipleship 10:45 am Classic Praise Worship 11:00 am Creative Praise Contemp. Worship 4:30 pm Chili Cook-Off & Dessert Auction 7:00 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 1/28 3:45 pm Cub Scout Meeting 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry Meeting 1/29 5:15 pm Girls Basketball Games 1/30 9:00 am Women s Bible Study 6:00 pm FaTHoM Wednesday Discipleship 1/31 5:00 pm Boys Basketball Games 7:15 pm Men s Basketball New Song Informal Worship: Saturday 5:30 p.m. Classic Praise Traditional Worship: Sunday 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Creative Praise Contemporary Worship: Sunday 11:00 a.m. FaTHoM Sunday Discipleship: 9:45 a.m. FaTHoM Wednesday Discipleship: 6:00 p.m. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod A Stephen Ministry caring congregation A Comfort Dog congregation