pastor harrison - lutheran church of the cross · poet, seeker, & the woman who captivated cs...

February 2017 Volume 52, No. 2

C r o s s C u r r e n tC r o s s C u r r e n t s s

Lutheran Church of the Cross is a community of committed Christian believers: Loved by God who gave His Only Son, Jesus Christ, in whom alone we have our salvation. Nurtured by God’s Word and Sacraments, we are eager to use our God-given gifts for sharing the Gospel in a ministry of love and service that reaches out to and for each other and all people.

Lutheran Church of the Cross (LCMS) ♦ 12801 Falls Road, Rockville, MD 20854

Continued on page 2

Special DatesSpecial DatesSpecial Dates

February 2: The Presentation of our Lord

February 26: Transfiguration of our Lord

Hearing the Word, Confessing the Word: Bearing with the Body of Christ “““ Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”””

--- Galatians 6:2 ---

From Pastor Harrison

Life in Christ is always lived according to the cross. We call this ‘Cruciform Life’, which means that by faith and the Word we are continuously being formed into the image of the ‘Crucified One’; Christ Jesus who lives for us through his sacrifice, suffering and bearing of our burdens. Therefore, just as we receive all kinds of good through Christ’s sac-rifice, we in turn our formed for lives of sacrifice, burden-bearing, and even suffering for others. The ‘law of Christ’ that St. Paul refers to in Galatians 6, is the kind of love that God has shown us through Christ, namely, love spent in sacrifice for another. This is the life that the Christian curiously calls, ‘good’, ‘fulfilling’, ‘worthwhile’ and ‘true’. It is also the kind of

I n his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis writes from the perspective of one of Satan’s demons advising his demon nephew on how to tempt a man to utter destruction. After the

man becomes a Christian and begins attending church, Screwtape comforts his despairing nephew by showing him that the church can often be the devil’s greatest helper. Screwtape advises the young de-mon to tempt his ‘patient’ as follows: “Make his mind flit to and fro between an expression like ‘the body of Christ’ and the actual faces in the next pew. It matters very little of course, what kind of people that next pew really contains. … Provided that any of those neighbours sing out of tune, or have boots that squeak, or double chins, or odd clothes, the patient will quite easily believe that their religion must therefore be somehow ridiculous.”

that those who are not of the faith would call, ‘terrible’, ‘to be avoided at all costs’, and perhaps ‘pointless’. To live in Christ, is to live as the Scriptures tells us, ‘In the world, but not of the world’ (John 15:19, 17:14-16). We live, pressing on toward a different ‘good’, a life that is fulfilling and worthwhile, even if the world calls it pointless. We live in that ‘good’, because it has first been revealed to us in Christ the crucified. Though suffering for one another is difficult, it does bring us to the end that is true community. We see this lived out in our marriages, our families, our friendships that we hold dear and every relation-ship that we have sacrificed for and within. Husband and wife grow closer together through bearing each other’s burdens, as do parents and children, and the church on Sunday morning as well. Thanks be to God that Christ has called us into His Church! Though it may at times be difficult, though it may come with its own frustrations, we nonetheless are given here, the joyous occasion to grow into the cross, the Cruciform life. Through the mercy that is poured out on us through Christ’s sacrifice, so the Lord works in our hearts to shift our expectations of what community should be, and instead draws us into the reality of His Body as it is, the place full of sinners in need of forgiveness, your brothers and sisters who joyfully, yet not always with ease, share your burdens, and you theirs.

In Christ’s Peace, Pr. Harrison

∙ February 2017 CrossCurrents ∙Lutheran Church of the Cross

Have you wondered how flowers appear at our service each Sunday?

Well, a few of us alternate arranging flowers

for one Sunday of every month.

If you are interested and would like to help anytime during the year, or would just like

to know more, please talk to Marie Williamson, Susan Sverha,

Sherry Owens, or Martha Layn.

Pastor Harrison Pastor Harrison Pastor Harrison Cont. Cont. Cont.

∙ February2017 CrossCurrents ∙ Lutheran Church of the Cross

W e live in a culture that is driven by news. We receive news on our televisions, news on our radios, news on our computers and

news on our cell phones—news in our living rooms and kitchens, news in our bedrooms and bathrooms, news in our cars, news at work. We are inundated by news, some of it true, some of it partially true and cor-rected in updates, and some of it entirely fictional—and it is very difficult for many people to distinguish which is which. We also live in a culture that is driven by politics. Over the past few years, our nation has become in-creasingly polarized, and rudeness and even violence have become standard ways for people to deal with one another. Fortunately for us, we also live in a church family that is driven by faith. Whatever is happening in our world, we come together every week to hear the Good News of God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s constant presence in our lives. Whatever political views we may hold, we come together every week to be reminded that God is reaching out to us in the lit-urgy, that Jesus is physically present with us in the communion elements, and that the Holy Spirit will go forth with us to meet whatever the culture may try to overwhelm us with in the coming week. We live in a culture that tries to challenge our beliefs and undermine our faith every day. But we serve a God who is the Way and the Truth and the Life. The antidote to all that the world has to offer is found in our worship each week. Here we are given the armor to protect us from the real enemy, who seeks to dis-tract us from our mission, which is to bring God’s light and love to the world. It’s a difficult mission. The world can be a dark place. Other people are not always loveable, and neither are we. It’s likely to be a difficult year – they always are. But we know that the Light has come into the world. We know Who is in charge, and we know where to go to renew and recharge. See you in church! Martha Moore

L C C C e l e b r a t e sL C C C e l e b r a t e sL C C C e l e b r a t e s !

JJJohn ohn ohn SSSverhaverhaverha Norma SpencerNorma SpencerNorma Spencer Vonnie WalewskiVonnie WalewskiVonnie Walewski Martha MooreMartha MooreMartha Moore

Brenda WilliamsonBrenda WilliamsonBrenda Williamson Christy KoobaChristy KoobaChristy Kooba

Brandon WilliamsonBrandon WilliamsonBrandon Williamson Michelle HarrisonMichelle HarrisonMichelle Harrison Lexi SchettinoLexi SchettinoLexi Schettino

E l d e r ’E l d e r ’E l d e r ’ s V i e ws V i e ws V i e w

∙February 2017 CrossCurrents ∙ Lutheran Church of the Cross

Book Group continues Winter Break (Feb. 2017) but reading ahead for March and April selections is shared for those who consider a way to cope with cold weather is "hot tea, warm blanket and a good book!"

On Tuesday, March 7th, 7:30 p.m.,

the book selection is

Joy:

Poet, Seeker, & The Woman Who Captivated CS Lewis,

by Abigail Santamaria.

The host and discussant for the evening is Georganne Frederich.

Lewis, one of the most recognized Christian thinker and author of the twentieth century , married Joy Davidman late in life. Joy's life, pre-Lewis, (as well as Lewis & his work) is explored before their brief marriage and Joy's tragic passing which prompted further writings by Lewis, including classics on grief and healing.

Their relationship and story was immortalized in the Academy Award winning film Shadowlands and Broadway play of the same title.

On Tuesday, April 4th, 7:30 p.m.

the book selection is

Rise of the Rocket Girls

by Nathalia Holt

The host and discussant for the evening is Susan Sverha.

This book is an amazing history of the women who pioneered space flight, and seamlessly weaves together shifting gender norms, science, and history. It brings the stories, lives, and accomplishments of an extraordinary group of women which easily reso-nates with people today with the attention placed on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) for education as well as careers.

We look forward to new participants in 2017 for fellowship, lively discussion, and light refresh-ments. As recently quoted in a literary review, "reading books remains one of the best ways to engage with the world, become a better person, and understand life's questions, big and small!"

WWWOMENOMENOMEN’’’SSS FFFELLOWSHIPELLOWSHIPELLOWSHIP

∙ February 2017 CrossCurrents ∙ Lutheran Church of the Cross

MENU

From the Pit Colorado Style Beef on the Pit

Roasted Turkey Breast Served with Soft Rolls, Rye and White Breads

Mustard, Mayonnaise, Barbeque Sauce, Horseradish and Onions

Raw Bar Fresh Shucked Oysters with Cocktail Sauce and Lemon Wedges

Beverage Service

Draft Beer on Tap (Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft) Wines — (White) Pinot Grigio, (Aperitif/Dessert) Moscato, (Lighter Red) Pinot Noir,

(Full-bodied Red) Cabernet Sauvignon

Assorted Sodas and Juices Coffee, Tea, Decaffeinated Coffee Station

Cash Bar Available for Mixed Drinks

Buffet Selection Tossed Garden Salad with Assorted Dressings

Vegetable Beef Soup New England Clam Chowder

Clam Strips with Cocktail and Tartar Sauce Baked Ziti Parmesan

Rotisserie Chicken (Bone-In) Jumbo Kosher Hot Dogs with Sauerkraut Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon and Scallions Country Style Green Beans

Creamy Cole Slaw

Dessert Assorted Fruit Cobblers

Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Assorted Toppings Coffee, Tea, Decaffeinated Coffee Station (Available the Entire Event)


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Community Events/NewsCommunity Events/NewsCommunity Events/News


The Lord's Table Soup KitchenThe Lord's Table Soup KitchenThe Lord's Table Soup Kitchen

NEEDS ... paper towel and napkins.

Please place your donations in the basket in the narthex.

You are invited…

February 26, from 12:30-2:30pm

Come and enjoy an afternoon of family

activities.

Light lunch will be served followed by indoor games.

Bring your favorite game and share in

the fun!

Arnell Caris Arnell Caris Arnell Caris &&& Christy KoobaChristy KoobaChristy Kooba, , , Co-chairs

A t our last CA meeting, Randy Spencer

(our Treasurer) brought up a topic we need to think about. Our building is over 50 years old and we must be proactive in ad-dressing the condition of our infrastructure. We have begun the process of making re-pairs.The large stained cross’ exterior trim was rotted and falling off allowing water to seep in. The trim and adjacent cornice area was repaired last summer. I have taken the initiative in contacting com-panies specializing in reupholstering church pews. They are badly faded and have worn through to the padding at the corners. The original green cushions were recovered somewhere in the past. When I have several quotes and fabric samples, I will make a dis-play of the options for everyone’s perusal. If enough disciples display interest, I will call a special DF meeting to discuss and de-cide whether to proceed with this project. There are other projects, known and un-known, that need to be planned on. We must build up reserve funds, so that we may act without worrying about having special collections. Some of the other areas of concern are exte-rior painting, window glazing and HVAC equipment, which is nearing (and some have) 30 years of age. It’s better to plan than to procrastinate. Jerry

Women of the Cross (WOC)Women of the Cross (WOC)Women of the Cross (WOC)


T hings to look forward to in the spring:

#1: SPRING!

#2: Our annual Spring Tea!

If you would like to organize or host, let me know so you can reserve a date on the calendar.

#3: Another Paint Night

(Wine glass or wooden sign version this time). Contact Brenda Bertrand ([email protected] or 301.919.6279 call or text) if you have ideas or thoughts on activities you would like to plan/organize/schedule these next few months.

.

Women of The Cross

will pack boxes for Valentine's Day

on Sunday, 05 February 2017, after church service

for our three college students: William Bertrand,

Lindsey Noll, and Lisa Noll.

The boxes will be mailed later that week, since Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday.

Items allowed for the boxes are:

home-made goodies, (cookies, brownies, candy, etc.), healthy snacks (trail mix,

dried fruit, popcorn, etc.), hot chocolate, crackers, breakfast bars, soup packages

(not big cups or packages of soup), cook-ies, candy, most any Valentine treat, gum, etc. Items not allowed: anything heavy or

bulky. Small school supplies such as pens, pen-cils, erasers, or hi-liters are also appreci-

ated.

Thank you for your contribution for the students!

Sheryl SneskoSheryl SneskoSheryl Snesko, , , College Student Coordinator

Don’t forget we are still looking for someone to take over the WOC checking account. You can chat with me or with Randy Spencer for more information.

Children of the Cross PreschoolChildren of the Cross PreschoolChildren of the Cross Preschool A ministry of Lutheran Church of the CrossA ministry of Lutheran Church of the CrossA ministry of Lutheran Church of the Cross


A s we work our way through the sometimes dreary days of January and February we always look forward to some exciting “special” days on our calendar.

During week we get to spend a day at school in our pajamas! In February we look forward to special snacks for Ground Hog’s day and Valentine’s Day. We also get to celebrate National Lutheran School’s Week the final week in January. We had “hat day” As we celebrate Lutheran School’s Week, we give thanks for all of our current students and their families as well as all of the students and families that have attended Children of the Cross Preschool and Cross Nursery School these past 51 years.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

When MCPS is closed,

we are closed. When MCPS has a 2-hour delay,

we also have a 2-hour delay and open at 11:00 with regular dismissal times.

If MCPS dismisses schools early, we also will close by 12:00—all students

have to be picked up by noon!

and “crazy socks day”, “beach day”,

and school spirit day where everyone wore red.


+Christian Symbol+

Aureole

From the Latin for “gold,” an aureole is a golden image symbolizing divinity and

supreme power. It’s used sometimes in medieval art to surround Mary and the Christ Child, or Jesus alone. The elongated or almond-shaped

form of an aureole is called a mandorla.

February 2017 Volume 52, No. 2 Lutheran Church of the Cross

12801 Falls Road Rockville, MD 20854-6199

Change service requested Dated material—Do not hold.

The deadline for the March 2017 issue of

CrossCurrents is Sunday, February 12th

pastor harrison - lutheran church of the cross · poet, seeker, & the woman who captivated cs...

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